Aria R
- Research Program Mentor
MBA candidate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Expertise
Consulting (Data and AI strategy, Business Transformation), how to present yourself and your ideas (Presentation skills), Consumer goods and products, Stakeholder engagement and management
Bio
Hi! My name is Aria, and I’m currently an MBA student at MIT Sloan School of Management, where I focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, consumer behavior, and data-driven strategy. Before Sloan, I worked at Accenture as a Strategy & Consulting Senior Analyst, helping clients design AI and business transformation strategies. I’m passionate about how innovative products and ideas can meaningfully improve people’s lives and combine to build stronger, more intentional brands. Outside of academia, I’m an avid tennis (and pickleball-skeptic) player, volleyball enthusiast, and traveler who loves exploring culture through food. I’m passionate about mentoring and supporting others as they grow their ideas and develop their own paths. I believe creativity and empathy are at the core of great leadership, both in business and in life!Project ideas
The Business Value of AI in Consumer Goods
Students will research how major consumer brands use AI to improve marketing, product innovation, or customer experience. They will analyze 2–3 case studies (e.g., General Mills, Nike, Unilever), identify measurable business outcomes, and propose a framework linking data investments to ROI. Students will learn research design, data storytelling, and how to translate technical insights into business recommendations. Potential outcomes: strategy brief, slide deck, or research paper with visuals and summarized findings.
From Idea to Impact: Launching a New Product
Students will learn the end-to-end process of bringing a new product to market — from identifying an unmet customer need to designing a go-to-market strategy. They’ll start by researching market trends and customer pain points, then develop a clear value proposition, positioning, and launch plan. Along the way, they’ll explore how data, consumer insights, and storytelling influence successful product launches across industries. Potential outcomes: A business plan, prototype, mock-up, and/or go-to-market pitch deck.
AI and the Future of Leadership: How Technology Is Transforming Learning and Development at Work
This project explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping how people learn, grow, and lead in the workplace and/or academia. Students will research how AI tools are being used for mentoring, leadership development, and employee/student learning — and consider both the opportunities and challenges they create. Through case studies and analysis, students will evaluate whether AI enhances or replaces human connection, and how leaders can use technology ethically to support growth. Has AI enhanced or replaced human mentorship? What skills will leaders need in an AI-driven world? By the end, students can potentially propose their own vision for how AI can empower, rather than replace or impede human growth.