Diego Matayoshi

University of Florida, Warrington Online MBA

“Logical, curious scientist and leader with global perspective, financial insight, and a passion for kicking things.”

Age: 36

Hometown: Lima, Peru & Miami, Florida

Fun fact about yourself: Whether it’s soccer or Tae Kwon Do, I’ve always enjoyed sports where kicking things is encouraged.

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Florida – B.S. in Biology

Where are you currently working? Thermo Fisher Scientific – Global PPI – Senior Manager

What achievements are you most proud of in your professional career? Leading two different teams through layoffs and supporting the closure of a biotech site during industry downsizing was the most humbling experience of my career. I designed recovery strategies, managed auction processes, and helped the business retain millions in value – but what mattered most was how I supported the people impacted. I conducted mock interviews, offered financial perspective on their personal situations, and gave direct, honest career advice – even when it was hard to hear. I wanted each person to leave not just informed, but prepared. It taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about being present, clear and real.

Earlier in my career at CDMO, I was recognized twice for my scientific contributions to the company – a result of years of hands-on work in gene therapy and analytical development. That recognition meant a lot to me because it validated the technical foundation that now supports how I lead and serve others.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? UF offered a combination of flexibility, academic depth, and industry relevance. I initially chose the online format because I was considering relocating out of Florida for work – and later, my role shifted to include frequent travel, making online the only viable path. The program allowed me to grow professionally and academically without sacrificing momentum in my career or personal life.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite part was how everything felt – whether I was learning about operational strategy or AI-driven tools, I could apply lessons the same week at work, sometimes even during live projects. Just as rewarding was connecting with sharp professionals from other industries. My cohort was full of outstanding individuals who created a challenging, supportive, and stimulating environment. I also valued the immersion opportunities that took us beyond our screens – visiting industries far from my own and experiencing things I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. These moments made the program feel both grounded and expansive.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? My undergraduate experience was more rigid and linear. In contrast, the UF MBA was collaborative, multidimensional, and surprisingly personal for an online format. Balancing a full-time job with coursework meant I had to manage my time carefully – but the flexibility to go at my own pace within each week allowed me to focus and get straight to the point. Ironically, I felt more connected to classmates than I did in undergrad. The program’s group-based structure meant I was constantly working with peers – sharing ideas, solving problems, and building real relationships despite the distance.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? It’s made me a sharper strategist and communicator. I led global process improvement efforts across quality control and manufacturing, and facilitated cross-site workshops that directly applied MBA frameworks – from stakeholder mapping to financial modeling. More importantly, it helped me transition from the technical side of the business to a broader strategic role. The MBA complemented my scientific background and managerial experience with a solid foundation in business and economics. It gave me the tools to understand, challenge, and contribute to decisions at a higher level – with confidence.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes- I experienced two transitions during the program. I started as a manager at VVS (Viral Vector Services), then moved into a senior manager role at STT (Science and Technology Team), leading key viral vector analytics development. Eventually, I transitioned into a global role as a Senior Manager of Practical Process Improvement (PPI). The MBA gave me the business acumen and cross-functional fluency to step confidently into higher-impact, enterprise-level projects.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? I wasn’t looking to pause my career – I was looking to elevate it. The online MBA allowed me to maintain my full-time role while growing academically and professionally. I considered the possibility of relocation or increased travel from the start, and a traditional program wouldn’t have offered the flexibility I needed. The online format was the only option that made sense – it matched my ambitions without asking me to compromise.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? The program actively encouraged exploration of AI in real-world applications. I used it successfully at work to accelerate problem-solving, support decision-making, and bring structure to ambiguity. At the same time, the program gave us endless opportunities to learn from leaders at the forefront of generative AI. Through guest speakers and classroom discussions, we explored both the potential and the responsibility that comes with using these tools. From theory to practice, I left the program not only more fluent in AI – but also more thoughtful about how and when to apply it.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 12-20 hours per week, a little higher on exam weeks or around group project submissions.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? To take on a global leadership role where I can drive meaningful change across teams, regions, and functions. I want to keep learning about the different parts of my organization, roll up my sleeves to solve real problems, and connect with people to create practical, lasting improvements. My goal is to help businesses scale responsibly by simplifying processes, enabling collaboration, and developing talent along the way.

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