Angel Chen

Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about you?

I'm a big fan of Greys Anatomy, from season 1 to season 22, and have been counting down to next season's premiere!

Tell us about yourself, and how you got to where you are today?

Raised as the first in my family history to graduate school, I'm passionate about creating a world where everyone has equal access to opportunities. This propelled me study law in Australia before co-founding DrawHistory, a strategy and research consultancy in the APAC region. During the past 10 years, I have been able to work towards realising my goal through the work with over 200 organisations around the world before integrating with a Melbourne-based consultancy, Today. 

During my INSEAD year, I hope to pivot towards strategy work on a larger scale to continuously build my leadership toolkit and ultimately, impact our world positively for the next generation. 

What motivated you to choose the INSEAD MBA, and how do you envision it aligning with your future goals?

There are three main reasons. Firstly, I was inspired by INSEAD's ethos on building responsible leaders for the world, as I truly believe that leadership is not only a privilege but a responsibility we need to steward with care. I wanted to strengthen my leadership toolkit in a way that will not only benefit the bottom line but also uplift the communities that are intertwined with it.

Secondly,  the global aspect of the school is unmatched, and as someone who wants to continue having an international career and mindset, there is no other place like it.  

Thirdly, the strength of the alumni network was admirable. This resonated as it felt like a community I wanted to also be a part of and a global community I could lean on as I move countries, industries and functions throughout my lifetime.

What are your impressions of campus life so far, and how did you navigate accommodation and sorting out all the admin? Any tips for incoming students?

I really like the Singy campus as it has a great community vibe, and Singapore itself is such a great launchpad to connect with everyone from foodie trips, CLV, to weekend run clubs. 

In terms of navigating the accommodation and admin side of things, I have to admit that there was a lot to sort out before the move. I'd say get started on the visa processes as soon as you can and prepare all the documentation ahead of time (especially if you are also requesting long-term visas for your partner and/or child), and do a recon trip (if you are planning to stay the year). 

For myself, I spent a week in Singapore and visited over 10 condos, five preschools and sorted out furniture (for delivery when I arrive the following month), apartment and school as the programme started on 3 January and I was worried about delays due to the holiday season! Also, the first week isn't really a relaxing orientation week, so be prepared for the long hours from the get-go! 

Could you share a little about your application process?

Firstly, I spent time researching and speaking with alumni from the business schools I was considering. It wasn't just about the course itself but also what it was like living in that city, what were the benefits and challenges and how they viewed the MBA five or 10 years out. 

INSEAD really stood out for the strength of their alumni network and how much INSEADers still play a big role in all their lives, whether in their big life moments or career changes. This helped me reflect on why I wanted to be part of this community and what my goals were for the programme. I wrote down some key themes before approaching the essays to ensure that the application as a whole not only touched on different aspects of my personal and professional journey to date, but also the why behind those choices.

Secondly, treat the interview part of the application as a two-way street where you get to know a little more about the school, just as much as an opportunity for the interviewer to get to know you better. My interviewers were all alumni and had really enjoyable conversations with whom I am still connected now. In fact, I just grabbed coffee with one of them in Melbourne this week! For myself, I used that same one-pager I wrote my key themes on to prepare, and again, it was ensuring the interviewer got to know a holistic picture of myself.

Lastly, I wanted to mention something about the GMAT. I was really time-bound as I had an infant who was waking up five times a night during my prep, and finding that focus and consistency was the most challenging part. So I definitely tried many different methods and the most useful prep I did was figure out what learning method worked best for me. 

I needed to master the foundations as deeply as I could as there was no point in just practising the hard questions, as I wasn't even going to see those questions if I got any of the easier ones incorrect. So, definitely spend time finding the learning method that works for you and trust yourself. 

You are starting your INSEAD MBA in Singapore. Are you planning any campus exchanges?

I am planning to be a Singy lifer as I moved from Australia to Singapore this year with my husband and toddler in tow, and we wanted to make the most of our time living in Asia! However, this does not mean I won't be visiting the other campuses, as there are many overseas electives that INSEAD offers. I'll actually be heading off to the Abu Dhabi campus this week for one of them!

In your first few weeks, what aspects of the INSEAD MBA have stood out to you as unique or particularly appealing?

Definitely the Leadership in Action day - it started at 7 a.m. on an island and finished close to midnight in a breakout room on campus. I don't want to reveal too much, but it really was an immersive start to the MBA programme and where some of my closest friendships at INSEAD have been formed!

Aside from your academic pursuits, what extracurricular interests or activities are you exploring at INSEAD, and how do you see them enhancing your overall MBA experience?

Giving back has always been a strong part of my values, so joining the Robin Hood Scholarship Committee as this cohort's Co-Chair has been a standout experience for me. From organising quiz nights, beer pong competitions, secret crush deliveries to the inaugural gala and an auction evening for more than 150 attendees with the student council, we broke all records and raised over €52,000 for the scholarship! It was inspiring to be part of such an energising cohort, as all of this was held within just two months!

The experience showed how quickly you can get initiatives up and running at INSEAD, and there will always be like-minded people to bring it all together with you.

I've also been really fortunate to have been part of the Family Business Club as Co-President this year and steward a community of students who are part of family businesses or interested in working for a family office. Family businesses account for approximately 70% of global GDP, and the privilege of creating space for this community to form at INSEAD has been special, especially when you know that everyone has travelled from all around the world to intentionally be here for the 10 months before returning to their 60+ countries and families. 

The insights shared and mentorship received have been unparalleled, especially as I think about the generational impact I want to build for my little one.

Any parting words of wisdom, and are you willing to be contacted for more information by prospective students?

INSEAD is a life-changing experience, but it goes by very quickly. My advice would be to be intentional about the goals you have for your INSEAD year and use them as anchors for your decisions, as each thing you are saying yes to, you are also saying no to something else. Feel free to connect with me if you have more questions!