I am a strong believer in the transformative power of education, as it can reshape your thinking and expand your horizons beyond your familiar territory.
Dina Assem

Dina Assem

Dina Assem
Nationality/Passport: Egyptian Year of graduation: 2026 Current Role: Global Market Intelligence Manager at SLB

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

I love outdoor sports — I am a runner and a PADI Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diver. Yet, the one sport I keep failing at is kitesurfing. 

No matter how much I practice, I can’t seem to figure out how to change directions! I also have a deep love for opera and always try to attend a performance in every country I visit. For example, I’ve seen Georges Bizet’s Carmen six times in four different countries!

Tell us about yourself and how you got to where you are today, both professionally and personally.

My personal and professional journeys have been a rewarding evolution shaped by the diverse cultures and countries where I have lived and worked. At age four, my family moved from Egypt to Qatar due to my father's international assignment. This experience enriched my upbringing and exposed me to a vibrant expatriate community, fostering a deep appreciation for diversity and different perspectives.

From an early age, I developed a fascination with the energy industry and its significant impact on societies. After graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Ain Shams University in Egypt, I joined SLB (formerly Schlumberger) in 2007 as a Wireline Field Engineer. In 2017, driven by my growing interest in energy transition, I pursued a master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Futures at Imperial College London. 

My career journey has taken me across several countries, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, the US, the UK, and, most recently, France. I've had the privilege of holding various roles in consulting, engineering, operations management, sales & commercial, marketing, and strategy within the oil and gas and low-carbon energy sectors.

A key passion of mine is empowering women through coaching and mentoring, particularly in emerging countries like Egypt and within STEM fields. Having spent my career in the energy industry, I've observed firsthand how male-dominated this sector still is. Although I work for one of the most diverse and women-supportive companies in the industry, it’s not uncommon for me to find myself as the only woman in the room. 

This experience has reinforced my belief in two vital principles: the importance of women supporting one another and the necessity of female role models in leadership. Every day, I strive to be that female leader role model for younger generations of women, helping to pave the way for a more inclusive future in our industry.

What led you to decide to pursue an Executive MBA, and why did you choose INSEAD in particular?

I am a strong believer in the transformative power of education, as it can reshape your thinking and expand your horizons beyond your familiar territory. 

After completing my master's in Sustainable Energy in the UK, I felt it was the right time in my career to enhance my business experience with a cohesive learning framework, expand my network globally across various industries, and develop my leadership skills to strategically advance my career.

 The GEMBA programme checked all these boxes for me. The global reach of the INSEAD alumni network and the diverse makeup of its cohorts resonated with me, assuring me that I would receive the right level of support and guidance throughout this journey and beyond.

How would you describe your experience so far? What is your impression of the faculty, the curriculum, and your fellow participants?

The experience so far has been incredibly elevating: demanding work but a lot of fun! The faculty is highly knowledgeable and deeply invested in the industry, which makes the learning experience relevant and practical rather than just theoretical. 

The curriculum's multidisciplinary and dynamic nature aligns perfectly with the learning expectations we have at this stage of our careers, covering core topics as well as leadership development, which is quite unique to INSEAD.

The cohort is truly impressive. Each member brings an inspirational story, a wealth of experience in their respective fields, and significant value and enthusiasm to the discussions. There is something valuable to learn from each person. 

This year, the Europe cohort has achieved an impressive milestone of 48% women, creating an environment that truly nurtures the development of women leaders. After just two months in the programme, I genuinely feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie among my classmates.

What advice would you give to someone who might be interested in pursuing an INSEAD programme?

Approach this opportunity with clear intentions and define what you hope to gain from the experience. Whether it is expanding your knowledge, enhancing your leadership skills, or growing your network, having specific goals will help you maximise your time at INSEAD.

This journey is not just about academic learning but personal growth and developing the skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic and increasingly complex business environment.