INSEAD Inspiration and Impact

Chwee Foon Lim MBA ‘98D leads a conversation with Andreas Jacobs MBA ‘90D, Chair of the INSEAD Board. Andreas is an entrepreneur with investments in a wide range of businesses. From year 2000 to 2019, Andreas managed various investments of his family business, the Jacobs family in Switzerland. Andreas is the co-founder and investor of GENUI Partner, a private equity fund with 1bn Euro asset under management. Chwee Foon and Andreas discuss the pivotal role of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in harnessing innovation and creating sustainable leading businesses. Andreas reflects on his own inclusive leadership journey and how he applies DEI in his investment philosophy to advance the impact of Force for Good. The conversation explores progress that INSEAD has made, including DEI, during Andreas' time as INSEAD Board Chair. Andreas offers insights on future development plans for INSEAD and how the INSEAD community can partake in the exciting growth journey ahead. Find out more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at INSEAD here: https://www.insead.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion

Chwee Foon Lim MBA ‘98D, Luciana Staciarini Batista MBA ‘06D and Sharyanne McSwain MBA ‘91J explore a range of DEI initiatives that they have advanced in their respective organisations and communities. They also discuss their experiences with inclusivity, combatting stereotypes and the challenges and loneliness of often being the “only one” in the room in the corporate world. The conversation explores the concept of allyship, intersectionality and the dilemma between authenticity vs. fitting in. Find out more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at INSEAD here: https://www.insead.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion

Chwee Foon Lim MBA ‘98D and Veranita Yosephine EMBA ’16 discuss the inclusive challenges that Veranita has faced as one of the first and only female professional airline CEOs. They also explore Veranita’s path to becoming a DEI Champion, including the ways that her family history and culture has helped to shape her professional success, as well as influencing her leadership style. Among the insights shared were the importance of attracting diverse talent to foster innovation; how pivotal it is to acknowledging our own biases; and how to support and recognise the leadership potential of the quiet contributors within the organisation. Veranita also shares advice for other women leaders, as well as for all leaders striving to become more effective and impactful allies. Find out more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at INSEAD here: https://www.insead.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion

INSEAD graduate and business leader, Leila Hoteit MBA ‘03J, shares her overall career path, and the lasting impact of her early life during the Lebanese civil war with Chwee Foon Lim, MBA ’98D and INSEAD Board Member. They explore the particular challenges of being a woman leader in the Middle East, and the skills Leila developed to navigate a successful professional journey. They also discuss the value of building a personal brand, and tools for building resilience. Leila highlights the importance of mental health support and emotional wellness as a diversity and inclusion initiative. In addition, Leila shares how dealing with a medical crisis shaped her outlook on life and leadership. Find out more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at INSEAD here: https://www.insead.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion

INSEAD Board members and MBA graduates Chwee Foon Lim MBA ‘98D and Pascale Witz MBA ‘96J discuss pivotal aspects of successful leadership. Through a wide-ranging conversation, they explore: building a portfolio that well-positions individuals for C-Suite roles and Board service; strategies for securing a seat on a Board, the core tenets of sponsorship and mentorship, as well as the impact of networking; confronting gender stereotypes and tips for enhancing personal strengths. In providing a unique leadership perspective, Pascale highlights the importance of combining strategic thinking with operational excellence while providing a helpful framework for the next generation of inclusive leaders. Find out more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at INSEAD here: https://www.insead.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion

INSEAD MBA graduate and corporate leader, Claudia Eberhagen MBA ‘98D, shares key lessons learned and outlines a roadmap for a successful leadership journey with MBA classmate and INSEAD board member, Chwee Foon Lim ‘98D. During a wide-ranging conversation Claudia reflects on the ways that issues of diversity and inclusion have played central roles in shaping her career. She also explores crucial themes essential to navigating the corporate world and leadership landscape including: the value and impact of an MBA; cultivating a diverse set of sponsors and mentors; as well as facing life-changing challenges and the role of family in addressing these pivotal issues. Importantly, she illustrates the many instances of pushing boundaries and moving beyond one’s comfort zone as tools needed to craft a successful career. Claudia also shares advice for the next generation of diverse leaders just beginning their own career journeys. Find out more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at INSEAD here: https://www.insead.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion