Adrian Elosua is an experienced professional in the financial sector, skilled in team management, problem solving and public speaking, including on the Board of Directors and Executive Committees. Currently serving as Strategy & Planning Manager at Digital@FEMSA and Co-Founder of Vinson Capital, he has a strong background in product management and financial analysis.
Adrian holds an MBA from IPADE Business School, where he was awarded the Excellence Scholarship. He is a dedicated family man and an ultra-distance sports enthusiast. Adrian’s career also includes roles at BBVA and BANCO FAMSA, and teaching experience at the Universidad Metropolitana de Monterrey.
Adrian Elosua
We caught up with Adrian after he completed our programs on Real Estate Development Fundamentals and Real Estate Finance Fundamentals in June 2024.
You noted in your self-introduction that you work at FEMSA, one of the largest companies in Mexico, and also have started a real estate development firm. What led you to creating a real estate business?
From a very early age, I had the long-term plan of getting the best possible education so I could be recruited into top companies, where I would learn and develop as a professional in the first stage of my career with great mentors. Then, with the experiences gained both in school and in my day-to-day dealings as an employee, I planned to launch a company with the right partner.
During my MBA, I met my business partner and co-founder of Vinson Capital, who shares the same vision and complements my skill set. We are currently developing a mixed-use building, CALATT, in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Mexico; with completion planned for the summer of 2025.
In terms of choosing real estate development as the industry to endeavor, I am following in the footsteps of my father, who has been active in the industry for decades. Through him, I have witnessed the requirements to succeed in the industry and the work-life balance that can be achieved over time.
There are many programs being offered on the fundamentals of real estate. What compelled you to travel from Mexico to Cambridge for these programs?
It is true that there are many courses on real estate. The three main reasons I chose Harvard’s offering were:
- On-site vs Online: I was looking for a course that offered pre-work assignments and readings followed by an on-site experience where I could learn in the classroom from the professor and fellow participants. Additionally, the on-site format enables networking with like-minded and very talented people.
- AMDP: While researching various programs, the one that stood out the most was the Advanced Management Development Program due to its comprehensive teachings and the prestigious Harvard Alumni status it confers. This program offers an in-depth curriculum and provides an extensive network of like-minded, successful professionals. Attending these two courses was a natural choice for me, as it allowed me to experience the program firsthand and take electives that will count toward my AMDP in the future.
- School’s educational level and reputation: Harvard’s renowned faculty and international reputation attract top talent, providing a mix of exceptional networking opportunities and learning practical knowledge. This experience not only enhanced my skills but also garners trust with investors and partners as I embark on my development company journey.
You signed up for both Real Estate Development Fundamentals and Real Estate Finance Fundamentals. Why did you choose to take both programs? And how was the experience?
For me, both courses were interesting, and I felt they would complement each other, so it made sense to take both. Additionally, traveling all the way from Mexico seemed a better investment to spend more days on campus and have a taste of what the real AMDP is like.
The experience was great; it met and exceeded my expectations. I was able to learn frameworks that have been proven to work and gather many valuable insights from my fellow participants and professor, who was extremely knowledgeable and happy to share.