Christa Zacharia

IESE Business School

“Passionate about solving complex problems, empowering others, and making a lasting impact through business.”

Hometown: Wagga Wagga, Australia

Fun fact about yourself: During the COVID lockdown, I learned every lyric of Hamilton: The Musical.

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Sydney, Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Lendlease, Senior Development Manager in London.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Boston Consulting Group, London.

Where will you be working after graduation? Consultant at Boston Consulting Group, London.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Co-President, Consulting Club 2024-25
• First Year Honors for Academic Excellence
• First Year Director, Women in Business Club 2023-24
• First Year Director, Sports, Media and Entertainment Club 2023-24
• Forte Fellowship Recipient
• IESE Excellence Scholarship
• Student Ambassador for IESE’s International Advisory Board
• Mentor for Women in Business Mentorship Program and Admissions Team

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I am most proud of my role as Co-President of the IESE Consulting Club. I believe I was able to make a positive impact on the future careers of my peers through mentorship, case interview preparation, and networking. With 400 student members, we had both an opportunity to help and a responsibility to perform at our best. When the IESE Class of 2026 received their internship offers, I was thrilled to see that eight offers were extended to students for MBB roles in London, a significant increase from two in my year. I was able to share my insights and assist the members in achieving their best results ever in this region. Additionally, my Co-President, Emilija Ivanauskaite, and I were the first all-female presidential team, serving as proof that women in our class could be entrusted to lead the largest clubs in the school, including female presidential teams in the Responsible Business Club and the Sports, Media, and Entertainment Club, to name a few.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? As the lead structural engineer for a community building project in Sydney, Australia, I collaborated with the internationally acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. I joined the project at its inception when it was just a rough sketch and stayed involved until its grand opening four years later. It was fulfilling to see a project I dedicated years to come to fruition and be embraced by the local community, whether they were visiting the library, the childcare center, or the food stalls and restaurants.

Why did you choose this business school? From the moment I decided to pursue an MBA, IESE was my top choice. I sought a European business school with a two-year program that not only offered a rigorous academic foundation but also aligned with my belief in using business as a force for good. IESE’s spirit of service – its genuine emphasis on ethical leadership, long-term impact, and leaving a mark – deeply resonated with me.

What set IESE apart was that this philosophy wasn’t merely a slogan; it was evident in every interaction I had with the school. From conversations with students and alums to faculty discussions and admissions events, I consistently encountered a community of individuals driven by ambition and a shared sense of purpose. Their passion for making a meaningful impact—whether through social enterprises, responsible leadership, or fostering positive change within industries—made it clear that IESE was where I belonged.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Professor Thomas Klueter played a pivotal role in my MBA journey from day one. He taught my first class at IESE in the Analysis of Business Problems course and mentored my first-year team. His dynamic teaching style, sharp insights, and ability to challenge students to think critically made a lasting impression on me.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Klueter genuinely cares about his students’ academic and personal growth. He creates an environment where everyone feels encouraged to participate, pushing us to develop structured thinking and sound decision-making skills. As a mentor, he was always approachable, offering thoughtful advice and guidance when we faced challenges, whether in coursework or team dynamics. His ability to bring out the best in people and his passion for teaching have made him one of the most inspiring professors I’ve had at IESE.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course in the MBA was an elective titled Organizations of the Future. The course explored organizations: why we have them, how they operate, how technology is transforming them, and how, as a leader, you can ensure they function most effectively. It focused on the impact of AI and how it will alter how we all need to work in the future. Professor Sampsa Samila is an expert in these areas and provided invaluable insights.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Before the MBA, I was very excited at the prospect of learning a second language. IESE offers free Spanish classes for MBA students who want to expand their language capabilities. I dived right into the Business Spanish Program (BSP) and attended the 2-week pre-MBA intensive on campus – which I loved and highly recommend to all IESE admits – and the mid-week classes for the first term. When the pressure started building with recruiting and academics, I stopped attending the classes and dropped out of BSP. I’m sad to leave Spain with only basic Spanish, but I hope to be back in the future.

