What happens after graduation? From fashion to fintech, their ventures span industries but share a common thread: spotting a gap, taking a risk, and applying the mindset and skills honed in Singapore.

Here are five inspiring alumni:

Vanessa Iloste – Leading with Empathy and Impact Across Asia
Vanessa doesn’t just work in HR—she shapes how people experience work. As Vice President of Human Resources at Sephora Asia, she leads talent and culture strategy across a fast-growing region. Her ESSEC foundation combined with deep retail and leadership experience makes her a go-to voice on DEI and inclusive leadership. Vanessa’s story proves that when you lead with empathy and business acumen, you don’t just build teams—you make movements.

Sue Nabi – Redefining Beauty with Science and Soul
Sue Nabi didn’t climb the ladder in beauty—she rebuilt it. From leading global brands like Lancôme and L’Oréal Paris to becoming CEO of Coty, she has consistently challenged industry norms. Her latest venture, Orveda, blends biotech with purpose, creating skincare that’s gender-neutral and deeply inclusive. A proud ESSEC alumna, Sue demonstrates that bold leadership means rewriting the rules and staying true to one’s vision—even in the world’s most competitive industries.

Pierre Clément – From Fashion to Tech
After a successful corporate career including a stint as CEO of fashion brand The Kooples, Pierre made the leap into entrepreneurship. What set him apart wasn’t just his experience. It was his perspective. He believed that a founder’s attitude mattered more than ticking off the right credentials. His journey serves as a reminder that even at the pinnacle of a corporate career, it’s never too late to start something new.

Sébastien Lefranc – Bridging Fintech & Commerce through Embedded Innovation
As the Director of Ecosystem Partnerships at Ingenico, he’s built their startup engagement program from scratch, helping early-stage fintechs integrate seamlessly into Ingenico’s ecosystem. From Singapore to Paris, his career blends product strategy, partnerships, and in-store commerce innovation. His work supports thousands of ISVs and merchants, proving that when you combine strategic thinking with execution, you don’t just participate in an industry shift—you lead it.

Adrian Ng – Scaling with Purpose in the Business of Life
Adrian’s journey spans from Procter & Gamble to Eurofins, where he now leads as Regional Managing Director. His career reflects a consistent theme: transforming complex, regulated industries—such as pet nutrition, food testing, and sustainability—into high-performance, people-centric businesses. His ability to lead multicultural teams and drive M&A efforts in Asia showcases how small ideas (like better pet food or rigorous environmental testing) can have an outsized impact across borders.

Lessons for the Next Generation

The startup paths these alumni have taken aren’t cookie-cutter. Some began with side hustles. Others pivoted after years in industry.

However, they all share a few things in common: curiosity, courage, and a desire to make a positive impact.

For current students and recent grads considering their next move, these stories offer a clear message: your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line.

Sometimes, the best way forward is to create your own path.