Benjamin Paz

MIT, Sloan School of Management

“Curious and humble innovator, passionate about breaking paradigms and creating impactful change.”

Hometown: Santiago, Chile

Fun Fact About Yourself: I planned my wedding date around the Boston Celtics playoff schedule

Undergraduate School and Major: Universidad de Chile, Business Administration & Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Consultant, Matrix Consulting

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of MIT Sloan’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?  What really drew me to MIT Sloan was its “mens-et-manus” philosophy. This principle is all about rolling up your sleeves and engaging directly with real-world challenges, which is exactly my style. Sloan’s Action Learning labs embody this approach, providing a great opportunity to apply classroom theories to actual business problems and test innovative solutions.

At Sloan, the idea is that “no problem is too big to be solved,” which encourages us to think big and tackle tough issues, especially in more traditional industries that are resistant to change. Additionally, Sloan’s tight-knit community, with its smaller class sizes promote meaningful connections and collaboration. This blend of practical, solution-oriented learning and a supportive community perfectly aligns with what I wanted from my MBA.

Action Learning labs are one of MIT Sloan’s biggest attractions. Which lab interests you most? How does it fit with your interests?

I am particularly interested in the Entrepreneurship Lab (E-Lab). This lab offers an opportunity to work closely with founding teams of high-tech startups on projects that blend new technologies with innovative market strategies. The E-Lab will allow me to leverage my management consulting background in dynamic and emerging markets, while also embracing the latest technological trends and industry shifts. I think this hands-on experience will be invaluable for my growth and will prepare me for my own entrepreneurial endeavors in the future.

When you think of MIT, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Sloan program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? When I think of MIT, the first things that come to mind are innovation, excellence, and a deep sense of community. Throughout my personal and professional life, I’ve been fortunate to have Sloanies as role models, and I’ve always admired how they embody the Sloan ethos of tackling challenges with a unique mix of intelligence while being really nice, down-to-earth, and supportive.

Moreover, from the beginning of the application process, interactions with current students, alumni, and admissions staff reinforced this. Everyone I’ve met has reinforced the “Sloanies helping Sloanies” spirit — always ready to assist.

What excites you about earning an MBA in the Boston area? I’m really excited to move to Boston. The city is full of world-class universities and exciting job opportunities, which are great for my studies and my wife Alexandra’s career growth. Being close to New York also means we can access a wide range of internships and job opportunities, connecting us with two key business centers.

On a personal note, I’m really looking forward to experiencing the city’s sports culture. As a huge Celtics fan, the chance to watch games live at TD Garden and maybe even see them win their 19th banner is something I’m very excited for.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? One unique quality I bring to MIT Sloan’s Class of 2026 is my extensive experience in developing innovative solutions for major companies in Latin America. I have a deep understanding of the intricacies of these markets, including the cultural and operational challenges involved in breaking paradigms and implementing new strategies.

Throughout my career in management consulting at Matrix, I’ve collaborated with a diverse range of people to transform traditional industries that are often resistant to change — from wineries and fruit exporters to e-commerce platforms. I think my ability to navigate these complex environments and drive innovation will allow me to contribute a valuable perspective to class discussions at Sloan. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences and insights on promoting innovation, which will enrich our conversations about global business strategies and help us prepare for an increasingly interconnected world.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The accomplishment I am most proud of involved transforming a leading fruit exporter’s strategy to tap into local markets, a significant shift that not only impacted the company but also the local community. By working closely with teams from the fruit plant to supermarkets, we broke traditional paradigms and developed a model that effectively leveraged excess production. This project not only led to significant financial gains, but also made the client’s products more accessible to local consumers. Now, whenever I see the client’s products in local stores, it brings a smile to my face, knowing the direct role we played in that change.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into MIT Sloan’s MBA program?

My advice for potential applicants is to deeply understand what MIT and MIT Sloan are all about. Start by connecting with current students, alumni, and admissions staff to get a real sense of the community and culture. If possible, visit the campus and attend admission events to ask questions and see firsthand how you fit into the Sloan environment.

The application process focuses on your past achievements, so don’t hold back — highlight your proudest accomplishments without worrying about appearing boastful. Overcome any imposter syndrome and showcase your genuine strengths and contributions.

DON’T MISS: MEET MIT SLOAN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026