For mid-career professionals, advancing into leadership comes with new challenges—and new opportunities to drive change.
INSEAD’s mid-career alumni and participants share how they are stepping up, challenging biases, and shaping more inclusive workplaces.
Their stories highlight the role of gender equity in leadership progression and the impact of diverse perspectives at decision-making tables.
Discover stories from our community
Anna Ong
Founder, What's Your Story Slam
Filipino, Singaporean, Chinese
Real change takes more than good intentions. We need fair policies, education that uproots biases, and a culture shift that redefines leadership. But most of all, we need stories. Every story told challenges stereotypes, builds empathy, and shifts the needle closer to true equity.
Saleha Williams
CEO, IABM
British
My purpose & passion is leveraging the power of human talent and next-generation technologies with authenticity, empathy and collaborative leadership to deliver results-based, inspirational, impactful outcomes.
More information about the INSEAD Master in Business Administration programme
The INSEAD MBA is highly ranked and one of the world's most prestigious programmes for ambitious early to mid-career professionals. The accelerated 10-month curriculum develops successful, thoughtful leaders and entrepreneurs who create value for their organisations and their communities.
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Linda Omara-Koledade
Dealmaker, Industrial Development Corporation
Ugandan
Though not limited to women only, I have used my owned platform, Mustard Seed, to try and create an environment that empowers women around how best to navigate their way up the corporate ladder.
Jennifer Flanagan
Current MBA Student
American
At INSEAD, I’ve tried to be intentional about creating spaces where women can connect and support one another. I naturally gravitate towards sports teams and took on the role of Women’s Development Lead for the Touch Rugby club.
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Anne Cathrine Garde
CIO, Natural Capital
Danish
Investors must go beyond ticking diversity boxes to ensuring capital flows equitably and leadership structures reflect the world we invest in.
Mounia Zaouak
Consultant, Bain&Company
Moroccan
While progress varies from one industry to another, there’s a growing recognition of the need for gender equity. It’s inspiring to see more organisations taking deliberate steps to address these imbalances and create pathways for women to reach leadership positions.
Mark Dewey Sergio
Managing Director, Knauff Philippines
Filippino
By providing clarity, opportunities, feedback, and development for everyone—regardless of gender and any differences—every individual can be themselves, test their abilities, and discover their potential. I’ve seen this to be true.
More information about the INSEAD Executive Master in Finance programme
The INSEAD Executive Master in Finance (EMFin) programme offers an accelerated programme that integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical application, placing a significant emphasis on finance and specialised concentrations in Corporate Finance and Financial Markets.
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Valentina Agudelo Vargas
Founder and CEO, Salva Health
Colombian, American, Spanish
At Salva Health, advancing gender equity is integral to our mission. Our AI tech team is predominantly female. This reflects our intentional effort to recruit and retain talented women engineers to maintain gender balance.
Rachel Woodhatch-Field
Global People and Culture Director, IR
Australian
Over the past two decades, I have supported both men and women in advancing their careers and have been an active mentor. I am always open to a coffee catch-up with those who take the initiative to reach out and building a network who support their aspirations is key to achieving their goals.
Kelly Chai
Director, Waystone
Chinese
I actively advocate for gender balance in decision-making, particularly in board director appointments, ensuring women are equitably considered for leadership roles. Additionally, I contribute to diversity-focused working groups within the investment community, collaborating to amplify women’s voices, foster growth opportunities, and drive systemic change.
Narel Gimenes Ferreira
Sustainability and Energy Transition Manager, Ampersand Partners
Brazilian
I am an active member of several women’s support groups, such as the Forte Foundation and MBBW, where I advocate for gender equality, mentor younger women, and support them in advancing their careers.
Mukwandi Chibesakunda
CEO, Zanaco
Zambian
Setting measurable targets for gender diversity across all leadership levels can enhance accountability. In Zambia, companies that have adopted gender diversity strategies have reported increased employee engagement and retention rates.
Kalyani Martinelango
Associate R&D Director, Dow
American
During my tenure as the global chair, I gathered data on the percentage of Asian women at different organisational levels to demonstrate the need for a targeted sponsorship program. In 2021, I championed the launch of a Sponsorship Program, with 20 participants, aimed at advancing Asian employees from mid-level management to Director positions and beyond.
