Anna Greiner

Can you tell us about your background and your connection to fashion?

I am from Germany and completed my bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Design Management in January. My background is in fashion, but the degree brought together both creativity and business. I would describe it as a business and economics degree focused on the fashion market. I now work in marketing, where I enjoy combining the creative side with the process and strategy behind it.

How are you finding the Summer School so far, and what do you hope to take from it?

I feel very, very good. There is a lot of input coming in, and my brain is always working. I feel as if I need the whole of next week just to write down everything I have learnt because I am afraid I will forget it. I hope the Summer School will help me continue developing both the creative and strategic sides of my work.

What made you choose the INSEAD Summer School?

My father completed an INSEAD Executive Education programme and became a big fan, so he encouraged me to take a look. I had already been exploring the INSEAD Master in Management, but I was not sure whether INSEAD was the right fit for me or whether I was the right fit for INSEAD. The Summer School felt like the ideal first deep dive into the school and a chance to experience how it works.

What have you enjoyed most about learning at INSEAD?

I love the teamwork and the experiential exercises. I enjoy them more than simply listening to lectures and writing everything down afterwards. The learning is practical, and that is what I value most.

Can you share an experience that changed the way you think about leadership?

Thomas Hellwig, Adjunct Professor of Organisational Behaviour at INSEAD, led a session on leadership that really stood out to me. I expected him to tell us what good leadership looks like and give us one example to follow. Instead, he showed us that every person can be a good leader. You need to be aware of your strengths, understand your weaknesses and then find your own path. There is not only one right way. That has been my biggest learning so far.

 There is not only one right way. You need to be aware of your strengths, understand your weaknesses and then find your own path.

What has the experience been like outside the classroom?

Everybody is so friendly. During the first few hours, everyone was nervous, but also very open. You could start a conversation and immediately feel that these were nice people and that we were on the same page. Even though we are a large group, new friends are always joining in. It is about the team not only in the classroom, but outside it as well. We also went to Paris at the weekend, and it was amazing to see how quickly we had built such good relationships.

Has the Summer School influenced what you would like to do next?

Yes, I definitely see the Summer School as a possible stepping stone to the INSEAD Master in Management. I am drawn to its compact structure and the way INSEAD helps students understand the job market and work out where they fit. The Summer School is helping me see whether that programme could be the right next step for me and how I could continue developing as a leader.

What would you tell the Anna who started the programme a week ago?

I would tell her: you are going to have a good time. I was open to the experience, but of course I was a little nervous. Do not be afraid. Just let go, and believe in yourself a little more.