Juan Ayma

HEC Paris

“Passionate seeker of purpose, harnessing diverse experiences to drive meaningful impact on our society”

Hometown: Lima, Peru

Fun Fact About Yourself: Despite eight years of practicing boxing, being well-acquainted with taking punches to the face, and even losing both of my amateur fights, I still wholeheartedly believe that boxing is a fantastic sport. My face may have suffered, but my love for the sport remains undefeated.

Undergraduate School and Major: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Industrial Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Co-Founder & CEO of the startup “Waray”

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of HEC Paris’ MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Entrepreneurship definitely! After leaving my corporate job in banking, I founded Waray, uplifting small businesses in Peru. The HEC Paris Incubator at Station F could be my launchpad, strengthening my entrepreneurial path with a focus on the most vulnerable. It could help me to hone my strategy and fundraising skills, build a strong network, get free mentorship, and be part of a collaborative space for growth where we all learn and grow together.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at HEC Paris? The TEC program at HEC Paris truly captivates me. It is highly esteemed worldwide, offering an exceptional peer-advisory experience and mentorship from business leaders.  If given the chance to participate, I would be sincerely grateful. It would provide invaluable self-discovery and deepen my understanding of peers and people in general, fostering personal and professional growth. This humbling prospect perfectly aligns with my aspirations as I strive to become an exemplary business leader.

HEC Paris is just 17 kilometers from Paris. What do you see as the best part of earning your MBA so close to Paris? Earning my MBA so close to Paris, a city rich in literature and art, brings forth a world of cultural enrichment. The best part lies in immersing myself in the ambiance that inspired literary greats like Hemingway, Cortázar, Vallejo, and García Márquez. I envision strolling along the same cobblestone streets, finding comfort in renowned literary cafés like Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, and La Closerie des Lilas. These iconic establishments have witnessed the conversations and creativity of the literary giants, offering a unique opportunity to connect with their legacy and, with a little fortune, to be inspired in my leadership journey.

Historically, over 90% of HEC Paris’ MBA students hail from outside France. Why is exposure to global diversity so critical to business success? Diversity is a catalyst for business success, cultivating empathy. In the past, empathy just meant meeting others’ expectations, but today it encompasses a deeper understanding and proactive intention to help. During my work as a consultant with Programa MAMA, I initially stumbled by misunderstanding client needs, driven by a narrow mindset. Feedback taught me the importance of active listening, genuine understanding, and fostering client engagement. Holding frequent touchpoints and promoting cooperation allowed us to achieve shared milestones. A diverse MBA cohort will sharpen my ability to understand and collaborate with people from diverse cultures. Empathy, now more than ever, is key to navigating our interconnected world and driving business success.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The creation of my startup, Waray. We have already impacted over fifty entrepreneurs and positively influenced nearly a million people in Peru. I am determined to keep serving my country through the growth of prosperous and sustainable businesses.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? It’s all about people! Looking ahead, a successful MBA experience for me is about forming lifelong friendships with diverse peers, creating a supportive community that enriches my personal and professional growth. I’ll embrace experiential learning outside the classroom, celebrating diversity and collaboration. Further, by leveraging HEC Paris’ resources, I will gain insights, forge connections, and embark on a transformative journey.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into HEC Paris’s MBA program? As someone who has gone through the process, I can share some advice to help potential applicants. First, connect deeply with HEC’s vision of impact business and society, aligning your purpose with their mission. Second, don’t be too hard on yourself with the GMAT; instead, focus on showcasing your cultural fit with the university. Third, reach out and engage with current and former students to gain valuable insights about their experience. Lastly, remember to showcase the true version of yourself throughout the application process, letting your authentic self-shine. Good luck!

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