Post by Brandon Chu, MBA

Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Santiago, Chile, as part of my MBA studies at Ivey Business School at Western University. This trip was a perfect blend of cultural discovery, academic learning, and professional growth. Exploring Santiago with my peers gave me the chance to better understand Chile’s unique history and vibrant culture, from its dynamic city life to its deep-rooted traditions in wine making and hospitality. On the academic and business side, we were fortunate to hear from a wide range of organizations shaping the Chilean and global economy. Scotiabank provided insights into the evolving financial landscape in Latin America. SQM’s mining sustainability team shared the critical role Chile plays in the global supply chain, particularly in lithium production for the clean energy transition. Globant highlighted how innovation and technology are reshaping industries across the region, while the founder of Eggless gave us a candid look into entrepreneurship and building consumer brands in a fast-changing market. We also had the chance to work directly with Enel Chile, where we explored the future of energy, and with Kingston Family Vineyards, which offered a first-hand look at the challenges and opportunities in domestic agribusiness. These experiences underscored the balance between tradition and innovation that defines much of Chile’s economy today. I came away from this journey not only with new business insights but also a deeper appreciation for how culture, sustainability, and innovation intersect to drive growth. The time spent with my peers made the experience even more meaningful, and I am grateful to have learned so much from the organizations and people we met along the way.