Camilo Gómez Pinto
Published: 8 February 2024
Once Upon a Whisky Founder, Camilo, transformed his career post-Glasgow MBA, showcasing strategic skills and entrepreneurial success.
What is your role now?
I'm the Founder and Director of Once Upon a Whisky, a whisky tour company based in Scotland, the entrepreneurial project I started after I finished the Glasgow MBA. My role embraces the areas an organisation needs to be successful in an always changing environment, from the strategy, mission and vision through to marketing, sales, operations and finance. I'm managing Once Upon a Whisky with an emphasis on digital marketing to promote tours, tell the brand’s story and reach customers in different countries. I'm also responsible for offline activities like developing strategic alliances with hotels, restaurants and whisky companies.
How has the Glasgow MBA helped your career development?
Before the MBA I was working in marketing in a multinational corporation, but never felt completely fulfilled working for someone else. The MBA helped me develop a strategic way of thinking, leadership and entrepreneurial skills. I saw the opportunity to start my own company thanks to the support of the University and David, the MBA Careers Manager.
If it were not for the MBA I probably wouldn't be telling this story. The MBA gave me managerial skills to develop a successful business. The programme can help people in different ways. It gives us the big picture of how businesses work and a spectrum of possibilities. It's up the students to find the right career path. I decided to be an entrepreneur and couldn’t be prouder of all I’ve achieved so far.
What were the stand out moments from your time on the Glasgow MBA?
The opportunity to focus on one area of marketing, finance or strategy. This was one of the reasons I chose to study at the Adam Smith Business School. And of course, the distillery field trip was inspiring!
What did you enjoy most about your time at the University of Glasgow?
Meeting people from different nationalities, backgrounds and cultures. Also the beauty of the University and its gardens highly contributed to a wonderful experience.
What you would say to someone who is considering studying for the Glasgow MBA?
It is a life changing experience. Gaining an MBA is definitely the right way to become a leader in the future, whether it’s through setting up your own business or progressing your career and achieving a good position in any company.
First published: 8 February 2024