Marie Lydie, Cameroon

" Throughout my MBA journey, I’ve remained deeply committed to the values that define the Laidlaw Foundation, especially inclusive leadership, personal development, and lifting others as I grow.
As Communications Lead for the Laidlaw Women in Business Board, I’m working to foster connection and visibility within our community, amplifying the voices of women scholars and encouraging greater engagement and sorority.

At HEC Paris, I’ve taken on additional leadership roles that have challenged and shaped me. As a Talent Representative and part of the MBAT (MBA Tournament) Core Team, I’ve supported community engagement and led planning for Europe’s largest MBA sports event.

I’ve also joined the TEC Leadership Program, which has been a powerful space for self-discovery and emotional intelligence, helping me better understand my strengths, blind spots, and leadership style.
Finally, I’m preparing to launch a podcast aiming at destigmatizing mental health. This project, deeply rooted in my own experiences, is a manifestation of inclusive leadership, creating space for others to feel heard, supported, and empowered.

The Laidlaw Scholarship has been nothing short of transformational by removing barriers, opening doors, and awakening a deeper belief in myself and my purpose. Coming from Cameroon, my mother raised me after my father passed away, and I became the first among my siblings — and the first in my immediate family, as neither of my parents had the opportunity — to pursue a university education. This scholarship lifted the immense Financial burden of an MBA, a cost that would have taken nearly a decade to save. By covering my tuition, it allowed me to fully focus on my academics and leadership Journey without distraction or financial anxiety.

But the impact runs deeper than access. The scholarship gave me confidence in my voice, my skills, and my ability to lead in a global, diverse environment. Being part of a highly international cohort at HEC Paris can be daunting, but the Foundation’s belief in me made me believe more in myself. I now walk into rooms not questioning if I belong, but knowing I do and helping others feel the same. This confidence has translated into bold action: I’ve embraced leadership roles, pushed past impostor syndrome, and taken up space in rooms I once thought were not for people like me.

One of the most powerful moments of this year was attending the Ellevate Conference in London, thanks to Laidlaw. There, I experienced a deep sense of global sisterhood, learning from women across sectors and cultures. The knowledge, inspiration, and sorority I gained at Ellevate reminded me of the power of collective ambition and the importance of building networks that uplift.

I was also deeply touched when an incoming S25 Laidlaw scholar shared that something I had written in a quote had inspired her. It was a reminder that I am no longer just building a future for myself I am lighting the path for others to follow. I’m currently preparing to begin my summer internship with Eli Lilly, a  company whose purpose-driven mission beautifully aligns with my long-term goals.
After over 8 years in the FMCG industry, I realized that I wanted a career where I could align my marketing skills with a greater cause.

This program has been a full-circle awakening for me, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve grown into a more self-aware, confident, and open-minded version of myself. I’ve learned to embrace my story from being an orphan raised in a modest home in Cameroon to becoming a global scholarship recipient and aspiring leader. I now lead not from a place of proving my worth, but from knowing it and helping others discover theirs. Professionally, I’ve strengthened my strategic thinking, refined my leadership through programs like TEC, and sharpened my global perspective. But more importantly, I’ve redefined success: it’s not about titles, but about creating spaces for others to rise."