Rodrigo Villazon Camargo, IESE MBA Class of 2026
Age: 26
Hometown: Mexico (Mexico City)
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) – Business Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I worked at Bain & Company, a management consulting firm, for three years (Aug 2021 – Jul 2024) at their Mexico City office. During my first two years as an Associate Consultant, I participated in various projects, primarily focusing on digital transformations, organizational design, and corporate strategy, with a particular emphasis on CPG and retail industries.
In my last year at Bain, the first 5 months I led an agile team of 20+ people to identify, prioritize, and solve critical issues for the e-commerce platform of a telecom company in Mexico. In the final six months, I transitioned into Bain’s Private Equity Group, where I engaged in seven due diligence projects across Financial Services, Pharma, and Retail industries. This involved analyzing market size and growth, conducting customer surveys, and assessing competitive landscapes to help clients make informed investment decisions.
Prior to Bain, I co-founded two food-tech startups. The first, Papprika (Jan 2020 – Feb 2021), was a mobile app that helped small restaurants create delivery channels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The second, Appio (Feb 2021 – Jan 2022), is a software platform that boosts physical and digital sales for restaurants using technology and data. Appio continues operations today.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Business school represents an opportunity for me to step back and reflect on not just my short-term goals but also my long-term aspirations. My time at Bain & Company has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve gained valuable experience, faced challenging projects, and grown exponentially thanks to the high impact, dynamic environment, and strong corporate culture. However, this fast-paced setting has left little room for me to pause and think deeply about my future.
Now, I’m at a point where I want to explore what else is out there for me in the professional world. Perhaps I’ll return to entrepreneurship, transition into venture capital, start my own search fund, or even realize that consulting is my long-term path. To make that decision, I need the time and space to explore these options fully.
After three years in consulting, I believe I’ve reached a point where I can apply what I’ve learned to new opportunities. To continue growing—whether in consulting or elsewhere—I need a break to better understand myself and gain clarity on what lies beyond consulting.
Business school is the ideal place for this exploration. It offers the chance to meet diverse individuals from around the world, which will broaden my outlook. It’s also a safe space to experiment with new paths like venture capital or entrepreneurship, supported by both academic and professional communities.
Most importantly, business school gives me the time to step away from my routine, reflect on what truly matters to me, and chart the course I want to pursue in life. That’s why business school is the right place for me, and the right time is now.
Why did you choose IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
For my business school experience, I was primarily looking for three key factors: a human-centered approach, a diverse international classroom, and a strong focus on entrepreneurship, venture capital, and search funds. IESE Business School offers all of this and more.
Human-Centered Approach: I believe that real change in the world starts by putting people at the center. It’s not just about creating profitable businesses; it’s about making a positive impact on society. When researching business schools, I was drawn to IESE’s people-centered vision, which emphasizes developing leaders who strive for a deep, positive, and lasting impact on individuals, companies, and society through professional excellence, integrity, and a spirit of service. These values resonate with me and align perfectly with my mission.
Diversity: IESE’s diverse international classroom was another significant factor in my decision. With around 85% of the student population coming from various countries, this diversity provides a wealth of perspectives and problem-solving approaches. It broadens my horizons and enables me to generate more innovative ideas for driving change in the future.
Focus on Search funds and entrepreneurship: I also wanted to satisfy my professional curiosities about entrepreneurship, venture capital, and search funds. IESE is recognized as one of the top schools for pursuing a career in search funds. Additionally, opportunities like the summer entrepreneurship experience provides hands-on experience with like-minded peers who are also committed to driving change in developing regions.
In summary, my decision to choose IESE was influenced by its human-centered vision, its emphasis on diversity, and its specific focus on the areas I’m passionate about. This makes IESE the ideal place for me to achieve my aspirations.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I believe my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 stems from my combination of entrepreneurial background and consulting experience. During my time at Bain, I worked across a wide variety of industries and projects, from strategic planning to digital transformations. This broad exposure has allowed me to bring valuable insights into classroom discussions, enhancing the learning experience for both my peers and me.
Additionally, my hands-on entrepreneurship experience has set me apart. I am able to combine the structured, analytical problem-solving approach of a consultant with the practical, action-oriented mindset of an entrepreneur. Having faced the challenges of starting something from scratch and optimizing established systems, I can offer realistic and feasible solutions in team discussions.
Overall, my diverse professional background has enabled me to contribute meaningfully to my class, helping create a richer, more collaborative learning environment at IESE.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I don’t know how to ride a bike, and Barcelona is a bike city – but hey, I’m learning now! So, if you see someone wobbling down the street in Barcelona, it’s probably me.
Post-MBA career interests:
- Search Funds
- Venture Capital
- Entrepreneurship
- Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Take the time to truly get to know the university. It’s not just about the classes; it’s about the values, the community, and life outside of school. The best way to fully understand the school is by speaking with those who have experienced it. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out to current students or alumni on LinkedIn or ask the admissions team to help connect you with them.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would recommend attending more IESE events (online or in-person). At the end of the day, these events give you the chance to meet people and help you determine if IESE is the right fit for you or if it doesn’t align with what you’re looking for
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Take your time to understand what you’re looking for in a business school, and only apply to those that truly interest you. Don’t waste time and money applying to schools that aren’t the right fit for you.
What is your initial impression of the IESE students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the IESE community is overwhelmingly positive. From the start, I felt a strong sense of openness and collaboration. Everyone is genuinely interested in learning from one another, fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. The international diversity is remarkable, with students from all over the world bringing unique perspectives that enrich classroom discussions.
I applied to IESE for its people-centered vision, and I can confidently say that this vision is reflected in its community.
What is one thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised by the effort of the IESE community to make us feel part of the “IESE family” from the very beginning. This effort started even before the first day of school! The Mexican Business Club hosted a big party so we could meet other first-year Mexicans, as well as second-year students. Additionally, some second-year students organized a pre-welcome party for all first-year students. By the first day of school, I already knew a lot of people and felt like a part of this large IESE family.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
There is a saying at IESE: “There are three pillars at the MBA: Academics, Social Events, and Healthy Living. It is impossible to excel in all three, you need to prioritize.” One thing I’m anxious about in my first year is balancing the three pillars. With so many events happening, FOMO is definitely a real thing!
I find myself a bit anxious about missing out on opportunities or social gatherings, but I know that it’s all part of the MBA journey. I’m learning to pick my battles and manage my time effectively.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited to be a student again! After some years in the professional world, I look forward to immersing myself in an environment dedicated to learning and growth. The chance to engage with diverse perspectives, explore new ideas, and make new friends with whom I share hobbies and a desire to learn new things is something I truly value. I believe this experience will not only enhance my understanding of business concepts but also reignite my curiosity and creativity, allowing me to approach challenges from a fresh angle.
