Disruptive innovation is everywhere. The way people bank, shop, and work is constantly evolving as new ideas challenge traditional industries and create space for new ones.
From the invention of the light bulb to Amazon revolutionizing e-commerce, history’s most successful innovations have changed the way we work and live.
But what exactly makes innovation ‘disruptive’ and why should MBA students pay attention?
Gabriel Mendes asked himself these questions before pursuing an MBA. Having spent most of his professional career in São Paulo, Brazil, Gabriel studied geography and law, and built a career spanning industries including fintech, fashion retail, law, and corporate mergers and acquisitions.
Yet despite his broad professional experience, he sought more international exposure and deeper insights into business innovation.
This led Gabriel to enroll in the MBA specialization in Sustainable and Disruptive Innovation at HEC Paris. BusinessBecause sat down with Gabriel to understand why disruptive innovation is crucial for future business leaders and how his MBA is preparing him to lead change.
What is disruptive innovation?
Disruptive innovation transforms industries by offering simpler, more affordable, or more accessible alternatives to existing products and services.
The term, popularized by Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen, describes how smaller companies with fewer resources can challenge established industry leaders by identifying market opportunities overlooked by larger corporations.
Netflix, which evolved from a mail-order DVD service into a global streaming giant, and Uber, which disrupted the taxi industry by reimagining urban transportation, are classic examples.
However, innovation isn't limited to technology. Shifts in consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and increased pressure for sustainability also push companies to rethink their business strategies.
Gabriel sees disruption as essential for creating new standards and opportunities in business.
“Disruption is all about creating new standards and new requirements. We live in a fast-paced world full of disruptions, and to succeed in business, you must be prepared for that,” says Gabriel.
How an MBA cultivates disruptive thinking
The Sustainable and Disruptive Innovation specialization at HEC Paris allowed Gabriel to experience disruption from multiple angles. The program combined case studies, experiential projects, and interactions with industry experts to understand the dynamics behind successful innovation.
A particularly impactful project for Gabriel (pictured) involved assessing the authenticity behind corporate sustainability pledges. The class split into groups to investigate how genuinely committed companies were to sustainability—beyond marketing claims.
“We built business cases and conducted our own due diligence, comparing what companies claimed they were doing against their actual practices. That process was transformative for me,” he says.
Another key moment was an experiential learning project involving a local organic farm in France. Coming from a background in corporate environments, Gabriel found it eye-opening to work directly with small producers.
“This was an opportunity to understand the reality of smaller businesses. In big corporations, everything operates at scale. But here, I saw first-hand how smaller enterprises innovate differently because they must be pragmatic and resourceful.”
Gabriel observed that smaller businesses typically lack the resources for high-risk innovation, prompting them to prioritize small improvements instead of radical changes.
Understanding this difference between smaller enterprises and large corporations helped Gabriel recognize that innovation takes various forms based on resources, risk tolerance, and organizational needs.
“Innovation always involves some level of risk. Large companies have the resources to make big bets, but smaller firms have to innovate more carefully. Understanding both sides has helped me understand innovation from multiple angles,” Gabriel explains.
Why diversity matters for innovation
Research shows that teams deliberately built with diverse perspectives consistently outperform homogeneous groups. They’re 87% more likely to make better decisions, and 70% more likely to successfully enter new markets.
Gabriel experienced this firsthand at HEC Paris, where his classmates represented 60 nationalities and came from backgrounds spanning engineering, business, law, humanities, and more.
“Some of the biggest lessons from my MBA have come from debates where we completely disagreed with each other.
“If you’re always surrounded by people who think the same way, it’s easy to miss the bigger picture—and different perspectives are crucial when it comes to innovation.”
Opportunities to network extend beyond the classroom. Studying in Paris places MBA students near Station F—the world’s largest startup incubator—where HEC Paris maintains close ties. This proximity allows students to connect directly with entrepreneurship and innovation through events, workshops, and interactions with the wider startup community.
