Rodrigo Lima, IMD’s MBA Class of 2025
Age: 33
Hometown: São Paulo, Brasil
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Electrical Engineer, College of Engineering of Sorocaba (FACENS)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: National Sales Manager, Hilti Group, 2 Years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school because I reached a point in my career where I realized the need to deepen my knowledge in leadership, strategy, and finance. With a background in electrical engineering and extensive experience in sales and project management, particularly in the energy and manufacturing sectors, I felt I had developed strong technical and managerial skills. However, after leading a sales team for three years, I recognized that to continue advancing and making a greater impact, I needed a more comprehensive understanding of business theories and tools.
2024 was the right time because I wanted to take a step back, reflect on my career journey, and equip myself with the strategic insights that will help me excel in the next phase of my professional development.
Why did you choose IMD Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose IMD for its strong focus on leadership development, coupled with Swiss excellence and its consistently high global rankings. The school’s reputation for nurturing leadership through a small, diverse, and experienced cohort was a major draw.
The opportunity to engage with a leadership coach, therapist, mentor, and career counselor offers a unique, holistic approach to growth. The quality of relationships and the strength of the alumni network, which spans globally, further set my decision, knowing I would be part of a tight-knit community of professionals dedicated to leadership excellence.
IMD’s commitment to excellence and its position among the top business schools worldwide made it the ideal choice for advancing my career.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2025 lies in my professional experience and strong interpersonal skills. As part of the “older tribe” in the cohort, I bring a broader perspective to business discussions, adding practical insights from my industry background. One memorable instance was helping a colleague connect with a Brazilian senior alumnus. It was challenging, as the alumnus was having dinner with his classmates and family after a long day of his MBA reunion. We had to interrupt him, but despite the awkward timing, he graciously made time to chat with my friend. The gratitude my colleague expressed was immeasurable.
My ability to network and facilitate these kinds of connections, particularly in such situations, has been invaluable, and I also strive to support my peers in challenging perspectives and enriching our class discussions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was afraid to take the bus.
This is a great question because it made me reflect on how far I’ve come. I considered mentioning my years playing baseball or the time I was in a rock band, dreaming of being a rockstar. But then, coincidentally, I received a letter from my mom this week—such a sweet surprise! She reminded me how, as a kid, I was terrified of getting on buses because I didn’t know if they would stop or were even going in the right direction. Fast forward to today, and I’m commuting halfway around the world for business school on my own. It’s funny to think about how that scared kid grew into someone who now navigates global travel and life challenges confidently. From fearing bus rides to thriving in a top-tier MBA program, I guess I’ve made some progress!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m aiming for a global strategy role where I can leverage my analytical and problem-solving skills, along with my experience in Sales and Project Management, to drive impactful business decisions. By combining my professional background with the knowledge gained from my MBA, I want to shape strategies that foster growth and deliver meaningful results for organizations.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to current students and alumni, no question. It’s like a cheat code for figuring out if the school aligns with your expectations. You can read all the brochures and rankings in the world, but there’s nothing like getting the real, unfiltered scoop from people who’ve lived (and thrived) through it. I remember having some of these conversations where I thought, “Am I sure I’m ready for this level of intensity?” Spoiler alert: I was! But those chats gave me a clear picture of what to expect, and I wouldn’t trade that insight for anything. Plus, it’s a great way to test if you can handle some serious networking early on—because, believe me, that’s going to come in handy!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could change one thing, I would have pursued the MBA experience earlier in my career. Initially, I had doubts about the ROI and whether the time invested would be worth it, which led me to delay my application. In hindsight, getting that experience earlier would have given me more time to prepare for the GMAT and approach the whole process with more clarity and confidence, rather than feeling rushed when I finally made the decision.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped one part of the process, it would be listening to people who had never done an MBA. At one point, I was influenced by them telling me that the investment wasn’t worth it, which made me second-guess my decision. What helped me get through it was focusing on advice from people who had been through the experience and could offer real insights. Their perspectives reassured me that the value of the MBA far outweighed the doubts others had planted in my mind.
What is your initial impression of the IMD MBA students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the IMD community was how strong and genuine the bonds are between students, faculty, and staff. It felt like joining a big family where everyone supports and helps each other. That sense of camaraderie only grew stronger after we experienced the MBAT tournament together, a competition that brought us even closer. The way we came together as a team during that event deepened our connections, and it’s clear that the IMD culture thrives on collaboration and shared experiences. We’re not just classmates—we’re on this journey together, and that level of support is truly unique.
What is one thing you have learned about IMD that has surprised you?
IMD challenges you with its intense amount of group work, where you’re constantly pushed to collaborate in a diverse environment. Working with people from various industries, cultures, and backgrounds forces you to adapt and grow, all while contributing your own unique perspective. This diversity shapes how you approach problems, and it sharpens your ability to impact those around you. It’s not just about what you learn, but how you influence and support your teammates to think differently and grow together.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
One thing I’m most anxious about in my first year is being away from my family and friends. It’s difficult to leave behind that familiar support system while taking on the intensity of the program. On top of that, IMD presents so many career opportunities that I already feel overwhelmed by the decisions I’ll have to make, knowing they will shape the rest of my life. To help manage all of this, I’m focused on building a strong local community of friends and peers who can support each other through these challenges. Having that network around me will be crucial in navigating both the personal and professional uncertainties ahead.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
What excites me the most about my first year is the opportunity to meet incredibly smart people from all around the world and dive back into studies after such a long time. Having access to an amazing staff and Swiss-quality professors is truly inspiring, especially as I look forward to learning more about Leadership, Strategy, Finance, and Marketing. The chance to expand my knowledge in these areas, surrounded by such diverse and talented peers, is what really makes this experience exciting for me.
