In this episode of the In The Know Podcast, we delve into the unique challenges and triumphs of pursuing an MBA while managing the responsibilities of parenthood. Join us as we explore the journey of navigating the INSEAD MBA programme with a baby, from the initial decision to enrol, to overcoming major concerns and preparing for life in Fontainebleau.  We’ll discuss the essential support systems and childcare challenges faced during the programme. Finally, we'll share insights on how the MBA experience can influence careers and offer valuable advice for future MBA parents. Tune in for a heartfelt and informative conversation that sheds light on this inspiring journey. The guests: Rola Awad (MBA’24J) MBA'24J Rola Awad is a licensed pharmacist who leads a team of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to deliver community-based pharmacy and counselling services. Beyond her work in pharmacy, she is dedicated to enhancing her management and business skills. On a personal level, Rola enjoys organic gardening and supports community-based aid programmes. Mazen Ferzley (24J MBA Partner) Host: Eva Laporte (Student Life Officer, INSEAD Degree Programmes) Timestamps 1:10 - About the guests and reasons for applying to INSEAD? 2:32 – Deciding to pursue the INSEAD MBA with a baby 3:10 – Major concerns and preparation for the year in Fontainebleau 4:23 – Navigating the MBA, keys to making it work 6:28 – Support systems & childcare challenges during the MBA   10:11 – Biggest challenges and how to overcome them 12:01 – Managing classes and breastfeeding 13:03 – The MBA experience and influence on careers 14:28 – Advice and tips for future MBA parents  

Welcome to another episode of INSEAD's In The Know podcast. In this episode, we'll discuss with MBA24J's Jeffry Lum about his experiences in OUTSEAD. OUTSEAD is a fun-loving and inclusive club representing the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) community at INSEAD. The club aims to foster an inclusive atmosphere for everyone on campus and provide a social network for community members and allies. Expect to learn about the diversity and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community at INSEAD and the various scholarships available to the community. Head to www.insead.edu/mba to learn more about our MBA programme! Have a great listen!  Our Guests Today: Jeffry Lum MBA’24J is a co-president of OUTSEAD with experience organizing community events. He is also a member of the LGBTQ+ Community. Ben Ning As Assistant Director for Marketing and Recruitment at INSEAD, Ben is responsible for driving business development and student recruitment efforts for INSEAD's full-time MBA and MIM programs across Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan) and India. Timestamps 0:25 - What you can expect in the episode 2:25 - Why was Jeffry drawn to INSEAD 4:38 - Diversity at INSEAD 5:02 - The role of allies 8:38 - How has society progressed so far? 10:31 - What drives Jeffry to keep striving for change 11:50 - Support from INSEAD 12:55 - Scholarships 15:31 - The special bond among classmates

In this episode, we'll talk with Jay Kenton (Associate Director of Student Life & Experience (Degree Programmes) and Saraphine Pang (MBA'24J) about their experiences of student life on INSEAD's Asia campus.  Expect to learn about the career perks of living in Singapore, common misconceptions, cost and accommodation, student life on campus, and more. Head to insead.edu/mba to learn more about our MBA programme!  Enjoy the show! Our Guests Today Saraphine Pang Saraphine Pang (MBA'24J) is a skilled strategist with expertise in international business development and strategic marketing initiatives. With a career spanning the dynamic gaming industry landscape, Saraphine has honed her skills across multiple markets, including the United States, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Her extensive experience underscores a deep understanding of global business dynamics and strategic decision-making, positioning her as a versatile and valuable asset in her field. Jay Kenton As the Associate Director of student life for degree programmes at INSEAD, Jay Kenton is a catalyst for student engagement and community building, revolutionizing the educational experience beyond conventional boundaries. Jay orchestrates opportunities for hundreds of students from varied backgrounds to interconnect and exchange ideas poised to shape society's future. His impact reverberates across several institutions, where he has pioneered innovative initiatives encompassing social and creative development programs, student wellness initiatives, and strategic enrollment planning. Timestamps 0:50 About our guests 2:42 How Jay feels about Singapore 3:45 What inspired Saraphine to pursue her MBA 4:40 Opportunities in Asia 5:40 What’s Saraphine’s experience with the INSEAD MBA 10:35 Cost of living in Singapore 11:15 MBA Career Treks 13:10 How has INSEAD helped Saraphine prepare for what’s next in her career? 13:30 Working with people form different cultures 14:30 What does student life do at INSEAD? 17:20 Student clubs at INSEAD 21:35 Student life advice to students

As part of INSEAD's Limitless campaign, we'll hear from Priyanka Nath, who will share her experiences about the challenges and opportunities she has faced as a woman in the working world. About Limitless We live in a world of constraints—some physical, some cultural, but always personal. These mindsets limit our human potential to achieve great things in life and hinder experiences that not only enrich ourselves but also benefit society at large. Through LIMITLESS, INSEAD strives to create a diverse community where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and pursue their ambitions.  In honour of this commitment, we are proud to launch "Ambition Has No Gender - Stories of Vulnerability and Courage". Head to https://insead.edu/limitless to learn more! Have a great listen!

