My INSEAD dream was a like a seed planted two years ago in 2018 by one of my former managers who was himself part of the Executive MBA (EMBA) Class of 2018.  The seed he planted was watered by a personal desire to acquire knowledge to fix complex situations in life; nurtured by a passion to make an impact in a world full of challenges. It was later fertilised by an unusual COVID-19 pandemic and now turned into a fruit of admission and I am thoroughly excited about it.  How did the INSEAD dream start? 

• Read more about My Adventure, My Dream and the INSEAD Seed

As a 21J, having recently started my core courses at INSEAD, there is no question that we are learning how digital has had a profound impact on business. You only have to look at the companies that are surviving and thriving in the COVID pandemic to understand the power of digital strength on a company’s fortunes.

• Read more about Learning the Language of Digital, Fast

“Never again,” I told myself after the lockdown restrictions were lifted in Antwerp, Belgium, where I had been residing for the last three years. Never again did I want to live all alone in an apartment for weeks on end (felt like years) in isolation. I could practically see the wrinkles forming under my eyes each day as I woke up at 6:30am, worked out in my living room, showered and was on video calls starting at 8:30am for the rest of the day.

• Read more about Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice: Shared Housing Provides the Ultimate INSEAD Experience.

When I first talked to my husband about pursuing an Executive MBA, it was Autumn 2019. It was not a project; it was an idea thrown in a discussion, an unattainable dream.  My husband did some research and sent me tons of information to investigate the possibilities of an EMBA. Without him having taken this initiative, I would still have been at the “dream stage”. 

• Read more about An Intense Experience Even Before the Start of the Programme

INSEAD’s Executive Master in Finance first module for the Class of February 2022 finished on the last Saturday in September. Looking at how the previous two weeks before exams went, I cannot but only reinforce the idea that I made the right decision when decided to apply for the programme.

• Read more about EMFin's Module 1 From Another Perspective

It had already been a couple of years that I was thinking about pursuing another degree before I applied to INSEAD. I was actually hesitating between a pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration with a Finance concentration, or a Master in Finance. I was looking for something that would be engaging, respectfully demanding and with an application-based learning style, especially since I had already completed a few financial designations and an MBA. I also wanted to go to a place that was innovative with its material.

• Read more about Above and Beyond

October 2020: I couldn´t picture a better moment to start my Executive MBA.

• Read more about Episode One: The Start of a Great Journey

During my undergraduate studies, I had the chance to spend one semester in Singapore in 2018. Every day, I would pass by INSEAD’s campus, and would tell myself: “Someday, I will be part of the INSEAD community”. At the time, the MIM programme had not been announced yet. Fast forward to June 2019, I read online that INSEAD was launching its pioneering MIM programme.

• Read more about Living the INSEAD MIM Dream

After a two-year long decision-making process, I am about to embark upon a new learning and self-discovery journey starting this September. The moment that I opened the offer letter, signed by the two schools, was a real joy. I shared it with my wife, my daughter, with my parents, and with all the coaches who have helped me to be ready for this opportunity.

• Read more about 2020-21: A Year Worthy of Investment