A year ago, I wouldn’t have imagined attending a leadership conference at a top global business school alongside 70 remarkable women from over 34 countries. As a recent graduate beginning my career, I was curious about the opportunities such an event could offer. Driven by a desire to grow and connect with like-minded individuals, I applied to IESE’s Future Female Leaders Award (FFLA) and was thrilled to be invited to participate in both the FFLA and the Women in Business Conference in Barcelona.
The two days left me inspired, challenged, and deeply connected to an incredible group of women from around the world.
A spark of curiosity led me to apply
My passion lies in sustainability and innovation, and I’ve always maintained a curious mindset, eager to explore new opportunities. While I hadn’t initially planned to pursue an MBA, I found myself increasingly intrigued by what that path could offer, especially in enhancing my leadership skills and broadening my international perspective. During one of my exploratory dives into the world of business schools, I stumbled upon IESE’s Future Female Leaders Award. Drawn to IESE’s values, global reach, and emphasis on purpose-driven leadership, the award seemed like an opportunity to test the waters, and I decided to take the plunge.
Embracing the experience
Dinner, the night before FFLA officially started!
Arriving in Barcelona, memories of a previous trip with friends came flooding back. However, this visit was different. Many participants, including myself, arrived a day early. We had been in touch via WhatsApp and decided to meet for dinner. Despite initial nerves, I was immediately struck by the warmth and openness of the other women. It felt like we already shared a bond, even before the program officially began.
The first day welcomed us with warm introductions from the MBA admissions team. We were a diverse group – 70 women from 34 nations – each bringing unique experiences and perspectives, depending on our academic backgrounds, career paths, passions, and reasons for applying to the FFLA. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement.
Lessons in leadership
The FFLA agenda was thoughtfully curated, blending ambition with authenticity. On the second day, we were invited to attend the 10th edition of the Women in Business (WiB) conference at IESE. This year’s conference, themed “Women in Action: Rewriting the Rules of Leadership,” featured an extensive agenda filled with inspiring sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive discussions with accomplished keynote speakers.
Panel discussion – From Entry to Influence: Women Leading in the C-Suite, with the keynote speakers
The agenda covered three different panel discussions, including the “From Entry to Influence: Women Leading in the C-Suite” With the keynote speakers: Eva Valenzuela Marti (CEO, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport), Lisa Bisaccia –(EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer, CVS Health) and Sabine Mueller (CEO, DHL Consulting). The panel-discussion allowed us reflect on our strengths, confront our biases, and encouraged us to be intentional about the people we surround ourselves with. Lisa referred to this as building our “kitchen cabinet” and highlighted its importance for successful leadership.
No Limits: Thriving Through Allyship, Mentorship, and Bold Self-Belief
The panel discussion: “No Limits: Thriving Through Allyship, Mentorship, and Bold Self-Belief” shared interesting insights into the success drivers in your career – making meaningful connections and building relationships. The participants Monika Wincel (Founder & Managing Partner, Cedo Capital), Marielle de Spa (Founder & Managing Partner, TCKapital), Monica Kretschmer (Founder & CEO, Universal Women’s Network) and Daria Koroleva (Partner, Roland Berger Frankfurt) shared their success stories and how to leverage with allies. The insights highlighted how strong networks and self-confidence drive career success, and why true progress requires men and women to learn from and support each other along the way.
“The Power of Two: Couples Succeeding Together” was a panel discussion held where the participants Sadie Raney (CEO & Co-Founder, Strix Leviathan & Eve Wealth) and with husband, Robert Raney (Professor, IESE Business School) highlighted the need for supporting each other’s dreams. Together with Rosa Mach and Daniel Lopez (Co-founders, ATOM.BIO) they discussed balancing personal and professional lives in dual-career partnerships. The importance of support was further strengthened by sharing from current IESE student, Florian Strachwitz, and Marianne Engel (Medical Doctor & Research Assistant, IESE Business School).
The WiB agenda included exclusive sessions that left me both inspired and enlightened.
Dr. Sabina Nagpal (Medical Doctor & Performance Coach)
Dr. Sabina Nagpal hosted a workshop on “Cultivating Fulfilled Leadership – Integration and Application,” diving into the essence of leading with purpose and confidence. Katharine D’Amico, PhD, shared an insightful session on “The Neuroscience of Gender Dynamics for Leadership,” highlighting how, while men and women have the same brains, our perceptions differ, shaping our decision-making and interactions in leadership roles. The takeaway was that understanding these dynamics is crucial for driving effective leadership, professional progress, and collaboration.
Throughout the conference, the keynote speakers shared theories of leadership and personal experiences, reflecting on the real challenges women face in the workplace. One message that resonated deeply was the notion that many of us operate in “overdrive,” constantly pushing ourselves, often at the expense of our well-being. We were reminded that true leadership involves recognizing when to seek support and creating environments where everyone can thrive.
The overarching message from the WiB conference was that we are closer than ever to breaking barriers, but biases still exist – sometimes overt, sometimes subtle. The good news is that we have the tools, the drive, and the responsibility to challenge them.
How FFLA and WiB conference fostered long-lasting connections
Beyond the panels and sessions, what truly made FFLA special were the people. Over coffee breaks, dinners, and walks around Barcelona, we shared stories, career paths, and aspirations. Despite our diverse backgrounds, there was a strong sense of shared purpose, a commitment to shaping a more inclusive and equitable world.
Beautiful view from the IESE rooftop and the stunning IESE Campus
The IESE campus itself was vibrant and welcoming. From the beautiful surroundings in Barcelona and the campus to the supportive admissions team and student ambassadors, every moment made me feel not just like a guest, but a potential future member of the IESE community.
Be the change you seek – your turn to lead
If you’re even slightly curious about pursuing an MBA, exploring IESE, or seeking direction for your personal development, especially in enhancing your leadership journey, I wholeheartedly recommend applying for the Future Female Leaders Award. It’s more than just an award or a conference; it’s a launchpad into a community of amazing women who are bold thinkers and compassionate leaders.
Dinner with my new friends, what a memorable experience!
I left Barcelona with more than just insights. I gained new friends (whom I still keep in touch with), renewed confidence, and a clearer vision of the kind of leader I aspire to be.
If you’re reading this and wondering if it’s for you, it probably is. 🙂
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A big thank you to all the contributors to FFLA 2025!
- The MBA Admissions team for providing this unique opportunity
- The Women in Business (WiB) director and moderator, Mónica Redondo Gil, and all team members responsible for the WiB conference
- All the keynote speakers from the WiB Conference
Written by Hanna Ericsson Klein, FFLA 25 Awardee
Applications for Future Female Leaders Award 2026 are open from September 15 to October 29, 2025. Don’t miss this chance, get more details and apply here!
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