Flavia Ladino 

ESADE Business School

“Athlete on a mission to make sports organizations genuinely inclusive, one conversation at a time.”

Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fun fact about yourself: When tuition felt insurmountable (even after a scholarship), I rallied my community. I ran a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to help pay for the rest of the MBA tuition fees. I raised €10,000+ and was offered 4 low interest loans by friends and family, reaching my goal within 2 months.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Bachelor’s in Public & Institutional Relations, Universidad Argentina de la Empresa, UADE

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Impact Hub Network, Global Brand & Internal Communications Manager

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Instead of a traditional internship, I invested my summer in personal and professional growth. I used the summertime to take some interesting electives and improve my language skills (took an intensive German course).

Where will you be working after graduation? Currently interviewing at an EdTech NGO dedicated to providing refugees and underserved communities free access to high-quality education. I’m eager to apply my MBA learnings and continue advancing inclusive environments within organizations through People and Culture and DEI roles.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

(1) VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in MBASA (MBA Student Association)

(2) Organizer of a whole week of events dedicated to diversity and inclusion – DEI Week, as well as other events like Gastrofest, and Elephant Talks.

(3) Organized a workshop on Intercultural Understanding for the new cohort during their Welcome Week to ease their grounding into this new experience and start to get to know their peers outside of potential stereotypes.

(4) Nominated for the (Class-Voted) Engagement Award, given to the students who spend the most time, effort, and energy towards improving the experience of their fellow classmates. In short, this award honours the students who have done the most to make Esade a better place. (The winner has not been announced yet)

(5) Forté Fellow

(6) Esade’s Women of the World Scholarship Award

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school?

Two achievements stand out as particularly significant during my MBA. On the academics side, earning Honors in Racial (In)Justice and Managing and Developing People validated my dedication to creating equitable workplaces. These courses provided actionable insights and frameworks that I’m eager to apply in my career. The recognition confirmed I’m developing the skills necessary to drive meaningful change.

Second, organizing the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion week as part of MBASA was a pivotal experience. I recognized a critical need to address topics often overlooked, particularly around mental health and workplace harassment. Term 2 revealed the intense pressures of business school, and I saw firsthand how many students struggled with mental health and cultural stereotypes. Facilitating open conversations and creating a safe space for dialogue was incredibly rewarding. Seeing the positive impact on my classmates – the visible relief and gratitude – reinforced the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments. The logistical hurdles were significant, but the outcomes were immeasurably valuable.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? My proudest achievement is founding ‘The Future is Human(e).’ During the pandemic, I saw a critical gap: spaces for open, honest dialogue about pressing social issues. While celebrities offered superficial ‘We’re all in this together’ sentiments, many people were facing stark realities in isolation. I felt compelled to create a space for real conversations about issues like privilege, racism, and masculinity. The response was overwhelming, particularly the 300+ sign-ups for our masculinity event, proving people were hungry for these dialogues. We built a platform, hosting workshops online and in-person for 800+ participants worldwide. It wasn’t just about organizing events; it was about witnessing breakthroughs and fostering genuine community. This experience solidified my belief in the power of conversation to drive change. I’m now focused on bringing this approach to organizations, challenging unconscious bias and creating more inclusive workplaces.

