From Imaginative and prescient to Enterprise: Fatima Laher’s Journey by means of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at HEC Paris
A 2024 graduate of the Govt Observe inside the HEC Paris Govt MSc & MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship on-line diploma program, Fatima Laher has at all times been drawn to the power of recent concepts, the fun of fixing issues, and the problem of constructing one thing from scratch. Her path has taken her by means of company roles, consulting gigs, and ventures at completely different levels—however irrespective of the place she’s been, she’s stayed grounded in a single mission: create significant affect.
A Profession Rooted in Curiosity and Change
Over time, Fatima has labored throughout industries and geographies, constructing a profession that displays her adaptability and drive to maintain evolving. From company roles to consulting tasks, she persistently sought out alternatives that challenged her considering and allowed her to contribute in strategic, high-impact methods. However as her curiosity in entrepreneurship continued to develop, she reached a turning level: it was time to speculate extra deliberately in her personal concepts.
Why HEC Paris?
The HEC Paris Govt MSc & MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship stood out for its mixture of educational rigor and sensible relevance. This system’s versatile, on-line construction made it attainable for Fatima to pursue her diploma whereas persevering with to work—a key consider selecting this system. Simply as vital was the chance to attach with a various, worldwide cohort of learners, every bringing their very own views on innovation, management, and entrepreneurship.
Admittedly in a “rut” earlier than deciding to enroll, Fatima says, “I used to be holding again. I wanted a perspective swap. However then I began doing quick programs on Coursera, and I did a little bit of analysis and noticed [the degree program] was absolutely on-line. So I went forward and determined this was one thing I wanted.”
All through this system, Fatima developed and examined new enterprise concepts, sharpened her strategic considering, and gained a deeper understanding of the monetary, operational, and human parts of launching and scaling ventures. “It was an exquisite alternative to the touch on completely different fields within the entrepreneurial area” she famous. Furthermore, Fatima appreciated the chance for the in-person mission that allowed her to take an actual idea by means of the levels of enterprise planning and validation.
Embracing the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Fatima’s expertise in this system helped her refine how she approaches challenges and alternatives.
“I cherished the design considering, the organizational design, I by no means had publicity to that beforehand and it broadened my considering.”
She emerged with not only a stronger enterprise toolkit, but in addition a extra entrepreneurial mindset—assured in her potential to take initiative, navigate uncertainty, and lead with readability and goal. Having been impressed by the coursework, Fatima famous, “I used to be instantly having higher conversations with not solely my shoppers, however I walked into my very own CEO’s workplace and mentioned look, we’ve got to speak about organizational construction.”
Recommendation for Future Learners
Fatima’s journey is a strong instance for professionals who’re contemplating their subsequent step—whether or not they wish to launch a startup, lead innovation inside a corporation, or discover a profession pivot.
Her recommendation for learners contemplating a level emphasizes the affect of figuring out your “why.” Fatima says, “Be resolved in your self as to why you wish to do it. What do you wish to get out of it? Then, align your self with the end result. It will enable you put within the time and the hours to get it executed.”
Reflecting on the work she spent to get her to commencement, Fatima additionally notes, “Do the work. I do know individuals use ChatGPT and attempt to make their life simpler. However the depth of the data I gained from studying the fabric is great. I took the time to learn these and I actually discovered the content material so attention-grabbing and thought-provoking. It expands your worldview.”
For anybody enthusiastic about the HEC Paris program, Fatima’s expertise reinforces just a few key concepts: it’s by no means too late to put money into your self, studying alongside a world neighborhood might be transformative, and significant entrepreneurship begins with a transparent sense of goal.
Trying Forward
As she continues her post-graduation journey, Fatima is concentrated on making use of what she’s realized to ventures and initiatives that align together with her values. Whether or not advising, constructing, or main, she brings a deep dedication to innovation with affect—and he or she’s simply getting began.