Shuma Sakata

Shuma Sakata – Japan, Full-Time MBA Class of 2025

What is invisible but essential about YOU? or ESADE? or Barcelona?

I love road trips, especially when travelling in other countries, where I often rent a car to explore various places. The main reasons for this preference are twofold: Firstly, it allows me to reach off-the-beaten-path destinations that aren’t accessible by bus or train. Secondly, I can travel on my desired route at my preferred time. Of course, there are hurdles and risks associated with road trips, such as traffic accidents and unfamiliar local regulations. However, I believe that with proper driving skills and language proficiency, coupled with a genuine effort to understand the local customs, these concerns can be mitigated to a considerable extent.

Yet, amidst the thrill of discovery, there is apprehension—a fear rooted in a childhood memory that refuses to fade. I remember I was seven years old, standing in awe before the towering Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, not knowing that tragedy would strike just two months later. The news of the towers collapsing on September 11th filled me with fear, making me hesitant to travel abroad for years.

But, life has a way of nudging us out of our comfort zones, coaxing us to confront our deepest fears and embrace the unknown. A business trip to the Netherlands marked the beginning of a transformative journey—a journey that transcended geographical boundaries and language barriers. Amid foreign landscapes and unfamiliar faces, I discovered a newfound sense of curiosity and wonder, igniting a passion for cultural immersion and connection.

Subsequently, although I travelled to Europe, Asia, and other parts of the United States during my university years, I never delved deeply into learning languages or engaging in meaningful conversations with locals, under the notion that simply being able to travel outside Japan was sufficient, and English proficiency wasn’t necessary. However, a business trip to the Netherlands for a circular economy research project during my time at a consulting firm provided me with a deep understanding of foreign locales, sparking a newfound interest in exploring diverse perspectives. Additionally, my close friend’s decision to pursue an MBA outside Japan in pursuit of new possibilities planted the idea of pursuing an MBA abroad, a notion that never crossed my mind during my undergraduate years.

Learning English later in life wasn’t easy, but I kept going, believing it’s never too late to learn. With each word I learned, the fear that held me back started to fade.

Deciding to pursue an MBA wasn’t just about studying more. It was about growing as a person and connecting with people from all walks of life. While I haven’t yet fully embodied the person I aspire to be, I find satisfaction in gradually overcoming the barriers I once perceived and gaining new perspectives. Through such experiences, I hope to develop toughness, agility, and the ability to dive into the fascinating world I envision. And this process might resemble embarking on another ‘road trip’ in unfamiliar territory.

As I take steps towards this new adventure, I hold onto the invisible qualities that have guided me—like courage, persistence, and the willingness to learn from others. They’ve given me the strength to face challenges and the courage to step into the unknown. And with them by my side, I’m excited to see where the road ahead leads.