Breaking The Glass Ceiling: From Amazon’s Headquarters To The Amazon Rainforest

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE IN BRAZIL: EXTENDING LEARNINGS FROM CLASS TO SOLVE REAL PROBLEMS

Following my internship at Amazon, I returned to London Business School to complete my coursework. The flexibility offered to second-year students allowed me to frontload my electives and explore my interests in understanding global businesses. This flexibility also enabled me to dedicate more time to developing and expanding the FLII Club, further advocating for socio-economic diversity and inclusivity, both on campus and beyond.

One of the most exciting opportunities presented during this time was the Global Experience (GE) program, a mandatory five-day faculty-led experiential course where students travel to different parts of the world to engage with business to solve real-world problems. For the GE, the student selects a topic of interest and a linked destination from an extensive portfolio such as learning about strategic resilience in Athens or unlocking innovation in Riyadh.

The São Paulo GE focused on achieving triple-bottom-line performance in new ventures—an approach that emphasises balancing financial success with positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact. I was part of a five-member team composed of students from tech, banking, consulting, and FMCG backgrounds. We were tasked with developing strategy and market positioning for Speedio, a growing sales enablement startup in Brazil.

Working in the fast-paced, client-facing environment provided us with a firsthand glimpse of what running a business in Brazil entails, while also offering valuable exposure to the country’s unique cultural nuances.  One of the key insights I gained from this experience was the importance of adaptability when scaling businesses, especially in an emerging market. For instance, to eliminate the disparities in the skill and training of the sales team — a prominent problem in Brazil — Speedio developed an in-built AI tool to upskill sales personnel. As someone deeply interested in the Southeast Asian economy, these learnings have equipped me with a hands-on understanding of the complexities and opportunities in emerging markets.

Furthermore, the well-curated schedule for GE helped me strike a balance between the business and cultural realms of Brazil. On day three of the GE, we attended a Venture Capital panel in the morning, where we gained valuable insights into funding businesses in Brazil. Later that evening, we embraced the local culture by trying our hand at samba—though, admittedly, we didn’t quite master it but had a great time trying. I am also deeply grateful to London Business School for introducing me to my dear friends from Brazil. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to experience the country as a local. For example, my friend Luiz Henrique Moraes Da Silva took many of us to his favourite steakhouse, and I can confidently say it was the best steak I’ve ever had. From indulging in endless tapiocas to savouring Denga chocolates, the experience was made even more beautiful by these amazing friends who have become lifelong connections.

During my time in Brazil, I also began to draw interesting similarities between Brazil and India. Both countries are culturally rich and diverse, with vibrant traditions and deep-rooted histories. The warmth and hospitality of the people in both places create a sense of belonging, even for outsiders. Economically, both countries face similar challenges, such as infrastructure gaps, complex regulatory environments, and issues with income distribution. Additionally, both Brazil and India have large, youthful populations that are eager to embrace new opportunities, although access to education and skills development remains a challenge. I also noticed the shared importance of family and community in both cultures, where social bonds often shape business and personal life. These similarities provided me with deeper insights into the dynamics of emerging markets and helped me better understand the nuances of doing business in such vibrant and diverse environments.

AMAZON RAINFOREST: THE HUMBLING EXPERIENCE

After the enriching experience at São Paulo, I extended my stay in Brazil and embarked on a solo trip to the Amazon Rainforest. The trip was a humbling reminder of the immense power of nature and how minuscule one feels in the face of Mother Nature’s vastness and strength. Standing in front of a Samaumaira tree (the symbol of the Amazon Rainforest), I was told by an indigenous guide that the tree is a source of connection and liberation. For me, it represented a deep connection to Mother Nature and liberated me from the hustle that I had experienced in São Paulo.

One of my fondest memories of the trip to the forest was the survival tour, which taught participants not just how to survive, but how to thrive in the forest — much like the tribes that call it home. The interconnectedness of the ecosystem, where every plant, animal, and element within the forest relies on one another for survival, deeply fascinated me. It struck me that the same principles of interdependence apply not only to nature but also to society and business. Just as the rainforest flourishes through the delicate balance of its ecosystem, businesses and societies must strive for harmony, ensuring that growth and progress are achieved without compromising sustainability.

Another remarkable aspect of the Amazon Rainforest was witnessing how indigenous tribes pass down vital knowledge to future generations. The children I met in these tribes were resilient, active, and closely connected to their environment. They would join their parents on hunting trips as early as two years old, learning the principles of co-existence with nature from a young age. Much of this knowledge was passed through practical, hands-on experiences, emphasizing the importance of direct involvement in the learning process.

This experience highlighted the critical importance of knowledge transfer, not only in nature but also in business. In the corporate world, much like in the tribes, the most valuable insights are often shared through practical, real-world experiences. However, too often in business, when a project fails, the lessons learned from that failure are not effectively communicated or documented. This lack of knowledge transfer can hinder future progress. Just as the indigenous tribes ensure their children understand the intricacies of survival and co-existence through active participation, businesses must prioritize the sharing of both successes and failures.

STITCHING IT ALL TOGETHER: LEARNINGS THAT TRANSCEND BOTH NATURE AND BUSINESS

Amazon in Luxembourg (a global business hub) and Amazon Rainforest in Brazil (a natural wonder) are separated by eight thousand kilometres, two oceans, and three continents. Even with their distinctive natures, both offer valuable insights and lessons.

Adapt and Innovate: All three experiences (Amazon Luxembourg, São Paulo, and the Amazon Rainforest) underscored the importance of innovation and adaptability. In Luxembourg, Amazon’s sustainable supply chain management system showcased how innovation can drive efficiency while addressing environmental challenges. In São Paulo, startups drew inspiration from Western models but adapted them to Brazil’s unique ecosystem, tackling resource constraints through local insights and technology. For example, in the Amazon Rainforest, a fisherman innovated by modifying his boat to support scientific research, demonstrating how local businesses can pivot to solve broader environmental challenges. These experiences all emphasize that true innovation comes from understanding and adapting to one’s environment.

Long-Term Vision: Each experience emphasized the value of a long-term vision. At Amazon Luxembourg, work focused on the Climate Pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, with every initiative aligned to ensure lasting environmental impact. In Brazil, my work with Speedio aimed to improve the sales enablement process, not only delivering short-term results but also creating scalable, sustainable solutions. The Amazon Rainforest reinforced this idea when a fisherman asked us to return baby piranhas to the water, highlighting the importance of nurturing ecosystems for long-term sustainability. These experiences taught me that true success lies in actions that build a sustainable future, not just immediate results.

From Luxembourg to São Paulo to the Amazon Rainforest, these experiences have provided valuable insights into how businesses, cultures, and ecosystems evolve. Whether in global business or nature, success and sustainability stem from understanding our environment, building resilient systems, and taking actions that prioritize the future.

Divya is an MBA 2025 at London Business School and a Laidlaw Scholar. She is an accomplished data analytics professional with 8+ years of work experience, including 4 years at Google. She is one of the first people in her city and the first person in her family to pursue an education abroad. She strongly believes in equity and advocates for DEI at college and work. To know more, check her LinkedIn profile here.

DON’T MISS: BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING: AN INDIAN FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT’S PATH TO LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL