Teodor Dmowski

Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to the MIM at INSEAD. 

I’m from Warsaw, Poland, and studied Finance and Accounting at the Warsaw School of Economics. During my degree, I worked continuously, first in IT integration, then in a small investment banking advisory firm, and finally at a private equity fund. My background was very finance-oriented, but I wanted to broaden my perspective, work internationally, and understand things beyond just the numbers. I’ve always liked to go deep and to understand how things connect. INSEAD felt like the ideal place for that mix of analytical depth, global exposure, and hands-on learning.

What are some things you’re passionate about outside of academics? 

I enjoy creating experiences that bring people together. Back in university, I used to bartend for my friends, not as a job, but because I liked shaping the atmosphere and making sure everyone connected and had a good time. I’ve also always been very hands-on. My father’s an engineer, and I inherited that practical side: I love fixing or building things.  

What skills were you hoping to develop during the programme — and how has that been going so far? 

I wanted to strengthen my communication and leadership skills, especially by becoming more confident in larger groups.

 I’m comfortable in small teams, but INSEAD challenges you to speak up in front of diverse audiences. After just a few weeks, I can already feel a difference.  

Group work has been a great way to practise giving and receiving feedback, learning how people from different cultures approach collaboration. It’s eye-opening compared to my previous, more theoretical studies.

How has working in your home group shaped your experience? 

My group is a mix of backgrounds: a designer from London, a classicist from Cambridge, a tech consultant from India, a French teammate from ESCP, and me with a finance focus. Naturally, I take the lead on accounting or quantitative work, but everyone brings something different.

Over time, we’ve learned how to balance strengths, manage expectations, and give constructive feedback. It’s very “INSEAD”: deliberately diverse so you learn from contrast.

What’s life like outside the classroom — and how have you found the Fontainebleau community? 

It’s incredibly active. There’s always something happening: Random Dinners, Oktoberfest, or spontaneous events that push you to be social even when you’re busy. I’ve met MBAs, attended networking nights, and joined initiatives like the International Food Festival. The only thing I’d change is housing; I live alone, and I see how people in shared houses have even more natural social connections. If there were a next time, I’d definitely live with others!

How has the Career Development Centre supported you so far? 

My career coach, Stella, has been fantastic; very supportive and reassuring, especially when I doubt myself. I sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome, and she helps me see that I’m on the right track. The CDC resources and case workshops are really practical. The consulting prep sessions and mock cases have helped me structure my thinking for interviews.

Have you had any memorable interactions with professors or events that stood out? 

Yes, actually, I never expected to be having a beer with a professor! It’s such a change from what I was used to. The professors here don’t have egos. They’re approachable, curious, and genuinely want to help. One even joined a few of us for dinner to talk about preparing for investment banking interviews. That openness is something special at INSEAD.

And looking ahead — where do you see yourself after graduation? 

I’d like to build a career in consulting, ideally somewhere international; maybe London or the Middle East. I’m keeping finance as a secondary path, but consulting feels like the right environment for me: dynamic, fast-paced, and constantly challenging. I came here to grow beyond Poland, and I already feel that happening.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering the MIM? 

Talk to as many people as you can: alumni, current students, professors. It helps you really understand the culture. 

INSEAD doesn’t want everyone to be the same; it values individuality and self-awareness. 

Be yourself in your application and focus on why you want to grow here. The programme is intense, but if you’re curious, open-minded, and ready to step outside your comfort zone, it’s absolutely worth it.