With early experience as a research assistant, followed by a stint in management consulting, Clara initially stepped away from academia—only to return with a renewed focus and a passion for sustainability research.
Clara’s academic career started in Barcelona, where she worked as a research assistant at a business school. It was there that she met Manuel Sosa, a visiting professor at the time. Their collaboration sparked her early interest in research, but before fully committing to academia, Clara decided to explore the business world through consulting.“
Academia wasn’t on my mind for a while,” she admits. “I wanted to experience industry firsthand, to understand the problems businesses face in real-time.”
However, her time in consulting only deepened her curiosity about systemic business challenges—particularly sustainability. When she decided to return to research, she reconnected with Sosa, who later wrote one of her recommendation letters to INSEAD.
While Clara initially explored consumer decision-making and prospect theory, her growing concern about climate change and sustainability led her to shift her research focus entirely. “I knew that if I went back to academia, I wanted 100% of my intellectual energy dedicated to sustainability,” she explains.
INSEAD provided the perfect environment for this transition. “Many faculty members here are internationally recognised for their work in sustainability and circular economy research,” she notes. “
It was an incredible match.”Her research now delves into material scarcity, recycling systems, and corporate sustainability policies, with an emphasis on how businesses can transition to circular economy models.
Clara’s work is not just about academic inquiry—it’s about real-world impact. She collaborates closely with INSEAD’s Sustainable Business Initiative, founded by Luk Van Wassenhove, a pioneer in circular economy research.“
The goal is to bridge academic research with practice,” she says. “We work directly with companies involved in clean technology and sustainability transitions. This gives me access to real-world data and allows my research to have tangible applications.”
One of her key interests is how firms balance sustainability objectives with market demands, particularly in the face of new European legislation on carbon emissions and corporate environmental responsibility.“
Legislation is evolving quickly, and businesses must adapt,” she explains. “Understanding how firms navigate these regulations while maintaining profitability is a critical question.”
At INSEAD, Clara has found more than just an academic institution—she has found a supportive and highly collaborative research community.“
In my department, I have 20 top-notch researchers, and I can knock on any door and have a meaningful discussion,” she shares. “That’s a privilege you don’t get everywhere.”
She also highlights the strong alumni network, particularly as she prepares for the job market. “INSEAD alumni have been incredibly generous in sharing advice, reviewing my papers, and offering guidance,” she says. “It’s a level of support that I hope to pass on to the next generation of PhD students.”
INSEAD’s global structure, with campuses in France and Singapore, has enabled Clara to collaborate with faculty and researchers across continents.“
My advisor is based in Singapore, but we work seamlessly through virtual meetings,” she explains. “INSEAD had already mastered remote collaboration long before it became the norm during COVID.”
She also had the opportunity to spend time on the Singapore campus, immersing herself in its unique academic environment and broadening her research perspective.
For those considering a PhD, Clara emphasises three key qualities:
Openness and curiosity – “You may start with one research idea but end up discovering new passions. Be open to unexpected opportunities.”
Creativity – “Research isn’t just about finding answers—it’s about asking the right questions.”
Resilience – “The PhD journey is challenging. You need to be sure that research is what you truly want before committing.”
She advises prospective students to speak with alumni, explore different research areas, and ensure they are passionate about academia before applying.
Reflecting on her time at INSEAD, Clara describes her PhD journey as both intellectually and personally transformative.“
It’s a journey of learning about the world—but also about yourself,” she says. “It challenges you, pushes you to think differently, and ultimately prepares you for a career where you can make a real impact.”
As she prepares to transition into the next phase of her career, one thing is clear: Clara’s research will continue to bridge business, policy, and sustainability, shaping how firms navigate the urgent challenges of the 21st century.