Luis Granat Palafox

Washington University in St Louis, Olin Business School

“An ambitious discomfort seeker who enjoys the journey.”

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Fun Fact About Yourself: Last year I finished my first marathon!

Undergraduate School and Major: Universidad Panamericana, Industrial Engineering and Innovation Management (Mexico City, Mexico)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: PwC, Senior Associate Financial Services Advisory

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the school’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you? The amazing personalized attention that I received from the admissions team, fellow students and alumni demonstrated the quality of people within that community. They were interested in my story and what I had to say.

What quality best describes your MBA classmates and why? Community building. They are all interested in adding value to the St. Louis, WashU and Olin communities.

What club or activity excites you most at this school? Entrepreneurship Club—there is an impressive structure and amount of support at every level for students who want to participate in this world in any way, shape or form.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Managing to secure a new client for the firm, plus several other projects after impressive initial results.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, accelerate my career, and explore new possibilities at an international level.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? How can you contribute to the experience of others, and how does that fit into your own personal goals?

How did you determine your fit at various schools?

1. Diversity
2. Values
3. Focus

The values and focus of the university and the program must match those you have and help you get out of your comfort zone to be the best version of yourself. Do the recruiters, students, and staff reflect the values the school stands for?

What was your defining moment and how did it prepare you for business school? My defining moment was being promoted at the advisory firm where I was working before I started my journey at WashU Olin. That momentum was important to push me to seek discomfort and bigger opportunities ahead; I realized I had the ambition and potential for more.

What is your favorite company and what could business students learn from them? I can’t say that I have a favorite company, but I am very interested in companies that improve the communities they are in and that innovate not only outwards, but inwards as well.

DON’T MISS: MEET WASHINGTON OLIN’S MBA CLASS OF 2022