Louis Fiacre

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I’m French, though I’ve never really felt “typically French.” I’ve always been curious about the wider world and different cultures. I first studied engineering in France, but quickly realised the atmosphere wasn’t right for me. It felt very individualistic, with students competing against each other rather than helping one another. I knew I wanted a more collaborative environment (and less physics!).

That led me to EHL in Switzerland. I spent four years there studying hospitality management, including a semester on the Singapore campus. That experience was eye-opening. In Switzerland, my peers were mostly European, but in Singapore, I had the chance to study and work with classmates from China, Taiwan and Singapore. It broadened my perspective and gave me a real appetite to live and study internationally.

Back in Lausanne, I also explored my growing interest in the luxury sector. EHL had partnerships with brands like Cartier and Chopard, and through those connections, I was able to get a first impression of watchmaking and luxury retail from the inside. It confirmed my passion for industries where heritage and creativity meet business. 

Why did you choose the INSEAD MIM?

To be honest, I hadn’t even heard of INSEAD until an EHL alumnus I admire told me about his MBA. When I looked into it, I discovered the MIM, and it immediately stood out.

The international dimension was decisive. Unlike some other schools that feel tied to one country or one sector, INSEAD struck me as truly global. The values on the website resonated with me, and when I reached out to alumni, I could feel it wasn’t for show.

I was also impressed by the admissions process. At some schools, you wait endlessly to meet with a panel which barely knows your CV. At INSEAD, it felt different. The admissions team moved quickly.

My interviewer was remarkably well-matched to my profile. Our in-depth conversation around our shared interests made me feel that this is a community that genuinely values and cares for its people.

Finally, I liked the structure: one year, very intense. After four years at EHL, I didn’t want a long master’s programme. I wanted something challenging and efficient. A friend even told me McKinsey consultants joke that their work rhythm is easy compared to INSEAD — I took that as a challenge! 

How have your first impressions been so far?

It’s definitely as intense as I expected, but in the best way. Launch Week was a highlight; it really brought us together, and the administration did a great job of creating moments to connect.

Starting in Fontainebleau is a strength. Because it’s a small town, you bump into classmates everywhere — on the way to class, at the bar, or at the supermarket. It creates a daily rhythm where you’re always meeting people. The shared houses, in particular, are unique. I arrived a few days before Launch Week and immediately bonded with the group at my house. Within a week, we were inviting another house over, and suddenly there were twenty of us cooking and talking together. That sense of community is exactly what I was looking for.

There are also traditions that build on this. Random dinners, where MBAs and MIMs are mixed together, make it easy to connect beyond your immediate circle. Even with the “no loud noise after 10 p.m.” rule for the neighbours, there’s a lot of fun and energy. Creative problem solving at its finest! 

What about student life and activities?

I’ve already joined the Retail, Luxury and Consumer Goods Club, which is perfectly aligned with my interests. We have exciting events coming up; for example, a talk with the Salomon CEO and a presentation by Dior Couture. Having direct access to industry leaders like that is incredible.

I’m also involved in organising the ski trip for the Christmas break, which will be a great chance to get the whole intake to discover the Alps. Every week, I join more than 80 students on the rugby field before we all head to Mimi’s, a decades-long INSEAD tradition. For a single fee, you get unlimited wine and pizza, which turns a simple dinner into a lively evening of laughter, stories, and bonding.  

And there’s so much more on offer: talent shows, cultural events, professional clubs... The list simply doesn’t stop. The real challenge isn’t deciding what to join, but what you’ll have to miss!  

How has the Career Development Centre (CDC) supported you?

From the very beginning, I noticed the difference. My twin sister is doing another programme elsewhere and has to handle her career planning on her own. At INSEAD, the CDC is a real support system.

My career coach, Emmanuelle, has been great, and the workshops are practical and engaging. People like Gene Cleckley, who runs some of the group sessions, make the whole experience lively and interactive.

What do you hope to take away by graduation?

I hope that our class will stay as close as the MIM’26 cohort, which just organised a big reunion in Madrid a mere two months after graduating. That really inspired me.

Personally, I want to make sure I graduate with no regrets. For me, that means making the most of every opportunity, whether in class, in clubs, or through friendships. INSEAD gives us academic, professional and social opportunities that are unique. My goal is to embrace them fully, build lasting connections, and come out the other side proud of the journey we’ve taken together. 

Even small things, like Telegram channels for quick updates and resources, show that the team is really there for us. It feels like we have experts in our corner, constantly pushing us to refine our goals and helping us prepare for what’s next.