Double the Torch, Double the Triumph: Journeys of Business Master Alumni

The Blue Torch awards recognizes IE Business School students for their academic performance and outstanding citizenship. Yet, there were students who received the double torch as they were stellar in both categories. This article unveils the stories of three double Blue Torch winners who share their experiences and advice for current and incoming students, aspiring to follow a similar path in their journey to the 'Next Best You.’

Teamwork is Key to Thrive in the Executive MBA

“If I could, I would give all of my classmates a Blue Torch in order to recognize the contributions they made to our inclusive and caring learning environment.” Robin Barnes, EMBA 2023, USA

Robin Barnes started her Executive MBA journey in August 2022. Throughout the 16-month program, she formed powerful friendships and collaborations which reshaped how she sees the world and herself. The hybrid format of the EMBA program helped create this connection: weekly online classes provided structured learning, while periodic face-to-face sessions in the heart of Madrid meant spontaneous nights out with peers. Including her colleagues Badwi Mansour, Betsey Medow, Lorena Prieto, Carlos Munevar, Ramón Montoya, and Alex Leonov, Barnes went above and beyond in peer collaborations and offering support beyond the usual expectations.

“These social experiences built trust, camaraderie, and risk-taking within our cohort which deepened our learning process and formed lasting friendships.” said Barnes.

Barnes was attracted to IE Business School’s Executive MBA program for its hybrid program, international students, and focus on entrepreneurship.

“My IE Business School experience revealed the universal applicability of entrepreneurship: it’s not just about starting companies, it’s about approaching any role with an innovative, problem-solving mindset,” said Barnes.

For Barnes, she would like to see future Blue Torch awards expanded to celebrate the journey, grit, and determination it took for someone to get to where they are, in addition to academic achievement. Her double Blue Torch she received was a true testament to her collaborative nature, a quality that was reinforced by the recognition from her supportive peers.

“I believe that both generosity and collaboration offer a multitude of benefits in both business and personal life, but they are not about selflessness, as we are all interconnected. When we work together, we can achieve more individually and create better outcomes for our communities” said Barnes.

4 pieces of advice for aspiring Blue Torch winners from Robin Barnes:

1. Identify your values: What matters most to you? Academic success, community impact, a well-rounded life? Knowing your priorities will help to healthily guide your choices.

2. Help others whenever you can: It rises all tides and creates a culture of reciprocity that ensures the community shows up to support when a player is down.

3. Connect with your peers: View community engagement with IE Business School and your cohort as a learning opportunity to develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills which are valuable assets for all aspects of your life.

4. Value this time: We never know how much time we’ll have in this world, or who will be positively impacted by our friendship. Stay present, be grateful, and be generous.

The Perfect Intersection of Academics and Community

“Recognition goes a long way, when done right.” Gian Gael, MIF 2023, Mexico & Germany

During a year studying a Master in Finance, Gian Gael Gonzalez managed to combine his academic pursuits, while being an active member of the student community. From the learning side, Gael successfully completed his final project, which had a very practical and hands-on approach aimed at gaining academic skills for a professional environment.

“The IE Business School community continuously pushes their students towards success and a positive impact on society,” said Gael.

On a more humanistic side, Gael took an active part in networking and volunteering at events organized by IE. The Social Impact Adventure, a project set up by IE Business School and The Splash Project, served as an example of an event that required coordination, team-effort, and communication. Gael and his colleagues gathered to build a new outdoor social space for residents of an elderly residence home.

“It was a perfect intersection of gaining new, cooperative skills while making a positive impact on the community,” said he.

Receiving the double Blue Torch for Gael meant harvesting the returns on his invested time and effort, further fueling his ambition to achieve and contribute more to the community in the future.

“Receiving the award which is highly acknowledged among the IE Business School Community gives you further motivation to strive for further success,” said Gael.

3 pieces of advice for aspiring Blue Torch winners from Gian Gael:

1. Be curious: Engage in every lecture, every project and with every classmate and professor around you. You can learn a lot from everyone.

2. Help where you can: Share your knowledge and your experiences, be sure to be the person that everyone can approach in case of needed help. Be it academical, or personal.

3. Broaden your scope: Do not concentrate on one goal. Sometimes, the synergy created by trying to achieve multiple (and at times hugely different) goals is exactly what makes a person unique. 

Impacting the Community and Excelling Academically through the Final Project 

“This award transcends personal success; it becomes a powerful symbol underscoring the significance of academic excellence and community contribution.” Richard Granier, MSMC 2023, France & Germany

Richard Granier graduated from Masters in Strategic Marketing & Communication in July 2023 with tremendous success. Among all demanding weekly projects and presentation, the final one stood out: Granier and his colleagues had been working on a four-month endeavor demanding creative resources, time, and effort and, eventually, won the Weber Shandwick award for a communication plan made for Repsol.

“I would say the collaborative environment, passionate faculty, ultra-cool and friendly coordinators, and of course the supportive peers have created a platform for growth,” said Granier.

Granier’s double Blue Torch award celebrated not just his academic achievements like the final project but also his high engagement in the IE community, notably serving as a class representative, earning him the respect and recognition from his peers. He views the award as a nod to every effort and late-nigh study session that fueled his personal and communal journey towards becoming his ‘Next Best You.

“It's not just a recognition of academic achievement; it's a validation of the heart and soul poured into the community. Receiving the double Blue Torch award was a defining moment for me, it feels like seeing the seeds of your hard work blossom,” said Granier.

4 pieces of advice for aspiring Blue Torch winners from Richard Granier:

1. Time is your friend: Prioritize effective time management to successfully balance academic commitments and extracurricular responsibilities.

2. Seek support and collaboration: Don't hesitate to seek support from classmates, professors, or coordinators. At the end of the day, it's always better to have second opinions.

3. Team up for impact: Want to make a difference at IE? Team up with your classmates. It's not just you; it's a whole squad making moves.

4. Show resilience: Perseverance is foundational in overcoming challenges and contributing meaningfully to both realms.

The success stories of Robin Barnes, Gain Gael, and Richard Granier, as graduate double Blue Torch winners at IE Business School, showcase the transformative power of academic excellence combined with active community engagement, power that guides students towards their ‘Next Best You’. We hope to inspire aspiring IE Blue Torch winners, encouraging them to reflect, prioritize, and follow their passions with a growth mindset.