Orlando Santos

IMD Business School

“Passionate engineer fueled by curiosity, dedicated to creating innovative strategies that deliver impactful solutions.”

Hometown: Fátima, Portugal

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love to be on the move, whether sailing, piloting cars and bikes, flying planes, or skiing down slopes. I relax by playing my guitar.

Undergraduate School and Major: Lisbon University, Portugal, MSc Aerospace Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: CERN, Mechanical Engineer, LHC Beam Vacuum Operations

What has been the best part of being in a small class with this group of classmates?

Being part of a smaller yet incredibly diverse cohort profoundly shapes the IMD MBA experience. This setting enables us to form deep, meaningful connections with one another. International environments have been the rule rather than the exception in my professional journey, but this MBA program elevated this dynamic to a new level. The unique closeness with colleagues from diverse global and professional backgrounds significantly enriches my perspectives.

Moreover, this environment fosters mutual support, which is crucial for personal and leadership development. For example, the intimacy of our cohort facilitates more honest and constructive feedback, driving further growth. Additionally, the small class size ensures a high level of engagement, with every member actively participating in discussions.

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 is committed to real learning with real impact, as its motto suggests. The professors don’t just have academic knowledge, but constantly engage with top executives from leading global companies. This daily interaction gives them up-to-date insights into the real challenges and trends facing today’s business leaders, which they bring directly into the classroom. The experiential learning approach is further enriched by discovery expeditions, an international consulting project, and many other scenarios where students tackle real-world challenges. One memorable experience was a simulation where our group was surprised by a crisis scenario. We even had top real-world journalists immediately entering the room to put us on the spot.

The program also focuses on leadership development, which aligns with my personal goals. It is meticulously designed to promote self-awareness and personal growth. The experiences from the Leadership Stream, Personal Development Elective, and intensive group work have made a noticeable difference.

Lastly, the school’s location in the beautiful city of Lausanne should not be overlooked. The breathtaking views of the lake and mountains provide an inspiring backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

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? It’s crucial to start preparing for the program well in advance. Understanding your goals and what you want to achieve right from the beginning is essential, as time will fly by. Adopting this mindset lets you spot and make the most of opportunities early on, even as your ideas evolve.

Effective planning and prioritizing of work are vital. Additionally, getting ready for classes ahead of time and sharing meaningful insights during sessions are fundamental aspects of the collaborative learning experience. Also, remember you’re not on this journey alone. The way you collaborate with your peers will significantly determine your collective success.

Finally, self-development at IMD can be both challenging and rewarding. Embrace the transformational experiences and relish the personal growth that results from venturing beyond your comfort zone.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In my previous role at CERN, I was part of the team responsible for upgrading, maintaining, and operating one of the most critical systems in the world’s largest particle collider—the LHC. I am particularly proud of my involvement in upgrading the vacuum system that delivers the colliding particle beams to the CMS experiment, responsible for some remarkable scientific discoveries.

I developed some of the precision-engineered building blocks of this system, running through the core of this colossal experiment in a scenario resembling a science fiction movie. Then, I coordinated the final production, spearheaded the validation tests of the new components, and devised a comprehensive 6-month-long installation process for this new system. During the installation, I am proud of the energy and support I brought to our team of five and of the way I proactively stepped up with solutions to the evolving project needs. Ultimately, this project required extensive collaboration and negotiation with over 100 people, an excellent opportunity to experience multi-disciplinary teamwork in a high-stakes endeavor.

I am proud of how I demonstrated technical expertise and leadership skills throughout this complex project, which has had a very successful outcome. This experience has reinforced my passion for working at the intersection of strategy and execution, driving innovation and excellence in cutting-edge projects.

Describe your biggest accomplishment at IMD so far: One of my most significant accomplishments at IMD has been the personal growth I’ve experienced by fully embracing the opportunity for self-awareness development. The Leadership Stream, the intensive workshops, and the one-on-one coaching sessions in the Personal Development Elective greatly enhanced my self-awareness and leadership skills. They have allowed me to identify strengths and areas for improvement and understand where I should place my focus for further growth.

Yet, the entire MBA experience is designed to help us undergo this transformation — the constant teamwork and collaboration were at least as rewarding. Constant immersion in groups with different personalities, cultures, and professional blends, when coupled with a feedback-rich environment, made me look at myself through different lenses all the time, leading me to an understanding of myself that I could not have attained otherwise. I believe these insights are instrumental for future success and give me a mindset that will enable me to succeed in today’s job and tomorrow.

Where is your favorite hang-out in Lausanne? Why do you (and your classmates) gravitate there? One of my favorite hangout spots in Lausanne is Lacustre. Only a 10-minute walk from IMD, I enjoy gathering there with my classmates, where we build beautiful memories and engage in the most interesting conversations. The breathtaking scenery, perched right on the lake, offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains, making it an almost magical place to unwind.

Lacustre is known for its great drinks and delicious food, including some of the best pizzas in town. The ambiance becomes even more magical as the sun goes down, with great music setting the perfect backdrop for our evenings. It’s more than just a place to relax; it’s a venue where our bonds are strengthened, and we can enjoy Lausanne’s beauty together.

What has been your best memory at IMD thus far? The year at IMD has been filled with beautiful memories, making it hard to pick just one. However, the discovery expedition to Silicon Valley will be a memory I will hold remarkably close. This trip provided tremendous insight into the Valley’s unique ecosystem and culture, offering a firsthand look at one of the world’s most innovative environments.

The structured activities of the program, such as visiting leading tech firms, startups, and incubators and engaging in talks with influential speakers, were incredibly insightful. These interactions deepened my understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit and the fast-paced, dynamic environment that drives Silicon Valley. I even brought home some of Silicon Valley’s innovation culture, feeling more inspired to develop my startup one day.

Equally memorable were the opportunities to explore San Francisco and the surrounding area with my classmates. Whether through program activities or informal outings, these experiences helped strengthen our bonds and further connect on a personal level.

What do you hope to do after graduation? During my professional experience at CERN, I honed my ability to maintain a strategic view while being hands-on with time-sensitive, complex projects. This approach allowed me to see the impact of my work and ensure alignment with broader strategic goals. In the future, I’m eager to build upon this experience by continuing to challenge myself in other industries, integrating innovative strategies with operational excellence.

I aim to develop solutions that enhance financial performance, improve societal well-being, and adapt to changing global conditions. Maintaining a strategic perspective while actively engaging in the timely implementation of solutions to complex issues is rewarding. This allows me to operate effectively at the interface between strategy and execution, which I find both exciting and rewarding. The success of my efforts will be measured by the tangible improvements these innovations bring to people, the planet, and the market.

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