MBA Student Profile: Jack Kimball Barnes, IE

Read about Jack Kimball Barnes' experience with his MBA from IE and how he has emerged with flying colours in the program.

1. Jack Kimball Barnes came to Instituto de Empresa as a Fulbright scholar with a list of professional achievements that belied his relatively young age and augured well for his success from the outset. It would be fair to say, however, that he has far surpassed the already high expectations that IE had of him, both on an academic and personal level.

2. During his stay here, Jack's enthusiasm and ability to hone in on positive aspects while not losing sight of reality has been a source of inspiration to fellow students and professors alike.  Described by teammates as having leadership skills that hinge on motivation rather than domination, he has used a combination of superlative quantitative skills and a sense of solidarity to help less numerically gifted team members get to grips faster with serious number crunching. One of his teammates recalls how he was initially daunted, even irritated, by Jack's relentless and energetic drive for progress and excellence, only to be drawn into the same pursuit after finding himself admiring the enormous effort Jack was prepared to put in to work round other people's problems without overshadowing them.

3. He has brought the IE International MBA a different perspective on relevant issues, including some marvellously subjective research into the Eurozone, and is known for contributing socially responsible, unbiased views with an American in Madrid backdrop. The respect felt by fellow students and professors  have led to his falling into an unofficial role as the programme's general troubleshooter.

4. Jack's short and medium-term plans for the future are to work in an international business environment, then move on to apply the entrepreneurial skills gained at IE to the development and implementation of his own business enterprise. He is in no doubt of how the International MBA has furthered his professional development. He sees his connection with the Fulbright Commission as a privileged platform to use the benefits of the integrated vision of modern management he gained at IE, and a total immersion in the Spanish culture. IE looks forward to forming a part of what promises to be some very active networking, his idea being to centre his professional future on building cultural and corporate bridges between Mexico, Spain and the United States, including a project to set up an IE Alumni outpost in Arizona.

Rising to challenges is par for the course for this young professional, who has suffered from seriously impaired hearing since a childhood illness at the age of eleven. If asked, he says "it's a hurdle, not a barrier - it makes achievement all the more satisfying".

When you meet Jack, what stands out is his passion for both business and the learning experience. His energy and strong analytical mind, together with a warm, intensely human approach come across immediately. In short, to quote one of his professors: "He's a star and a gentleman."