Emebet Tita

IESE Business School

“Purpose-driven global citizen focused on building financial access solutions for economic empowerment.”

Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Fun Fact About Yourself: Alongside consulting, I roasted coffee for our family business – and I always travel with my own coffee and coffee maker.

Undergraduate School and Major: Manhattanville University, Economics major.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Consultant (freelance), Financial Inclusion and Digital Financial Services.

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager Typically, traditional learning methods tend to be theory heavy, with a disconnect between what you learn and how to apply it in the real world. With the case method, you are more focused on practice, and you are constantly in a problem-solving mindset considering real-life scenarios. You are training your brain to explore different ways of tackling business problems and learning to look at things from a multitude of perspectives because you are also in a classroom full of individuals from different cultural and professional backgrounds. This makes the case method even more attractive and your experience ever more unique.

What has been your favorite part of Barcelona so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA? I love that life happens outside in the streets, the restaurants, the cafés and the bars. I think it is fascinating that people of all ages, young and old alike, are always out and about socializing. Whether it’s walking around or grabbing drinks or something to eat, whether it’s nice and sunny or raining, it’s beautiful to see people enjoying spending time together. It shows how much value people place on time spent with family and friends. Barcelona is also a very walkable, beautiful city with some of the most intricately designed balconies I have seen.

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? What stood out to me was how deeply the principle of doing well by doing good is embedded in the IESE MBA program. This principle strongly aligned with my commitment to being purpose-driven, both professionally and personally. Now that I am part of the program, it has been inspiring to see how the IESE community truly lives these values and the level of excellence with which they are upheld, both inside and outside the classroom.

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 truly exceeds its reputation; it is one thing to hear about it, and another to experience it firsthand. There is a lot happening in the first year, and you will naturally want to do everything. The early months quickly become an exercise in prioritization and time management. The best advice I can offer is to embrace this reality. Strive to balance academics, career preparation, and your social life, while intentionally building your community, especially the relationship with your team. Doing so will help you have a well-rounded experience, make the most of your time here, and genuinely enjoy the process.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at IESE? Playing football in La Liga, the football tournament between the first-year sections at IESE. I am not a die-hard fan of any team sports team, but football is the one sport I enjoy watching and playing. La Liga is a great way to unwind after a long week of classes, to compete and connect with other sections and build team spirit. I love how easily things can go from intensely competitive on the field to hugs and laughter during post-game cervezas.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Over the past decade, I have dedicated my career to advancing financial inclusion across East Africa, working with central banks, financial institutions, and development partners in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. My work has contributed to sectorial knowledge and the design and implementation of policies and market solutions that expand access to financial services at scale. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of technology and innovation to close systemic gaps, and my ambition to lead the development of inclusive solutions.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student has been fully embracing the journey of returning to full-time study after more than 10 years in the workforce. The transition required significant adjustment, but I am proud of how I challenge myself daily, particularly by leaning into areas outside my comfort zone. This experience has strengthened my resilience, learning agility, and confidence in my ability to grow in demanding environments.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? The friendships and memories I’m building with people at IESE. From the laughter shared over meals to the collective struggles of the long hours spent preparing for exams, these moments have been deeply meaningful. I have especially valued experiencing and learning about different cultures – whether trying cuisines from around the world with my team, attending an Argentinian asado for the first time, or taking part in traditions like one-on-one coffee chats and Friday beers.

DON’T MISS: MEET IESE BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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