What is the biggest myth about your school? IESE has a reputation for academic rigor, and this is undoubtedly true. Balancing academics, career, and social life during the MBA is often described as challenging, famously highlighted by the Career Centre team in week one. However, IESE has given me the right tools and support to navigate this demanding journey effectively. One of the most valuable aspects has been the IESE community; the collaborative culture at IESE ensures that everyone receives the necessary support to excel. Embracing the pressures of this rigorous environment has strengthened the resilience of both my classmates and me. Facing challenges head-on and learning to manage competing priorities have been among the most transformative aspects of my MBA experience, lessons I will carry with me far beyond IESE.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Barcelona boasts incredible architecture, delicious food, and fantastic weather. However, my favorite aspect is the local culture! It seems there is a street festival or parade every week, such as the Gràcia festival in the summer. With both beaches and mountains, it truly has something for everyone. It is not difficult to entice prospective MBA students to Barcelona.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business, and what did you learn from it? One of the best films that reflects the realities of business is BlackBerry, which chronicles the rise and fall of the once-dominant smartphone company. The film captures the tension between innovation and corporate strategy, illustrating how BlackBerry revolutionized mobile communication but ultimately failed to adapt to a changing market. It underscores the significance of leadership dynamics, competitive awareness, and the dangers of complacency in business. A key lesson from the film is that even industry leaders can collapse if they underestimate disruptive technology. This is a powerful reminder that innovation must be continuous in business, and adapting to change is just as vital as initial success.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? IESE has genuinely integrated AI into the MBA program. This ranges from comprehensive elective courses on machine learning to final course exams featuring AI-generated responses to case prompts (which we had to edit and critically analyze). Throughout the various courses, the key insights I have gained from using AI include the importance of detailed, high-quality prompts, the necessity of critically evaluating the outputs, and the significant opportunities that will arise from implementing AI in my future career and organizations.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? All my classmates are remarkable and inspiring, but if I had to choose one person to highlight, it would be Marc Prats. Marc was part of my first-year team, where we had the chance to collaborate closely, allowing me to observe his exceptional qualities directly. He is among the most resilient, kind, and generous individuals I know.

Despite facing significant personal challenges throughout the year, Marc consistently showed up with unwavering positivity and dedication. He tackled every setback with strength and never let it affect his contributions to the team. His work ethic, combined with his willingness to support his peers, made him an invaluable team member. Marc’s kindness extends beyond his professional efforts – he is always willing to offer a listening ear or provide encouragement to others in need.

What stands out the most is his ability to stay focused on the collective goals of the team, even while managing personal hardships. His capacity to remain optimistic and generous with his time and energy, regardless of the circumstances, has left a lasting impact on me. Marc’s resilience and character inspire me, and I have learned so much from his example.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? I aspire to build a global career, working across different regions to gain diverse perspectives on business. By living and working in several countries, I aim to understand various business environments, cultures, and challenges, enriching my professional growth. In addition to my career goals, I’m passionate about teaching and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained. I would love to lead MBA courses or workshops in the future, helping to mentor the next generation of leaders and staying connected to the evolving business landscape.

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

“Christa exemplifies the very best of what an MBA candidate should be: an outstanding service-oriented leader, a dedicated mentor, and a tireless advocate for her peers and community.

From the moment she arrived at IESE, Christa set herself apart through her exceptional academic performance, earning First Year Honors, as well as her leadership in some of our most impactful student organizations. As Co-President of the Consulting Club, one of the school’s largest and most influential clubs, Christa transformed the experience for her classmates, elevating mentorship and preparation initiatives that led to a record number of students securing offers from top consulting firms. The Consulting Club makes a big difference in the life of many of our students, offering deep insights in the industry and an outstanding preparation for recruitment processes. Her leadership in the Women in Business initiative and the Sports, Media, and Entertainment Club further underscores her dedication to fostering an inclusive and rich learning environment.

Beyond her impressive resume, what truly makes Christa extraordinary is her spirit of service. First, every time the school and the MBA Program asked for her help, she always made herself available with initiative and enthusiasm. Second, she is a mentor in every sense of the word, always willing to support others, whether by helping peers navigate recruiting, advising prospective students as an ambassador, or shaping discussions on the future of business through her involvement with the International Advisory Board of IESE. Her generosity with her time, her ability to inspire those around her, and her deep commitment to making a meaningful impact on those she interacts with make her one of the most respected and admired members of our community.

Christa’s legacy at IESE will be one of leadership, service, and excellence. She represents the very essence of what it means to be a Best & Brightest MBA, and I have no doubt that she will continue to make a profound impact wherever she goes, always with a human-centric approach.”

Professor Marc Badia
Deputy Dean
IESE Business School

“Christa’s charisma and potential were evident from the very first moments of meeting her. I first met Christa at a special event we host annually for women around the Women in Business Conference, organized by students. Right away, I could see immediately how she embraced everything we are looking for at IESE: her warmth, friendliness, genuine curiosity, kindness, and willingness to help are just a few of the qualities that make an immediate impression.

Over these past two years, she has achieved so much – always lifting those around her and offering a helping hand. Our goal in Admissions is to find at least one Christa-like student every year! I have no doubt she will accomplish great things in her life, and I feel very proud that she’ll carry the IESE flag and values with her in her promising journey!”

Paula Amorim
MBA Admissions Director
IESE Business School

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