Coralie Grand

INSEAD

“French ex- ballet dancer pivoting into a new professional adventure.”

Hometown: Paris, France

Fun Fact About Yourself: Ever since I was 4 years old, I dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. Through a lot of hard work, training and dedication, I made that dream come true. I went on to dance professionally for nine years, at the Royal Danish Ballet, the Finnish National Ballet, and the Stuttgart Ballet.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Strasbourg, Major in Applied Languages

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: The Stuttgart Ballet – Ballet dancer

INSEAD is one of the most culturally and professionally diverse MBA programs in the world. How do you see these global perspectives enhancing the value of your business education over the next year?
As a matter of fact, INSEAD’s excellent reputation and strong commitment to diversity is what drew me to the program in the first place. As an MBA candidate with an atypical background, INSEAD made me feel welcome and valued right away among the cohort. Besides, having had the privilege of dancing with prestigious ballet companies across the globe, I have always valued the richness that diverse perspectives bring to any endeavor. My artistic career has taken me from France to Finland, Japan, China, and beyond, and each experience has truly deepened my understanding of different cultures and work styles.

At INSEAD, I am excited to engage with classmates from various cultural and professional backgrounds, as I believe it can only enhance my cultural intelligence and sensibility. I believe that a better understanding of each other leads to more effective teamwork and more cohesive atmospheres. Additionally, having such a diverse cohort will enable me to build a global network that will be invaluable throughout my career. The opportunity to learn from and work with such a diverse group of peers will prepare me to navigate and thrive in any international business environment. I am excited to learn from my classmates and grow professionally and personally throughout the year.

Why did you choose a one-year program over a two-year program? How do you see an INSEAD MBA giving you an advantage in the marketplace? Choosing a one-year MBA program was a deliberate decision for me, driven by both personal and professional considerations. As someone transitioning from a career in ballet, I am eager to quickly gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pivot into a career in business. A one-year program offers the intensity and efficiency I need, allowing me to return to the workforce sooner while still providing a comprehensive business education.

As for INSEAD’s advantage in the marketplace, I believe that my INSEAD MBA will greatly expand my professional network, connecting me with a community of accomplished alumni and industry leaders worldwide. This network, combined with the practical and strategic insights gained from the program, will be a great foundation to help me reach my goals. In addition, it will significantly enhance my marketability and career prospects.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of INSEAD’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One key part of INSEAD’s MBA programming that led me to choose this business school is its strong commitment to sustainability and its growing array of electives focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Sustainability is a cause I am deeply passionate about, and I aspire to work in this field after my MBA. INSEAD’s emphasis on sustainability aligns perfectly with my career goals and personal values.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at INSEAD? It is difficult to pick one! I am very excited about many of the elective courses, clubs, and activities, particularly those focusing on sustainability and entrepreneurship. But if I had to pick one, then I would choose the Startup Bootcamp. It takes place at the Fontainebleau campus in September. Entrepreneurship has always fascinated me, and I have been nurturing the idea of founding my own startup one day. I am very excited by the Startup Bootcamp, as I feel it offers an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded peers who share an entrepreneurial spirit. It will be my first time receiving feedback on some ideas I have had and testing the viability of different concepts. Above all, it will also help me determine if entrepreneurship is the right path for me, and if so, provide connections that could be pivotal in my future endeavors.

What has been your first impression of the INSEAD MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best INSEAD story so far. My first impression of the INSEAD MBA students and alumni has been incredibly positive. During an open door event on April 1st, 2023, I had the opportunity to meet many students and faculty members. Their enthusiasm, openness, and willingness to share their experiences left a lasting impression on me. One student I met at the event later reached out and connected me with another student from the 23D class, who had an atypical background similar to mine. This student, now an alumnus, went above-and-beyond to coach me throughout my application process. He helped me refine my essays, prepared me for interviews, and provided invaluable support and encouragement. Despite not knowing me beforehand, he dedicated his time and effort to ensure I felt confident and prepared. When I received my acceptance, he was genuinely happy for me, and I truly owe much of my success to his guidance. This experience perfectly encapsulates the supportive and collaborative spirit of the INSEAD community and stands out as my favorite INSEAD story so far.

Although I have not started my MBA year yet, I already feel connected to my 25J batch. We have been in touch through WhatsApp group chats, and students have been regularly organizing meet-ups for weeks now. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of my future classmates who are also based in Paris. This early connection means that when I arrive for launch week, there will already be many familiar faces in the crowd, making the transition smoother and more exciting!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The first time I performed a soloist role at the Stuttgart Ballet, in February 2019, still resonates as my proudest achievement so far. This achievement is particularly significant to me because it represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and resilience. For this role, I was chosen by Jiri Kylian, a choreographer I had always admired. While preparing for this performance, I had to learn intricate combinations of challenging steps and conquer my fear of performing alone on stage. I ended up delivering a performance I was genuinely proud of, imbued with my personal interpretation of the role. I couldn’t have done this without an artistic director who believed in me and the teachers who coached me. This taught me the importance of having mentors in whom you can trust: I knew they wanted me to succeed, which enabled me to surpass myself. It also made me realize that genuine pride comes from within. Although I appreciated my colleagues’ praise after the show, I was most proud because I knew I had performed to the best of my abilities and had given it my everything on stage.

This experience taught me the importance of perseverance, the value of having a supportive network, and the joy of achieving a goal that once seemed out of reach. It reinforced my belief in the power of hard work and dedication, lessons that I carry with me as I transition into my next career chapter.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? At this point, I am excited about exploring various career paths and discovering where my passion and skills can have the most positive impact. I am particularly drawn to sustainability and hope to explore opportunities as a sustainability consultant. This field aligns with my commitment to environmental causes and my desire to drive meaningful change in the business world. I am also curious to see how my background in the arts could be linked with my MBA, and to explore options in philanthropy or fundraising within the arts sector. Throughout the MBA program, I plan to work closely with my career coach to refine these options and see how my interests evolve. I am very open to discovering new paths and exploring different industries.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into INSEAD’s MBA program? First of all, I would say that it’s very important to be authentic and genuine. While it may sound cliché, it’s crucial to convey who you truly are in your application. INSEAD values diversity and wants to understand what makes you unique and how you will contribute to the cohort. Invest time in crafting your application essays to ensure your personality and skills shine through. Reflect on your experiences, passions, and aspirations, and let them tell your story in a compelling and genuine way.

Another thing that helped me when I applied, was that I was very proactive. Take the initiative to engage with the INSEAD community even before you apply. Attending in-person events, when possible, was incredibly beneficial for me. It allowed me to connect with current students, hear their application stories, and receive valuable feedback. These interactions not only provided me with insights and tips but also boosted my confidence and preparedness for the application process.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MBA CLASS OF 2026: THE ‘DO ANYTHING, BE ANYONE’ COHORT