Dr. Nathalie Mehanna
INSEAD
Age: 42
“Passionate, authentic, ambitious, caring professional with strong values, determined to make a difference.”
Hometown: Originally from Akoura – Lebanon, I grew up in Beirut, moved to Paris, then Geneva. Currently based in Dubai, UAE
Family Members: Mother, Brother, Sister, Sister-in-law, 2 nephews Raphaël & Simon, and 1 niece Marilyn.
Fun fact about yourself: Mezzo soprano, opera, and band singer. I debuted at the age of 12 and performed for Queen Nour of Jordan at the age of 20. While studying in Switzerland, I joined a Filipino Choir as the only foreigner and learned to sing in Tagalog.
Undergraduate School and Degree:
Saint-Joseph University (USJ), Beirut, Lebanon – Masters, Chemistry.
Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI), France – Masters, Organic & Bioorganic Chemistry
University of Geneva, Switzerland – Ph.D. Organic Chemistry
Where are you currently working? Regional Regulatory Affairs for 3 business units (Pharma, Human Nutrition and Animal Nutrition) – Emerging Europe, Middle East & Africa, at BASF.
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: From a young age, my boundless curiosity and energy have driven me to explore a diverse array of interests and activities. I have immersed myself in music, participated in team and individual sports like basketball and swimming, and indulged in various forms of art, including sketching, voice over and scouting. Additionally, I have been actively involved in volunteer work with organizations such as the Lebanese Red Cross and other NGOs like INJAZ focused on youth empowerment.
My love for cultures, languages, and singing has led me to join over eight choirs across different countries, where I have had the opportunity to perform in more than nine languages, including Tagalog and Turkish. During the challenges of the pandemic, I virtually joined my company band and we collaboratively recorded over 40 cover songs uplifting spirits across our global organization.
As both a university lecturer and a professional in the corporate world, I have taken on mentorship responsibilities, guiding students, young professionals, and colleagues in their career journeys. I have been a staunch advocate for equal opportunities, gender diversity and thought diversity, co-establishing the engagement team within my organization in the Middle East and advocating for greater representation of women in leadership roles. We launched the Women chapter across three country clusters, offering support programs for mental health and hosting workshops on bullying and harassment.
I have also had the privilege of being part of the Urban Sketchers community in the UAE where I had the opportunity to exhibit my artwork at “Made in Tashkeel” in Dubai. Additionally, I have been honored with two scholarships from INSEAD for women and diversity, as well as research grants for five consecutive years from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Department of Public education (DIP) in Geneva.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I have always thrived to inspire others and drive change by challenging conventions and encouraging new possibilities. I have particularly cherished the opportunity to empower women and young professionals to pursue their dreams regardless of age or background.
Sharing my MBA experience openly with my network, both on and off LinkedIn has sparked numerous conversations and inquiries from colleagues and new connections eager to embark on their own transformative journeys. Witnessing others find the courage and motivation has been incredibly fulfilling and serves as a reminder of the ripple effect that a single journey can have in inspiring positive change and personal growth within our communities and beyond.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I find pride in every endeavor, whether personal or professional, as each has contributed to shaping the person I am today. From publishing research articles to navigating various industries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, I have cherished every experience.
One achievement holds a special place in my heart as a testament of perseverance and collaboration. Stepping into a new role mere weeks before the pandemic hit with no prior connections and a completely virtual setup, I had to swiftly mobilize and train ad hoc teams across various locations, many of whom lacked experience in regulatory matters. Through unwavering commitment, and close collaboration, we successfully forged trust and established strong connections with key authorities in Middle East and Africa, leading to the opening of 12 new markets and the introduction of 200 new products across two continents in very challenging regulatory landscapes.
This achievement was not only personally rewarding but also garnered global recognition from our esteemed partners as the project was part of a strategic cross-industrial partnership.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? Through my upbringing, I have been deeply connected to both western and Eastern cultures, with strong ties to France and Europe, while also being influenced by my Lebanese roots. I wanted a business school experience that mirrors this diversity and allows me to keep working. As a scientist with quite an unconventional background, I found my fit at INSEAD. The chance to rotate and attend classes across 4-5 locations in one year has been amazing, exposing me to a melting pot of nationalities, perspectives, and cultures – a true recipe for growth and discovery.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? Through my MBA journey, I learned invaluable lessons that have deeply influenced my approach to work and life. I discovered the significance of prioritizing well-being, managing time realistically by focusing on what truly matters, and cultivating resilience. The leadership development program further underscored the power of self-belief and the significance of mastering one’s thoughts and inner dialogue. I discovered that our inner potential far exceeds our imagination, and by managing emotions, and understanding triggers, we can navigate setbacks, challenge norms, embrace opportunities, and still lead authentically.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family, and education? Deep commitment to my family, especially my mother and godchildren, has been a priority for me over the past 12-14 years. This year has been a true test of endurance, and faith, requiring extreme time management and resilience on every level.
Juggling numerous responsibilities, including virtually tutoring my niece and nephew and supporting them emotionally and managing back-to-back MBA assignments, demanding work projects and business trips, has been a constant balancing act. Additionally, being approached for a senior role within my organization, which involved a geographical move, added another layer of complexity.
Despite the challenges, I have felt a sense of support, almost like a magic wand guiding me through. This journey has taught me that nothing is impossible. With determination and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way even on 1 -2 hours of sleep a day.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? My advice for aspiring students is embrace the journey fully, without delay. Plan meticulously, acknowledging the time and effort required. Expect unforeseen challenges and be prepared to tackle them with resilience. At times, you will experience doubt and the urge to give up. This is where it is crucial to be kind to yourself and accept imperfections; true growth occurs in these moments!
Cultivate patience and enjoyment and foster authentic connections with your cohort. You’ll discover a diverse community of individuals united by shared aspirations, and their desire to contribute to their circle and beyond.
What was your biggest regret in business school? Honestly, not starting sooner and giving myself more time to fully immerse in each topic and the overall experience.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Across the diverse cohorts at Abu Dhabi, Fontainebleau, and Asia campuses, inspiration abounds. Yet, within my own Abu Dhabi cohort, Inshan Mohammed stands out. As a dedicated father of two and a seasoned engineer and consultant in the sulfur recovery industry, his valuable contributions to every class are matched only by his generosity, kindness, and unwavering support for others, despite an extreme schedule. Inshan’s leadership qualities leave a lasting impression and I have no doubt he will continue to make a meaningful impact wherever he goes. Wish him and his family all the success and happiness!
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? Choosing the executive MBA over part-time or online formats wasn’t a decision I took lightly. After a history of academic pursuits, 2 masters and a PhD, I thought I was done with studying. However, balancing a demanding career, personal commitments, and a craving for growth and professional advancement, INSEAD’s executive MBA felt like the natural next step. Plus, with the campus just an hour away, the timing felt perfect to embark on this transformative journey.
While virtual options abound and could be very practical and tempting, nothing beats the energy of those real human, face-to-face experiences. Despite a packed schedule, the prospect of on-campus weeks excited me with each module, where immersive learning happens, ideas flow and lifelong connections flourish.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My aspirations are multifaceted and ever evolving. While a live chat would better capture the breadth of my dreams, I aim to merge my passions for business and the arts, even explore the world of entrepreneurship.
My journey in healthcare and advisory roles has been exciting, and with the insights gained from my MBA, I am ready to embrace new opportunities, contributing to a better more equitable society.
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