Léonie Freigi

“I’m a good mix of grit and curiosity”

Class / Grad Year: Class of 2022

Current Employer / Role: Howard Partners, Senior Consultant

Is this the industry and role you envisioned yourself in upon entering the program?

Before pursuing my MBA, I worked as both a dentist and an entrepreneur, managing a dental clinic alongside a jewelry workshop. Eventually, I hit a glass ceiling and realized I needed a new path forward. The MBA served as a powerful bridge to my current role. From the outset, my goal was clear: to pivot into management consulting in Paris. I knew exactly what I wanted, and I dedicated my focus and energy throughout the program to achieve it. Today, I’m exactly where I envisioned myself.

Why was HEC Paris and their MBA program the right fit for you among all of the options out there?

I chose HEC Paris not just for its renowned reputation, but for the unique combination of its program length, international diversity, strategic location, and the strength of its network and community.
How has the program helped you grow personally or professionally since graduating?

Through the MBA at HEC Paris, I successfully achieved the renowned ‘triple jump’—changing function, industry, and location—all at once, which is no small feat.

Professionally, the program served as a vital bridge toward reaching my career goal in consulting. On a personal level, many of the people I met became close friends, trusted confidants, and a source of genuine support. Together, we navigated the COVID crisis and everything that followed. Sharing such intense and transformative experiences created bonds that run deep and continue to this day.

What’s a standout moment or memory from your time at HEC Paris that really stuck with you?

There are countless memories—MBAT, room dinners and parties, late-night case prep sessions, long walks by the lake. It’s hard to choose just one, as each moment contributed to shaping my experience in a unique way. Together, they made the journey unforgettable.

How did you balance your work/school/home life during your degree? What were the biggest challenges?

One of the biggest challenges during my MBA was staying connected to my jewelry business while managing my studies, adapting to a new environment, and navigating several life changes at once. Anticipating this, I made a conscious decision to take a step back: I stocked part of the production in advance and gradually handed over day-to-day operations to my family, ensuring the business could continue running smoothly in my absence.

What are some of the biggest takeaways or skills you gained from the MBA experience?

I undeniably added a new stack of skills to my toolkit. Academically, I became a more strategic thinker through exposure to frameworks and case studies. I vividly remember how engaging some of our debates were—they sharpened my empathy by pushing me to consider how others might act or react in similar situations. The cultural diversity of the cohort added another layer of complexity and nuance. Cultural differences shaped perspectives, sometimes power dynamics, and the formation of social networks—concepts we explored in organizational behavior that, I’ve come to realize, mirror real-world dynamics both in the workplace and beyond.

What is your advice for those who are considering applying to the HEC Paris MBA program?

The HEC Paris MBA is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and enriching experiences one can undertake—both professionally and personally. Having a clear vision of your desired outcomes is among the most valuable pieces of advice I can offer. It helps you prioritize effectively while remaining open to possibilities, flexibility, and unexpected opportunities. Be prepared for a truly transformative journey. You may face challenges, setbacks, or even moments of conflict—but rather than avoiding them, embrace them. Take regular step-backs to reassess, reevaluate, and recalibrate your direction and current position.

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