The programme equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to drive strategic initiatives and make informed decisions that align with our long-term goals.
In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate strategy, continuous learning and adaptation are key to staying ahead. Nida Gorkem, Group Strategy Manager at Ageas, exemplifies this principle. Her journey through INSEAD’s Competitive Strategy Programme not only enhanced her strategic acumen but also provided her with invaluable insights and skills that continue to shape her career.
A Strategic Visionary at Ageas
Nida Gorkem plays a pivotal role at Ageas, where she is responsible for the development and coordination of three-year strategic cycles, monitoring the execution of strategies across the Group’s operating companies, and making critical investment and strategic partnership decisions. “My role is crucial in ensuring that Ageas remains agile, competitive, and strategically aligned with its long-term objectives,” Nida explains.
The INSEAD Competitive Strategy Programme Experience
Nida first heard about INSEAD’s Competitive Strategy Programme during a particularly intense period in her professional life. “INSEAD has always been on my radar for its high-quality executive education programs,” she shares. The compact nature of the programme appealed to her, promising to refresh her theoretical knowledge and offer valuable new perspectives through networking with diverse colleagues and participants.
Driven by a desire to engage in a focused and well-structured three-day session with an esteemed professor, Nida applied for the Competitive Strategy Programme. She aimed to enhance her skills in ‘pattern recognition’ by analysing cases from various industries, providing practical insights applicable to real-world strategic challenges. Initially, Nida did not have high expectations due to her extensive experience in corporate and business strategy and the short duration of the course. However, she was pleasantly surprised. “Even as a strategy professional, there’s always something to learn from other industries,” she notes. Studying cases from diverse fields, such as the diamond and jewellery industry or the monopolistic dynamics of the wine industry, was eye-opening.
Nida particularly appreciated the combination of three key elements: the expertise and insight of the esteemed professor, the well-structured curriculum featuring extensive case assessments, and the invaluable networking opportunities with fellow participants. “The collaborative learning environment at INSEAD was truly inspiring. It broadened my horizons and empowered me to think strategically and act decisively. The professor was exceptionally energetic and knowledgeable, creating an engaging learning environment and fostering meaningful discussions throughout the programme,” she says.
Making Better Informed Strategic Decisions
The programme significantly enhanced Nida’s ability to recognise patterns across different industries and scenarios—an essential skill in her generalist role in Strategy. “The insights I gained from analysing diverse case studies have been invaluable,” she reflects.
The improved pattern recognition skills she developed have also been instrumental in her role at Ageas, enabling her to navigate diverse strategic contexts more effectively. “The programme equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to drive strategic initiatives and make informed decisions that align with our long-term goals,” she shares.
Looking ahead, Nida’s next career objective is to embark on an international challenge where she can leverage her combined experiences in managing strategic transformations. She aims to combine her interdisciplinary understanding of business and technical functions to drive impactful change on a global scale.
A Transformative Programme
Nida wholeheartedly recommends the Competitive Strategy Programme to others. “The programme has been transformative for me,” she shares. “It provided me with the tools and insights needed to excel in my career and navigate the complexities of today’s dynamic business landscape.”
Featured Programme
