Let’s start at the beginning, can you tell us a little bit about your background, and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and left after college to start a career in management consulting. But the more time I spent in consulting projects, the more I worried about the world outside—my island, our environment, and the species under threat. This was back in the late ’90s and early 2000s, when “sustainability” wasn’t a common topic in the business world. I wanted to change that…
Luckily, I had the chance to work with corporate-funded startups during the dot-com boom, where I learned about innovation and change management. I then decided to leave consulting to study sustainability and innovation and pursue an academic career in these areas.
Who are the most influential figures in your life?
On the personal side, my grandmother was a huge source of encouragement and inspiration. She wanted me to do all the things that she could not… to not let fear get on the way.
Professionally, I’m a huge fan of Elinor Ostrom. She won a Nobel Prize in Economics for challenging the prevailing idea that people act out of self-interest when it comes to shared resources, like lakes or forests. Instead, she highlighted cases where people actually came together to protect these resources for the future. It doesn’t always work out that way, of course, but her work showed that social connections (and trust!) can play a big role in local efforts to protect the environment.
At IESE, we aim to develop leaders who will have a deep and lasting impact through their professional excellence and spirit of service. What are your thoughts on the role of entrepreneurship in society?
Now more than ever, entrepreneurship is a powerful engine for driving and scaling impactful change. We cannot rely or depend on governments alone to improve our environmental or social systems. We need the creativity, vision, and will of entrepreneurs to show us the way.
What accomplishment (personal or professional) are you most proud of and why?
I don’t spend much time celebrating accomplishments—maybe because I feel there’s always so much more to do. It’s that entrepreneurial drive, always pushing me forward. But I believe in the importance of gratitude, and I’m incredibly thankful for my wonderful family, the friends I´ve made along the way, and the chance to complete a PhD and work on topics that I truly care about.
What inspires you most about your work in and outside IESE?
My students! I show up in class to meet smart and dedicated professionals, many of which are pursuing a graduate degree, while working full time, and raising families. I take my hat off to them. Their grit inspires me to show up and do my best.
What do you think will be the next big thing or trend in sustainable entrepreneurship in the next 2 years?
There are so many exciting opportunities emerging in this space. I’m especially interested in how circular business models, paired with AI, can help reduce waste and streamline supply chains. AI is also poised to make huge strides in tracking social and environmental performance with greater precision. We’re also seeing major potential in water conservation, agricultural efficiency, and regenerative farming, which promise to reshape how we manage resources. On the energy front, the rapid growth in solar and wind energy has been incredible to watch, and it’s clear that this momentum will only keep building.
Finally, what words of advice would you give to your students or future entrepreneurs?
As Tony Hsieh said, I’d encourage entrepreneurs to stay true to their vision, not just chase the money. Of course, financial viability is essential, but too often I see entrepreneurs compromising their dreams to fit investors’ expectations. Don’t sell out your vision. Focus on building something meaningful, and the money will follow.
Thank you, Desirée. Now, for the speed round:
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy hosting friends, yoga, pilates, and of course, beach time, hiking, and visiting the wineries of the Penedes.
Dog, Cat, Parakeet, Goldfish, Pet Rock?
About four years ago, we adopted the most loving and kind dog. Her name is Mina.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to these days?
I like listening to the podcast “How I Built This” on NPR.
Something that makes you happy
Being in nature…as far away from development as possible (at least for two days, then I crave civilization again).
Favorite place?
This is tough. But if I had to pick one, I would say Rincón, Puerto Rico.
Explain sustainable entrepreneurship to a 10-year-old.
Is about how companies can find new ways to improve the planet and people’s lives.