A L U M N I S P O T L I G H T: C O N S U LT I N G
C L A S S M AT E S , C A R E E R PAT H S ,
A N D C O N S U LT I N G
Toni Horn (MFin, 2013) and Julian Marquardt-Baladurage (MIB, 2013) met while studying at Hult in London.
Together, they run consulting company MBJ Integrated Technologies.
We caught up with one half of MBJ, managing partner Julian Marquardt-Baladurage, on
how a Hult friendship turned into a successful
business partnership.
What made the two of you decide to go
into business together?
We both had a professional relationship that
grew into a friendship. We were both focused,
had a strong work ethic, and knew what we
wanted to get out of running our own business.
Did you always envision having your own business?
My family has an entrepreneurial background, while Toni’s parents come
from a corporate background, working in the telecommunications and
pharmaceutical industries. Both Toni and I had the ambition to pave our
own path, and we highly valued the idea of being able to make our own
decisions, as well as allowing ourselves to grow creatively.
What sets MBJ apart from other
consultancies?
I think this can be narrowed down to MBJ’s three
pillars, which define its methodology: Knowledge, Creativity, and Innovation (KCI). We keep
costs low for our clients, and focus on mentorship beyond money. We work by combining
senior level consultants with younger associates,
and explain to our clients the realities of the
business and market landscape. We also work
with VCs and angel investors to provide equity
for worthy and innovative start-ups—another unique selling point MBJ
prides itself on.
How has your company evolved over the p 7BGv