Alexa Ebnöther

IESE Business School at the University of Navarra

“Globally-minded Swiss with a passion for scuba diving, thriving in multicultural environments.”

Hometown: Winterthur, Switzerland

Fun Fact About Yourself: I made myself quite well-known with my MBA peers for serenading fish while scuba diving – the ocean being my unconventional concert hall.

Undergraduate School and Major: EHL Hospitality Business School, Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: UNIQLO, Assistant Store Manager

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? The case method’s power lies in its ability to blend diverse global perspectives with real-world business scenarios. When discussing cases, I am consistently amazed by how my classmates from different cultures and professional backgrounds approach the same business challenge with unique insights shaped by their experiences. This diversity of thought not only broadens my perspective on a daily basis, but also prepares me for the complexity of global business decision-making. The case method puts us in the decision-maker’s seat, challenging us to tackle actual business situations just as we would as managers. This practical approach helps develop crucial skills like critical thinking, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to consider multiple stakeholder perspectives – making it an invaluable tool for our development and intercultural exchange.

What has been your favorite part of Barcelona so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA? What makes Barcelona truly special for my MBA journey is the rich exposure it gives you to global perspectives. The city’s entrepreneurial spirit is contagious, and its position as a hub where different cultures converge creates an environment where innovation naturally flourishes. Beyond the classroom, Barcelona serves as a perfect backdrop for an MBA with its thriving startup ecosystem and role as a cultural melting pot. The opportunity to work closely with classmates from across the globe, combined with Barcelona’s startup dynamism and cultural diversity, creates an ideal environment for developing into a truly global business leader. Also, having worked in Berlin previously, I certainly won’t complain about the abundant Mediterranean sunshine, especially during the winter months!

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the one key part of the IESE Business School MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Beyond specific classes and top faculty, what drew me to IESE was its commitment to a transformative general management education, focused on developing responsible business leaders. The program’s unique approach of combining intensive general management training with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and societal impact resonated deeply with my values. IESE’s vision of developing effective managers, responsible leaders, and better people aligned perfectly with my belief that business success can and should go hand-in-hand with making a positive impact on society. The school’s dedication to this philosophy is evident in every class session and a core part of the IESE experience.

The IESE MBA is known for heavy reading and rigorous academics. Has the program lived up to its reputation? What advice would you give to first-years to help them thrive in the early months of the program? The program’s reputation for academic rigor is well-deserved with over 400 cases to analyze throughout the program. The workload is indeed intensive and demanding. Each day requires careful preparation and strategic time management. However, what makes this challenging workload manageable and rewarding is the collaborative learning environment IESE fosters.

For incoming first-years, I would emphasize the crucial role of your assigned team. These are the peers you’ll work with throughout your first year, and they become your first support system at IESE. My advice is to invest time early on in building strong relationships within your team. Take time to understand each member’s background, strengths, and working style. These relationships often extend far beyond academics. Your team becomes a close-knit group that supports each other through the challenges of the program and often develops into lifelong friendships and professional connections.

The diversity within these teams is intentional and one of IESE’s greatest assets, embrace it. Your teammates’ different perspectives and experiences will enrich your learning immensely and help you develop a more global mindset.

Lastly, don’t neglect self-care in pursuit of academic excellence. The program is a marathon, not a sprint. Maintain a sustainable routine that includes adequate rest and exercise. It will actually improve your academic performance and help you stay sharp during case discussions.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at IESE? One of my favorite IESE experiences so far has been the Open Mic event, a student-organized evening where classmates reveal their hidden talents. What makes it truly special is seeing a completely different side of my peers. We spend our days analyzing cases and discussing business strategies. During Open Mic, these same analytical minds transform into musicians, singers, and performers. It has been incredibly inspiring to witness all this passion and creativity unleashed! The event perfectly captures the multi-dimensional nature of the IESE community. We are not just business professionals, but individuals with diverse talents and interests. I can’t wait for the next edition to discover more hidden talents among my classmates!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my most memorable career moments was being part of the pre-opening team for the Park Hyatt Niseko in Japan. As Food & Beverage Coordinator, I played a key role in launching seven distinct dining outlets, which required coordinating with multiple stakeholders and training a diverse, international team. This experience stands out because it combined both operational excellence and people development. Working directly with the Director of Food & Beverage, I helped establish service standards and training protocols that would define the guest experience at a world-class luxury property. The most rewarding aspect was seeing the growth of our team members as they developed into confident professionals ready to deliver the Park Hyatt experience. Despite the challenges of opening multiple venues simultaneously in a new market, our team’s dedication and collaborative spirit led to a successful launch. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, cross-cultural communication, and the importance of building strong teams in high-pressure environments.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: One of my proudest moments so far at IESE has been participating in the MBB Case Competition with three of my classmates. While advancing to the second assessment round as one of just 12 teams was exciting, what made this accomplishment truly meaningful was the nature of our challenge – developing a go-to-market strategy for a product supporting the deaf community. Working intensively with my team, we had to combine strategic thinking with social impact, presenting our solutions to judges from McKinsey, BCG, and Bain.

The experience pushed us to apply our classroom learning to a real-world challenge while maintaining a clear focus on the social aspects and implications of the product, which aligns perfectly with IESE’s values. Beyond the competition itself, the late nights spent collaborating with my teammates after classes, the valuable feedback from our coach, and the challenge of delivering complex ideas in a structured, compelling way, taught me lessons that extend far beyond the competition. This experience exemplified what makes IESE special, the opportunity to develop business skills while working on projects that can make a meaningful difference in society.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory so far began even before starting the MBA program in September. I was fortunate to attend an assessment day on campus, which gave me a preview of the program’s community and culture. When I arrived for the official start of the program, reconnecting with the people I had met during that initial visit created a sense of warmth and familiarity. It felt like a homecoming that significantly heightened my excitement for the upcoming MBA journey – and I can’t wait to spend the upcoming years with these incredible individuals!

My advice to anyone who receives an invitation to such an event is to absolutely take advantage of the opportunity. These preliminary interactions not only provide valuable insights into the program but also help build a network and create a sense of belonging even before classes begin.

DON’T MISS: MEET IESE BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

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