For Gabriel, these external opportunities also led to co-founding the Brazil Climate Summit 2024, which brought together policymakers, sustainability leaders, and businesses from Europe and Brazil to discuss climate innovation.
Building a career with a disruptive mindset
Sustainability, AI, and automation are changing the way businesses operate, influencing everything from how financial firms assess risk to how healthcare providers deliver patient care. As companies rethink traditional models, they need professionals who can anticipate disruption and adapt business strategies accordingly.
For Gabriel, the MBA was a chance to step back and rethink his approach to innovation.
“I came to the MBA because I realized I had so much to learn. A collective brain is powerful, and people with different skills from different corners of the world bring valuable perspectives,” he says.
By combining the fundamentals of business with a focus on sustainable and disruptive innovation, he was able to reflect on his past experiences and reassess how he would approach business challenges in the future.
“This was an extremely impactful experience. I have four years of working in startups, and yet my MBA learnings and projects have given me a chance to reflect on my past experiences of scaling solutions and think about how I would do things differently in future,” he concludes.
I have met the most competent and diverse batch in this school. These people not only thrive on their own but also makes sure that you are doing it with them. The professors will take your had and walk you through all milestones and make sure you are not left behind. I have found their extracurriculars extremely engaging. There was always a room to have social life after academic life. The only hindrance is the location of the school, it is slightly outside city and living in city is expensive.
Sarah
Verified
18/03/2022
On Campus
Internationality and diversity of opportunities
About my programme I would say it is very international and flexible: we have the opportunity to choose exactly the courses we want. But at the same time, the frame of the campus is crucial in students' life and enable us to create friendships.
Student
Verified
29/10/2021
On Campus
Great selection of people
While HEC's MBA is highly selective, I really enjoy the type of people HEC's selects to make sure everybody gets the best out of their MBA experience and networking opportunities. Not only it's an incredibly diverse pool of people (~60 nationalities) but most importantly they make sure to let in friendly empathic and curious people.
Veronique
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
Best in France for Grande ecole
A prestigious business school. Languages are important. It is better to have a scientific baccalaureate with excellent grades in high school and good assessments.
The courses are well designed as per the latest trends and practicality of learning in stressed upon. Overall, a very good experience.
Ghadi
Verified
11/06/2022
On Campus
Diversity and quality of fellow students
Very international and interesting place to be and opens a lot of opportunities, however the administration is very french and facilities are subpar (gym, classrooms) meaning the academic affairs is pretty much useless and lastly we are graded on a curve which can create a toxic environment because of the competition. With that being said the pros outweighs the cons by far.
Student
Verified
27/03/2022
On Campus
The quality of the teachers, the campus, the clubs
The school is very international indeed, we have courses with international students and share things with them within the extra academic life (in the social clubs especially). We have great career prospects if we prepare ourselves well - however, the global curriculum is still very finance-oriented, which is a pity for other interesting domains of the company world, which does not rely on finance only. The social clubs are good practice for the management and for now, are quite independent.
Lb
Verified
26/03/2022
On Campus
HEC Paris awaits you
HEC Paris is really a nice place to do a master's in business. Many classes are useful and interesting (corporate finance, financial accounting, contract law…), some are less - but the curriculum is to be reviewed in the year to come. Regarding the student life, it is incredible, with about 130 clubs, lots of great parties with even greater people. The Jouy campus offers a lot of opportunities to do sports, and you can breathe fresh air every day. HEC also helps a great deal to find an internship or a job.
Rajarshi
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
A dream institute
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
Student
Verified
19/10/2021
On Campus
Good choice for a career boost
The classes were extremely practical and relevant to the current challenges that businesses are facing. You have access to a wide range of professionals and good career prospects once you leave the university.
