Roger Romero’s HEC Paris MBA journey is a masterclass blending passions with leadership. From the football fields to the boardroom, he showcases how discipline, teamwork, and adaptability fueled his personal and professional transformation.
Roger Romero, an MBA candidate from Peru, shares his life-changing journey at HEC Paris, France. With over 12 years of experience in consulting and technology, Roger chose HEC Paris for its rich international culture and academic excellence. Reflecting on his decision, Roger states, “I wanted to become a businessman. I wanted to create my own generational wealth…I needed to have a higher education degree and do an MBA because it’s like the stepping point.” (01:16)
An MBA is not necessarily a requirement to become an entrepreneur. However, in his case, he chose to push himself out of his comfort zone and meet individuals who would help him create momentum toward a new path.
His choice highlights the importance of self-reflection and long-term vision in pursuing a higher purpose. Roger’s journey should inspire prospective students, demonstrating how aligning your personal goals with the right program can lead to transformative experiences.
Roger’s passion for football and dance significantly shaped his MBA journey. As co-captain of the HEC Paris football team, he emphasizes the lessons he took away, saying, “Good leaders lead, but also they allow themselves to be led.” (08:09) His ability to balance his workload while excelling in sports highlights his commitment to discipline and teamwork.
Roger’s team in Latin rhythms, along with the whole dancing team led by Yash Kaushal, won a gold medal in the MBAT dance competition. Reflecting on this, he shares, “I had to survey the team members personally…that helped me a lot also to open my eyes and to be more conscious and aware.” (11:02) These moments not only showcased his leadership but also highlighted his ability to foster collaboration under pressure.
Roger’s story underlines how extracurricular activities provide invaluable lessons in leadership and adaptability. His achievements in sports exemplify the potential for personal growth beyond academic settings, inspiring others to embrace their passions alongside professional pursuits.
Roger’s leadership journey extends well beyond academics. He consistently demonstrated initiative and vision as a TEC member (The Executive Committee). This program selects 12 students to be mentored by a senior business leader who has led and built their own companies in the past. The student members reflect on their past experiences and brainstorm over a tentative future for themselves. These sessions help them build solid relationships by deeply bonding together through the sessions.
Roger was also a VP in the Search Fund Club, and a Board Advisor in the Entrepreneurship Club. “The campus life makes totally the difference. More than 90% of the people in the program live on campus, and that allows us to interact way more frequently,” he says. He emphasizes the importance of community in personal and professional growth. (05:28)
His role as a leader in the MBA Ambassador Program also stands out. Engaging with prospective students and showcasing the HEC Paris experience, Roger developed communication skills vital for fostering collaboration and building networks.
This multifaceted involvement highlights the importance of stepping into leadership roles that align with one’s aspirations. Roger’s experience demonstrates that authentic leadership is about inspiring others while growing personally, a skill set highly valued in today’s global business landscape.
Transitioning from a successful career in Peru to pursuing an MBA in France required adaptability and resilience. Roger’s approach to overcoming obstacles is inspiring. He recalls winter training sessions for football, “Discipline is not only doing the thing when you want to, but when you know you have to and even when you don’t want to. That ultimately forces you into the mindset of an achiever.” (10:14) These experiences reinforced his belief in perseverance and the importance of pushing through discomfort to achieve success.
Additionally, Roger’s involvement in the MBAT dance competition demanded humility and openness to feedback. “They realized that I was stepping back, not trying to be the chief or the boss, but I was trying to be the glue keeping the team together because that is what a real leader does,” he reflects. (11:43) This mindset contributed to his team’s gold medal and enriched his understanding of effective teamwork.
Roger’s journey illustrates how embracing challenges can result in personal and professional growth. From adapting to new environments to excelling in team-based endeavors, his story serves as a blueprint for aspiring leaders seeking more holistic development.
HEC Paris provided Roger with a global perspective that extended beyond the classroom. Interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds deepened his understanding of international business dynamics. He notes, “The real value, I think, is outside the classroom where you get to interact with your peers, where you learn how their economies work, how they think, you contrast your point of view with others…you absorb that and you open up more.” (14:20)
Roger also credits the program’s international exposure for enhancing his cultural awareness. Participating in cultural and professional events, he learned about global economic systems and societal norms. “Understanding different worldviews has been invaluable for both personal growth and professional strategy,” he remarks.
This experience showcases the importance of immersing oneself in a diverse environment. HEC Paris equips students like Roger to excel as global leaders in an interconnected world by fostering cultural intelligence and critical thinking.
Roger’s story demonstrates how extracurricular passions translate into professional skills. Football taught him teamwork, strategic planning, and discipline. Meanwhile, dance fostered creativity, humility, and the ability to embrace feedback constructively. It is about knowing when to step back and let others take charge to create a collaborative environment.
This well-rounded skill set positions Roger as a leader ready to tackle complex challenges in any organizational setting. By combining his passions with his professional goals, he exemplifies the essence of holistic development.
Roger’s journey demonstrates that success can reach beyond academic achievements. By integrating personal interests with professional aspirations, he highlights the value of pursuing a balanced, multidimensional approach to growth.
Roger’s journey at HEC Paris illustrates the power of an MBA to transform not just careers but lives. His story underscores the importance of leveraging diverse experiences to build a global perspective. From managing teams to excelling in competitive sports, Roger’s ability to adapt and thrive is a testament to the limitless potential of an HEC Paris education.
His narrative reminds us that authentic leadership involves continuous learning and adaptability. Prospective MBA students can draw inspiration from his approach to blending personal passions with professional goals, emphasizing the value of resilience and self-awareness in achieving success.
Does Roger’s journey inspire you? Visit the HEC Paris MBA ambassadors page to connect with current students and learn how HEC Paris can shape your future.
