Our Business

Impressions

How do Rice MBAs balance long nights of course prep and the pressures of recruitment?

With greatest hits from artists like Al Green, Metallica, Drake and SZA. Follow along to hear aspirations, recommendations and inspiration from current students in our Full-Time, Executive and Professional MBA programs. You can also check out our spring 2025 issue to hear from students in the undergraduate, MAcc, Hybrid MBA, MBA@Rice and Ph.D. programs.

Tino Haddad
Executive MBA ’26

Hometown: Houston, Texas
Latest role: Operations manager, oil and gas
Favorite class so far: Corporate Financial Management
What books/podcasts are you currently obsessed with? The podcast “Against the Rules” with Michael Lewis and Vikas Mittal’s book “Focus: How to Plan Strategy and Improve Execution to Achieve Growth”
If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be? Creating optimal ChatGPT prompts
Is there anyone in the Rice Business community whom you’d like to shout-out? The APSE team has been hugely supportive.
Favorite album of all time? “Ride the Lightning” by Metallica (1984)

Isabella Torres
Professional MBA-Weekend ’26

Hometown: Houston, Texas
Latest role: Commercial energy manager, chemical manufacturing
Go-to study spot: Brass Tacks in EaDo
What podcast are you currently obsessed with? “Death, Sex, and Money” with Anna Sale
What Rice tradition or event has meant the most to you, and why? The professional MBAs have PCFs (Post-Class Fun), which is a great opportunity to bond in a relaxed setting.
Best advice you’ve received during your time at Rice? “Leadership depends on the situation; there is no common set of attributes that determine leadership.” –Professor Brent Smith
Favorite album of all time? “What a Time to Be Alive” by Drake and Future (2015)

Gwen Jones
Professional MBA-Evening ’26

Hometown: Houston, Texas
Latest role: Marketing, energy/tech
Favorite class so far: All my strategy classes, plus Organizational Behavior with Bernie Banks, and Managerial Operations with Amit Pazgal
Go-to study spot: Coffee House at West End
What podcasts are you currently obsessed with? I’m loving “Friends That Invest,” which was recommended to me by a classmate.
If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be? I would love to instantly master negotiating skills. Either that, or how to dance bachata.
Favorite album of all time? “CTRL” by SZA (2017)

John McClure Jr.
Full-Time MBA ’26

Hometown: Bronx, New York
Latest role: Neuroscientist
Go-to study spot: Breakout room 407
What book are you currently obsessed with? “Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience” by Terry Szuplat
What Rice tradition or event has meant the most to you, and why? Rice Follies is such a fun way to unwind with friends and look back on the ridiculous and meaningful moments we’ve had.
Is there anyone in the community whom you’d like to shout-out? My mentor, friend and twin: Pelumi Sikuade ’25. He was my guiding light during my first year.
Favorite album of all time? “I’m Still in Love with You” by Al Green (1972)