My CIMBA Journey: Diego Ravarotto

1. How did your approach to the business world change during or after your MBA?

My MBA allowed me to orient my approach to work by considering more critical thinking. At the basis of the CIMBA system there is the awareness of how our brains work; neuroscience is integrated into the course I took and allowed myself to not take my cognitive process and especially the process of responding to external stimuli for granted. I am much more rigorous in my decisions, allowing myself time to reflect, even when faced with seemingly trivial choices.

2. How did your career path change after the MBA?

I continued on a path of professional growth that I had already embarked on, but I was aware that I was missing some tools. My MBA allows me to interface knowledgeably at every level in the company, confronting me on strategic decisions with colleagues such as the CFO, COO and, of course, the CEO. Since the beginning of my MBA, I have grown by initially acquiring the role of commercial director of a subsidiary of my group, and recently as Group commercial director.

3. What do you feel was the most valuable lesson you took from it?

CIMBA is first and foremost an institution and a family. Entering CIMBA, one realizes that people matter; this is constantly emphasized in every course, always maintaining a humane approach. I learned that high-level education evolves and is a constant challenge, that one can never feel arrived, and technological evolution is the independent variable that forces us to reparametrize our hard skills. But if we really want to make a difference for ourselves and the company, we must be fertile ground for constant learning and improvement. A “soil” that is only fertile if we cultivate soft skills, that is, all those human aspects that enable us to relate better to others.

4. How has studying in an international environment broadened your mindset?

Working with colleagues of different nationalities has enriched me; there are marked differences between various cultures, but I noticed that whenever a difference emerged, everyone's approach was one of welcome with respect to that difference. Welcoming means having a curious and generous spirit. Having the ability to accept what is unfamiliar to us means knowing how to be comfortable outside the famous comfort zone. And in my experience, I can say that I have never had a success unless I step out of my comfort zone.

5. What is your most cherished memory from your time at CIMBA?

At the end of our final exam, at the end of our graduation, at the end of the final party in Iowa, we had a special moment. We gathered in the middle of the night in front of Old Capital, the seat of the University of Iowa, and formed a circle. We shared our emotions, dreams and regrets emerged, especially the regret of ending a path we would have liked to continue forever. Colleagues laughed, colleagues cried, hugs, promises. Everything was so ethereal and breathtaking that it will remain indelible in my memory. Life is made up of moments of joy; this was pure joy.