Expert Coach
Melissa Kate Joelson

Highlights & Achievements
- Former Director of Communications at INSEAD
- 20+ Years of Experience in Executive Writing, Editing, & Messaging
- Former Head of Communications for SAP President, EMEA Region
- Expert in Strategic Storytelling for Global Executives & MBA Applicants
- BA from Brown University

Melissa Kate Joelson is a master storyteller with a career spanning two decades of high-impact writing, editing, and communications strategy. As former Director of Communications at INSEAD, she worked closely with the MBA admissions team and counterparts at peer institutions across the US and Europe. She later led communications for the President of SAP’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa region – shaping executive messaging at one of the world’s largest tech firms.
Today, Melissa channels her deep expertise in strategic communications into helping Fortuna clients discover what makes them truly unique – and how to communicate that story with authenticity and precision. Her approach is incisive, empathetic, and designed to draw out the kind of clarity that leaves a lasting impression on admissions committees.
Born in New York and raised in Los Angeles, Melissa moved to Paris for what was meant to be a one-year post-college adventure – and never left. A devoted Parisian, she lives on the city’s storied Left Bank, knows her way around a farmers’ market better than most locals, and is happiest swapping stories over good food and strong coffee. Her Hollywood roots and lifelong love of narrative make her a natural at spotting compelling arcs – whether in film or in life.
Real Reviews From Real Clients
Candidates Love Working With Melissa

Q&A with Melissa
What’s your favorite client success story?
So many exceptional candidates don’t get into their dream schools only because they haven’t yet mastered the art of storytelling. One of my candidates dreamed of going to INSEAD but didn’t think there was anything unique about his life. The truth is everyone has a unique story to tell if they dig deep enough. I worked with that candidate over several weeks to identify his story, to craft it into exceptional writing for all of INSEAD’s essays and present it in a compelling and concise way for his interviews. When he got in he and I were both over the moon. There is nothing more fulfilling than helping bright, ambitious, and dedicated future leaders achieve their dreams.
What’s your coaching superpower?
I’m honest, direct, and ask a lot of questions. I care a lot about the people I coach, and because they know that, it’s easier for them to open up. I have a knack for helping people tell their story and encouraging them to reach for the moon.
Want to work with Melissa?
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