INSEAD quickly emerged as the ideal choice. Its reputation as a truly international business school is unmatched.
Pascal Campus
Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about you?
I have a knack for finding humour in almost any situation. Whether it’s navigating a challenging negotiation or adapting to a new culture, I believe a bit of lightheartedness can break the ice and make even the toughest moments more manageable.
Unexpectedly, this trait has often worked to my advantage in building connections and diffusing tension, proving that sometimes a good laugh can be just as effective as a well-thought-out strategy!
Tell us about yourself, and how you got to where you are today both on a professional and personal level?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of an international career. The thought of navigating different cultures, solving problems on a global scale, and contributing to something larger than myself was deeply appealing. This aspiration set the course for my professional journey and shaped the person I am today.
My career has taken me across borders, immersing me in the fast-paced and transformative worlds of tech and gaming. I've had the privilege of working in diverse emerging markets, where every challenge offered an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and grow.
Whether managing complex processes or steering strategic initiatives in dynamic, matrixed organizations, these experiences demanded resilience, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity—skills you can only hone by being on the ground and in the thick of it.
One thing I’ve learned through these experiences is that working internationally is much more than a career choice; it’s a crucible for character-building. It’s about adapting to environments where the rules are different, learning to communicate when language and cultural norms don’t always align, and finding common ground to achieve collective success. These lessons have shaped my ability to lead with empathy and decisiveness in equal measure.
But beyond the professional milestones, living and working abroad has been deeply enriching on a personal level. It has opened my eyes to the value of different perspectives, taught me humility in the face of unfamiliar challenges, and fostered a sense of curiosity that drives me to keep learning and growing.
Looking back, my international career has been everything I dreamed it would be—and more. It’s taught me that success is as much about adapting to the world around you as it is about staying true to your core values. And in every market, no matter how different, I’ve found one universal truth: building relationships and investing in people is the key to lasting impact.
What led you to decide to pursue an Executive MBA, and why did you choose INSEAD in particular?
As my career progressed, it naturally became more strategic and cross-functional, requiring me to navigate complex challenges that extended beyond the scope of my initial roles. I found myself increasingly working across borders, cultures, and disciplines, which deepened my understanding of global business but also highlighted the importance of continuously developing my skills and expanding my perspective.
This realisation led me to pursue an Executive MBA—a decision driven by the desire to elevate my ability to lead in a rapidly evolving, interconnected world. When I began exploring programmes, INSEAD quickly emerged as the ideal choice. Its reputation as a truly international business school is unmatched. INSEAD alumni can be found in almost any corporation, industry, or field across the globe. This global network sets it apart from many other elite institutions that, while excellent, often maintain a more localised focus.
What made the decision even clearer was the TIEMBA programme, delivered in partnership with Tsinghua University. Tsinghua is China’s most prestigious university, boasting an equally impressive reputation and an extensive network within one of the world’s most dynamic economies. The TIEMBA programme offered a unique opportunity to leverage the best of both worlds: INSEAD’s international expertise and Tsinghua’s deep connection to China’s business landscape.
This dual perspective was exactly what I needed to further my career and broaden my leadership approach. The combination of academic rigour, cultural immersion, and access to two powerful alumni networks provided an unparalleled foundation for tackling global challenges and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. The TIEMBA programme wasn’t just an educational experience—it was a transformative journey that perfectly aligned with my ambitions.
How would you describe your experience so far? What is your impression of the faculty, the curriculum, and your fellow participants?
The experience so far has been both intense and incredibly rewarding—and, surprisingly, a lot of fun! The workload is demanding, but it’s balanced by the camaraderie and the unique learning environment.
My cohort is one of the standout aspects of the programme. The group is remarkably diverse, with participants from all over the world, each bringing their own unique perspectives and expertise. At times, it’s a humbling experience to be surrounded by such accomplished individuals, but it’s also profoundly inspiring.
The faculty is equally impressive. I particularly appreciated the lectures by Professor He Ping on the Chinese economy. His insights were truly eye-opening and gave me a deeper understanding of China’s economic trajectory—a perspective I wish I had encountered ten years ago!
At the same time, I found Professor Charlie Galunic’s sessions on organisational behaviour and Prof. Pushan Dutt on Microeconomics incredibly stimulating and directly applicable to real-world leadership challenges. His ability to blend theory with practical examples made the material both engaging and immediately useful.
Overall, the programme has exceeded my expectations. It’s not just about the academic rigour but also the connections, the shared experiences, and the personal growth that come with it. It’s been a transformative journey, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
What advice would you give to someone who might be interested in pursuing an INSEAD programme?
My advice to anyone considering an INSEAD or the TIEMBA programme is simple: go and talk to alumni. You'll find them literally across the globe. Take the time to meet them, whether in person or virtually, and ask them about their experience—the parts they loved, the aspects they didn’t enjoy as much, and what they might have changed. Most importantly, ask them how the programme impacted their career and personal growth.
You’ll find that they’re more than willing to share honest insights, both the highs and the challenges, which can give you a much clearer picture of what to expect. This candid feedback will help you determine if the programme aligns with your goals and whether the unique environment and global perspective fit you.
Hearing firsthand experiences will not only give you valuable context but also highlight the diversity of paths INSEAD alumni have taken, showcasing just how transformative the programme can be. It’s a step that can make your decision much easier and more informed.
