Gabriel Kaneko Paes

Gabriel Kaneko Paes, Evening MBA Class of 2025
Regional Head of Bids & Proposals, Americas | HVDC @  Hitachi Energy

 

Briefly describe your experience in landing this role. What challenges did you overcome?

I stepped into this role from a completely different industry, knowing I had to leave my comfort zone to succeed. I trusted that my experience, adaptability, and willingness to learn would bridge knowledge gaps. It wasn’t about having every answer on day one — it was about demonstrating I could navigate complexity, lead through uncertainty, and deliver results. One of the biggest challenges was earning trust quickly in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment. I focused on listening deeply, building cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary relationships, and delivering early wins to build momentum.

 

How did UNC, Kenan-Flagler Business School, the MBA program, or MBA Career Services help you secure this opportunity?

UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Executive MBA program sharpened the leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-cultural management skills I use daily. Rigorous coursework — from marketing to operations — strengthened my ability to communicate critical messages to understand how global finance, and legal matters in business would impact my professional and personal decision making process. It also equipped me to navigate complex negotiations and make high-stakes decisions. The diverse peer network exposed me to new perspectives and innovative problem-solving approaches. Faculty and mentors helped me refine my professional narrative and clearly articulate my value proposition, enabling me to resonate with stakeholders across a global organization. These experiences gave me both the confidence and the credibility to secure — and excel in — this role.

 

What’s one lesson or insight you hope every MBA student takes with them after graduation?

Business decisions are rarely made with perfect information — but they must still be made. The ability to assess risk, act decisively, and adapt quickly is one of the most valuable skills the MBA develops. Use the frameworks you’ve learned, trust your analysis, and take full ownership of the outcome.

 

Can you share a moment or success story that’s stuck with you during your time in the program?

In our second term, Professor William Putsis launched the SABRE marketing simulation — an eight-week competition where each team ran a virtual company in two markets for technological devices. We managed every function — from financials and R&D to marketing and forecasting — structuring ourselves like a real company, with each member leading a “department.” Fueled by our competitive drive, we worked late nights, building detailed spreadsheets to time product launches and optimize market share. The hard work paid off: we finished as the #1 company in the simulation. Fun fact: I was so proud of our achievement that I still keep my SABRE access today.