Happy International Women's Day! At IESE, we are committed to supporting female leadership because when women win, companies and societies win. In this post, an MBA 2025 student shares her story about how mothers can thrive at IESE.
I am an MBA student from Japan and started my MBA at IESE in the fall of 2023. During my first year, I gave birth to my baby girl in Barcelona, and in my second year, I embraced MBA life while raising her. This experience has shown me how IESE not only provides a world-class education but also supports families.
Choosing to pursue an MBA is a significant decision, especially when considering relocating with family. At IESE, I’ve been amazed at how the school not only fosters academic and professional growth but also provides a warm and welcoming environment for families. Here, I’d love to share three memorable experiences that highlight this: our visit to Montserrat, an inspiring lecture by Arthur Brooks, and the Christmas Carol event on campus.
Memory #1: The Montserrat Visit – Learning Beyond the Classroom
One Saturday in November 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to visit Montserrat, the sacred heart of Catalonia, as part of our “Managing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises” class with Professor Albert Fernández. We had studied Montserrat Monastery in a case discussion, analyzing its governance, financial strategy, and visitor experience. A few days later, we embarked on a class trip to visit the monastery in person.
Meeting with the Abbot
Partners and children were welcome to join, so my husband and daughter Hi-chan came along. We gathered at the IESE campus early in the morning and took a chartered bus to Montserrat. The trip was well-organized, with a mix of learning and leisure. We enjoyed a guided overview by our professor, a scenic walk to St. Michael’s Cross, a visit to the museum, special mass at the monastery, and even a special meeting with the Abbot.
One of the most touching moments was how supportive my classmates were—they helped carry our bags and even took turns holding my daughter on the mountain paths, which were difficult to navigate with a stroller. It was a small reminder that despite the rigor of an MBA program, with supportive classmates, we can truly enjoy the transformative journey at IESE.
Everyone including Hi-chan had a wonderful visit to Montserrat!
Memory #2: Arthur Brooks’ Lecture – A Lesson in Leadership and Happiness
In the same month, I had the privilege of attending a lecture by Professor Arthur Brooks, a renowned social scientist specializing in happiness and leadership. He is a professor at Harvard Business School, and has taught courses at IESE.
Many great learnings from Arthur Brooks, and it was great that families were welcome too.
The event was open to families, and since my husband was also interested, we decided to go as a family. I was initially hesitant about bringing Hi-chan, who was 7 months old at the time, but I quickly realized I wasn’t alone—other parents had brought their babies too.
I strategically chose a seat near the door, just in case I needed to step out. Right before the lecture started, I fed Hi-chan and luckily she fell asleep. However, during the second half, she woke up and started talking to herself. Not wanting to disturb others, I quietly stepped outside. There, I met another father who had also brought his baby, and we shared a lighthearted conversation about balancing parenthood and the MBA.
Even though I missed part of the Q&A session, I left the lecture deeply moved. It reinforced the idea that leadership isn’t just about professional success—it’s also about happiness, balance, and making thoughtful choices in life. Attending the talk with my family made the insights even more meaningful.
Memory #3: Christmas Carol – A Festive Celebration for Families
As December approached, the IESE campus transformed into a festive wonderland. Christmas trees adorned the cafeteria, and a nativity scene was set up at the entrance. On December 3rd, the campus hosted a holiday celebration complete with a speech by the school president, cava (Spanish sparkling wine) and traditional sweets.
Later that evening, the IESE Family Club organized a Christmas Carol event. My husband came to campus with Hi-chan. As we gathered in a circle around a guitarist, singing classic Christmas songs in English and Spanish, I noticed children of all ages enjoying the moment—some singing, some running around, and others simply watching with a smile.
Students, families, and university staff gather around the guitar and enjoy Christmas Carols.
At first, Hi-chan was just observing but soon she started responding to the music. Watching her engage made me wonder: Would she be singing and clapping along next year? After the caroling, we indulged in traditional hot chocolate and sweets, chatting with faculty, staff, and fellow student families. It was a heartwarming reminder that IESE is not just a business school; it’s a community where families are embraced and celebrated.
These three memories reflect what makes IESE special—not only its academic excellence but also its commitment to fostering a fulfilling and balanced life for students and their families.
Despite the school’s rigorous program, there are countless opportunities to enjoy peaceful moments, connect with loved ones, and create lasting memories in Barcelona.
If you’re considering an MBA and wondering whether your family will feel at home, I can confidently say that at IESE, both students and their families find a place to belong. Whether it’s learning in the classroom, exploring cultural sites, or celebrating traditions together, IESE ensures that happiness and personal well-being are valued just as much as career success.
I have written other articles in Japanese about my MBA life, please check them out here: https://note.com/mei_mba/n/n8aa161da77d6
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