The Ortega family’s IESE journey captures both shared and unique experiences, spanning campuses, careers, and values.: Antonio Ortega, MBA’90, and Laura Ortega, MiM’23
In this second episode of IESE Generations, we explore the inspiring legacy of Chilean father-daughter, Antonio Ortega, MBA’90, and Laura Ortega, MiM’23. They have journeyed through IESE’s halls, gaining invaluable insights and forming lifelong connections. While Antonio did the MBA on the Barcelona campus, Laura completed the MiM’23 program in Madrid and has embarked on her career at Amazon in Madrid, as she always wished.
Q. It is an honor to have you both for this interview. Thanks so much for participating. So, Antonio, what was the Barcelona campus experience like for you during your MBA? Are there any particular places or memories that stand out?
“Two years filled with learning and good times among friends,” Antonio recalls. He holds a special place in his heart for professors Don Fernando Pereira and Don Juan Carlos Vázquez Dodero, who left a lasting impression on him during his studies.
Q. Laura, studying at the Madrid campus, how has the environment there shaped your own IESE experience?
“The Madrid campus was key to my full experience during the master,” says Laura. “With the long, sunny days, we’d often gather on terraces near our homes, and every weekend would end with Spanish tapas or a rooftop view of Madrid. These moments created lasting friendships that I still cherish today.”
Q. Laura, how did your father’s time at IESE influence your choice to pursue the MiM program?
“He always spoke of those years as some of the best of his youth. His stories about developing a critical mindset through case discussions made me want to experience IESE myself, and now, I can confirm just how transformative it truly is.”
Q. Laura, you we talk a lot about values at IESE, so how have these values resonated with you in your own way, given your different path and the Madrid campus setting?
“IESE strengthened my drive for excellence,” Laura explains. “The program instilled in me the aspiration to always give my best and to keep improving myself. I reflect on these values as I strive to be the person I aspire to become.”
Q. And Antonio, what values from your MBA journey do you hope Laura carries forward in her career?
For Antonio, values such as “perseverance, a sense of duty, and making the most of each day” are essential, and he hopes these will continue to guide Laura in her career.
Learning through the Case Method
Q. Laura, how has the case method changed the way you think about business challenges?
Laura highlights the unique learning environment the case method fosters, where real-world business scenarios encourage critical thinking and pragmatic problem-solving.
Q. Antonio, do you recall any memorable cases from your MBA that shaped your approach to problem-solving?
“I remember every case discussed with Don Juan Carlos Vázquez-Dodero in business situations analysis and with Don Pedro Nueno. Each case brought a new perspective that has stayed with me in my approach to challenges.”
Looking to the Future
Q. Laura, what are your career goals post-MiM, and in what ways has IESE Madrid shaped those aspirations?
“During the MiM, one goal was clear: to find a job in Madrid, and IESE helped me achieve this by preparing me for interviews,” says Laura. “I believe these early years are for learning and skill-building, and that’s exactly what I’m doing at Amazon. This foundation will prepare me for future growth.”
Q. Antonio, what advice would you share with Laura as she prepares to embark on her professional journey?
“My advice,” he says, “is for her to carve her own path—developing her own journey as she grows.”
Thank you Laura and Antonio. Together, you convey clearly how IESE’s transformative influence passes from one generation to the next. I really look forward to seeing you during the Global Alumni Reunion. All our appreciation, THANKS & THANKS
Stay tuned for the next episode of IESE Generations.
