Finding My Rhythm: Lessons from the First Term of My IESE MBA Journey

The first term of my MBA journey has been nothing short of transformative. Walking into this program, I knew it would be rigorous—case discussions, endless deadlines, and balancing multiple priorities. But what I didn’t fully anticipate was how deeply it would shape me, not just as a professional but as a person.

This term has been a season of growth, vulnerability, and gratitude. It has taught me that an MBA is not just about academic frameworks or career opportunities; it’s about finding your rhythm in a world that often feels overwhelming, learning to navigate challenges with grace, and leaning into the community around you.

Lessons from the Classroom—and Beyond

The classroom is where much of the MBA journey begins, but it’s far from where it ends. Each case discussion taught me not only about the complexities of business decisions but also about the power of diverse perspectives. Raising my hand, even when uncertain, taught me the importance of trusting my voice. Listening to my classmates challenge ideas with respect and depth reminded me that collaboration and humility are just as critical as analysis and logic.

But the most profound lessons came outside the classroom. One weekend, a group of us volunteered to feed the homeless in Barcelona. Amidst the bustling streets and chilly evenings, we shared warm meals and conversations with people whose resilience left me deeply humbled. That experience reminded me that true leadership isn’t confined to boardrooms—it’s in how we show up for those who need us, even in small ways.

The Power of Community

This term also reinforced the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. My section head has been a constant source of support, checking in and ensuring I was managing the demands of the program. My professors extended not just academic lessons but also moments of kindness and encouragement that made all the difference.

And then there are my peers. In late-night case prep sessions and moments of shared vulnerability, I found a community that truly cares. We leaned on each other, learned from each other, and reminded one another that we are not alone in this journey.

There was one evening when I felt so overwhelmed by emotions that all I could do was cry. The weight of everything—the deadlines, the expectations, the self-doubt—felt unbearable. In that moment, a classmate stayed with me through it all. They didn’t try to offer solutions or tell me it would all be okay; they simply sat with me, holding space for my vulnerability. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, we don’t need words to heal—just someone who is willing to be present with us in our hardest moments.

Another time, I found myself struggling with sleep. The stress and constant thinking had taken over, leaving me restless and exhausted. It was a peer who recommended an app they had used to manage similar challenges. It was such a simple suggestion, but it made a world of difference. That small gesture reminded me that vulnerability is not just about sharing your struggles—it’s about allowing others to support you in ways you might not expect.

Through these experiences, I learned that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but of strength. It is in admitting that we can’t do it all alone that we open the door for others to step in and help. It is in showing our humanity that we connect on a deeper level with those around us. Vulnerability doesn’t diminish us; it makes us stronger, more compassionate, and more open to growth.

This term has shown me the incredible power of community, not just in sharing successes but in bearing the weight of challenges together. In those moments of vulnerability, I found strength—not just in myself but in the people who chose to walk beside me. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Gratitude for the Unsung Heroes

As I reflect on this term, I am reminded of the many people whose contributions are often overlooked but are fundamental to our everyday experiences. The cleaners who ensure our classrooms are spotless, the cafeteria staff who serve us with smiles even during their busiest hours, and the administrative team who work tirelessly behind the scenes—they are the unsung heroes who make our journey possible.

At the end of the term, together with some of my classmates, we made it a point to thank them personally, and it was one of the most grounding and fulfilling moments of my MBA so far. It served as a reminder that gratitude should never be reserved for grand gestures—it’s equally powerful in the small, everyday acknowledgments of those who make our lives easier, often without us noticing.

Gratitude also extended beyond the campus. With some of my peers, I joined efforts to provide meals to the homeless across parts of Barcelona. It was humbling to step into spaces we might otherwise overlook and connect with people whose stories often go untold (one example was Marco, a Glovo rider struggling to get a rider's permit to continue doing food delivery.). These acts of service were not just about giving—they were about learning, listening, and recognizing the shared humanity that binds us all.

Therapy as a Tool for Growth

Another cornerstone of my journey this term has been therapy. While the MBA experience is undoubtedly rewarding, it’s also intensely demanding. Therapy became a safe space where I could reflect, process, and realign myself amidst the chaos. It taught me to approach challenges with greater self-awareness and to be intentional about how I manage my energy and emotions.

In moments of doubt or exhaustion, therapy gave me the tools to recalibrate. It allowed me to embrace vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a bridge to deeper understanding—of myself and of others. Coupled with the unwavering support of my section coordinators, professors, and friends, therapy became a vital part of finding balance and building resilience throughout the term.

Finding Grace in the Journey

For anyone who is religious, this term has been nothing short of a testament to God’s grace and favor. There were moments when the workload felt insurmountable, when exhaustion and doubt threatened to overwhelm me. But time and time again, I witnessed God’s hand guiding me through it all. The strength to persevere wasn’t my own—it was His. The friendships that lifted me came as blessings I hadn’t even known to pray for, and the unexpected moments of joy were constant reminders of His faithfulness and love.

In the moments when I felt weakest, His presence carried me. When I questioned whether I could keep up, He provided clarity and peace. When I needed help, He placed the right people in my path—whether it was a classmate offering a kind word, a professor showing unexpected kindness, or a friend sitting with me in my vulnerability. Every challenge I faced became an opportunity for His power to be made perfect in my weakness.

This term has reminded me that God is not just present in the big victories but also in the quiet, everyday moments. He is the source of strength that kept me going, the wellspring of grace that turned struggles into lessons, and the anchor that kept me steady when the storms of doubt threatened to overwhelm. To Him be all the glory for every step I’ve taken on this journey, and I trust that the same grace that has carried me this far will continue to sustain me in the chapters ahead.

Reflections for the Journey Ahead

As I reflect on this first term, I’m struck by how much it has taught me—not just about business but about life. It has taught me to embrace the uncomfortable, to seek growth over perfection, and to find purpose in service and gratitude.

To anyone considering an MBA or navigating one, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Find Balance in the Chaos: The demands of an MBA can be intense, but it’s crucial to prioritize balance—between work and rest, ambition and reflection.
• Lean on Your Community: Whether it’s your section coordinators, professors, classmates, or the broader campus community, don’t hesitate to seek support. The journey is richer when you walk it with others.
• Stay Rooted in Service: Whether it’s volunteering in your local community or simply expressing gratitude to those who support you, small acts of kindness can ground you and remind you of what truly matters.
• Trust in Grace: For those of faith, remember that you are not alone. Trust in God’s plan and allow His grace to guide you through the highs and lows.

As I move into the next chapter of this journey (term 2 - not to be dramatic lol), I do so with gratitude—for the lessons, the people, and the experiences that have shaped me. Finding my rhythm wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Here’s to continued growth, resilience, and purpose.

cc: Alejandro Moreno-Salamanca Esther Curpián Barrionuevo Amaka Ndubisi Khanya Modipa CA (SA) Sahil Seth Ameerah Akhtar Feyi Agbaje Wamuyu Kibata ACCA Rolayo Lasebikan Xavier Valles Rebollo Varrick Lo Kevin Hou Shubham Bansal JP Schaedel Catarina Adegas Ferreira Hajar Habbal Alexa Ebn?ther Benjamín Undurraga Monge Michael Ndirangu Paula Amorim Stephen Domingo IESE Business School