Emma Barbian

IESE Business School

“Animal lover, mental health advocate, concerned citizen, native Texan with a global mindset.”

Hometown: Plainview, Texas

Fun fact about yourself: I have been to the Arctic, Antarctica and the Equator.

Undergraduate School and Degree: The University of Texas at Austin, Marketing major.

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Meta

Where did you intern during the summer of 2025? Bain & Company

Where will you be working after graduation? I will be exploring tech and GTM roles in Europe.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: I was a Forte Fellow and Excellence Scholar, and president of the Mental Health and Wellness Initiative on campus.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? IESE’s case method emphasizes diverse perspectives, yet I noticed neurodiversity was largely absent from classroom discussions. I organized campus events with a professor and an executive coach specializing in neurodiversity to explore how conditions such as autism, dyslexia and ADHD can be leveraged as strengths in the workplace, rather than viewed solely as disabilities requiring accommodation. Students shared their lived experiences with remarkable openness, and the community responded with curiosity and respect. Those with lived experience began to see themselves in a new light, while others gained a deeper understanding of neurodiversity.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One recent achievement I am proud of is earning a summer internship at Bain & Company in London. Breaking into consulting required an investment of time and effort, particularly preparing for case interviews and learning how consultants structure problems and communicate insights. Living and working in London had long been a personal goal of mine, which made the opportunity even more meaningful. Working in a new environment taught me more about my own strengths and passions, and I enjoyed the steep learning curve and the opportunity to meet incredibly interesting people along the way.

Why did you choose this business school? During the application process, I felt a connection with people at the school. They seemed interested in getting to know me as an individual and how my way of thinking was unique. The care shown in the admissions process reflected what I saw in the classroom. IESE’s case method invites you to share how your unique experiences shape the way you problem solve, and it opens up the conversation to your classmates.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Maïlys George is my favorite professor because she combines exceptional teaching with genuine care for her students. She manages the class in an engaging way, prepares cases thoughtfully, and always takes time to connect with students beyond the classroom. Her research on identity, uncertainty, and belonging in the workplace is both timely and meaningful, and what sets her apart is her sincere commitment to her students’ growth.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? I really enjoyed the Business Spanish Program. It contains 12 modules and if you complete the program, you receive a B2 language certificate and bilingual diploma. You get cases in Spanish and role play scenarios like handling conflict, managing projects, or even firing someone. Learning how to have business conversations in your non-native language builds empathy and makes you especially attuned to subtle cultural cues.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? Open Mic is an event held twice a year by the Performing Arts Club. Performances can include bands, solos, dances, stand-up comedy, and more. It’s so much fun to see another side of your classmates and how they express themselves.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I was so excited to join clubs on campus as a first-year. I was in the Tech Club, Consulting Club, Responsible Business Club, Women in Business, and the Mental Health and Wellness initiative. I participated in many events, and if I could do it again, I would not only participate but try to organize something where I saw a need. First-years have a good sense of what their community needs, and I would encourage them to step up and let their creativity shine.

What was the most impactful case study you had in business school and what was the biggest lesson you learned from it? During IESE’s international module in Shenzhen, China, we analyzed a case comparing Shein and Zara. I was struck by how Shein has redefined speed-to-market through a digital-first, highly-responsive supply chain. The discussion in class highlighted the tension between operational innovation and responsible business practices. It was especially impactful because we had this conversation in the midst of visiting an incredible city of innovation and manufacturing.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Barcelona is an amazing city for students! There are so many charming cafes, bars, and restaurants to explore. If you love wine, you’ll find that it’s often cheaper than soda, and sometimes even water. Barcelona is also a dog friendly city, and I’ve had fun learning that even my dog has favorite cafes.

What business leader do you admire most? Yvon Chouinard demonstrates that companies can succeed while prioritizing people and the planet. What stands out is his willingness to think bigger about the role of business in society. He built Patagonia with a passion for climbing, and I find it inspiring when leaders create companies to share something meaningful rather than simply extract profit. How Patagonia balances environmental responsibility, employee well-being, and profitability has helped redefine what responsible leadership in business can look like.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Many of our case studies are 20+ pages long, and AI helps as a case prep tool by identifying key issues and suggesting perspectives to consider. This allows me to focus my analysis and engage more deeply with the material. We also have exams and assignments where we are instructed to use AI and then critique its output. This helps build the habit of questioning assumptions, identifying biases, and refining conclusions. I’ve learned that AI works best as a thought partner, but you still have to think critically and use your own judgement.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Sindhuja Guda is one of my role models and the president of the Tech Club on campus. Her professional experience spans consulting to mission-driven startups to big tech, and she is one of the best communicators I know. She is always grounded in facts and logic, but she so beautifully weaves in the human element when discussing challenges and opportunities. Being from India, she’s especially aware of how people from so many diverse walks of life see and experience the world, and she is able bring that insight into the way she builds a shared vision for others. I always feel inspired after talking to her.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? I’d love to one day work at a company that has an IPO and own my own business, but these need not be the same company!

What made Emma such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2026?

“Since her arrival at IESE, Emma has consistently stood out among an already exceptional group of students for her professionalism, deep respect for others, and remarkable ability to communicate with clarity and empathy. From the very beginning of the program, she distinguished herself both within her team and in the broader classroom environment through the thoughtful and considerate way she engages with peers and contributes to discussions.

Personally, it has been a privilege to continue working with Emma on an initiative she leads to support the wider MBA community, The Mental Health and Wellness Initiative. Through this platform, she has organized meaningful initiatives such as sessions on neurodiversity and conversations with expert guest speakers. These events have been received with overwhelmingly positive feedback from students and faculty alike, many of whom have highlighted how these initiatives helped them better understand themselves and feel validated and supported within the community.

Lastly, it should be emphasized that Emma’s leadership and commitment extend beyond academic excellence. Through her initiative, empathy, and dedication to the wellbeing of others, she has made a lasting contribution to the MBA experience at IESE. We are very proud to have Emma as part of the IESE community.”

Mailys George
Assistant Professor of Managing People in Organizations
IESE Business School

“It has been wonderful to work alongside Emma and get to know her well over this past year-and-a-half. During her first year of the MBA, I was her section coordinator, and I always saw her with a smile in class and acting in a professional manner. During the last 6 months, I have been working closely with her as president of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Club on activities and sessions. She has shown amazing initiative in bringing forth ideas and suggestions on ways to improve, not just the student’s understanding of neurodiversity but also members of staff at IESE. Emma is very enthusiastic regarding this topic and is eager to spread awareness and empathy with her fellow students. During her time as president of the club, she has put together some very interesting sessions and events, always with the objective of helping others. She has also served on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee with staff and students and she always showed great enthusiasm. I feel very lucky to have had a student as friendly and dedicated as Emma. She will leave a lasting impression on me and I’m sure the rest of the IESE community.”

Stephanie Tait
MBA Program Coordinator
IESE Business School

 

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