Why did you choose this business school? Esade wasn’t just a business school choice; it was a values alignment. The ‘creactivist’ tagline, a fusion of creativity and activism, immediately resonated with my years in the social impact sector. It wasn’t just an ad; it reflected my own driving force. But what truly solidified my decision was the tangible sense of belonging. From the first interaction with Esade staff and students, I felt a genuine connection, a refreshing departure from the often-superficial interactions in other contexts. The fact that Kathrin, the Admissions Officer, remembered me three years later after my campus visit, bonding over Argentinian football, was a testament to that authentic connection. That, combined with the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, made Esade the only choice. It was a place where my passion for social impact could thrive, and where I felt truly seen and valued.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Professor Marie Vandendriessche stood out. Her unique teaching style, combining engaging storytelling with robust data, made Business, Government and Society incredibly impactful. She transformed complex geopolitical topics, climate change, and globalization into thought-provoking discussions, challenging my perspectives. Her commitment to student engagement was truly exceptional.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? While Managing & Developing People and Reimagining Capitalism were enriching, Global Risks in the 21st Century and their Impact on Business left a mark on me. It wasn’t just another elective; it was a refreshing departure from the standard business curriculum, tackling pressing global challenges. The discussions delved into the complexities of geopolitics, migration, and other critical global issues. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they are forces shaping our world and impacting businesses on a fundamental level. What made this course exceptional was the convergence of diverse voices. Students from China, Switzerland, Mexico, Germany, to name a few brought their unique perspectives and lived experiences to the table, creating a vibrant and thought-provoking dialogue. It was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of understanding global risks to navigate the future.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? Gastrofest wasn’t just my favorite tradition; it was a sensory explosion of culture and community. Imagine: the aromas of twenty nations mingling in the air, from the tangy zest of Pisco Sours to the comforting warmth of homemade lasagna and the savory allure of Okonomiyaki, to the spicy pani puri. It was a feast for the senses, but more importantly, a feast for the soul. Beyond the incredible food, Gastrofest was a powerful testament to the passion and dedication of my classmates. The sheer effort, the dedication to detail, and the genuine desire to connect with others through their culinary traditions spoke volumes about the Esade community. Witnessing their meticulous preparation, from sourcing authentic ingredients to perfecting family recipes, was truly moving. It was a celebration of cultural diversity and a profound reminder of the collaborative spirit that defines Esade – a place where sharing and connection are at the heart of everything we do.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I would have prioritized self-care more during the first term. I hadn’t been a full-time student in a long time, so adjusting back to going to class every day, where I prepared cases and assignments in teams every week, took me a while to get adjusted to. It meant I spent less time enjoying the city I was in and doing things for myself on a regular basis (going to the gym, for example). I wish I had taken it a bit lighter, and enjoyed some more free time. By the time you realize it, it is already term 3 and you are about to finish your core classes, and every day as you’ve known it is about to change again, with many going on internships or exchange. So, you better make the most out of the time you do have together in this new city.

What is the biggest myth about your school? It has this unique collaborative spirit. Everyone kept mentioning it during our first weeks, both staff and alumni, and I always thought that’s just good advertising, as business schools are known to be competitive. But it is actually very special and true. Esade is one of a kind and everyone roots for each other to succeed, fostering a truly supportive and collaborative environment. Witnessing classmates organizing study sessions, sharing insights, and cheering each other on during competitions was incredibly inspiring. This genuine camaraderie made my MBA journey more enriching and rewarding than I could have ever imagined.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? It has been a dream of mine to live in Barcelona since I first visited it back in 2010 for a weekend. And there are two main things I love about Barcelona and why I would choose it any time. One, I’ve lived away from home for now 10 years. Having so many good Argentinian restaurants everywhere was really special for me and my partner. The city’s vibe is very close to that of Buenos Aires, where people go for a drink or dinner late at night every day of the week, and that made me feel closer to home. And second, the warm, sunny Mediterranean weather offered a welcome respite from the cold Berlin winters I’ve endured over the last 7 years.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? While not a traditional business show, The Crown offers profound insights into the challenges of institutional change and adaptation. The series depicts the British monarchy’s struggle to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world, much like established businesses facing disruption. The Queen’s journey highlights the delicate balance between upholding tradition and embracing necessary change, a crucial lesson for any leader. I learned that even the most powerful institutions must adapt to survive, and that effective leadership requires a willingness to challenge the status quo while preserving core values. This resonates deeply with my MBA studies, where we’ve explored the importance of agile leadership and strategic innovation in today’s dynamic business landscape.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Esade’s integration of AI wasn’t just theoretical; it was a practical, real-time evolution. The launch of ChatGPT during our first term forced us to adapt and explore its potential. While initially a tool for refining my writing and brainstorming, the elective Monetizing Emotions: Exploring the Cutting Edge of Generative AI elevated my understanding to a strategic level. Unlike the technical foundation laid in Business Analytics, this course challenged us to think about how AI can be leveraged to create value and drive innovation. We delved into ethical considerations and explored how AI can be used to understand and respond to human emotions, providing invaluable insights that will shape my approach to business in the years to come.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Priyadarshi exemplifies the true spirit of collaboration and selflessness. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering support for his peers are truly inspiring. I had the honor and opportunity of working with him as part of the MBA Student Association. As VP of Careers and Alumni, he tirelessly championed initiatives that enhanced our career prospects, demonstrating a deep commitment to the success of his classmates. His genuine kindness and dedication are evident in his selfless acts, from always offering a warm hug to organizing a review session for over 60 classmates before a challenging exam. These gestures exemplify his compassionate nature and unwavering support for his peers, making him a true role model, and I am so happy to have him as a friend.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? As an (almost) life-long athlete, I aspire to contribute to the evolving landscape of the Olympic Games, working with the International Olympic Committee to foster greater inclusivity and sustainability. Additionally, I dream of establishing a fully remote and digital consultancy specializing in change management, empowering organizations to navigate complex transformations while prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a culture of belonging.