Welcome to another episode of INSEAD's In The Know podcast.   In this episode, we'll discuss with MBA24j's Ankita Pathak about her experiences as an MBA candidate in INSEAD's Asia campus.    Expect to learn about global career and networking opportunities, student life, our curriculum, and more. Furthermore, we'll delve into how pursuing your MBA in Singapore allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the global economy and how you can get on-the-ground exposure to various industries.   Head to www.insead.edu/mba to learn more about our MBA programme!   Have a great listen! 

By joining the INSEAD MBA, you choose academic excellence, a rich diverse community and extracurricular opportunities to enhance your overall student experience. As the world's future leaders, why not leverage these opportunities and hone your leadership skills by taking on an impactful leadership position?  For example, be the voice of your section as a class representative, be a member of a club management team for one of the 40+ clubs, help recruit for future MBA intakes as a student ambassador, or represent and advocate for the student body as a whole by being part of the student council.  So what exactly do these different roles involve? What impact can you make and what is some advice on balancing your busy student life with these responsibilities? In this podcast episode hosts Angela and Eva speak to two students from the MBA'23J cohort to learn more. 

Welcome to another episode of "Unlocking Career Opportunities with INSEAD Employer Engagement." Join us as we uncover more about the Career Development Centres Employer Engagement teams with the team Global Directors Zeynep Fouret and Henrik Jonson. We discuss the team's unique advantages including connecting students with local champions and global companies. Discover how the employee engagement team facilitates student-professional networking and the diverse types of engagements available with companies. Furthermore, we'll delve into the flexibility and timelines for joining Insead's clubs and the invaluable resource of its extensive alumni network.  Our Guests Zeynep Flouret Zeynep is a former M&A and project finance lawyer, Certified career coach, Financial services recruitment specialist, and diversity and inclusion champion. Zeynep is Passionate about leadership development, talent development, executive coaching, interview preparation, cross-cultural awareness training, and recruitment of future leaders. Henrik Jonson Henrik is a Business Development Strategist with 15 years of experience expanding territories and building client relationships across a variety of industries. Henrik has an extensive understanding of Education Management and business environment which has translated directly into new and add-­on business. Content Covered What is the purpose of the employer engagement team? We are going to dive into the sector advisors in the next episodes. Can you describe the structure of the team?  How does the CDC help students network and connect with professionals in their desired industries? "What are the most effective ways to stay informed about the evolving needs and expectations of employers, and how can individuals proactively develop the skills and qualities that are in high demand?

In today's rapidly evolving world, where technological advancements and shifting global landscapes continuously reshape industries, the concept of lifelong learning has emerged as a beacon of success. Embracing a mindset of constant growth and intellectual curiosity, individuals actively engage in lifelong learning and position themselves for remarkable career advantages. This transformative approach to education not only fosters adaptability and resilience, but also opens doors to new opportunities, enhances professional competence, and cultivates a deeper understanding of the intricacies within one's chosen field. By embracing the philosophy of lifelong learning, individuals can navigate the ever-changing professional landscape with confidence, agility, and the unwavering ability to seize the future's boundless prospects. Welcome to episode two of our INSEAD Career Development Centre mini-series. Join us as we explore the lifelong career management skills imparted by the CDC, as well as how the centre helps high-potential talent navigate the job market and identify suitable career options. In today's episode, we delve into the world of lifelong learning and its indispensable role in shaping successful career journeys. We are joined by Larry Medina, the Director of Career Coaching and Education at INSEAD, joining us as our special guest. Larry will share invaluable insights on how INSEAD cultivates impactful learning experiences for their vibrant community, ensuring continuous growth and development. As we embark on this enlightening conversation, we will explore the strategies to embrace lifelong learning at any stage of one's professional journey and discover how it propels individuals towards their desired career objectives. Furthermore, we will unravel the secrets of navigating the twists and turns in the ever-evolving business landscape, all while upholding the principles of global citizenship and making a positive impact on the world. Our Guest Larry Medina Larry is the Director of Career Coaching and Education at INSEAD and a seasoned professional in Student Services, Finance, Human Resources, Accounting and Operations, with 30 years of professional experience in Asia (19 years), North America and Europe. Larry is passionate about helping others reach their career aspirations through hundreds of 1-on-1 sessions and career development workshops. Timestamp 1:43 - What does the CDC do to ensure INSEAD continues to offer impactful learning experiences for the INSEAD community? 3:52 - What are the different populations at INSEAD and how do their career journeys differ? 6:53 - What are some effective strategies for continually learning and growing in your career, no matter what stage you're at in your professional journey? 10:37 - How can one navigate the various twists and turns in their career journey, and continually embrace the idea of lifelong learning, to eventually achieve their desired end goal or career objective? 12:32 - Is career progression for everybody? 13:35 - What steps can one take to build a successful career while embracing the principles of global citizenship and positively impacting the world?

