This past week, IESE Business School hosted the Women in Management Symposium at our Madrid Campus, welcoming more than 100 talented young women from around the globe. Designed for female university students and recent graduates eager to maximize their potential, this event provided a platform to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of women leaders.
At IESE, we firmly believe in the transformative power of women in management. As a TOP worldwide-ranked business school, we are committed to making an impact in the business world by breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women to develop their leadership skills. This symposium embodied that mission by equipping attendees with the tools and confidence needed to excel in their careers.
Highlights of the Event
Participants enjoyed two days packed with meaningful activities:
- Inspiring Talks: From accomplished women in management, offering real-world insights into their career journeys.
- Interactive Panels: Discussions with women in leadership positions and our CDC experts in Career Development, sharing their strategies for success.
- Networking Opportunities: Connecting with peers, industry professionals, and IESE current students and alumni.
- Business Case Masterclass: An engaging session led by IESE Professor Isabel Villamor.
Day 1: A Focus on Community and Learning
The event was opened by Chabela Estalella, the new Director of Admissions for IESE’s Master in Management (MiM) Program. She welcomed participants—many of whom were visiting IESE for the first time—emphasizing the school’s dedication to excellence, international community, and transformational education. Chabela also acknowledged the incredible team behind the symposium and set the tone for the next 24 hours.
Following Chabela’s opening, Professor Isabel Villamor shared her personal IESE journey, highlighting the transformational impact of the case method in developing decision-making and leadership skills. She encouraged attendees to aim for excellence over perfection, emphasizing the importance of self-growth and resilience.
The day continued with a keynote speech by Filipa Baptista (GEMBA’23), who wanted to share with the young women “How to be a leader”, highlighting that leadership is about serving others, and how she managed to have a Family-Work Social Impact. According to Filipa you have to lead with curiosity, embrace the unexpected, you need to lead with initiative and lead with impact. This inspiring keynote speech was followed by an engaging alumni panel, consisting of Marta Teixeira MiM’22 – Business Analyst at McKinsey; Yuyan Lai MiM’20 – Strategist at Twinco Capital; Patricia García MiM’23 – Brand Marketing Specialist at RedBull; Filipa Matos Baptista GEMBA’23 – Executive Associate at Siemens Healthineers; Omotola Oluwasegun MBA’19 -Product Manager at Citi and Pilar Baltar GEMBA’07 – Professional Services Director at NASSTAR, who shared their career journeys, insights into overcoming challenges, and the role IESE played in shaping their leadership paths.
Attendees also participated in breakout sessions focused on industry-specific challenges, concluding the day with a vibrant networking cocktail that fostered connections and collaboration.
Day 2: Growth Mindset and Leadership in Action
Day two began with a plenary talk by Pilar Baltar (GEMBA’07), titled “Turning Obstacles into Opportunities: A Growth Mindset.” Pilar’s session explored how embracing challenges with determination and reframing limiting beliefs can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Her key takeaways included:
- Reframing Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like an imposter signals growth and stepping beyond your comfort zone.
- Setting Ambitious Goals: Use challenges as stepping stones for greater achievements.
- Embracing Failure: See setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.
The morning continued with an immersive business case class led by Professor Isabel Villamor. This session provided a hands-on experience with IESE’s case method, offering participants a taste of the analytical and leadership skills fostered through our programs. The event concluded with final remarks from Chabela Estalella, leaving attendees inspired to take bold steps in their professional journeys and know about IESE mission.
Empowering Women to Lead
This symposium, gathering 100+ young women, was a space where learning, mentorship, and service intersected, inspiring attendees to:
- Reflect on their leadership journeys, embracing continuous learning and adaptation.
- Foster a sense of community, supporting and empowering one another.
- Recognize the value of service by mentoring and uplifting others.
- Take action as agents of change within their organizations and communities.
IESE is proud to champion women’s leadership and remains committed to equipping talented young women with the skills, confidence, and network to succeed. The Women in Management Symposium was not just an event but a movement toward breaking barriers and building a brighter, more inclusive future.
Your success is our success!