Gabriela Olivera, London Business School’s MBA Class of 2026
Country: Peru
Major/Specializations: Economics; Corporate Finance; MSc in Innovation and Sustainability; Master of Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Start-up Incubator Manager; Strategy & Innovation Consultant; Senior Business Consultant; MIT Technology Review Researcher; World Business Angels Investment Forum Partner
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Throughout my career, I have been consistently drawn to the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and capital allocation. Whether working with startups in an incubator or designing venture-building programs with corporations, I became increasingly interested in how investment and strategic capital can scale innovation ecosystems.
Pursuing a one-year MBA with a strong focus on venture and digital investing, private equity, corporate transformation, and global markets felt like the natural next step. It offered the opportunity to deepen my investor mindset while gaining exposure to one of the world’s leading venture capital and private equity ecosystems.
The timing was also intentional. After eight years of professional experience across Latin America, I wanted to take a step back, gain a truly global perspective, and position myself to help bridge international capital with emerging innovation ecosystems.
Why did you choose London Business School and their One Year MBA? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When I decided to pursue an MBA, I had a clear objective: to develop the investor mindset needed to complement my experience in corporate venturing and innovation consulting, while embedding that learning within a truly global environment.
London Business School stood out for three key reasons: its global perspective, its location, and its strong connection to the venture and innovation ecosystem.
First, LBS is genuinely international, not only in the diversity of its student body but also in the breadth of perspectives brought into the classroom. For someone from Latin America looking to build bridges across markets, this environment was particularly compelling.
Second, being in London, one of the world’s most dynamic financial and startup hubs, provides unparalleled access to investors, entrepreneurs, and global institutions. It also offers a strategic base to travel across Europe, Asia, and North America, further enriching the MBA experience.
Finally, the One-Year MBA format was especially attractive, allowing experienced professionals to accelerate their transition while remaining closely connected to the job market.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I bring a perspective shaped by building scalable innovation ecosystems in emerging markets.
Prior to LBS, much of my work focused on helping startups and corporations design structures that enable entrepreneurship to thrive, from incubators to venture builders and corporate innovation programs.
I also naturally connect people and ideas across cultures and sectors. Coming from Peru, and having worked across multiple Latin American countries, I enjoy sharing regional insights while learning from classmates across diverse industries and geographies.
Post-MBA career interests
After the MBA, I aim to continue working at the intersection of venture capital, corporate venturing, and innovation strategy, helping companies and investors identify and scale high-potential startups.
In the long term, my goal is to contribute to the growth of emerging markets by connecting them with global capital and strategic expertise.
Advice for Applicants
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely invest time in speaking with current students and alumni.
Those conversations provided invaluable insight into the culture, opportunities, and day-to-day experience of the programme. They also helped me articulate, in a much more authentic way, why LBS was the right fit for me.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could do something differently, I would apply earlier, ideally in the first or second round.
Applying in the final round meant I had to move very quickly after receiving my offer, managing logistics under tight timelines rather than fully enjoying the transition into the MBA experience.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The most challenging part for me was preparing for the GMAT within a very short timeframe while working on a highly demanding project.
Balancing both required discipline and prioritization. I even had to take time off work to fully focus on the exam. What helped me most was staying committed to the bigger goal and maintaining a structured study plan despite the pressure.
What is your initial impression of the LBS students/culture/community?
My first impression of LBS is that the community is exceptionally diverse and globally minded.
It was the first time in my life that I found myself surrounded by people from countries I had only previously read about. It truly feels like, “name a country, someone at LBS is probably from there.”
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I have joined several clubs, but I have been most actively involved in the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club, Data Science & AI Club, Women in Business Club, and Consulting Club.
These organizations have provided opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, participate in treks, engage with leading firms, and take part in hands-on learning experiences that both deepen and broaden my interests.
What is one thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me is how accessible and supportive the community is, across students, faculty, and alumni.
There is a genuine willingness to help, whether through career advice, introductions, or collaboration, which creates a highly empowering environment.
What is one thing you are most excited about as a new LBS student?
I am most excited about the people.
One of the most unique aspects of LBS is the opportunity to learn alongside individuals from a wide range of industries, cultures, and experiences. The conversations both inside and outside the classroom are often just as valuable as the coursework itself.
