𝗔𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆: 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 🌈
I had the privilege of meeting Patricia Royo as part of my 𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧+ & 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 – 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀. Her story exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and leadership. From embracing her identity to achieving significant milestones, Patricia’s journey inspires us to face challenges with courage and determination.
📖 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
Early into her MBA, Patricia embraced her authenticity by participating in a public speaking competition. She courageously shared her coming out story in front of 100 colleagues. The moment earned her Runner-Up and set the tone for her MBA, empowering her to lead with confidence and inspire others through her honesty.
🏆 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘀
Patricia’s leadership shone during the ROMBA Case Competition, where her team secured Runner-Up for their innovative approach to Diversity & Inclusion in CleanTech. This experience helped her refine her strategic thinking and teamwork skills.
Her internship at BMW provided another critical step in her journey. Focused on leading through empathy and exploring the intersection of AI and business, Patricia gained valuable experience collaborating with diverse teams and navigating complex projects.
🌍 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀
After IESE, Patricia joined Novartis’s JUMP Leadership Rotational Program, a two-year experience shared with five other MBA graduates. Despite her non-business background, she found Novartis to be inclusive and open from day one, valuing the unique value she brought to the table. Her determination and versatility throughout the program led to her current role as Brand Lead in Hematology in the UK.
🤝 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
The IESE community played a pivotal role in Patricia’s journey. Her connection with Mariana Alonso, another LGBTQ+ student, created a safe and supportive environment to navigate the challenges of being out during the MBA. These friendships, introduced by IESE’s second interviewer, not only strengthened Patricia’s confidence but also underscored the importance of community and belonging.
💡 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗺
Patricia carries forward the growth mindset instilled in her by her mom:
1️⃣ 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Stay focused on your goals but remain open to unexpected opportunities.
2️⃣ 𝗣𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳: Growth happens when you challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone.
3️⃣ 𝗕𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: Adaptability is essential to thrive in dynamic environments.
Patricia Royo’s story reminds us that authenticity, perseverance, and community are cornerstones of success. Her journey encourages us all to embrace who we are and lead with purpose. Thank you, Patricia, for sharing your story! 🌟
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