Which FFLA edition did you attend, and what made you apply?
I attended the FFLA 2026 edition. What initially drew me to the program was the opportunity to connect with ambitious, like-minded women from around the world while experiencing IESE Business School firsthand.
As an entrepreneur building my own fashion brand in Spain, I’m constantly looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and expand my perspective. I was particularly excited about the prospect of building an international network, learning from accomplished faculty members, and gaining insight into IESE’s approach to business education, especially since pursuing an MBA there is something I’ve been considering.
For me, it felt like the perfect intersection of personal growth, professional development, and meaningful connections.
What was the experience actually like?
Honestly, it exceeded my expectations! The entire experience was incredibly well organised, but what I loved most was how engaging and personal it felt.
We had the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops, experience IESE’s case study teaching method, and interact directly with faculty members, current students, and even the dean. It gave me a really valuable glimpse into the school’s culture and learning environment.
But beyond the academic experience, it was the people who made it so special. Being surrounded by incredibly driven women from different countries, industries, and backgrounds was both inspiring and refreshing. And the networking never felt forced. Some of the best conversations happened organically over good food, which made the whole experience even more memorable!
What stood out, and what would you tell someone considering applying?
What stood out to me most was the diversity of perspectives in the room. Everyone came from such different professional and cultural backgrounds, yet there was this shared sense of ambition, curiosity, and a genuine desire to make an impact. I found that incredibly inspiring.
To anyone considering applying, I’d say absolutely go for it! Don’t underestimate the value of putting yourself in environments where you’re surrounded by people who challenge and inspire you.
My first piece of advice would be to be intentional about your application. The application process itself is fairly straightforward, so I’d recommend really focusing on making your CV and essays stand out.
For your CV, don’t just list your roles and responsibilities. Highlight the impact you’ve made, your key accomplishments, the skills you’ve developed, and any awards or recognition you’ve received.
For the essays, be creative, specific, and, most importantly, authentic. When discussing your long-term ambitions or a problem you’d like to solve, choose something you’re genuinely passionate about rather than something you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, but make sure your answer reflects who you are and what you truly care about. I’d also strongly recommend researching IESE’s mission, values, and approach to business education, and clearly connecting them to your own professional and personal goals. For example, as someone building a fashion brand in Spain, I spoke about how the opportunity would help me expand my international network, build meaningful connections, and experience IESE firsthand as a prospective MBA applicant. I think demonstrating exactly why this opportunity matters to you can make your application much more compelling.
If you know any current IESE students, alumni, or faculty members, it’s also worth reaching out for advice and exploring whether a referral might be possible. And if you have a strong GMAT score, consider including it, although I hadn’t taken the GMAT when I applied, so it certainly isn’t essential.
Finally, if you’re selected, focus on building genuine connections rather than trying to meet absolutely everyone. You’ll be surrounded by so many incredible people, and I truly believe that a few meaningful conversations will leave a much greater impact than dozens of surface-level introductions.
What impact has it had on your career and life?
As someone building a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities and lose sight of the bigger picture. Being at FFLA gave me the opportunity to step outside that routine, exchange ideas with women pursuing completely different paths, and reflect on my own long-term ambitions.
It also reinforced how important it is to build an international network, particularly as I look towards growing my fashion brand and exploring further business education.
On a personal level, the experience reminded me of the value of surrounding yourself with ambitious, supportive people who encourage you to think bigger. I walked away feeling inspired, with new connections, fresh perspectives, and an even stronger motivation to pursue my goals.
