Renda Putri

IESE Business School at the University of Navarra

“Passionate entrepreneur from the fashion & luxury sector, driven to solve problems ethically & sustainably.”

Hometown: Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Fun Fact About Yourself: Alongside being an MBA candidate and a mother of two, I’m working on transforming a 125-year-old finca on the outskirts of Barcelona into a self-sustaining home.

Undergraduate School and Major: City University London, BSc Business Studies – Finance Specialisation

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: PT Dewi Mahasadu, CEO

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? The case method is such an engaging way to learn because it’s hands-on and practical. Instead of being told what to do, you analyze real business problems and apply your knowledge to solve them. It also builds confidence through class participation, helping you clearly and positively communicate your ideas. Plus, the teamwork is incredible—you collaborate daily with a diverse group of nine students from different industries and backgrounds, learning to leverage each other’s strengths and grow together.

What has been your favorite part of Barcelona so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA? Barcelona strikes a perfect balance between the vibrant energy of a metropolitan city and the laid-back charm of a Mediterranean lifestyle, thanks to its stunning natural surroundings and great climate. My personal favorite, though, is the incredible food and wine scene. As someone who loves cooking and exploring flavors, Barcelona feels like paradise. Every neighborhood has markets filled with fresh seafood, top-quality meats, cheeses, and anything else you could dream of. People here also embrace seasonal eating, which means enjoying the best local produce at its peak. It’s a foodie’s dream come true!

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 really drew me to IESE was how personal and welcoming the admissions process felt. The team made me feel like an individual, not just another applicant, and the alumni I met were incredibly kind and supportive. It showed me that IESE truly values its community. On top of that, the school’s focus on ethical leadership really stood out to me. Ethics are embedded in every subject, which I think is so important for making thoughtful, responsible decisions as a leader. These two things together made IESE feel like the perfect fit for me.

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? Absolutely! The workload can feel overwhelming at times, but the key is learning to prioritize. Focus on what truly adds value, whether it’s preparing for cases, team discussions, or individual assignments. Leaning on your teammates is also essential—your team is there to support you, and everyone brings unique strengths to the table. Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of rest. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but staying well-rested will keep your energy up and your mind sharp, helping you thrive during those intense early months.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at IESE? I recently started the Marketing, Planning, and Implementation course, and I’m really enjoying it! Coming from a finance-heavy background, I used to find marketing concepts difficult to grasp. However, the professor has an incredible way of teaching frameworks in an engaging and practical manner. It’s helping me bridge the gap in my skills and making marketing feel much more accessible and understandable.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During my time leading the family business in Indonesia, I was able to increase production capacity by 5 times and expand product lines through the opening of a new facility. A particularly proud moment was creating over 300 new jobs and leading a training program for the new production team, which I successfully secured a government grant to finance. It was incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact this initiative had on both the business and the local community.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: I would say juggling the whirlwind of MBA life, while keeping up with the adventure of mothering an energetic toddler!

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? There are so many! It’s hard to pick just one, but a favorite memory has to be the Christmas BBQ we hosted at my house. Friends brought their families, and it was a wonderful way to connect outside of campus. We shared great food, laughs, and I got to introduce everyone to the charm of countryside life. It was such a warm and memorable experience.

DON’T MISS: MEET IESE BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

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