Joesph de Durfort

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

I studied Medieval History for five years, learning Latin and palaeography (deciphering manuscripts). I specialised in the Gascon nobility in the 15th century.

Tell us about yourself, and how you got to where you are today?

Always following my passions, I studied History at Trinity College and Cambridge for five years. My long-term dream is to teach.

But beforehand, I want to pursue another passion of mine, entrepreneurship in emerging markets. Passionate about Sub-Saharan Africa, I moved to a small town in central Kenya amid COVID, two months after my Masters in History, to work for a Kenyan startup developing internet access in rural parts of the country. 

Joining the technical team as an intern, I had little added value but soon developed an interest in business and project management. I stayed four years in Kenya and learnt so much that only a letter of acceptance from INSEAD could persuade me to move.

What motivated you to choose the INSEAD MBA, and how do you envision it aligning with your future goals?

Two factors motivated me to join INSEAD. Coming from a non-business background, I often felt that I lacked certain hard skills in my day-to-day job in Kenya. For instance, I would often put business cases together, taking some freedom with formulas.

Knowing now what I learnt in only one month, I would have done things differently and the decisions would have been more enlightened and profitable.

Working in a Kenyan startup was the best choice I made, however, I needed to broaden my horizon and meet people from other backgrounds with other ideas. I wanted to enlarge my circle and hopefully meet the people I will one day build businesses with. So far, I am convinced I made the right choice to make that come true.

What are your impressions of campus life so far and how did you navigate accommodation, and sorting out all the admin? Any tips for incoming students?

Campus life is great. It's fantastic to share lunch with different people every day, play sports with various groups, and always be stimulated in so many ways. My advice? Make sure to live in Fontainebleau and not in a village outside, or you will miss out on a lot.

Could you share a little about your application process and securing financing?

The application process is long and has many steps to test your motivation. But if you really are motivated and passionate, you will make it! 

I struggled to study for my GMAT and continue my work at the same time and had to wake up almost two hours earlier every day. But in the end, it was all worth it. The interviews with alumni were actually very enjoyable!

You are starting your INSEAD MBA in France. Are you planning any campus exchanges?

I am starting in France, but definitely looking forward to a campus exchange! US vs. Singy? Not 100% sure yet!

In your first few weeks, what aspects of the INSEAD MBA have stood out to you as unique or particularly appealing?

The international network. 

It is crazy to be in a room with 80+ nationalities represented. There are not many places where this is possible, but the UN General Assembly and INSEAD are two of them.  

Aside from your academic pursuits, what extracurricular interests or activities are you exploring at INSEAD, and how do you see them enhancing your overall MBA experience?

On a professional level, I am really looking forward to all the events related to entrepreneurship, as well as participating in the entrepreneurship club. It is nice to see that there will be startup competitions, bootcamps, etc. 

On a personal level, I have enjoyed playing in the touch rugby team every Thursday, always followed by a great event in a bar.