Tag Archives: Invisible but Essential

Alfred Stauffenberg – Spain, Full-Time MBA Class of 2025

In life, transformative experiences often shape our journey in unexpected ways. One of the most profound for me involved a person I had heard about but never met. My friends often described him as someone whose life was filled with chaos and negativity. However, when I finally met him years later, I was stunned by the contrast. He was joyful, positive, and thriving in both his family life and career. Curious about his transformation, I asked what had changed. His simple response was, “I quit drinking.” This revelation inspired me to reevaluate my own lifestyle and embark on what I call the “best version of myself” program. This program involves engaging in sports, practicing meditation, and cultivating self-discipline to achieve my goals. To this day, I stay in semi-regular contact with him, drawing on his guidance and wisdom to apply these principles to various aspects of my life.

My family has always been my pillar of strength, encompassing not just my immediate relatives but also my extended family. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to have older, wiser family members and friends who have guided me in various aspects of life. Their advice, whether I sought it out or it was generously offered, has been invaluable. I take immense pride in being the great-grandson of Berthold von Stauffenberg, a hero in German history. Although his brother Claus is more widely recognized for their shared commitment to fighting against the oppressive Nazi regime, Berthold’s contributions were no less significant. Both brothers sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of justice and peace, standing firm against a criminal state. Reflecting on his legacy, I constantly contemplate how to honor his memory and incorporate his unwavering resistance to injustice into my daily life. His example serves as a guiding light, inspiring me to uphold the principles he fought for with such courage and determination.

In my journey, I’ve discovered the transformative power of stillness and introspection. Embracing moments of quiet and reflection in a world that often prioritizes constant action and productivity has allowed me to gain clarity, find solutions to challenges, and connect with a deeper sense of purpose. This practice of stillness, which might seem minor, serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the act of not doing is as significant as doing. It opens up space for growth and understanding that the hustle and constant movement cannot provide, reshaping my perspective and teaching me the value of patience and the importance of pausing to reflect amidst life’s chaos.

At the same time, I’ve learned to navigate the complexities of life by adopting a step-by-step, one-day-at-a-time approach. This method significantly reduces the overwhelming nature of challenges. Understanding that fear often arises from an exaggerated perception of people, places, and things helps in managing those fears. By breaking down challenges into manageable segments and focusing on the immediate, I’ve found it’s possible to gain a more accurate and realistic understanding of situations. This approach not only demystifies the perceived enormity of challenges but also fosters a sense of control and achievable progress. It paves the way for a more balanced and effective engagement with life’s obstacles, merging the lessons learned from stillness and introspection with a practical, step-by-step methodology to face life’s challenges head-on.

In conclusion, my journey has been deeply influenced by the invisible yet essential qualities of resilience, introspection, and methodical problem-solving. From the unexpected wisdom of a reformed life to the enduring legacy of a heroic ancestor, these elements have quietly shaped my path. They remind me that true transformation often stems from within and that by embracing stillness, seeking wisdom, and tackling challenges one step at a time, we can navigate life’s complexities and uncover our fullest potential.

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.

Mana Watanabe – Japan, Full-Time MBA Class of 2025

In the hustle and bustle of our lives, some elements often operate behind the scenes, silently weaving their influence into the fabric of our existence. These elements, though unseen, are undeniably essential to our growth and well-being. Today, I’d like to share my story, shedding light on the invisible forces that have shaped my journey through the highs and lows of life and my MBA.

Music has been my steadfast companion, standing by me through thick and thin. Whenever I found myself grappling with negative emotions, music became my solace. Whether it was the upbeat rhythms lifting me from the depths of despair or the soothing melodies calming my anxious soul, music was my constant companion.

