Mario El Hoyek

Tell me about yourself, and how you got to where you are today both on a professional and personal level? 

I am a classical pianist, turned engineer, turned consultant.

I am the product of many people and places; mostly the determination of my family Sami, Odette, Claudine, and Teta Marie back in Lebanon, the inspiration my wonder-sister Marie-Therese (16'D) provides around the world, the love and advice good friends and mentors carefully provide, and a personal drive that grows every day to use business and talent as a force for good.
     
What made you decide you wanted to pursue the INSEAD MBA, and why INSEAD in particular?

My uncle Wassim went to INSEAD in 1982. He inspired my sister to join back in 2016, and she inspired me to join. 

INSEAD in particular because no other place can match the growth this one year can offer. I always say that what amazes me most about INSEAD is their selection process: the diversity of experiences and the dominance of kindness and ambition all come together to form an international growing and healing incubator.

I made life-long friends and life-changing moves towards the growth I always dreamt of.

What expectations did you have before you started the MBA?

All of my expectations were met or surpassed: I expected to come out with answers to my big questions, I came out with even bigger questions that beg for bigger answers, bolder moves, and larger ambitions.

I expected to come out changed, but I remained myself just with brighter colours and clearer goals. In reality, it's like I did not even come out yet - the experience, network, and growth INSEAD offers are for life: I always say "it's P6 forever".

Could you tell us about your experience with the Career Development Centre (CDC)?

My advisor and career coach (big shoutout and hugs to Daniel Fulda) got a download of my aspirations and unplanned dreams. Our conversations always ended with epiphanies. My experience was very personal and tailored with attention.

The best proof is that I am very happy with where I am and what I am doing for now. 

Has the INSEAD MBA helped you in your career?

Yes, majorly so in the business and consulting world. I would have loved to see more opportunities and a larger space for prospects in arts/music. 

Has the experience helped you remain relevant even after graduation?

I am still going through learnings from my MBA every day in my professional and personal life. INSEAD never ends and the epiphanies and affection that stem from it are important forces in my daily life.

My MBA taught me to open my eyes and ears wide, listen, consider others, prioritise empathy and ethics over selling. I am relevant and will remain so as I keep chasing 'business as a force for good'.

What advice will you give to prospects who are still considering whether an INSEAD MBA should be part of their career plan?

The books and their chapters may be the same across many top business schools. But the (brilliant) human beings on both sides of the classroom will make for an unforgettable experience.

The bigger experience outside of the classroom is for life. I reflect on my INSEAD year with a lot of gratitude and affection - I always shake my head with a smile thinking about 2021; I still cannot fully grasp how fulfilling that was.