Student
Verified
7/07/2022
On Campus
Cultural experience
I have met the most competent and diverse batch in this school. These people not only thrive on their own but also makes sure that you are doing it with them. The professors will take your had and walk you through all milestones and make sure you are not left behind. I have found their extracurriculars extremely engaging. There was always a room to have social life after academic life. The only hindrance is the location of the school, it is slightly outside city and living in city is expensive.
Sarah
Verified
18/03/2022
On Campus
Internationality and diversity of opportunities
About my programme I would say it is very international and flexible: we have the opportunity to choose exactly the courses we want. But at the same time, the frame of the campus is crucial in students' life and enable us to create friendships.
Student
Verified
29/10/2021
On Campus
Great selection of people
While HEC's MBA is highly selective, I really enjoy the type of people HEC's selects to make sure everybody gets the best out of their MBA experience and networking opportunities. Not only it's an incredibly diverse pool of people (~60 nationalities) but most importantly they make sure to let in friendly empathic and curious people.
Veronique
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
Best in France for Grande ecole
A prestigious business school. Languages are important. It is better to have a scientific baccalaureate with excellent grades in high school and good assessments.
The courses are well designed as per the latest trends and practicality of learning in stressed upon. Overall, a very good experience.
Ghadi
Verified
11/06/2022
On Campus
Diversity and quality of fellow students
Very international and interesting place to be and opens a lot of opportunities, however the administration is very french and facilities are subpar (gym, classrooms) meaning the academic affairs is pretty much useless and lastly we are graded on a curve which can create a toxic environment because of the competition. With that being said the pros outweighs the cons by far.
Student
Verified
27/03/2022
On Campus
The quality of the teachers, the campus, the clubs
The school is very international indeed, we have courses with international students and share things with them within the extra academic life (in the social clubs especially). We have great career prospects if we prepare ourselves well - however, the global curriculum is still very finance-oriented, which is a pity for other interesting domains of the company world, which does not rely on finance only. The social clubs are good practice for the management and for now, are quite independent.
Lb
Verified
26/03/2022
On Campus
HEC Paris awaits you
HEC Paris is really a nice place to do a master's in business. Many classes are useful and interesting (corporate finance, financial accounting, contract law…), some are less - but the curriculum is to be reviewed in the year to come. Regarding the student life, it is incredible, with about 130 clubs, lots of great parties with even greater people. The Jouy campus offers a lot of opportunities to do sports, and you can breathe fresh air every day. HEC also helps a great deal to find an internship or a job.
Rajarshi
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
A dream institute
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
Student
Verified
19/10/2021
On Campus
Good choice for a career boost
The classes were extremely practical and relevant to the current challenges that businesses are facing. You have access to a wide range of professionals and good career prospects once you leave the university.
Student
Verified
1/06/2024
On Campus
Diverse
HEC, as an academic institution, serves as a launching pad for students to excel in their pursuits and careers. The diversity among students and professors is truly remarkable. The chance to attend seminars across five major continents is unparalleled. The exposure and relationships it fosters are invaluable.
Student
Verified
31/05/2024
On Campus
Super diverse
It's a super diverse and fascinating environment with tons of chances, but the management is very French, and the facilities like the gym and classrooms are not great. This makes the academic side quite ineffective. Plus, we're graded on a curve, leading to a competitive and sometimes toxic atmosphere. Despite all that, the benefits definitely overshadow the drawbacks.
John
Verified
10/06/2024
On Campus
Surreal academic experience
What stood out to me about HEC was the direction and insight it offered on coding approaches. Prior to joining the program, I attempted self-learning, but I felt disoriented and lacked a starting point.HEC enabled me to grasp the basics of programming and provided support when I encountered obstacles. Without that guidance, I doubt I would have achieved the progress I have made to date.
John
Verified
10/06/2024
On Campus
Good security
HEC boasts a dedicated team of security personnel who undergo rigorous training to ensure the perpetual maintenance of tranquility and orderliness within the institution. Their unwavering efforts are directed towards fostering a sense of security among the student body, thereby enabling them to channel their energies predominantly towards their academic pursuits.
