Meet the MBA 2025 class: Juan Ayma, HEC Paris

“Passionate seeker of purpose, leveraging diverse experiences to make a meaningful impact on our society”

Hometown: Lima, Peru

Fun fact about yourself: Despite eight years of boxing, getting punched in the face and even losing my two amateur fights, I still wholeheartedly believe that boxing is a fantastic sport. My face may have suffered, but my love for sport remains unconquered.

Undergraduate school and major: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Industrial Engineering

Most recent employer and job title: Co-Founder & CEO of the startup “Waray”

Beyond your classmates, what was the key element of the HEC Paris MBA program that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Entrepreneurship definitely! After leaving my job in banking, I founded Waray, which helped boost small businesses in Peru. The HEC Paris Incubator at Station F could be my launching pad, strengthening my entrepreneurial journey with a focus on the most vulnerable. This could help me hone my strategy and fundraising skills, build a strong network, benefit from free mentoring, and be part of a collaborative growth space where we all learn and grow together.

What course, club or activity are you most passionate about at HEC Paris? The TEC program at HEC Paris really captivates me. It is highly regarded around the world and provides exceptional peer consulting and mentoring experience from business leaders. If I had the chance to participate, I would be sincerely grateful. This would provide me with invaluable self-discovery and deepen my understanding of my peers and people in general, thereby promoting personal and professional growth. This humbling outlook fits perfectly with my aspirations as I strive to become an exemplary business leader.

HEC Paris is located just 17 kilometers from Paris. What do you think is the best part about getting your MBA so close to Paris? Obtaining my MBA so close to Paris, a city rich in literature and art, brings forth a world of cultural enrichment. The best part is immersing myself in the atmosphere that inspired literary greats like Hemingway, Cortázar, Vallejo and García Márquez. I imagine strolling the same cobbled streets, finding solace in renowned literary cafés like Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots and La Closerie des Lilas. These iconic establishments have witnessed the conversations and creativity of literary giants, providing a unique opportunity to connect to their legacy and, with a little fortune, gain inspiration in my leadership journey.

Historically, more than 90% of HEC Paris MBA students come from abroad. Why is exposure to global diversity so essential to business success? Diversity is a catalyst for business success, cultivating empathy. In the past, empathy simply meant meeting the expectations of others, but today it encompasses a deeper understanding and a proactive intention to help. During my work as a consultant at Programa MAMA, I initially stumbled upon a misunderstanding of client needs, driven by a narrow mindset. The feedback taught me the importance of active listening, genuine understanding, and fostering customer engagement. Organizing frequent points of contact and promoting cooperation allowed us to achieve common milestones. A diverse MBA cohort will strengthen my ability to understand and collaborate with people from diverse cultures. Empathy, now more than ever, is essential to navigating our interconnected world and driving business success.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The creation of my startup, Waray. We have already reached more than fifty entrepreneurs and positively influenced nearly a million people in Peru. I am determined to continue serving my country through the growth of successful and sustainable businesses.

In two years, what would make your MBA experience a success?? It’s above all a question of people! Looking forward, a successful MBA experience for me is about building lasting friendships with diverse peers, creating a supportive community that enriches my personal and professional growth. I will embrace experiential learning outside of the classroom, celebrating diversity and collaboration. Additionally, by leveraging HEC Paris resources, I will gain information, make connections, and embark on a transformative journey.

What advice would you give to help potential candidates gain admission to the HEC Paris MBA program? As someone who has been through the process, I can share some tips to help potential candidates. First, connect deeply to HEC’s vision for impact on business and society, aligning your purpose with their mission. Second, don’t be too hard on yourself with the GMAT; instead, focus on highlighting your cultural fit with the university. Third, contact and engage with current and former students to gain valuable insight into their experience. Finally, remember to present the true version of yourself throughout the application process, letting your authentic personality shine. Good luck!