The programme's success is built on the diversity of participants, the global learning atmosphere, the expertise of the professors, and the rich curriculum.
Zainab Albasha

Zainab Albasha

zainab
Nationality/Passport: Saudi Arabian Year of graduation: 2025 Current Role: Director of Enablement

What is a fun fact or something unexpected about you?

When I deeply believe in something, I fly to it and make it happen. I travelled 25 hours to Washington DC to attend a microblading course where I learned how to draw eyebrows for cancer survivors and alopecia patients, and their happiness and smile was the payment.

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

My parents' wisdom taught me that nothing in life comes easily. In both my professional and personal life, I've sacrificed for every opportunity to develop myself and my career. I've learned what not to do until I mastered what to do.

Upon closer examination of my experiences, I've climbed the career ladder gradually, experiencing different levels and positions. Despite the challenges and struggles, I've utilised them all as opportunities for learning.

Starting as a junior employee in operations, I progressed to the role of director at the organisational level, and then further advanced to the national level where I collaborate on decision-making with the top leaders in my country.

I've learned the hard way and continue to share the lessons I've gained throughout my career with every team I've worked with. 

I am a well-known figure in my country and a constant point of reference in my fields. I don't hesitate to share my cumulative experiences, including the failures that preceded my successes. Despite my busy life and schedule, I remain a pillar of support for various organisations and individuals who approach me.

Today, I am an empowered and enabled woman leader in my country, with extensive experience in multiple leadership roles at the national level. This is what has shaped me into the person I am today, and the journey continues.

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

Pursuing my MBA had always been a dream, and I have made the decision to pursue it.

Exploring the profound understanding of business and its impact on a country's economic position has consistently been an area of interest for me. 

This is why I believe that the Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) is the ideal platform where I can exchange my experiences and learn from the global participants.

I have been accepted by various universities, but I chose to invest my personal savings in INSEAD due to the quality of learning, the extraordinary reputation of the university, and INSEAD's mission of bringing together people, cultures, and ideas to develop responsible leaders who can transform business and society.

Graduating from a top-ranked university will undoubtedly add more value to my degree.

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

In simpler terms, I'm seeking an extraordinary experience.

The programme's success is built on the diversity of participants, the global learning atmosphere, the expertise of the professors, and the rich curriculum—these elements together create the remarkable experience I'm looking for.

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

Don't hesitate, and it's never too late to embark on your life-changing experience.