What made Flavia such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Flavia has been a driving force within the Esade MBA Class of 2025, embodying a unique blend of passion, leadership, and steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her contributions have not only enriched our community but have left an indelible mark on her fellow classmates.

Flavia’s journey as a change-maker began before her MBA. During the pandemic, she recognized a critical need for open dialogue and founded ‘The Future is Human(e).’ This initiative, which reached over 800 participants globally, is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to create safe spaces for crucial conversations. “During our masculinity event, with 300 participants, I witnessed a profound shift,” Flavia recalls. “One skeptical participant shared that the discussion opened his eyes to vulnerability.” Her resilience, creativity and determination, evident in her successful crowdfunding campaign to fund her MBA, are also truly inspiring.

As VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the MBASA, Flavia transformed our campus culture. DEI Week, under her leadership, was a catalyst for deeper dialogues. As one of her classmates mentioned, “these conversations were an opportunity not only to understand that there are people going through the same mental health problems that one cannot see, but also that these are problems that transcend culture and gender; it also gave me the opportunity to get to know in a deeper way classmates to whom I had only spoke casually before”. She also organized a workshop on Intercultural Understanding, seamlessly integrating the new batch of students into our community. As Radhika, a student from the 26-cohort, said, “The workshop did a really good job in helping us understand each other a bit better and treat others with kindness. Since the activity helped us identify each of our thoughts and backgrounds, I think it helped people be more sensitive towards each other.”

Her commitment to building a balanced and supportive community is also reflected in her academic achievements. Earning Honors in Racial (In)Justice and Managing and Developing People highlight her dedication to creating equitable workplaces. Professor Rita Mota, who taught Racial (In)Justice, noted, “Flavia is a remarkably bright and socially aware individual, whose contributions consistently made our classroom debates more nuanced and relevant. She possesses a rare ability to understand and navigate complex (and often polarising) situations with a strong moral compass, considering multiple perspectives with thoughtfulness, insight, and care. I was often moved by how readily Flavia made herself vulnerable and was willing to step outside her comfort zone in pursuit of personal growth. Her commitment to social justice and ethics is truly inspiring.”

Flavia’s efforts to enhance the student experience extended to organizing events like Gastrofest and Elephant Talks, showcasing her ability to bring people together. Her nomination for the Class-Voted Engagement Award is a testament to her dedication to making Esade a better place for everyone.

Flavia’s ability to not only learn, but to swiftly adapt and innovate, was vividly displayed throughout her MBA journey. I recall hearing of one particularly moving session, where a student shared their personal experience with the ongoings between Israel and Palestine. Flavia’s empathetic facilitation created a safe space, leading to a powerful dialogue that fostered a deeper understanding among our cohort. Flavia’s journey has been one of continuous growth and self-reflection. Currently, she is actively interviewing for roles in People and Culture and DEI, eager to apply her MBA learnings and continue cultivating inclusive environments within organizations. We are excited to see where her journey takes her and wish her all the best.

Flavia’s passion for social impact, exceptional leadership skills, and unshakable commitment to inclusion make her an outstanding candidate for the Poets & Quants Best & Brightest MBAs of 2025. We are confident that she will continue to be a force for positive change, and we are proud to have her represent Esade.”

Laura Bonavia Solé
Full Time MBA Program Director

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2025

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