Wincel Kaufmann

Fun fact about yourself?

I love the ocean and I enjoy scuba diving.The opportunity to experience the underwater world is incredibly beautiful and fascinating. There is a sense of freedom, weightlessness and being one with nature.

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

The Executive MBA is a business degree programme that is designed for professionals. Pursuing an EMBA will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of business strategies and develop your leadership skills. More than that, it creates the opportunity to meet other successful business professionals and gain new perspective on business opportunities.

INSEAD is the best and the most well-known business school in Europe and in the world. Its international reputation, diverse student body and its philosophy as being the force for good in global business contribute to its success as a business school.

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

INSEAD has a focus on practical real-world business knowledge and strong connections to the industry.

The world’s best professors teach at the school, and the students are from various countries, industries and expertise. INSEAD truly lives up to its philosophy of being the business school for the world. I have met some of the most incredible professionals, some of whom are great friends of mine now and I’d like to stay friends with them for life. 

Has the EMBA helped you in your career so far?  

Not only has it helped me improve my professional skills and knowledge, it has also helped me grow as a leader and as an individual.

Oftentimes we become specialists in the course of our professional life. The programme widens that horizon and creates the opportunity to have deeper understanding of other important areas of the organisation and the world. The programme allows you to grow and develop as an individual. It inspires you to become a leader with integrity and always open to new opportunities.

Could you tell us more about the Leadership Development Programme experience?

When I first joined, my expectation was focused on deepening my knowledge on specific business areas and academic views. This is easily met as INSEAD brings the world-renowned professors in the classroom.

What surprised me the most and where I get the most benefit from is the EMBA’s Leadership Development Programme. This programme improves the personal ability to become a good and effective people manager. It involves the development of one’s emotional intelligence and learning about your own leadership style. The experience is nothing short of transformational.  

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

It is important to remember that leadership is a lifelong learning process which requires time and hard work. Learning is far more important at the senior level of the organisation as your responsibility increases.

INSEAD is not just a business school, it is the place where strong and good leaders with integrity and self-awareness are developed. A good leader is what you can expect to become at the end of the EMBA programme.