Elisa Recabarren Allende

Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about you?

I have my own little hairstyling business. It has been a great way to be creative and has taught me a lot about understanding clients and doing everything to keep them happy.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got to where you are today.

Born and raised in Chile, I'm the youngest of four siblings, with hard-working parents I've always looked up to. They taught me the value of working for what you want and dreaming big, and that's what got me where I am today.

I built my career in digital banking as a Product Manager at Fpay and Banco Falabella, working on payments, credit cards, and data. Wanting to explore something beyond my career so far, I moved to France with my husband to do my MBA at INSEAD, looking for new opportunities and a chance to deepen my leadership skills.

Having built a successful career in digital banking and fintech at Banco Falabella and Fpay, what convinced you that leaving a fast-growing market in Chile for an international MBA at INSEAD was the right next step?

I wanted international exposure and the chance to learn from other industries. I'd spent my whole career in one industry and one country, so an MBA felt like the right way to open the door to new experiences. INSEAD stood out because of its diversity, both in cultures and in industries, which is exactly what I was looking for.

What made you choose INSEAD's one-year MBA over a two-year MBA?

For me, it was both a personal and family decision. I wanted the MBA experience without stepping away from work for too long, and my husband was joining me, pausing his own career along the way. The one-year format was the perfect fit for both of us.

How has living and studying in Fontainebleau shaped your experience of the INSEAD community?

One of the things I really value about living in Fontainebleau is how easy it is to build relationships outside the classroom.

I love that it's not a big city where everyone scatters after class, but it's not just an isolated campus either. It's a town, with nice restaurants, cool bars, and an amazing park where you can meet up with friends. It's a great environment for building friendships, because everyone lives close by and is eager to connect. At the same time, it also gives you the space and time to be on your own when things get too intense.

 It's a great environment for building friendships, because everyone lives close by and is eager to connect.

How have you connected with fellow Latino-American students and the broader global INSEAD alumni community so far?

With the Latin American community, we have a big club where we promote our culture and connect with each other through multiple social events. When it comes to the broader global INSEAD community, I think it's all about being enthusiastic and showing up: joining clubs, going to events (both social and professional), and engaging with your classmates. They are the greatest and closest global community you'll find.

How has your experience as a female leader in the programme been, and what support or networking opportunities have stood out to you?

The programme really pushes you to believe that you can do it. INSEAD brings in many alumni speakers, including women CEOs and senior leaders, to share their experiences. Seeing women in those roles makes it easier to relate to them and to see their path as something to aspire to.

One talk that really stood out to me was by Barbara Martín Coppola, former CEO of Decathlon and INSEAD MBA alumna. She spoke about daring to try new things and finding your own voice, while still making space for your life at home. I loved hearing someone at that level speak so openly about this topic. It made it feel real and achievable.

The Women in Business Club has also played a key role, bringing in women from different industries and creating an intimate setting where you can engage with them and learn from their journeys.

What advice would you give to international students hoping to pursue career opportunities in Europe during or after the MBA?

My biggest advice would be to start early and be proactive. I began having coffee chats and building my network from January, which gave me time to understand the European market and adjust my approach.

I also learned that it’s important to make good use of the support available at INSEAD. My career coach, Christian Torkington, helped me become much more strategic in how I approached networking and those conversations.

For international students in particular, I think it’s important to come in with realistic expectations, start exploring opportunities early and be prepared to adapt your strategy as you learn more about the market.