Noha Ayaso Duwaji

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself – where do you come from and where are you intending to go?

I am currently based in Dubai and view myself as a citizen of the world. I was born and raised in Bahrain, carry heritage from Syria and am bound by spiritual affiliation to Canada - a phenomenon which is seemingly becoming more and more common nowadays.

My professional background has evolved over the years taking its course through business assurance, financial advisory and finally management consulting.

My past experiences have enriched my life in a road map filled with successes and failures, heartbreak and joy, and everything in between. My continued journey is one which is yet to be uncovered.

What made you decide to pursue the Executive Master in Change (EMC) at INSEAD?

The EMC was on my radar at least five years before I got accepted into the programme. As I was in pursuit of higher education in the field of management with a focus on transformation and change, I came across the programme and fell in love with it.

Although at the time I wasn’t clear on what exactly the programme was about, I was drawn to the notion of a psychodynamic approach to understanding organisational behaviour. After completing just one module, my enthusiasm and love for the programme has increased exponentially.

What are your goals post-EMC?

Going into the programme, I was looking forward to expanding my knowledge and deepening my understanding of human behaviour in organisations. I hope to become an instrument of positive influence and change in my community and within the organisations I am affiliated with.

You recently completed module 1. What were your first impressions of the classroom atmosphere, the content, the classmates and Professors?

Being on campus with my fellow classmates, professors and programme managers was surreal.

The four days were jam packed with knowledge, experiences and connections leaving me with a longing to go back for more!

My biggest takeaway from being there is how profoundly connected with everyone the experience left me and the feeling of anticipation for what’s yet to come.

Do you have any advice for people who might be considering an EMC in the future?

My advice for anyone considering EMC is to do it! Take the leap of faith and jump right in. My journey started during the admission process. I am one module in and am amazed at the internal movement that has already taken place and the significant impact I have been already been experiencing.

Parting words of wisdom or advice?

“We cannot change, we cannot move away from what we are until we thoroughly accept what we are. Then change seems to come about almost unnoticed.” 

― Carl R. Rogers