We want leaders to be constantly asking themselves: “Is it really an ambitious target that we are working towards?”, “Is it clear who’s owning what and do we have a clear mandate?”, and “Are we making timely decisions to cater to the demands of the market?”. I believe that all this contributes to shaping their leadership, personality, and how they seek to impact the business target.

I came in thinking that the focus of the programme would be on accounting, but it was really more about how we can build value for a company.

Thelma West designs fine jewellery from her studio in the heart of Soho, London. Her pieces are one-of-a-kind, showcasing diamonds and jewels that are carefully sourced for their ethical provenance. And in recent years, they have caught the eye of some of the biggest stars in the world. US actress, Zendaya, is a fan. And at the 2021 Met Gala, the singer Rihanna was snapped wearing the Thelma West Rebel Black diamond ring. Meanwhile, West’s rising star has been profiled by the likes of Vogue, The New York Times and Forbes Magazine. 

With the media spotlight on her work, and her business experiencing meteoric growth and international expansion, West was at an inflection point in 2022.

We remain in touch to this day. Even now, we regularly text each other to ask for information or to offer each other support. It’s not just the training that you get from INSEAD, it’s the ongoing network.