Student
Verified
17/07/2024
On Campus
Innovative teaching method
I am thoroughly enjoying my time at HEC, from the innovative teaching methods to the welcoming campus environment, which is particularly supportive of international students. The extracurricular opportunities, such as sports and associations, are incredibly valuable. Additionally, the career services offered are exceptional. Overall, I find my experience at HEC to be truly enriching.
Student
Verified
3/10/2024
On Campus
mim
HEC Paris has been a transformative experience for me. The caliber of the faculty, the diversity of the student body, and the global network it offers are unmatched. The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their career goals, and the focus on real-world application through case studies and consulting projects provides invaluable hands-on experience. The campus itself is beautiful, and the opportunities to engage with leading companies through internships, competitions, and networking events have been incredible. HEC truly prepares you to be a leader in today's complex business world. I couldn’t have asked for a better program to propel my career forward.
Student
Verified
21/09/2024
On Campus
Unwavering enthusiasm
Here's the first paragraph:
I embarked on a journey to Paris, where HEC University welcomed me with open arms. As I stepped onto its prestigious campus, I was captivated by the infectious energy and innovative spirit that filled the air. The passionate faculty, industry experts, and fellow visionaries from around the globe shared their knowledge with unwavering enthusiasm."
Student
Verified
9/10/2024
On Campus
Exceptional Experience
HEC offers an exceptional experience that I highly recommend. The small-town setting allows for a unique blend of academic rigor and community engagement. The peaceful campus and close-knit student body create a warm environment. Proactive engagement with professors yields valuable guidance. Friendships may blossom slowly, but persistence pays off. The city's beauty, scenic views, and diverse eateries near campus enrich the experience. University dining may not impress, but it's decent.
Student
Verified
28/01/2025
On Campus
A Transformative Experience
Attending HEC Paris is an exceptional experience, combining world-class education with personal and professional growth opportunities.
The courses are incredibly engaging, delivered by highly qualified professionals who are specialists in their domains and often work or have work experience in prestigious companies. Far from being purely theoretical, the programs emphasise practical, hands-on learning, allowing students to dive deep into whichever area they want to specialise in. The variety of elective courses is remarkable - you can explore anything from advanced financial techniques to more cultural disciplines like politics, arts, and cinema.
Beyond academics, the student life at HEC is vibrant and dynamic. With over 50 student associations to join, there's something that will fit for everyone. Whether you are passionate about entrepreneurship, sports, arts, cuisine, social causes or anything else, HEC offers a space to explore and develop your interests.
The campus itself is well-equipped, providing students with everything they need for a comfortable and enriching experience. From excellent accommodations and sports facilities with professional coaching to a sprawling green area perfect for walking or relaxing, the environment is both stimulating and tranquil. And with Paris just a short bus ride away, students have the added benefit of easy access to one of the world's most beautiful cities.
However, what truly sets HEC apart is the unparalleled networking opportunities it provides. The school fosters connections through daily conferences in various fields of business (and not only business), networking events, site visits, and alumni cocktails. The alumni network is incredibly powerful, opening doors to countless opportunities and making it easier to connect with professionals in your dream field. The career center is another standout feature, offering invaluable support to help students navigate their career paths.
In conclusion, HEC Paris is much more than a top-tier European business school - it’s a transformative experience that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to achieve your goals while also helping you discover what you’re truly passionate about.
Student
Verified
21/02/2025
On Campus
Exceptional and esteemed institution
My time at HEC Paris was nothing short of incredible! The exceptional faculty, cutting-edge curriculum, and breathtaking campus exceeded my expectations. But what truly made my experience stand out was the diverse and dynamic community. I forged lasting bonds with people from all corners of the globe and gained invaluable insights from their unique perspectives.
The career prospects and alumni network that come with graduating from HEC Paris are unparalleled. I feel privileged to have been part of this esteemed institution and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a top-tier business education.
