I’m incredibly impressed and grateful to share this journey with such a bright, driven, and fun group of individuals.
Mélissa Trovoada

Mélissa Trovoada Darko

 Mélissa Trovoada
Nationality/Passport: Sao Tomean, Portuguese Year of graduation: 2026 Current Role: Head of UK Office, IHS Towers

Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about yourself?

When I was younger, I loved singing and dancing and spent quite a lot of time doing it—I even thought I would become a Broadway star before deciding to pursue a more traditional career in law.

Fun fact #2: Once I graduate, I will be the first INSEADer from São Tomé and Príncipe. It was such a proud moment to see the little dot representing my country on the map when I first arrived in Fontainebleau.

Tell us about yourself and how you got to where you are today, both professionally and personally.

My life has been shaped by travel and great encounters. I spent my early years in Portugal before moving to Paris, where I grew up. I always knew I wanted to study law, so I pursued a legal education, but I also wanted an international career, which led me to study both French and German law. 

While studying in Germany, a visiting professor suggested that learning about Project Finance and Finance Law could be a great asset if I wanted to contribute to the African continent. This simple and unexpected conversation opened my eyes to a world I wasn’t familiar with and eventually led me to work in Project Finance.

I began my career advising on major projects in infrastructure, oil and gas, renewables, and mining around the globe, first in Paris and then in London. During one transaction, I met the management team of my current employer, IHS Towers, which was in a growth phase. I saw an opportunity to contribute beyond a strictly legal role and join their growth story as a real business partner. I took the leap, and I’ve never looked back.

I firmly believe that connecting with people leads to the best outcomes in both professional and personal life—something I try to instil in my two daughters back in London.

What led you to decide to pursue an Executive MBA, and why did you choose INSEAD in particular?

As my role expanded beyond a strictly legal focus, I wanted to solidify my technical knowledge and exchange ideas with other business leaders to challenge my outlook and perceptions. INSEAD stood out as the most international programme in terms of cohorts and curriculum. The opportunity to visit multiple campuses during the programme and connect with people in real-world settings was particularly exciting.

I also spoke with several INSEAD alumni, all of whom shared fond memories and were incredibly helpful in answering my questions about the programme. Being part of such a community appealed to me.

How would you describe your experience so far? What is your impression of the faculty, the curriculum, and your fellow participants?

The experience has been nothing short of exciting, refreshing, challenging (in all the right ways), and thought-provoking. Going back to school after many years in the professional world isn’t easy, but the insights and learnings are immense and immediately applicable.

On a personal level, I’m incredibly impressed and grateful to share this journey with such a bright, driven, and fun group of individuals. I’ve learned as much from sitting in a bar in Fontainebleau with my classmates as I have in the classroom. It’s still early days, but I feel I’m not only building a valuable network but also friendships that will last a lifetime.

What advice would you give to someone who might be interested in pursuing an INSEAD programme?

Just go for it! The application process might seem daunting, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. The admissions team organises incredibly useful calls to clarify the process and ease concerns.  

If you have the chance, visit the campus or talk to alumni. It will give you a richer perspective and motivation than any brochure ever could.