“I believe the best is yet to come.”
Mouna Benyahia
Head of Marketing, Strategy & Execution – Asia Pacific, Merck Life Science
Global Executive MBA 2017
In three sentences or less, could you tell us a little more about yourself?
I am a strategist and seasoned business leader in Life Sciences where I bring my passion for science and technology together towards improving people’s lives. As a French-Algerian, I grew up between two continents and worked on three, before settling down in Asia in 2011. I am the blessed mother of two joyful, witty girls of five and two.
Why did you choose INSEAD?
I once knew a young IT Consulting Project Manager who took a career break to go for a full-time MBA at INSEAD. He came back transformed! From a task-driven, delivery-oriented project manager into a visionary, inspiring, people’s leader.
That day, I promised myself I would do everything in my power to experience what he just had.
How would you describe your INSEAD experience?
Life-changing! The people I met from students to faculty, the time they took to share their knowledge, experience and feedback, have taught me more about myself than I ever knew.
Ever since INSEAD, I have made it a life priority to cultivate self-awareness and continuous learning.
Was there an encounter that left you with a deep impression?
I couldn’t name one person. INSEAD is a community of exceptional individuals and this connection spans beyond the class that I was in. I have also built strong bonds with alumni I met after graduating from INSEAD.
What was the greatest challenge you faced at work, and how did you overcome it?
As a woman in a male-dominated business environment, I have struggled at times between being assertive enough to be perceived as a strong leader and not falling into the trap of becoming a cold-hearted machine. I am still striving toward the right balance.
Recent leadership theories also show that authenticity, vulnerability and empathy play a central role, and this makes it easier for me to lead while staying true to myself.
What do you really want to know in life?
The response to global injustice.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
I am proud of who I’ve become and where my life stands but I like to believe the best is yet to come!
What is your greatest fear?
Losing a loved one.
What does it mean to you to be limitless?
Never believe anyone who tells you "it’s impossible".
