I have been humbled by the diversity of my fellow classmates but also by the vast knowledge and insights everyone brings to the discussions.
Ramsay Rankoussi

Ramsay Rankoussi

INSEAD Global Executive MBA Ramsay Rankoussi
Nationality/Passport: Belgian Year of graduation: 2024 Current Role: Vice President, Development - Africa & Turkey, Radisson Hotel Group

Can you tell us a little bit about your professional and personal background?

I sell dreams and memories. Part of my job consists of leading the growth strategy of Radisson Hotel Group by constantly expanding into new markets and securing new and additional hotels. With the help of my team, we have probably originated and executed over 100 hotels which will eventually transform the lives of many – from creating jobs, building travel memories, or simply providing a safe place to stay.

Travel is my passion (and my job) so I probably score high in miles, having visited over 60 countries (and still counting) but I certainly became more efficient in packing my suitcase. 

What is a fun fact or something unexpected about you? 

I am a confused child or a product of globalisation. I was born in Athens (Greece), from a Belgian mother and a Lebanese father. I grew up in Belgium, lived in the US, studied in Paris and call Dubai home for over 10 years now. As Socrates said “I am not an Athenian or a Greek but a citizen of the world”

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

I think we all reach one day where we need to take a retrospective look at our lives and evaluate where we stand. Given the fast-paced environment we are living in, taking the time for ourselves is often more rare than true.

The EMBA provides you this opportunity to frame a process through self-introspection but also discovery.

It was the right time for me where I felt I was in my comfort zone and I needed to take a step back to allow objectivity in evaluating my life so far and to consider where do I want to reach next, personally and professionally. 

INSEAD has always been representative as one of the top leading business schools and I was looking to challenge myself to pursue the best education available regionally. I think the combination of the international recognition of the programme, a strong and diverse alumni network, relevant courses and electives coupled with a sincere focus on entrepreneurship and in building future responsible leaders were key decision factors in choosing INSEAD. 

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

I think without a doubt the experience is intense but also humbling. The quote “if you are the smartest in the room, you are in the wrong room” could have never made more sense to me than when I met my cohort and the faculty members as it points out to the importance of surrounding yourself with people that challenge you to level up.

I have been humbled by the diversity of my fellow classmates but also by the vast knowledge and insights everyone brings to the discussions.

Once you join INSEAD, you know are in the right room!

Please share some examples of new insights / tools that you have gained through the GEMBA and how you’ve been able to implement them in your professional life?

Time management becomes your only option to survive. You quickly learn to manage priorities and optimise your time and efforts as the studies are certainly demanding on top of a job and private responsibilities.

I think one of the biggest learning so far is adaptability. You learn to adapt yourself in the different group assignments but also to lead differently in each situation. You adapt by learning new perspectives and by accepting everyone’s opinion. In brief, through GEMBA or through life – the same motto applies: “Adapt, survive and overcome”.

Could you tell us more about your experience with the Leadership Development Programme (LDP)?

LDP is probably a key differentiator for INSEAD. The programme gives you the opportunity to reflect internally about yourself, your soft skills and emotional intelligence but also to be assessed by some peers and a dedicated coach.

The sessions allow you to dig deeper about what truly is your purpose and how to get you there, but you also get to define clear milestones and assess your progress towards your development plan.

The experience is self-enriching but also humbling as you continue to learn from others and realise quickly we all face the same questions and that we are all on the same journey of becoming a better version of ourselves but also a better partner, a better friend, a better colleague, and a better leader. 

Lastly, what advice would you give to someone who might be interested in pursuing the INSEAD Global Executive MBA programme?

If you feel you are at a point in your career or life where you would like to take a step back and evaluate where you stand, there is no better framework than joining the GEMBA programme at INSEAD.

It is one of the few opportunities where you get to refresh your skills, learn about yourself, learn about others but also make new friends, access a tremendous network and reflect on a career transition.

And if you wonder if you fit in the classroom, remember we all felt the same way but that’s why you know you are in right place!