Chloe Larkou

Can you tell us about yourself?

I’m from Cyprus and grew up there before moving to London for university. After graduating in 2023, I started working in financial services. I’d describe myself as a very social person who loves meeting people and is always looking for ways to grow personally and professionally.

Why did you decide to join the INSEAD MIM? 

After graduation, I had a period of uncertainty with my career. I wasn’t sure if the company I was in was the right fit, or what direction I wanted to take. I felt the MIM would give me the structure and clarity I needed, as well as the tools to move forward.

Once I discovered INSEAD, I became inspired by the international environment and the opportunities the school offered. I barely looked at other schools; I knew if I could get in here, it would be transformational.  

Why INSEAD over other schools? 

INSEAD’s prestige and ranking were a factor, but what really drew me in was the diversity of the people and the international perspective. I had been living in the UK for five years, quite comfortably, and I wanted to break out of that comfort zone. I liked the idea of starting over in a completely new place where I didn’t know anyone and could rebuild my network from scratch. I also knew the school would give me excellent resources to develop leadership and management skills that I hope will one day prepare me to be a CEO.

What skills are you hoping to gain during the programme? 

I want to build confidence in speaking to large audiences and become the kind of leader people trust—not in a superior way, but in an inspiring way. I’m very social, but in big settings I can be shy and sometimes intimidated, so I want to be able to share my ideas openly in class and beyond. On the professional side, I also want to sharpen my strategic thinking, especially with consulting in mind. But what excites me most are the soft skills: the ability to lead, to speak up, and to inspire.

Have you been able to practice these skills so far? 

Yes. There have been small moments that made me proud, where I spoke up in situations I normally would have avoided. It might sound minor, but for me it was meaningful. What helps a lot is that no one here judges—you feel free to be yourself, even if what you say isn’t perfect. It’s a great environment to take those risks.

How have you found your classmates and the cohort? 

Honestly, fantastic and better than I expected. Everyone has such interesting backgrounds and personalities, and people are open and very friendly. My home group is especially diverse: German, Indian, Lebanese, French, and Thai. The mix makes group work really rewarding.

How has Fontainebleau life been so far? 

I really enjoy the community aspect. Because everyone lives close to each other, it’s easy to see friends or do things together without much effort. It makes the experience feel warm and close-knit.

Fontainebleau itself is small, but that’s a positive; it means you’re always running into people from the programme, which makes the social connections even stronger.

Any memorable classroom moments? 

One that stands out is from our data analysis class. The professor brought smarties to illustrate a point. It was such a simple gesture, but it immediately made everyone more engaged and focused. In long lectures, it’s easy to drift off, but when the class becomes interactive, it changes the whole energy. That moment reminded me how much fun learning here can be.

How are you feeling about moving to Singapore? 

I’m very excited—it will be my first time in Asia. I expect the experience to be very different from Fontainebleau, probably less intense, which might give us more time to take advantage of all the networking events, seminars, and other opportunities that INSEAD offers. In Fontainebleau, there’s so much going on that you can’t possibly do everything, so I’m looking forward to having a bit more balance while still building on the strong connections we’ve already formed here.

What do you feel you bring to the INSEAD cohort? 

Academically, I’m focused and driven, and I try to be supportive of my group. We share knowledge, study together, and help each other with applications or assignments. Personally, I think I bring a sociable spirit—I like connecting with people, not just staying in my close circle but also reaching out to others who may be more reserved. I enjoy bringing different people together and helping them feel included.

Where do you see yourself after the MIM? 

My plan is to go back to London and work in consulting. That’s my main focus, though I keep other options open, especially in regions where I speak the language.

How has the CDC supported you so far? 

My career coach has been very supportive; he helps calm me down when I feel stressed and gives me perspective. But I’ve found the most practical advice so far has come from connecting with MBAs and alumni working at companies I’m targeting. Those coffee chats, whether in person or online, gave me very constructive feedback for my applications. The CDC is helpful, but I think networking with alumni has been even more valuable.

What advice would you give to future applicants? 

Talk to as many people as you can who are studying here or have graduated. It gives you honest insights and helps you prepare better for your application. Be authentic in your essays and interviews; don’t just list your academics or projects. Share your story, who you are as a person, and what brought you to this point. That’s what makes the difference.

If you could give advice to yourself five or six weeks ago, what would it be? 

Stay calm and prioritise. It’s impossible to do everything at once—going out, doing every event, applying for jobs, and keeping up with studies. Choose your priorities and stick to them. And don’t stress too much—things fall into place.