Partners play a crucial role in the MBA experience, providing support, encouragement, and a listening ear throughout the intense and challenging program. They are often the unsung heroes behind the success of MBA students, offering a sense of stability and perspective during a time of significant personal and professional growth. From relocating to a new country to managing a household, partners have to navigate a unique set of challenges while supporting their significant other in pursuit of their academic and career goals. In this context, understanding the partner experience and providing support to partners is essential for the INSEAD MBA to cultivate a supportive and inclusive community. This episode discusses the experiences of a partner at INSEAD, a business school with campuses in Europe and Asia. Our guest Helen Willis shares her excitement about her partner's acceptance to INSEAD, and discusses her own decision to join him in Singapore. Helen provides advice for partners who are working remotely, including the importance of having a purpose and setting aside sacred time. The episode also highlights the support provided by INSEAD to partners, the responsibilities of a partner representative and the initiatives they organise. Helen also shares her favourite memory at INSEAD and summarises her overall experience in three words or less. Our guests:  Dr. Helen Willis (Cognitive neuroscientist and an MBA'23J Partner)  Our hosts:  Angela Rachel (Student Life Officer, INSEAD Degree Programmes)  Eva Laporte (Student Life Officer, INSEAD Degree Programmes)  Timestamp:   01:15 - About the guest and her background  01:45 - How did you feel about your student partner's acceptance to INSEAD? 02:35 – Decision to accompany Student partner to INSEAD  04:13 – The INSEAD Partner experience 05:30 – How INSEAD fosters the community spirit among partners  07:00 – Advice for Partners who may be juggling work 10:22 – INSEAD resources that are useful for personal and professional development  11:55  – Advice for partners to maximize their time on and outside of INSEAD 13:40  – Opportunities and responsibilities of a Partner representative 16:20  – Favorite memory at INSEAD

Episode 1 - Unlocking Career Opportunities with the INSEAD Employer Engagement Team Welcome to a new special edition series of In The Know. In this series, we will take you behind the scenes of one of the world's leading business schools, and its Career Development Centre (CDC). Join us as we explore the lifelong career management skills imparted by the CDC, as well as how the centre helps high-potential talent navigate the job market and identify suitable career options. Today we speak with Rhoda Yap, the Global Director of the INSEAD CDC, who will give us insights into the role of the CDC and the responsibilities of the centre's career coaches, employee engagement specialists, and operations team. But that's not all - over the next 12 months, we will be delving into the world of employee engagement, featuring the team, individually and collectively, to focus on the different sectors they cover. We will also explore how they interact with the market and recruiters to gain knowledge and provide opportunities for INSEAD students and alumni. So, whether you're a student looking to kickstart your career, a recent graduate navigating the job market, or an employer looking to build relationships with top talent, this podcast series has something for everyone. If you are interested in hearing from the INSEAD Employer Engagement team as they discuss best practices, trends, and strategies for career development and employer engagement, then this series is for you. Join us as we uncover the secrets of career success and the value that the INSEAD CDC brings to the world of business. Episode 1 - Rhoda Yap 0:12 - Join us as we explore the lifelong career management skills imparted by the CDC 2:21 - Introducing our guest, Rhoda Yap  3:05 - What is the INSEAD Career Development Centre (CDC)? 6:50 - What kind of relationships and partnerships does the INSEAD CDC have with employers and recruiters in order to provide students and alumni with job opportunities? 9:25 - What can listeners expect to learn from the Employer engagement team?

