Jennifer Flanagan

INSEAD

“Ex-intelligence analyst, ex-journalist, forever student, chasing adventures, good conversation and the closest historical site.”

Hometown: Washington, DC

Fun Fact About Yourself: Some of my favorite interviews I have done include an Irish stone lifter, the premier Bigfoot hunter in the US, a renowned tour guide of Chartres Cathedral, and Punxsutawney Phil (yes, the famous groundhog)

Undergraduate School and Major: I attended the University of Notre Dame and majored in International Economics and French

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Executive Director of RocaNews, a leading digital news platform for young people

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? Through the authenticity and depth of INSEAD’s diversity.

I come from a journalism background where the foundation of a good story is a rigorous process of gathering diverse viewpoints. Learning about a story is about seeking the truth, not just confirming preconceived notions. This is only possible when you seek out different ways of understanding the same subject. For example, when covering a political protest, I would engage with protestors, opposition members, and nonpartisan observers; in doing so, a more accurate, nuanced understanding of the world emerges.

In seeking a business education, I wanted a program that embraced the philosophy that learning quality improves with diverse perspectives. No program could compare to INSEAD. INSEAD designs its classrooms so that no two people are alike in terms of nationality, culture, or profession. This mix of backgrounds and experiences removes the status quo and ensures discussions are rich, multifaceted, and reflective of real-world complexities. As one of the world’s top business schools, INSEAD offers this diversity and depth at the highest level.

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? I chose a one-year MBA over a two-year program for several reasons. First, my background as the first employee and director at an early-stage startup has equipped me with a solid experience in operating and scaling a business and a clear understanding of my professional strengths and weaknesses. I wanted an efficient, structured approach to connect the dots and sharpen my growth areas.

Additionally, an MBA provides broad opportunities that other graduate paths I considered, such as history or international affairs, do not. While those degrees are often specialized and retrospective, an MBA focuses on forward-thinking and creativity in generating long-lasting value.

To me, INSEAD’s MBA program provides an advantage in the marketplace for two reasons: its focus on self-awareness and its global network. At one of my first INSEAD admissions events, an admissions counselor asked, “What is your superpower, your inner strength?” This question prompted me to reflect on my capabilities beyond my resume, which had been the primary focus in discussions with other programs. My earliest touchpoint with INSEAD continued this intentional approach to education. Its application process and unique Personal Leadership Development Program (PLDP) assignments emphasized personal motivation. At the same time, the learning environment, without a dominant nationality, person, or culture, encouraged independent thinking. This aligned with the self-introspection I sought in a MBA program, especially coming from New York City, where the hustle culture to always “Do more” can distract from the “Why am I doing this?”

This is also why I see an INSEAD MBA providing an advantage in the marketplace. INSEAD alumni I spoke with agreed: INSEAD students stand out for their ability to handle uncertainty because the program teaches you to find yourself in the unfamiliar. If you are your own anchor, you can navigate changing waters, which you can expect in any global business career.

The advantage of INSEAD’s global network is self-evident: 67,000+ professionals across 180+ countries. Top-notch, far-reaching, and genuine camaraderie.

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? The opportunity to understand France deeply and the world widely.

I am captivated by France and its dedication to placing its history, culture, and traditions at the forefront of its progress. Starting my MBA at INSEAD’s Fontainebleau campus allows me to immerse myself in French life. This includes living in the historical town, exploring the Château de Fontainebleau (a compact tutorial on French history and architecture, plus an incredible Napoleon exhibit!), and enjoying inexpensive and easy access to trips across the country. This understanding is invaluable to my professional interest in cultural tourism. France is the most visited country in the world, and I can access and learn from many of the people, places, and programs at the intersection of culture, travel, and experiences.

At the same time, INSEAD’s global perspective is crucial for me, allowing me to experience French lifestyle while remaining connected to a globalized world. As a US citizen who grew up in the US (many INSEAD students grew up in several places), INSEAD offers me the chance to live in and grow a network across two continents: Europe and Asia. This global reach endures after the program with its vast alumni network, providing connections at the highest levels, especially valuable for someone like me, an American with an interest in the European market.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at INSEAD? I hope to take a course in cross-cultural communication taught by Erin Meyer. Meyer is the author of The Culture Map, a book with research-backed methods for effective cross-border communication. As a former intelligence analyst and journalist, my ability to communicate diverse cultural contexts has been critical to success and her book has been an invaluable resource. Additionally, as someone who enjoys writing, I am interested in learning how Meyer translated her extensive experience and research into a practical narrative and guide with mass market reach. Overall, the cross-cultural and global focus of INSEAD’s curriculum, whether in communications or finance, is a major reason why I am enthusiastic about the program. I wanted an education where each course prioritized a global perspective.

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. A willingness to try new things.

INSEAD attracts risk-takers due to its unique approach to an MBA program. The diversity, campus exchanges, and intense 10-month structure prevent anyone from falling into a routine, fostering an attitude of “Why not?” As we grow older, we often specialize in our careers, sports, and interests, but at INSEAD, there is a distinct joy and excitement in being surrounded by people eager to embrace uncertainty, accept failure, and laugh along the way.

One experience that stands out is a twenty-mile bike ride with around 25 of us attending summer language school in Fontainebleau (INSEAD has a three-language requirement) to a nearby town called Barbizon. The day was hot, and some had never biked before, let alone 20 miles through a forest on rocky and sandy trails. Despite the challenges, the experience was incredibly rewarding and brought us closer together. The day was not about who was the fastest or best biker, but the shared spirit of tackling something unfamiliar.

In just a month at INSEAD, I’ve tried more new things than in the last year — surfing, speaking Spanish, and eating Nigerian food, to name a few. The atmosphere here encourages continuous learning and daily adventures.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I met Holocaust survivor Henry Greenbaum at Washington DC’s Holocaust Memorial Museum. We collaborated while I was in high school on an oral history project which I later shared before a packed auditorium. A teary-eyed Henry approached me after to say he had never heard his story read back to him, and he asked me to keep sharing his story. It was a poignant moment for us both: the realization that his generation depends on future generations to ensure his story, and so many others, are never forgotten.

Our friendship inspired me to become a Museum Ambassador. In that role, I have led tours for hundreds of groups, from DC-area high schools to FBI Training Academy graduates. Central to each has been Henry’s narrative. Most recently I have collaborated with IranWire, a news site which distributes Holocaust history on social media to Iranian youth amidst regional Holocaust denial. I advocated to feature Henry’s personal narrative, sharing his life with the next generation beyond those who can physically visit the museum.

Fulfilling my commitment to Henry, who has since passed, stands as my proudest achievement.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I seek a career that fosters a sense of belonging and encourages curiosity and engagement with the world. I am particularly interested in companies thinking differently about how to connect the next generation with history and culture. There are several inspiring examples, such as entrepreneurial ventures, media companies like RocaNews and Rest of World, technology platforms like Airbnb and Bloomberg Philanthropies, and transit companies like BlaBlaCar (shoutout to INSEAD founders!). At the same time, I will remain open to the “unknown unknowns,” eager to explore, discover and always, learn more.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into INSEAD’s MBA program? Engage with the INSEAD community. Focus on quality over quantity by seeking out alumni and students who share common career paths, interests, or values with you. INSEAD values authenticity and self-awareness, so these meaningful interactions will help you to understand the unique experiences that INSEAD offers and to reflect on how you align with their values.

Additionally, prepare for the practical requirements. INSEAD requires proficiency in three languages. If you need to refresh or improve your language skills, consider enrolling in language courses leading up to the application. For example, I took French conversation classes in New York, which significantly helped me maintain proficient French. And they were so much fun!