Maria Pia Bazzolo
Esade Business School
Age: 43
“Purpose-driven HR leader passionate about helping people and companies go the extra mile.”
Hometown: Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Family Members: I live with my partner and our three amazing boys—my two sons, Theo (12) and Lucca (9), and his son Santiago (11). We’re a beautifully blended adventure.
Fun fact about yourself: I’ve written HR strategies while making school lunches—true multitasking magic.
Undergraduate School and Degree: UCES – Universidad de Ciencias empresariales y sociales, Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources – Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Where are you currently working? I am the Vice President of Human Resources at Intcomex, a multinational technology distribution company.
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: (Include school awards and honors)
- Co-founder and Territory Director of BenchClub Centroamérica, an invite-only HR executive networking and benchmarking community
- Career coach for professionals seeking transformation in their careers
- Volunteer mentor for early-career professionals
- Guest speaker at conferences focused on diversity, leadership, and transformation
- Recognized as one of the Top 5 HR Changemakers for Central America & the Caribbean
- Featured in top-tier magazine articles and a recognized podcast
- Padel and Kite surfer amateur
- Former regional HR leader for Maersk and Philips in Central America and LATAM
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Co-founding BenchClub Centroamérica during my EMBA journey. What began as an invitation to speak at the Buenos Aires chapter in 2020 evolved into a personal mission to create meaningful professional connections in Central America. I am in the process of launching and scaling the community across 5 countries, building something that now lives far beyond me. It represents the intersection of my purpose, leadership, and everything I’ve learned at Esade.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Leading a regional HR transformation that integrated people, systems, and culture across eight countries. It was a defining moment—professionally and personally. I had to make tough decisions with empathy and clarity, and the feedback from our teams confirmed that we were building trust even while navigating change. It taught me that transformation isn’t just about structure, it’s about people, always.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I had the pleasure of working with Esade during my time at APM Terminals (Maersk) in the Netherlands and was immediately drawn to its values. Years later, those same values—collaboration, excellence, and responsible leadership—still deeply align with who I am. I also wanted a truly global perspective and the flexibility of a hybrid format. Esade offered the perfect mix of in-person immersion and virtual learning, allowing me to grow while staying connected to my family and work.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? The power of perspective. Working with diverse, multicultural teams taught me that great leadership isn’t about having the answers. Instead, it is all about asking the right questions. I’ve since transformed how I facilitate strategic sessions at work, creating more space for reflection, innovation, and voices that hadn’t always been heard before.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? There was one week during the EMBA that felt like everything in my life converged at once. I was finalizing a complex restructuring plan as VP of HR for LATAM, preparing for a finance exam I could barely find time to study for, managing BenchClub—my growing entrepreneurial project—and, most importantly, supporting my youngest son, who was going through a tough time at school.
As a single mother of two young boys, the pressure was intense. But I did what I always try to do: show up. I woke up at 5 a.m. to study before anyone else was awake. I delegated more intentionally at work and made space for heart-to-heart conversations at home—reminding my boys (and myself) that it’s okay not to have all the answers. One night, I was reviewing case studies at the kitchen table while helping my eldest finish a project, both of us focused and quietly rooting for each other.
I gave it my all that week—not because it was easy, but because I want to continue growing for myself and for them. I want my kids to see, through my actions, how important it is to invest in your own development, even when life feels chaotic. That week taught me that you don’t need perfection to move forward—you just need purpose, support, and the courage to keep going.
These 18 months taught me a powerful truth: you can’t “do it all” by yourself. But with structure, vulnerability, and strong support systems, you can honor your values and move forward in every role you play—with your heart intact.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? Be clear on your “why.” The MBA will challenge you—personally and professionally—but your purpose will keep you grounded. And remember, your classmates are more than peers; they become your tribe, your mirrors, and your greatest source of support.
What was your biggest regret in business school? Not taking more international electives. I hesitated because of time and family commitments, but I now realize those experiences offer some of the richest opportunities for learning and connection.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Ahmed Aldemerdash – His ability to lead calmly, contribute deeply to every discussion, and remain kind and generous throughout this demanding journey inspired me. He embodies the essence of leadership under pressure.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I didn’t just want a diploma—I wanted real immersion, deep conversations, and transformational learning. Esade’s hybrid model was intentional for me: the in-person modules offered intense, focused learning and real connection, while the virtual weeks gave me the flexibility to stay close to my kids and manage my professional responsibilities. It was the best of both worlds. And what made it truly powerful was the global exposure—I’ve built relationships with classmates from all over the world, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives that shaped the way I lead today.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? I negotiated partial sponsorship with my company by clearly outlining the return on investment—highlighting how the program would immediately elevate my leadership and strategic value. My performance and grades became part of that agreement. I self-financed the remaining cost, viewing it not as an expense but as a long-term investment in my future. I also made conscious lifestyle adjustments, used airline miles and rewards, and prioritized spending to make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity a reality. It was a bold commitment—but one I made wholeheartedly.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? To continue shaping cultures, helping people grow and leading meaningful transformations at scale. I want to be known for creating workplaces where people and companies thrive—and were doing good and doing well go hand-in-hand.
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