Nathalie Mehanna

What is a fun fact or something unexpected about you?

I am a mezzo soprano and started singing at a very young age. My first live performance was at the age of 12 and at 20, my choir and I gave a memorable performance for Queen Nour of Jordan in Amman. 

I enjoy singing in more than nine languages and during the pandemic, I joined my company’s virtual choir and recorded over 37 covers to spread positive vibes and boost morale.

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

My story is a fusion of the East and the West, of Science and Arts, shaped by parents from very different professions and a cultural melting pot that is Lebanon. I have always been eager to learn new things, embrace challenges, and explore new frontiers, with unwavering curiosity and passion. This led me to study chemistry in Lebanon, France, and Switzerland, eventually earning a PhD in organic chemistry.

After working in research and on a large-scale production site, I joined the corporate world looking to make a bigger impact. I held various positions in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and nutritional sectors, managed projects across continents, helped shape new policies and established new government relations, to ensure access to new drugs and innovative products benefiting the consumer.

Every encounter was a learning opportunity, deepening my understanding of others, and drawing me closer to the worlds of business and entrepreneurship. This has also fuelled a passion to significantly contribute to society through innovation, collaboration and creating equal opportunities.

With INSEAD, I am fully committed to making the most of this exciting journey and seizing all the opportunities it offers to advance, help others, and make a real difference in the world.

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

I wear many hats in my role as a regulatory affairs manager for multiple businesses within our company. My work is very technical and revolves around the nitty-gritty details of policies, registrations, and compliance to ensure market access and smooth operations. 

I tackle government and trade barriers, mitigate risks and potential issues, which would otherwise hinder our ability to conduct business. I enjoy developing and executing tailored business strategies while collaborating daily with various functions and managing people and projects worldwide. 

Recognising the need to speak the same jargon, I decided to get a formal business education.

I strongly believe in the value of a well-rounded profile for scientists and a blended curriculum at universities, bridging the gap between science and business. This enables us to unlock new possibilities and uncover hidden opportunities and potential. 

In our ever-changing world, staying nimble and adaptable is key to unlocking the future. By leveraging a diverse range of skillsets from various fields, embracing new perspectives, and cultivating a strong network, we’ll be equipped to thrive in the exciting times ahead.

With these goals in mind, there is no better choice than the Executive MBA at INSEAD, which offers unparalleled quality of faculty, a unique Leadership Development Programme (LDP) and an exceptional experience with a beautifully diverse cohort I am discovering day by day.

Could you describe your experience so far? The classes, the curriculum, your fellow participants, the professors?

Best decision I ever made. 😊

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

When it comes to levelling up in your career and personal growth, there is no secret recipe except for trusting your instincts and being ready for the next step.

My dream of joining INSEAD has been brewing for more than a decade, and I would often attend webinars and networking events to connect with the school and like-minded individuals who share my values and aspirations. This year, despite a crazy busy schedule, everything fell into place, and it just felt right to take the leap. 

My advice is, nurture your connection to the programme and network immensely. However, even with the best preparation, expect some exciting surprises that will push your abilities but give you a rewarding memorable experience nonetheless!