Building a Legacy of Good: David Suarez’s Journey from Strategy to Service

David Suarez has lived many lives. As a Stanford-trained engineer, he designed cutting-edge systems for engineering analysis and design. As a consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton and PwC, he helped organizations across continents unlock human potential. But it was at IE Business School , where he earned his Executive MBA in 2001, that Suarez found his greatest purpose: fostering positive change through education and altruism.?

“My life has been marked very much by IE for the last 20 years,” Suarez says. He speaks not just as Vice Dean of IE Business School but as a lifelong learner, philanthropist, and advocate for creating opportunities for others. His story is one of transformation—of both himself and the countless individuals he’s inspired to dream bigger.?

The Power of Education?

For Suarez, IE represents more than a career milestone; it’s a foundation for personal and professional growth. As Vice Dean, he oversees key graduate programs, including the International MBA, and serves as Vice Chair of IE University’s Center for Health and Well-Being. He has also been an adjunct professor for over 15 years, teaching strategy to MBA students.?

Looking back on IE’s growth, Suarez adds, “I’ve seen IE grow and develop for the last two decades. It’s just been an incredible ride.”?

But Suarez’s connection to IE is more than personal—it’s purposeful. Suarez is an Illuminated Bricks donor and a strong supporter of IE Foundation , which awarded over €24 million in scholarships last year to students from more than 100 different nationalities. Suarez sees giving as an investment in the future. “We are making it possible for people who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to study at IE,” he says. “We may be helping the next Albert Einstein or Elon Musk.”?

For Suarez, contributing to the education of another is about more than individual success —it’s about cultivating a culture of generosity that multiplies its impact. “There’s this famous Latin saying, bonum diffusivum sui, which means that good is naturally diffusive—it has a halo effect,” he explains.?

Stories That Move Us?

While IE forms a fundamental part of his legacy, Suarez’s commitment to education extends globally. Five years ago, he was introduced to Alsama, an NGO supporting Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The organization operates in two camps, one within Beirut and another near the Syrian border, providing education to displaced youth.?

Reflecting on the students’ resilience and determination, Suarez says, “These are stories about students that are worth writing books about.”?

Suarez visited the camps, where he witnessed the profound challenges faced by refugee families. “The camp in Beirut is a place where even the police won’t go,” he says. Yet amid the hardship, he saw hope. “These students were illiterate six or seven years ago. Today, they’re working to meet university requirements so they can literally change their lives.”?

The Science of Altruism?

Suarez’s passion for giving isn’t just emotional; it’s grounded in science. A certified coach and lifelong student of human behavior, he speaks about the profound neurological benefits of doing good.?

“When you volunteer your time or give to others, studies show that dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are released,” Suarez explains. “These are the feel-good chemicals, but they also regulate mood and promote social bonding.” Beyond this, Suarez emphasizes the cascading impact of altruism on both physical and mental health. “Did you know that doing good lowers your blood pressure and reduces stress? It’s even been linked to a longer lifespan,” he adds.?

Suarez believes these benefits are part of why altruism is so powerful. “Doing good is good for us,” he says. “It’s not just about them; it’s about us as well.”?

What Goes Around, Comes Around?

In the end, Suarez’s legacy isn’t defined by titles or accolades but by the lives he’s touched and the possibilities he’s helped create. Reflecting on the philosophy of altruism, he says, “As Saint Francis said, ‘It is in giving that we receive.’”??

His message is clear: when we invest in others, we don’t just transform individual lives—we ignite a chain reaction of positive change. He hopes his journey will inspire others to support IE Foundation or causes close to their hearts. “What would I tell someone who’s thinking about contributing?” Suarez asks, then answers simply: “It’s worth it. It feels really good to give.”?