Nour Alawieh

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

Fun fact: I’m still friends with my nursery friends.

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

My career path is best described as curious, slightly experimental and very intentional in hindsight. I started with Computer Engineering, then somehow found myself interning in Biomedical Engineering, followed by Electrical Engineering, clearly still figuring out what kind of engineer I wanted to be.

After graduating, I started working at a global financial technology company that develops capital markets platforms, and eventually, my skill set landed me in banking, an outcome I didn’t plan early on, but one that made perfect sense once I got there. Today, I work in Global Markets transformation, sitting at the intersection of business, finance and technology, and turning strategy into execution at scale.

Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have champions who believed in me, advocated for me and opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Their trust and support were instrumental at key moments in my career progression.

On a personal level, my journey has been shaped by movement and contrast. I grew up in Lebanon, where you learn endurance early. Resilience, adaptability and hope in the face of uncertainty are not choices, but necessities.

Moving to the UAE at a young age was a defining chapter. It felt like entering a place where hard work is rewarded, ambition is welcomed, and opportunities are created. Many doors that once felt closed eventually turned out to be some of the greatest blessings, pushing me towards paths I would not have chosen otherwise, but that ultimately shaped who I am today.

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

At this stage of my career, I was looking for more than “upskilling,” I wanted perspective. Pursuing the GEMBA was a deliberate decision to pause, zoom out and reflect on what’s next.

Beyond academics,  INSEAD stood out to me for its truly global mindset and diversity of perspectives.  

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

The experience has exceeded my expectations. The faculty brings together academic depth and real-world relevance. The curriculum is demanding but well-structured, allowing space for reflection as well as growth.

What has stood out the most, however, is the cohort. Each one of us brings a distinct culture, industry perspective and mindset into the classroom.

Overall, the programme feels intentionally designed to help you unlock your potential and work through personal and professional barriers that may have been holding you back.

Can you share a little about your application process and what you found most helpful and challenging during your preparation?

I got the opportunity to visit the Middle East campus before I applied. I also met Daniella, who gave me great insights. This helped me picture myself as part of the INSEAD community.

The application process itself was smooth and very well organised, and the team was incredibly supportive throughout, which made the journey feel encouraging rather than stressful. The most meaningful, yet challenging, part was the reflection it required, stepping back to reflect on my career journey, motivations and leadership aspirations.

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

My advice is simple: be intentional and authentic. The experience gives back in direct proportion to what you bring into it. Challenge yourself to experiment with approaches that may be different from what you are used to, whether in how you think, lead or engage with others. Test your limits and allow yourself to be uncomfortable at times, that’s often where the most meaningful learning happens. If you’re open to being challenged intellectually, professionally and personally, the experience can be genuinely transformative.