Rodrigo Zamalloa

“I’m a strategic leader driving sustainability, empowering teams, and delivering innovative solutions across industries globally”

Hometown: Arequipa, Perú

Fun Fact About Yourself:

I competed and completed a Tough Mudder race in Las Vegas (2017), where one of the obstacles literally electrocuted me—but I lived up to my mantra: “Never give up, never back down!”

Undergraduate School and Major:

Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Industrial Engineering – Salutatorian (Second in Class).

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:

Logistics Manager at ISEG Peru.

What makes Manchester such a great place to earn an MBA degree?

The Alliance Manchester MBA stood out because of its hands-on learning and emphasis on sustainability. The program’s global perspective and the opportunity to tackle real-world business challenges align perfectly with my goals of transitioning into international consulting and leading transformative solutions in supply chain management. Additionally, the small cohort size of around 100 students fosters a more intimate and integral connection among peers, allowing relationships to grow beyond acquaintances to friendships and even a sense of family. This close-knit environment creates a strong support network that enhances both personal and professional growth during the MBA journey.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Alliance Manchester’s MBA curriculum and programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?

The Manchester Method stood out to me because of its hands-on approach, particularly the three consultancy projects that provide real client interaction. The Social Impact Project offers the chance to collaborate with charities and create meaningful change, the Commercial Business Project focuses on solving real-world business challenges, and the International Business Project brings a global perspective to strategy. These experiences were essential for sharpening my strategic thinking and preparing me to deliver innovative solutions with greater global and strategic vision in consulting and leadership roles.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most at Alliance Manchester?

The three-day integration retreat at Brathay Lake has been one of the most memorable experiences. Divided into teams, we participated in activities like rowing, tree climbing, and jumping from nearly 10 meters, fostering teamwork, leadership, and self-reflection.

I had the opportunity to lead my team during the retreat, and we were recognized for creating the Most Meaningful and Well-Crafted 3D Installation, representing our shared learnings and teamwork.

This retreat strengthened our bond as a cohort and helped me refine my leadership skills. I also learned how to engage introverted team members, encouraging them to share their ideas confidently. It was a truly transformative experience.

Alliance Manchester is known for its hands-on consultancy projects. Tell us a little bit about a project you worked on? What did you learn that will make you a better professional?

As part of the Social Impact Project (SIP), I worked with a charity with over 40 years of history that had recently faced a 40% drop in fundraising income, putting its operations at risk. Our team reviewed their brand awareness and funding strategies and developed four tailored recommendations to improve visibility and secure diverse funding sources, including targeted communication plans, new grant applications, and innovative fundraising initiatives.

This project was a valuable learning experience, as working with peers from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds enriched the process. I gained practical insights into balancing strategic planning with actionable solutions, while also enhancing my ability to collaborate effectively and adapt to different viewpoints. These lessons have strengthened my approach to solving real-world challenges and prepared me for high-impact consulting roles.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

I was recognized as the “Natural-born Strategist” in the Operations area, which earned me a promotion to Operations Manager over time, overseeing three completely different and dynamic areas in Peru. This achievement highlights my strategic vision, leadership abilities, and capacity to deliver impactful results in complex environments.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in Alliance Manchester’s MBA program so far:

My biggest accomplishment so far has been successfully completing not only the Social Impact Project (SIP) but also all the other projects from various courses. Delivering meaningful recommendations and seeing the clients value and commit to our solutions has been incredibly rewarding.

Working with my peers throughout this and all the other projects from the other courses has been transformative. Their diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving have significantly enriched my learning experience, helping me grow both professionally and personally. These collaborative experiences have been a cornerstone of my MBA journey, shaping my strategic thinking and leadership skills.