Beatriz Monreal

IMD Business School

“People-driven, curious, and self-reliant, I maintain a mindful balance of emotional, physical, and mental health.”

Hometown: Santos, Brazil

Fun Fact About Yourself: I can seamlessly switch between two very extreme personalities. On one hand, I can be an extroverted party person, driven by planning and results. On the other hand, I embrace a laid-back attitude, going with the flow without rigid plans. I like to joke that I’m saving energy for the big things.

Undergraduate School and Major: FEI, Brazil, Industrial Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, CAR-T Cell Therapy Regional Product Manager

What has been the best part of being in a small class with this group of classmates? The best part of being in a small class at IMD is the depth of relationships we build with our classmates. With only 103 students in our cohort, we have the opportunity to truly get to know each other. It’s like having an extended family; a supportive network that lasts beyond the classroom.

Aside from classmates, what part of IMD’s MBA programming led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? IMD’s location in Switzerland was a major factor. Switzerland is renowned for healthcare and life sciences innovation, which aligns with my background and interests. The chance to be directly connected to startups that are shaping the way we tackle healthcare challenges is inspiring. I’m currently working with one of them, Ancora.AI, for my summer internship, which I’m super happy about doing.

IMD is known for its academic rigor. What is one strategy you used that would help a future IMD MBA better adapt to the workload early on? One strategy I found effective early on was understanding my energy levels. Balancing emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health helped me perform better and manage the workload. Recognizing limits and prioritizing self-care is essential.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: It was building the operations for CAR-T Cell Therapy and being entrusted to lead the Regional Commercial Strategy team for CARVYKTI. I did this despite lacking a commercial background. It was a significant milestone that shifted what I want to do in my career.

Describe your biggest accomplishment at IMD so far: Overcoming my barrier of public speaking was transformative. From freezing while presenting to my cohort to presenting at a healthcare conference in Basel, I’ve grown immensely. The journey from awareness to action in less than five months has been remarkable.

Where is your favorite hang-out in Lausanne? Why do you (and your classmates) gravitate there? My favorite spot in Lausanne is the lake. It’s serene, with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Classmates often gather there for picnics at the lakeside or for an energetic (during the winter) or refreshing (during the summer) swim.

What has been your best memory at IMD thus far? Performing with the IMD band at MBAT, from rehearsals to the stage, holds a special place in my heart. The friendship, good times, and shared passion for music made it a unique and memorable experience.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I aim to continue working in healthcare and commercial roles. Exploring leadership opportunities and contributing to innovative projects that are improving the health of humanity.

DON’T MISS: MEET IMD BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2024