Luca Mavrodin

Can you tell us about your business studies and sporting background?

I study business at Les Roches and am about to begin a finance internship in Madrid. I have been an athlete and competitor my whole life, so leadership through competition has always been part of me. I have played basketball for as long as I can remember and still do. In the last few years, I have also moved into martial arts, which requires a very different competitive mindset and has definitely helped me develop.

What drew you to the INSEAD Summer School, and how had you heard about INSEAD?

Several close family friends had completed INSEAD programmes and often spoke about the alumni network. Even in the way they recommended INSEAD to me, I could see how the network works like a family and a community where people genuinely want the best for one another. I was also drawn to two intense weeks focused not only on business, but on building character, mindset and teamwork skills that I could apply to my other interests.

Which moment best captures the experience for you?

We were thrown into the experience very early. We spent a full day in the forest doing team-building exercises with people we had met only 24 hours before. In one exercise, we climbed high above the ground while one person supported another from below. In another, two people balanced face to face on high ropes and had to help each other move across. We had to trust one another, face our fears and solve problems together. That immediately built friendships and prepared us to work well together on our larger projects.

What has the programme’s hands-on approach taught you?

The best part of the programme is that it is not focused only on theory. We are put into situations where we have to act, including simulations involving running a company, negotiating, responding to protests and handling BBC-style interviews. Professors also use AI platforms they developed themselves, and the learning continues through conversations over lunch and dinner. I have learnt that the real question is what you do when things do not go to plan, and how you deal with conflict or unexpected situations.

 I have learnt that the real question is what you do when things do not go to plan, and how you deal with conflict or unexpected situations.

Will you stay connected with the people you met?

One hundred per cent. I have made real friends, but it goes beyond that. Alumni came to mentor us and judge our ventures and presentations. They were very welcoming, exchanged contact details and genuinely encouraged us to get in touch whenever we needed anything. What feels special about INSEAD is that people welcome you into a family and community that continues beyond the two weeks.