The journey as a PhD candidate at INSEAD has been defined by a unique balance of rigorous academic research, family life, and integration into local French community culture. Coming from a diverse professional background with considerable industry and teaching experience, Sarah chose INSEAD not only for its research excellence but also for its supportive environment for international families.
During her PhD, Sarah had two children, underscoring the possibility—and complexity—of managing both academic and family responsibilities. "Having children during my PhD demanded careful time management," she explains. "Yet, family life provided essential balance and perspective."
Living in the village of Samois, outside Fontainebleau, allowed Sarah and her family to maintain a healthy separation from campus life. "We deliberately chose to live a bit outside the 'INSEAD bubble,' which helped us build meaningful local relationships and gave us a broader support network," she shares.
Sarah actively embraced village life, joining local groups and community activities, significantly enhancing her family's sense of belonging. "The neighbors have become surrogate grandparents to our children, providing a nurturing environment beyond our expectations," she notes. France’s excellent childcare services and INSEAD's family-friendly amenities further facilitated this work-life balance.
Sarah highlights INSEAD’s exceptional mentoring due to its high faculty-to-student ratio. "The close relationships I’ve built with faculty provided essential guidance and support throughout my PhD," she reflects. Her contributions included organising community-driven initiatives such as "open courses," fostering cross-community engagement and offering valuable teaching practice for doctoral students.
Sarah’s research focuses on organisational behaviour, specifically how individuals and organizations respond to change. One project investigates role transitions, examining how identity influences managerial decisions. Her dissertation uniquely explores the role of MBA student partners at INSEAD, uncovering how identity and institutional expectations shape their experiences.
Additionally, her research delves into how organisations like Trappist breweries thrive by resisting market-driven adaptations. "There’s significant value in authenticity and tradition," she emphasises. Another study addresses employee identity and well-being under uncertain labor conditions, offering practical insights for managing workforce uncertainty.
Sarah Wittman’s experience at INSEAD demonstrates the institution’s openness to diverse life paths, strong family support systems, and research opportunities enriched by its global community. Her story underscores the importance of balance, community integration, and curiosity-driven research in shaping meaningful academic and personal growth.