Sebastian Choquette
"I’m fortunate to have combined my passion for sports with a knack for solving business challenges, building a fulfilling career across three continents. Working for two globally recognized sporting goods brands, I’ve had the chance to guide businesses through diverse stages, from startups to complex turnarounds."
In 2022, I noticed many companies struggling to adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape, so I stepped back to pursue IE University’s Executive Master’s in Digital Transformation and Innovation Leadership."
"You’ll be surrounded by talented, knowledgeable, and internationally diverse professionals who bring a spirit of curiosity and eagerness to learn — make the most of this opportunity."
DEFINE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE PROGRAM IN ONE WORD.
"Transformative"
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK THE PROGRAM HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?
"According to computer scientist and futurist Ray Kurzweil, the rate of progress has roughly doubled every decade, meaning the changes we’ll see in the coming years should rival those of past centuries. This accelerating pace profoundly impacts us all, both individually and organizationally. The IE Executive Master in Digital Transformation and Innovation Leadership equips you with essential tools and principles to navigate this rapid evolution."
FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE?
"There were many highlights, but the residential week in Dublin stands out. It offered a fantastic blend of classroom learning and on-site company visits, allowing us to see some of our lessons in action. The nightlife didn’t hurt either!"
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY THIS PROGRAM AT IE?
"I reviewed the Financial Times’ top 50 business schools to find master’s programs focused on technology, innovation, and business applications. Surprisingly, few programs met this focus, underscoring IE’s forward-thinking approach. IE’s emphasis on case studies, industry-experienced faculty, and an integrated curriculum mirrored what I valued in my previous MBA, ultimately tipping the scale in its favour."
MAIN CHALLENGES DURING THE PROGRAM AND HOW IE HELPED YOU THROUGH THEM
"I had minimal tech expertise, so I faced a steep learning curve; fortunately, IE’s professors started with the fundamentals, offering extensive readings and resources to bridge any gaps.
Plus, my classmates — many with deep experience in this area — were always willing to help and share valuable insights."
APPLYING WHAT YOU LEARNED IN DAY-TO-DAY WORK
"Yes, especially the principle of continuous learning to keep pace with our constantly evolving technology. Since graduating, I’ve earned certifications in Agile, AI, Precision Marketing, and Cloud; however, applying everything we learned in the program is challenging due to varying levels of digital maturity across organizations. Recently, I completed a project on AI voice agents, consulting former classmates to gauge openness to their adoption. Our discussions highlighted that each of them was driving change at a pace aligned with their company’s readiness — though often slower than they personally envisioned the opportunities."
NETWORKING IN THE PROGRAM
"IE offers ample networking opportunities during and after the program. I’ve participated in a few events but have only scratched the surface."
DOING THE MASTER WHILE WORKING
"Unlike my classmates, I was blessed to be on sabbatical throughout the program, and I have great respect for those who heroically balanced work, study, and personal commitments. This extra time did allow me to dive into all the additional readings and resources, enabling me to share insights that my classmates didn’t always have time to explore, for which they often expressed their appreciation."
ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS
"Three things: First, don’t stress about the technology — you’ll get there. Second, don’t underestimate the people side of digital transformation; change management is often the bigger challenge. Lastly, set up a strong support network before you start, so you can fully immerse yourself — ultimately, you’ll get as much from the EDTX program as you put in."