Elisa Minischetti

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

Probably not a fun fact, but something unexpected that happened to me is that in November 2015, I was scheduled to travel to Mali for work. However, the trip was postponed at the last minute when my colleague fell ill.

This unexpected change turned out to be a stroke of luck. During the week we were supposed to be in Bamako, the Radisson Blu hotel—where we had booked our stay—was attacked by members of Al-Shabaab, resulting in a tragic siege that lasted over nine hours and caused numerous casualties.

While I was deeply grateful to have avoided being there during such a horrific event, it didn’t deter me from travelling to Mali a few months later. However, I made sure to stay at a more inconspicuous hotel on that trip.

Tell us about yourself, and how you got to where you are both on a professional and personal level.

I come from a small town in Italy, where my parents worked tirelessly to ensure I had opportunities they never had to explore the world. Their dedication inspired me to dream big, and through my studies and work, I’ve been fortunate to live and work across several countries worldwide.

I started my international journey by studying in Italy, Germany, and the US. After graduating, I embarked on a career that took me from the UK to Sub-Saharan Africa and eventually to Asia, where I lived and worked in Myanmar and now Singapore. Along the way, I’ve embraced new cultures, formed meaningful connections, and gained invaluable insights.

A pivotal moment in my life occurred during an internship at a social enterprise in Tanzania. I was living in a small village near the borders of Rwanda and Burundi when I needed to apply for a US visa. The embassy was in Dar es Salaam, 1,400 kilometres away, and the thought of spending 20 hours on a bus each way to make a payment was daunting.

My local colleagues introduced me to mobile money, a solution that allowed me to transfer funds remotely without needing a bank account. This not only saved me from the journey but also sparked a deep fascination with how digital financial services could bridge critical gaps for underserved communities.

This experience shaped my career path—after graduating, I joined the GSMA, where I worked on enabling the spread of mobile financial services through grants, advisory work, and public policy initiatives in developing countries. This role allowed me to travel off the beaten path, working on innovative projects that combined technology with meaningful impact.

From there, I moved to Myanmar to consult with the IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank. I advised on investments and strategies in the digital financial services space—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that deepened my expertise in financial inclusion.

My journey then brought me to Singapore, where, in my most recent role, I was at the forefront of identifying promising startups in the fintech space for the venture arm of a large bank. This involved conducting preliminary due diligence to evaluate their market potential, technological innovations, and strategic fit within the bank’s investment portfolio. My work extended beyond analysis; I regularly briefed senior leadership on investment opportunities, delivered insights to shape strategic decision-making, and engaged with government officials to foster public-private collaboration.

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

The willingness and need to expand my network was the main driver to pursue an Executive MBA, whilst also taking time to reflect on my next move and gaining new skills. When it was time to select the business school, the decision came down to MIT or INSEAD.

Ultimately, INSEAD was the winner because of the truly global alumni network, the strong brand recognition, and the calibre of its faculty.

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

I am incredibly pleased with my decision to join the INSEAD GEMBA programme. The calibre of my cohort has exceeded my expectations, bringing together diverse perspectives from across cultures, industries, and geographies, which enriches every discussion.

The faculty has been exceptional, bridging abstract academic concepts with real-world business challenges and making the learning practical and impactful. The programme's intensity is undoubtedly deliberate, designed to push us out of our comfort zones and foster both personal and professional growth.

Finally, the responsiveness and supportiveness of the alumni network have been remarkable, reinforcing INSEAD’s reputation as a truly global and connected community. My experience so far has been nothing short of transformative, and I’m excited about what’s yet to come.

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

I would suggest they be very clear on the reasons why they are considering pursuing an Executive MBA, and take the time to reflect on the specific challenges or goals they are hoping to address and how this experience will help them tackle these. Once they have aligned their reasons and expectations, I’d say—borrowing from one of the most iconic marketing slogans—just do it. It’s an incredibly transformative journey, and I am pretty sure they won’t regret it.