Arno Berthon

Could you tell us a little about yourself, personally and professionally, and how you’ve gotten to where you are today?

I grew up in France to an English mother, in a small town with a large Anglophone population. As a result, I’ve never been international by passport alone; from a young age, I was culturally immersed in diversity and a variety of perspectives.  

I studied law at University College London as an undergraduate before spending the past year working in a LegalTech firm while applying to INSEAD – the very school where my parents met (don’t tell them this next part) over 30 years ago!  

I’ve always had a creative spirit, enjoying the arts and public speaking. However, expressing this side of myself has often been a challenge, as I struggled with self-esteem and self-belief growing up – and still do, at times.  

Any fun or quirky facts about yourself you’d like to share?

My life was almost entirely different. I strongly considered becoming a full-time ski instructor and guide. In fact, I signed up for a six-month course in Verbier, Switzerland, to earn my qualifications alongside my university studies. However, by 2pm on the first day (yes, day one!), my left knee had other plans – my anterior cruciate ligament snapped on a sharp turn, and I fell. I returned home, gave up on the idea, and now here I am!  

Could you tell us what led you to pursue the INSEAD Master in Management (MIM) programme?

I wanted to pursue the MIM to deepen my understanding of business and finance concepts. I was tired of feeling like the least knowledgeable person at the table with my family and friends whenever the conversation turned to numbers or corporate matters.

Additionally, I wanted the generalised MIM structure to help me discover which area might suit me best for a future career. From internships, I knew I wanted to work in a corporate setting, but I wasn’t sure how I could best contribute.  

And why did you choose INSEAD? Were there any other business schools you considered?

I considered all the top business schools I was eligible for – those that didn’t require a business-related undergraduate degree – such as ESCP and London Business School. But INSEAD was always top of my list.  

My parents met here, and I grew up meeting their cohort and their cohort’s children. I also participated in Summer@INSEAD twice – once as a student and once as a counsellor. INSEAD has been part of my life without me fully realising it!  

Another major factor was the format of the course. Global, dynamic, and creative, it teaches fundamentals while also encouraging open-mindedness, cultural intelligence, group work, and thinking outside the box. This format also opens more diverse career opportunities. It suited my goals much better than other schools, which I still respect.  

How has your experience on the programme been so far? Can you describe your interactions with the professors, your fellow classmates, and how life has been on the Fontainebleau campus?

During the fourth week, the Student Council elections were held. When my team presented our campaign pitch, I opened up about my past struggles with mental health and expressed gratitude towards my cohort for being a welcoming, accepting, and safe space where some of my anxieties had dissipated.  

Of course, nothing has been perfect. There are many assignments, late nights spent finalising group work, steep learning curves in business modules (especially for an outsider like me), and the stress of job hunting.  

However, I truly meant what I said in that room.

People here are polite, fair, and curious. I haven’t seen anyone left out, professors make classes feel like discussions rather than lectures, and Fontainebleau is quaint, green, and peaceful – just like my hometown!

What does a typical day look like for you currently?

I’m still trying to establish a routine, but typically I wake up at 7am, and I’m on campus by 8:30 or 9am until 6pm, either in class or studying in the library. I use the gym in the evening before heading home for dinner.  

There are often extracurricular activities or drinks with friends in the evenings, but I ensure I have one or two nights a week for myself to unwind and avoid burnout.  

Before you know it, you’ll be making your way to Singapore. Is this something you’re looking forward to?

I’m very much looking forward to discovering Singapore. Asia is the only continent I haven’t visited, and I’m eager to explore the culture, sample the cuisine, and travel to nearby countries and islands. I also love warm weather, so it will be a welcome change from Fontainebleau’s quiet, relaxing atmosphere to the dynamic energy of a big city.  

Aside from academics, what extracurricular interests or activities are you exploring at INSEAD, and how do they enhance your overall MIM experience?

I’m part of the Yearbook Committee and Commencement Movie initiative. Contributing to these final products that celebrate our 10-month journey has made me reflect on the experience and its significance, enhancing my awareness of the present moment.  

I’m also working on organising INSEAD Mental Health Day in November. This is a deeply personal topic for me and my collaborators. I hope the event fosters closeness within the cohort and helps make emotional and moral support defining features of the MIM ’26 class.  

Any parting words of wisdom, admissions, or application tips you’d like to share?

Be yourself. Be authentic and vulnerable when explaining why INSEAD is the school for you and what you can bring to it. Say what you want to say, not what you think INSEAD wants to hear.