“I live in the present while still preparing for the future.”

Sophie Normand

Co-Founder, VideoBlast.io
MBA 2010

 

In three sentences or less, could you tell us a little more about yourself?

I grew up in Morocco and France, and studied telecommunications and electronics to become a hardware engineer. I am now a mother of three, and co-founder of multiple companies in Singapore providing various services: video production, digital marketing and SaaS platforms to digitalise processes for various industries.

 

Any fun facts?

I didn't stop working when I had my daughter, and we were just starting one of the companies. As I was breastfeeding, I brought her with me to work and we had some funny and weird moments due to baby’s unpredictable behaviour, but everyone was very kind and accepting.

 

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Sophie Normand

Why did you choose INSEAD?

I had never considered an MBA until my husband did one. What he was studying seemed really interesting and so different from my career as a telecommunications engineer. I then decided to try to do an MBA myself.

As I had young kids, I applied to programmes which were nearby my home in Paris as well as INSEAD. We had a friend who had attended INSEAD earlier and was living in Singapore, and told us we should try to experience it as a family.

 

Can you describe your INSEAD experience?

My INSEAD experience was, I think, quite different from my peers as I had two young boys who were four and two years old at that time. I really enjoyed the academic experience as I learnt so much across various topics, as well as meeting so many people of different backgrounds and personalities.

My social life was probably a little less active compared to others, but I much enjoyed a few activities and trips as well, and even brought my two boys along for the graduation trip to Laos.

 

 

What is one important lesson you gained from INSEAD?

Everything is possible as long as you believe in yourself and are committed to your goal.

 

Has the INSEAD MBA benefited your career?

The INSEAD MBA gave me the toolkit and the push to become an entrepreneur and to pursue the life I really wanted for myself. It allowed me to unlock new opportunities both at a personal and professional level.

 

What's the best decision you've ever made?

I would say there are two: having my kids and joining INSEAD.

 

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Spending time with my family while growing my companies

 

What is your greatest fear?

I don't think I have any particular fear. I try to find a way around any roadblock I encounter, always looking for solutions and remaining optimistic. I prefer to live in the present, enjoy what we have, while still preparing and building the future I want for me and my family.

 

What does it mean to you to be Limitless?

I believe it's possible to achieve a life that’s both professionally and personally fulfilling. I want to take care of my family, spend time with my kids and help them grow while at the same time, build and grow a sustainable business without investors so I (along with my business partners) can be in charge of all decisions.

Most people would say that it's not possible, that you’d have to focus on one thing and get help with the kids. I am trying to prove them wrong. It's hard work, maybe slower on the business side, but I am 100% convinced I can reach my goal. .

 

 

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