Embracing the value of the MIT SFMBA

Pablo Espuela, SFMBA ‘24, is a global business leader with expertise in digital business strategy, operations, and international affairs. With an intrapreneurial mindset, he excels at navigating startup ecosystems and organizations undergoing rapid change. Pablo brings a wealth of international experience to his professional roles. He has lived in Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Indonesia, and the United States and also maintains strong connections to Latin America. He is adept at managing strategy, closing complex deals, overseeing institutional relations, and establishing new country operations from the ground up.  

Why did you choose the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA?  

Pursuing an MBA was a long-standing goal of mine, but because of various professional commitments and relocations, I had not been able to pursue it. While working on a startup project in Zurich, I interacted with several individuals who had recently completed MBAs. Their perspectives on business, technology, and innovation were incredibly valuable, which reignited my interest in pursuing an MBA.  
 
I considered programs at Stanford and London Business School, but the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA stood out. I’d visited MIT years ago and was deeply impressed by the community and the innovative atmosphere. The comprehensive MIT ecosystem, which includes cutting-edge technology and a robust network, made it an easy choice for me. Also, the SFMBA’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship and the ability to take classes across MIT and at Harvard were very appealing. In fact, I ended up taking classes at both Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School.   

How was the program different from what you imagined it would be? 
My year at MIT was profoundly transformative. I expected the program to be the typical “drink from the firehose” in terms of new knowledge, and I expected to meet leaders from all over the world, but these experiences exceeded my expectations tremendously. The opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse fields and engage with top-tier faculty and industry leaders was extraordinary. The chance to sit down with changemakers, like the leaders of global companies in Kendall Square, meant that it was a year filled with new ideas, discoveries, and a level of engagement I hadn't imagined. 

Were you also surprised by the cohort experience? 

One of the reasons I chose this program was the opportunity to work with executives from around the globe, but I didn’t anticipate the level of talent, the incredible companies they represented, and their willingness to share so generously about their experiences. The cohort consisted of 116 individuals representing around 40 different countries, which created a remarkable learning environment. Everyone tries to help one another in the SFMBA, which fosters a really tight community. We connect on so many levels and learn from one another every day.  

I found that the diversity within the cohort not only enriched our professional interactions but also our personal lives. We formed strong bonds through shared experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, which included social gatherings and collaborative projects. And events like the Muddy Talks allowed us to share our life stories and career insights, fostering a deep sense of camaraderie and mutual support. This sense of community was a significant and unexpected highlight of the program, making the experience even more enriching and memorable. 

Did you have a favorite class? 

Marketing with Duncan Simester and Entrepreneurship in Organizations were particularly influential. The latter was especially impactful as it provided me with the opportunity to create a new business line for a “Big Four” firm in the US, which was seeking innovative service solutions to compete in a market increasingly saturated with startups. We developed an AI tool for small- and medium-sized businesses using their existing databases, promising a groundbreaking new line of services for the company. The class was taught by the exceptional Sue Siegel together with invaluable support from the faculty team at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship. 

Another favorite course: AI for Impact: Venture Studio with Ramesh Raskar, an associate professor at MIT Media Lab, and John Werner, a leader renowned for his work in innovation and entrepreneurship. Their guidance and insights were incredibly enriching, providing a deeper understanding of AI applications and startup dynamics. 

I also enjoyed Professor Luis Perez-Breva’s Innovation Teams (iTeams) class. I collaborated with PhD students to explore different applications for a new device developed at MIT that eliminates methane from the atmosphere. Some of my colleagues from that class are even taking their initiatives to market. It was a great experience to see these projects evolve and gain traction.  

And I don’t want to forget to mention my independent study with Professor Ben Shields, which allowed me to delve deeper into topics related to technology, sports, and compliance in the United States market. The experience really enhanced my understanding and knowledge in these key areas.  

Did the SFMBA format work for you? 

The one-year immersion experience is of immense importance because a significant portion of the program’s value comes from what happens beyond the classroom. While a part-time program has its merits, full-time immersion allows for unparalleled interaction with peers and faculty. The many opportunities to engage with the other Fellows and their families, sit down with professors outside of office hours, and attend once-in-a-lifetime events really enriched the overall experience and far outweighed the opportunity cost of stepping away from a full-time job.  

I found that being part of the vibrant MIT community and participating in so many activities allowed me to foster deep connections and a transformative approach to thinking. The increased exposure to such a diverse and talented group of individuals changes how you see the world and approach problems. Another strength of the SFMBA format is its customizability. No two Sloan Fellows are following the same program. We have the ability to tailor the learning experience to our individual goals. So, all in all, I believe the one-year, full-time model is a worthwhile investment in both personal and professional growth. 

What will you remember most from your year in the SFMBA? 

Our class treks to New York City and Washington, D.C., provided invaluable opportunities to connect with leaders in tech, finance, and government, while allowing us to bond as a group through shared experiences. Also, our weekend trip to Cape Cod was iconic, strengthening the camaraderie within our cohort. Another highlight was the Choice Points course, which included our significant others. Through literature, we explored personal values and commitments and strategies for navigating complex life choices. The readings sparked deep and meaningful discussions in class and outside of it, enriching our professional insights but also forging lasting personal connections.