When Juliana Cruz moved from Lima to Maryland to pursue her full-time MBA, she knew she was stepping into unfamiliar territory. What she didn’t realize at the time was just how transformative that leap would be — not just academically, but personally and professionally.
Juliana redefined what it means to lead with courage, clarity, and curiosity. That bold transition across continents, languages, and career rhythms laid the foundation for how she shows up today: as a leader navigating complexity, driving scaled learning, and building impact in a global tech company.
In this Beyond the MBA spotlight, Juliana reflects on the lessons that have deepened over time, the leadership traits she’s actively cultivating, and the career risks that continue to shape her path. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth lives outside your comfort zone — and that leading with intention starts by embracing the unknown.
Looking back, what’s one lesson from your MBA that you didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but now proves invaluable in your career?
If I had to choose one lesson from my MBA (University of Maryland, Smith School of Business) that has deepened in meaning over time, it would be the enormous value of adaptability and agility.
During the program, everything moved at lightning speed — assignments, deadlines, group projects, personal growth. I was constantly adjusting, but rarely had time to reflect on the transformation I was experiencing. Only in hindsight did I realize how much I had changed.
I’ve always considered myself adaptable, but it’s the intentional, courageous transitions that stretch you in unexpected ways. For me, that meant moving from Lima to Maryland to pursue a full-time MBA — shifting from a professional rhythm to academic rigor, from Spanish to English, and from a familiar community to building a new one from scratch. Those two years were intense, and yet I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
That experience taught me not just to adapt, but to embrace the unknown, find energy in uncertainty, and trust that growth often lives outside your comfort zone. Today, that mindset is foundational — I navigate complexity, change, and ambiguity daily. That agility, honed through experience and reflection, enables me to drive impact, deliver value, and keep learning with every challenge.
it’s the intentional, courageous transitions that stretch you in unexpected ways."
What leadership trait are you most actively developing right now—and how is it showing up in your work?
The leadership trait I’m most actively developing is leading in ambiguity.
In my role within the Center of Excellence for Learning and Skilling at Microsoft, I focus on scaled learning — an area that has been a consistent passion throughout my career. Today, the rapid pace of technological change creates both unprecedented opportunities and uncertainty, making the ability to lead in ambiguity essential.
For me, leading in ambiguity means creating clarity, making responsible decisions with the information available, and helping others stay grounded as priorities shift. In practice, it shows up every day: in the projects I manage and contribute to, I balance innovation with structure, long-term vision with short-term agility, and purpose with openness to change. This approach enables me to lead effectively, deliver meaningful impact, and continue evolving as a leader.
What’s the best career risk you’ve taken since graduating, and what did it teach you?
Since graduating in 2020, the most meaningful career risk I’ve taken was trusting my instinct in choosing my first post-MBA role.
I stepped into an entirely new industry — beyond my comfort zone and prior experience. It was a bold move, but one aligned with my values and long-term aspirations. I committed to learning quickly, understanding the business ecosystem, and investing in relationships across the organization.
That decision reinforced the value of intentional risk. Growth doesn’t come from knowing everything — it comes from being willing to learn, adapt, and lead in unfamiliar territory. That mindset continues to shape how I approach challenges, build partnerships, and drive impact in my current role.
Growth doesn’t come from knowing everything — it comes from being willing to learn, adapt, and lead in unfamiliar territory."
How do you recharge or stay grounded when work (and life) get intense?
I prioritize wellbeing intentionally and consistently.
Swimming has become my favorite after-office reset, helping me refresh both mentally and physically. I also carve out time for travel, stepping outside my usual ecosystem to gain perspective and reconnect with curiosity.
Another activity that truly energizes me is building genuine connections at work — sharing ideas, collaborating with colleagues, and creating space for authentic dialogue. These practices are not just personal; they are foundational to my leadership, helping me show up with authenticity, empathy, and resilience, even in high-intensity environments.
What’s one way the Forté community has surprised you or shown up for you beyond what you expected?
One of the most meaningful ways the Forté community has shown up for me is through the instant connection I feel with fellow Forté members. It’s about a shared commitment to advancing the visibility and impact of women in the corporate world. That connection goes beyond credentials — it’s a quiet but powerful bond that often emerges from the very first conversation with a Forté alumna.
Forté has shown me that belonging to a purpose-driven network transforms how you lead, build relationships, and move forward. That sense of support, even before formal introductions, has been one of the most valuable surprises this community has given me.
Juliana’s journey is a masterclass in intentional growth
From embracing ambiguity to leading with empathy, she exemplifies what it means to evolve with purpose. Her story reminds us that the MBA is not just a degree — it’s a launchpad for transformation, resilience, and impact.
And through it all, the Forté community remains a steady force by connecting, empowering, and amplifying women like Juliana who are redefining leadership every day.
More from Juliana:
- Favorite Quote: Be, then do.
- Book Recommendation: The Coming Wave from Mustafa Suleyman
- Podcast Recommendation: Women at Work by HBR
- Song that makes her turn up the volume: Believer by Imagine Dragons
