The Tsinghua-INSEAD collaboration stood out as a unique opportunity to learn across cultures and systems that are shaping the future.
Khoula Almashjari
Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about you?
People often assume I’m very serious because of the kind of projects I work on, but I actually enjoy slowing things down. I love long, deep conversations, observing people and noticing small details, especially when I’m travelling or meeting someone from a different culture. I’ve learned that curiosity and listening have taken me much further than speaking, both professionally and personally.
Tell us about yourself, and how you got to where you are today both on a professional and personal level.
I work in the energy sector, where I’m involved in leading complex projects that require coordination across multiple stakeholders, disciplines, and timelines. My career has been shaped by environments that demand both rigour and adaptability, balancing technical depth with leadership, and decision-making with empathy. My role sits between strategy and execution, translating long-term objectives into decisions that teams can actually deliver on.
Personally, I grew up in a large family, which shaped me more than any formal leadership training. It taught me responsibility early on, but also patience, empathy and the importance of relationships. Over time, I’ve become increasingly interested not just in what we build, but how organisations make decisions, develop people and create sustainable impact. I became very aware that strong outcomes don’t come only from technical expertise, but from how people are led, heard and trusted. That belief has strongly influenced how I approach my work and my leadership style today.
What led you to decide to pursue an Executive MBA, and why did you choose INSEAD in particular?
I decided to pursue an Executive MBA at a point where I wanted to challenge how I think, not just what I know. I had gained solid experience on the ground, but I was increasingly interested in sharpening my strategic judgement and broadening my global perspective while continuing to grow professionally.
INSEAD appealed to me because of its diversity, its emphasis on leadership development and its very international mindset. The Tsinghua-INSEAD collaboration stood out as a unique opportunity to learn across cultures and systems that are shaping the future.
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 demanding in the best possible way. The faculty are deeply knowledgeable but also very grounded, constantly connecting theory to real situations we recognise from our own careers. The curriculum challenges you to think rigorously, but it also invites reflection.
What has made the experience truly special is the cohort.
Being surrounded by people with very different backgrounds, industries, and viewpoints has pushed me to see issues through new lenses.
There is a strong sense of mutual respect, and learning often happens just as much in conversations outside the classroom as it does during lectures.
Can you share a little about your application process and what you found most helpful and challenging during your preparation?
The application process was more introspective than I expected. It forced me to slow down and really think about my motivations, my leadership journey and where I wanted to grow next.
The most challenging part was being concise while staying authentic. INSEAD’s application prompts encourage honesty and depth, which required me to step back and think carefully about my leadership journey, my blind spots and my aspirations. That reflection, in itself, made the process worthwhile. In many ways, the preparation itself felt like the beginning of the learning journey.
What advice would you give to someone who might be interested in pursuing an INSEAD programme?
Approach the process with clarity and honesty. INSEAD values self-awareness and openness, so being genuine about your goals and your learning areas matters more than having a perfect story.
I would also encourage candidates to think of the programme not just as an academic experience, but as a personal one. The diversity of perspectives, cultures and ideas is what truly makes the journey meaningful, and being open to that is what allows you to get the most out of it.
