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Meet Diane Daudin-Clavaud, a versatile professional who embarked on a life-changing journey through The Lisbon MBA Católica|Nova. With a background spanning journalism, marketing, sales, business development, and consultancy across Morocco and Saudi Arabia, Diane’s professional ambition led her to pursue an MBA. Choosing Portugal as her destination, Diane immersed herself in the program, relishing experiences such as the MIT immersion and engaging in diverse courses that expanded her knowledge. Along the way, she faced challenges, from mastering finance and accounting to adapting to a new life in Europe. However, Diane’s resilience and determination prevailed, shaping her into a “Swiss knife” for organizations. Today, as the Corporate Director of Global Business Development at Nobu Hospitality, Diane continues to make her mark and inspire others with her pursuit of excellence. Her MBA journey exemplifies the power of lifelong learning and the importance of collaboration and adaptability in today’s dynamic business landscape.

 

 

1 | Can you describe your professional background before taking an MBA?

“I have been working and living in Saudi Arabia for approximately 12 years, and I have worked all over the MENA (Middle East North Africa) area for the last 18 years. The journey started in Brittany, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in History and an IPAG Bachelor (preparatory institute in General Administration). I also went to a preparatory school for journalism in Paris. I became a journalist in Morocco (State TV and then Press), and then I decided to move to Saudi Arabia as I was intrigued by the country. I built on a journalism background to navigate communications and marketing first and then to business development and the Institutional sector.

I have been like a Swiss knife for organizations! I was able to build a very singular career based on relationships /networking and by working in complex environments throughout the Middle East. I have been holding diverse functions: Marketing and Sales Director in International Hospitality groups (Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Nobu Hotels), General Manager in SME/ start-ups in building businesses from scratch for different local families in Tourism, Entertainment, Luxury, and subject-matter-expert (fancy name for consultant!) in governmental ministry cabinet by consulting on national policy towards the Saudi 2030 Vision. I am a self-made entrepreneur who honed her “transferable” skills throughout her professional and personal courses. In 2018, I left Saudi Arabia and enrolled in The Lisbon MBA Executive, studying between CATÓLICA-LISBON, Nova SBE and MIT Sloan.”

 

 

2 | What made you decide to take an MBA? 

“As a self-made entrepreneur, I have taught myself much about business and learned skills that my peers acquired through more formal training. I developed diverse experience in sales and marketing, communications and networking, strategic planning and management as well as business development and corporate social responsibility. I wanted to complement my unique real-world experience by filling gaps in traditional business practices, wording, etc. Thus enabling me to succeed in Europe’s global standard. If someone wants to come back to Europe after such a long time abroad and scale as a partner or as a C-level among a corporate company, I feel there is still a ceiling if you are “only” a self-taught leader. To thrive in lots of organisations, having an MBA stamp is, until now, very important.”

 

 

3 | Why did you choose Portugal for your MBA? What did you know about the country?

“I have presented many Executive MBA programs, and I wanted to privilege an American school with some European connections. In Riyadh, I had Portuguese friends who mentioned the partnership between the CATÓLICA-LISBON, Nova SBE, and MIT Sloan. I felt it was combining the two factors I was searching for: a smoother return to Europe than blunt Parisian life and an internationally recognized MBA with good rankings.

Yes, I did know about Portugal. I came to Portugal in 2014 with a Saudi friend. We took a great road trip around the country, extending from Comporta to Óbidos. We were lucky because we had the recommendations and itinerary of the Ambassador of Portugal in Riyadh at that time. I also had come with some Portuguese friends in Porto and Lisbon for some New Year celebrations before I moved over here. I always liked the country!”

 

 

4 | What was the most remarkable experience during your MBA journey?

“I really enjoyed the MIT immersion. It was a remarkable experience: the teachers, the campus, the discussions. We could feel that The Lisbon MBA Executive is specialized in Entrepreneurship, and we built on it through their courses and assignments. In Lisbon, I enjoyed all the courses. To name a few interesting ones: “People and Organizations,” “Negotiations,” “Value creation,” and “Venture capital.” They were very exciting, and I was LEARNING. The group business project, which you must build a business from A to Z during the second year, was also a great experience.”

 

 

5 | Can you describe a particularly challenging project or assignment you completed during your MBA program?

“Taking a chance on myself! I had a desire for knowledge, and this was why I wanted to do an Executive MBA. Also, I wasn’t a typical profile. As I didn’t know much about finance or accounting, the GMAT exam represented a real effort; I am glad I kept focused and enrolled.

Another challenge was taking classes referring to engineering and finance. Following courses in production and operations management, corporate finance, and value-based management was surreal when I first entered the Executive MBA. However, I studied a lot on the side, step by step, to get to the right level to follow the classes.

Last but not least, the biggest challenge was dealing with my move to Europe. Considering that I am French, people expect me to act like a French or a European person when I no longer have the references. I was an expatriate for almost 20 years in a culture that is very far from anything over here. My way of working is pretty much Anglo-Saxon as well. I had to adapt myself, undergo my first winter (laugh), and find new friends and hobbies… This kind of change can be quite traumatic. Plus, I had a very fulfilling life in Saudi Arabia, and starting everything from scratch again in mid-life has been my most challenging project until now. Still working on it!”

 

 

6 | What was the most valuable lesson you learned during your MBA journey?

“I can mention a few! For example, the importance of time management and prioritization. We must juggle multiple responsibilities, including coursework, group projects, and job interviews. By learning to prioritize tasks and manage our time effectively, we develop skills that will serve us throughout our careers. Also, this journey provides a unique opportunity to meet and interact with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries.

However, my biggest lesson was the value of collaboration and teamwork. The program incorporates several projects and team-based learning, which helps us develop leadership skills, communicate effectively, and understand how to work collaboratively to achieve common goals. These skills are critical in today’s business environment, where teamwork and collaboration are essential for success.”

 

Note: The views, opinions, or statements shared in these interviews are those of the alumni or students interviewed.