In the early months of my MBA journey, making friends felt like an insurmountable challenge and self-doubt threatened to consume me, and I was unnecessarily hard on myself for not being enough. I was worried about not being able to contribute to my work groups, and I got really stressed and anxious. But music breathed life into my weary spirit. Inspired by global artists who transcend language barriers, I resolved to break free from my self-imposed limitations and make my voice heard. Just like the energizing beat of my current favourite song ‘Barcelona’ by Ed Sheeran, I found the strength to persevere and contribute to my cohort’s journey.

I also found inspiration from the KPop band BTS. Witnessing seven individuals from a similar background as mine making waves worldwide filled me with hope and determination. Their teamwork exemplifies the beauty of collaboration and unity, reminding me that if I start speaking and forming bonds with my teammates and my cohort, we could do amazing things together.

With my love for music by my side and great resolve, I started coming out of my shell and embracing the wonderful people around MBA. I became less tough on myself and better mentally as well. I could show the people around me my values of being shamelessly authentic in all my endeavours, just as great music artists pour their authenticity into every note. Whether it’s treating my family, friends, and colleagues with respect or staying true to my convictions, I aim to emulate the unwavering integrity of my musical idols.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the profound impact of the invisible forces that surround us. This journey has been shaped by the invisible yet essential qualities of resilience, authenticity, inspiration, and inner strength. 

From the melodies that uplift our spirits to the quiet strength of personal integrity, these elements enrich our lives in ways we may not always recognize. So let us embrace these invisible but essential qualities, for they are the pillars upon which we build our most meaningful accomplishments and forge our deepest connections.

Yiwen Sun – China, Full-Time MBA Class of 2025

Since childhood, I have been accustomed to navigating between different cultures. I was born into a family where one faction is a strong endorser of Western traditions while the other is a staunch advocate of Chinese heritage.

The seed of intercultural connectivity was planted within me at 7 (or earlier through travel) when I attended an Australian boarding primary school in Shanghai. Though my memories of that time are somewhat hazy, I remember how the boarding experience imbued me with a sense of independence and readiness to venture beyond the familiar home, traits that have stayed with me ever since.

I shortly resumed a conventional path similar to most other children, as my family also aimed to immerse me in Chinese education. However, an unexpected turn of events propelled me to proceed with this international journey in high school, where I followed the Canadian curriculum. With Canadian teachers instructing in Shanghai, I experienced a unique blend of safeness, cultural resonance and excitement for global exploration. This harmonious equilibrium allowed me to maintain a profound connection to my cultural roots and traditions while embracing the world’s diversity. The security and dauntlessness instilled in me along the way, coupled with my eagerness for new adventures, inspired my decision to pursue my undergraduate studies in the United States.

While in the U.S., I had the chance to explore the mosaic of Latin American countries. Enthralled by the shimmering pyramids of Chichen Itza, the vibrant streets of Cuba resonating with music and dance, the silent narratives of Machu Picchu’s Inca legacy, and the enigmatic Moáis standing tall on Isla de Pascua, the spark of curiosity led me to set out a journey to Spain, which has brought me here.

Looking back, my nature of curiosity and exploration have been vital in broadening my horizons and deepening my understanding. The rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives and insights that I have gathered throughout my journey, from studying in various educational systems to travelling across different continents, has intricately woven together, fostering my cultural versatility and openness to grow from diversity. They have moulded my identity and equipped me with a greater appreciation for the complexities of the world. I am deeply grateful for my family and the flourishing economy of my country in the era which made all these opportunities possible and I can’t wait to unearth more of the hidden gems of the globe.

As I reflect on my journey thus far, I realize that the invisible but essential qualities of adaptability and resilience have been the guiding forces shaping my path. These qualities, cultivated through my experiences of navigating between cultures and educational systems, have not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my understanding of the rich tapestry of humanity. With gratitude for the opportunities afforded to me by my family and the dynamic landscape of my country, I eagerly anticipate uncovering more of the hidden gems that await across the globe. In embracing the unknown with an open heart and a curious mind, I am reminded that it is not just the destinations we reach, but the journey itself, that moulds us into the individuals we are meant to become.