We are all at INSEAD because we share a common ideal: that of a truly global world.
Kevin Kemadjoutchoumi
How has your multicultural background influenced your experience as an MBA student at INSEAD so far?
This has provided me with a common language with the diverse communities at INSEAD. I have been able to bridge their culture with my own. Today, I hardly see any difference between their countries and mine. Thanks to them, I now embody 70 shades, representing the number of different nationalities in my cohort.
Can you discuss how your consulting background has contributed to your learning and engagement within the INSEAD community?
My consulting skills have been invaluable in tackling the various business cases we have to complete, and they have also been crucial for daily teamwork. The fit between the school's consulting culture and my own has been quite natural.
What specific initiatives or activities have you been involved in at the INSEAD MBA programme that align with your passion for fostering international connections and cultural exchange?
I am currently collaborating with several of my peers to organise the first MBA student trip to Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, I am looking to become more involved in the Africa Club.
As a current MBA student, how have you utilised INSEAD's resources and networks to enhance your academic and professional development?
I am very satisfied with the wealth of resources made available to students to ensure their success throughout the programme. From the support staff to the eminent professors, being at INSEAD truly allows one to discover oneself from a different perspective.
In terms of networking, the presence of alumni is tangible; I still think about their participation during the Master Strategist days, as well as recruitment events where they share their experiences and present their companies.
Moreover, the constant presence of C-suite executives participating in executive education on campus allows for meaningful encounters.
In what ways do you envision leveraging your INSEAD MBA experience to pursue your career goals, particularly in consulting and promoting cross-cultural understanding?
I came to INSEAD to reinvent myself: to take on new challenges, meet new people, and gain fresh ideas.
Reflecting on your time at INSEAD thus far, what are some key skills or insights you have gained that you believe will be instrumental in your future endeavours?
I have gained confidence. I've definitely increased my capacity to handle a heavy workload. Thanks to the Organisational Behaviour courses, I am better equipped to understand group dynamics within an organisation.
How do you plan to continue contributing to the INSEAD community during the remainder of your time as a student?
I am trying to build more bridges between the different communities within my cohort, even though in the end, we are all uniquely INSEAD.
Considering the global nature of the INSEAD MBA programme, how have your classroom experiences and interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds enriched your learning journey?
No one is at INSEAD by accident; each MBA candidate has experience that they can leverage to help their group or classmates.
I am currently working with some Indian friends on accounting topics, with an Ivorian-Luxembourgish peer on process and operations issues, and with an American classmate whom I assist with corporate finance subjects.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time at INSEAD that has had a significant impact on your personal or professional growth?
The Master Strategist Day is an excellent example, as it contains all the elements needed for a challenge: succeeding in teamwork to solve a complex issue within a tight timeframe, all while facing a demanding client.
Lastly, what advice would you give to fellow students at INSEAD, especially those with multicultural backgrounds, to make the most out of their MBA experience and prepare for their post-INSEAD career paths?
We are all at INSEAD because we share a common ideal: that of a truly global world. Let's travel, meet others, and be curious.
