Wilda Tri Farizqi, Esade MBA Class of 2028
Age: 37
Hometown: Indonesia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), B.S. in Industrial Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Manager in Macroprudential Surveillance, Central Bank of Indonesia (Bank Indonesia), 11+ years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After over a decade in central banking analyzing systemic risks and macroprudential policy, I hit a pivot point where analytical excellence needed to be paired with high-level strategic decision-making. Moving into leadership roles means I no longer just execute analysis; I must manage complexity, shape institutional strategy, and lead diverse teams. Pursuing an MBA now gives me the strategic toolkit, global business exposure, and leadership frameworks required to transition effectively from a technical specialist into a strategic decision-maker.
Why did you choose Esade? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Esade because I was looking for a top-tier business school with a big heart—a place that proves ambition and empathy can thrive in the same classroom. Coming from public policy where every decision affects society at large, Esade’s mission to train responsible, purposeful leaders resonated deeply with me. Additionally, the diversity of the international cohort and Esade’s strong focus on experiential learning were crucial factors. I wanted an environment where debate is collaborative rather than purely competitive, allowing me to draw insights from multicultural perspectives.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I bring a distinct perspective from the intersection of central banking, macroprudential policy, and financial stability in a major emerging economy. Having led initiatives ranging from agricultural value-chain development that significantly increased farmer productivity and added value to high-level stress testing for systemic banks, I can share real-world insights on how macroeconomic policies, business resilience, and social impact interact on the ground.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I can whip up an authentic Indonesian dish—quite literally, as I’ve won a few cooking recipe competitions alongside photography contests! But beyond food and photography, most people don’t know that I also won 1st place in a financial literacy storytelling competition. Whether it’s turning complex financial regulations into an award-winning story or capturing a concept through a lens, I love finding creative, non-traditional ways to communicate complex ideas through story and visuals.
Post-MBA career interests:
My mission post-MBA is to bridge central bank stability with green innovation to build future-proof financial systems. Upon returning to Bank Indonesia, I plan to step into strategic leadership roles focused on financial stability frameworks, sustainable finance policies (such as green macroprudential instruments), and institutional transformation.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to talk to the actual humans behind the brochure—attend education fairs, book coffee chats, and connect directly with the Admissions Team, current students, and alumni! The Admissions Team was amazingly open and helpful, not only guiding me through logistics but also offering deep career insights while genuinely understanding my cultural background. Pairing that with first-hand insights from students and alumni gave me a complete, authentic picture of the program.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would beat the rolling admissions clock as early as possible. Balancing a demanding workload at the central bank made finding time for essay writing and test preparation challenging, pushing my application close to the final deadlines. Applying early would have saved me significant stress later with visa processing, document legalization, and finding housing, allowing me to arrive in Spain fully focused on academics and networking.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would gladly skip the standardized testing process (GRE/TAE), especially when I realized the stress was 10% exam preparation and 90% my own overthinking! Balancing study hours with a demanding full-time workload was genuinely tough. What helped me get through it was shifting my perspective: viewing the assessment not as an arbitrary roadblock, but as a valuable tool to ensure I was prepared for the program’s rigor. In the end, the TAE test turned out to be far more manageable than the GRE.
What is your initial impression of the Esade students/culture/community?
Esade feels like a global village where psychologists, engineers, bankers, and entrepreneurs leave their egos at the door to build a genuinely open community.
- True Multi-Dimensional Diversity: Esade carefully curates the cohort far beyond nationalities. My classmates come from completely non-traditional backgrounds—including architecture, psychology, mechanical engineering, NGOs, startups, and family businesses—alongside standard business roles.
- Warm & Collaborative Vibe: From day one, everyone has been incredibly open, warm, and eager to learn from each other. As an international student adapting to a new country, this supportive environment made me feel right at home and reassured me that I was never alone in this journey.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am planning to join the Finance & Fintech Club and the Sustainable & Social Impact Club to explore evolving digital financial technologies and sustainable finance models. Additionally, I hope to engage with the Esade Women in Business Club to advocate for inclusive leadership and participate in Cultural & Regional Clubs to connect deeply with my classmates beyond the academic setting!
What is one thing you have learned about Esade that has surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised to see how Esade proves that core values are real—from providing career support on Day 1 to clearly labeling ingredients for dietary and halal preferences at every single lunch! “Do Good. Do Better.” isn’t just a slogan; it shows up in everyday details and student feedback. Coupled with an early emphasis on mental health and cultural intelligence, Esade intentionally curates a thoughtful, values-aligned community from day one.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about tackling real-world business puzzles alongside brilliant minds from five different continents in our teamwork dynamics and study groups.
