Fabiola Carreira de Rezende

1. Why did you choose to go back to school for an MBA? 

“Often, people step into leadership roles because we climb up with technical experience but not because we know how to manage people. I felt like I needed more foundation and knowledge on leadership and other business aspects. I know several people with an RSM MBA on a personal level, and I saw how the journey helped them grow – it inspired me for my personal and professional development too.”

2. How is the Executive MBA preparing you to do business in a world in motion?

“The MBA is always presenting us with business cases and real-life challenges, helping us deal with evolving changes and sustainability. There’s more need for companies to address challenges through innovation. The diverse cohort brings so many experiences and creates a dynamic environment.” 

3. What is the RSM MBA culture like?

“We’re a class of about 80 people from 30 nationalities, bringing a wealth of knowledge. We learn in lectures, and from each other – we always share experiences and ideas. The environment is created to encourage collaboration. We have similar ambitions to some extent, which makes it interesting and fun too.”  

4. How have you applied new knowledge and skills from both inside and outside of the classroom in your current role?

“We learn tools and frameworks in class, which I can already apply to projects for problem-solving. I look at issues in a more strategic way. My leadership skills improved a lot: I can better manage my team and handle difficult conversations better. Also, all the fundamentals of accounting and finance were new to me, so this was a deep learning curve. I now understand how they affect business and I’ve been using these concepts in problem-solving and link it to my job contexts, for clients and my own business. I can really ‘talk finance’ now.”

5. What impact does the Personal Leadership Development (PLD) component of the programme have on you?

“This is a whole new experience: an incredible journey on self-reflection and self-awareness. The course helps us to understand our values and purpose to become authentic leaders who can make a positive impact on the people we work with. I feel much more confident in my leadership role now.” 

6. What is the highlight of the EMBA curriculum for you?

“The whole programme is a highlight! The EMBA helps us with all the skill sets and knowledge we need to work in a business. I love that we can tailor some parts of the curriculum towards our interests, and so we can deal with a wide range of situations and challenges. I chose communication for leaders, sustainable investing, corporate venture, and communicating sustainability.” 

7. How are you contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals through business – now and in the future?

“My work is deeply focused on environmental sustainability, with many of the projects aimed at helping clients develop strategic frameworks and roadmaps to improve their environmental footprint while shaping their ESG and innovation strategies. The MBA enhances my ability to support companies in identifying and implementing pathways that create and deliver value through sustainable business approaches.”

8. How is an MBA from RSM setting you apart from your colleagues and your peers?

“The MBA is providing me with a notable impact in how I position myself and communicate. My confidence and capabilities have improved. The combination of the knowledge and the network and relationships that we’re building are valuable assets for life.” 

9. Has your MBA journey changed your outlook on your career?

“People all have some level of imposter syndrome. We set high expectations for ourselves, and don’t always feel like we’ve achieved all of it but actually we’ve done so much. The MBA has shown me that I’m capable, and I feel more confident about embracing challenges. I’ve built more confidence to handle big projects. I’m happy where I am in my professional life right now. Whatever the future holds, one thing I’ve learned is to always stay present, open and curious.”