From Vision to Venture: Fatima Laher’s Journey through Innovation and Entrepreneurship at HEC Paris

A 2024 graduate of the Executive Track within the HEC Paris Executive MSc & MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship online degree program, Fatima Laher has always been drawn to the energy of new ideas, the thrill of solving problems, and the challenge of building something from scratch. Her path has taken her through corporate roles, consulting gigs, and ventures at different stages—but no matter where she’s been, she’s stayed grounded in one mission: create meaningful impact.

A Career Rooted in Curiosity and Change

Over the years, Fatima has worked across industries and geographies, building a career that reflects her adaptability and drive to keep evolving. From corporate roles to consulting projects, she consistently sought out opportunities that challenged her thinking and allowed her to contribute in strategic, high-impact ways. But as her interest in entrepreneurship continued to grow, she reached a turning point: it was time to invest more intentionally in her own ideas.

Why HEC Paris?

The HEC Paris Executive MSc & MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship stood out for its combination of academic rigor and practical relevance. The program’s flexible, online structure made it possible for Fatima to pursue her degree while continuing to work—a key factor in choosing the program. Just as important was the opportunity to connect with a diverse, international cohort of learners, each bringing their own perspectives on innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Admittedly in a “rut” before deciding to enroll, Fatima says, “I was holding back. I needed a perspective switch. But then I started doing short courses on Coursera, and I did a bit of research and saw [the degree program] was fully online. So I went ahead and decided this was something I needed.”

Throughout the program, Fatima developed and tested new business ideas, sharpened her strategic thinking, and gained a deeper understanding of the financial, operational, and human elements of launching and scaling ventures. “It was a wonderful opportunity to touch on different fields in the entrepreneurial space” she noted. Moreover, Fatima appreciated the opportunity for the in-person project that allowed her to take a real concept through the stages of business planning and validation. 

Embracing the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Fatima’s experience in the program helped her refine how she approaches challenges and opportunities. 

“I loved the design thinking, the organizational design, I never had exposure to that previously and it broadened my thinking.” 

She emerged with not just a stronger business toolkit, but also a more entrepreneurial mindset—confident in her ability to take initiative, navigate uncertainty, and lead with clarity and purpose. Having been inspired by the coursework, Fatima noted, “I was immediately having better conversations with not only my clients, but I walked into my own CEO’s office and said look, we have to talk about organizational structure.”

Advice for Future Learners

Fatima’s journey is a powerful example for professionals who are considering their next step—whether they want to launch a startup, lead innovation within an organization, or explore a career pivot. 

Her advice for learners considering a degree emphasizes the impact of knowing your “why.” Fatima says, “Be resolved in yourself as to why you want to do it. What do you want to get out of it? Then, align yourself with the outcome. This will help you put in the time and the hours to get it done.”

Reflecting on the work she spent to get her to graduation, Fatima also notes, “Do the work. I know people use ChatGPT and try to make their life easier. But the depth of the knowledge I gained from reading the material is wonderful. I took the time to read those and I really found the content so interesting and thought-provoking. It expands your worldview.”

For anyone thinking about the HEC Paris program, Fatima’s experience reinforces a few key ideas: it’s never too late to invest in yourself, learning alongside a global community can be transformative, and meaningful entrepreneurship starts with a clear sense of purpose.

Looking Ahead

As she continues her post-graduation journey, Fatima is focused on applying what she’s learned to ventures and initiatives that align with her values. Whether advising, building, or leading, she brings a deep commitment to innovation with impact—and she’s just getting started.

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