INSEAD is one of the world's top business schools, known for its global reach, the diversity of its student body, and rigorous academic programs. And when it comes to preparing students for a career in consulting, INSEAD is second to none. From its strong connections with top consulting firms to its innovative courses and hands-on projects, INSEAD provides students with a comprehensive education that gives them the skills, experience, and connections they need to succeed in this competitive field. In this podcast, we'll hear from The career development centres resident consulting expert and a current sponsored MBA student from Strategy& who will share their insights on what makes INSEAD a top destination for aspiring consultants. Guests:  Stephane Ponce Stephane is an experienced professional in the fields of partnership development, talent acquisition, talent development, campus recruitment, business advisory services, coaching and training. Stephane works with professionals around the world from a young high potential from our new Master in Management programme to the Managing Director of a reputed global organization. Walid Haddad Walid is an MBA’23J and consultant with Strategy&. Walid with other consultants including Johan, Virginia, Simon, Kevin, Tim and others have been working with the Consulting Club, joined forces with the INSEAD Consulting Club to create a mentor-mentee platform, by reaching out to all the consultants in their cohorts and try to match the consultants with mentees wanting to apply to consulting . Now, they are trying to standardize this matching system within a peer-to-peer learning system and include it in INSEAD’s current platforms. Timestamp: 0:01 - Waleed and Stefan’s Introduction. 2:57 - What inspired you to get into consulting? 8:39 - What is the difference between a good consultant and a good listener? 14:48 - Who are the major players in the consulting industry? 20:22 - What happens if there is a change in the market. 25:07 - How do you approach problem solving in the industry? What role does critical thinking play? 28:26 - How to prepare yourself for a career in consulting. 34:17 - How would you describe consulting to someone who has never heard of it before? 40:05 - What’s the future of consulting? 43:40 - Why Insead’s MBA programme is unique.

Committing to ongoing professional development is crucial for executives looking to thrive in today's rapidly changing business landscape. Without a dedication to personal growth, leaders risk falling behind their peers and becoming obsolete. To stay ahead of the competition, executives must stay informed about current trends, technologies, and best practices. In this episode, we're joined by Mike Wort, Assistant Director of Executive Career Development and Career Coach on the Europe Campus, to discuss the importance of investing in executive career development and the potential long-term rewards it can bring. Our Guest Mike Wort has made multiple career changes to his work countries, sectors, and functional roles and has worked with INSEAD for 10 years. Mike holds a Certificate for Coaching for Leadership and Professional Development from the Tavistock Institute in London, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and BA in International Business and French. He is also an INSEAD alumnus having graduated from INSEAD’s Management Acceleration programme in 2018. 

The business world is often associated with stress and anxiety, but there is an increasing interest in mindfulness as a way to promote well-being in the workplace. Mindfulness is about being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can help you cope with stress, boost your concentration, and improve decision-making. There is evidence that mindfulness can be beneficial for both individuals and businesses. For businesses, mindfulness can improve employee productivity and engagement. In addition, mindful companies are more likely to be creative and adaptable, traits that are essential in today's ever-changing marketplace. As more businesses begin to adopt mindfulness practices, it is clear that this ancient tradition can offer modern companies a competitive edge. Listen on your favourite platform     Our guests: Joa Scetbon  (Mindfulness Facilitator, INSEAD Psychological Services)   Our hosts: Angela Rachel (Student Life Officer, INSEAD Degree Programmes) Eva Laporte (Student Life Officer, INSEAD Degree Programmes)   Resources: INSEAD Psychological Services INSEAD has an international team of psychologists to work with students, staff and faculty in times of personal challenge or crisis. We offer individual and couple consultations, as well as Mindfulness groups, on the Fontainebleau and Singapore campuses. We also run workshops on various psychological issues for MBA students. We work both in-person and remotely. Appointments are completely confidential and free of charge.   Timestamp: 01:10 - About the guests and role at INSEAD Psychological Services 01:45 - What is Mindfulness, and why is it important to practice this in our daily lives  05:55 - The difference between mindfulness and meditation, and some common misconceptions 09:38 - Common themes and why students and staff attend the mindfulness sessions at INSEAD 11:30 - How to adopt mindfulness practices in your personal and/or professional lives 13:26 - Practical ways to apply these practices to your life 18:35 - Benefits of learning mindfulness practices in person or workshops as compared to via digital apps 22:30 - Takeaway tips for those thinking of starting their mindfulness journeys, and sustaining these practices

In today's business world, it's more important than ever to have a strong online presence. One of the best ways to achieve this is through the use of NFTs, or non-fungible tokens. NFTs are unique digital assets that can be used to represent anything from ownership of a piece of digital art to a stake in a company. NFTs can be bought and sold like any other asset, making them a valuable addition to any business's portfolio. Businesses are embracing this new technology and it will only become more essential to the way we do business in future. MBA students are looking to take advantage of their year here by creating knowledge, experimenting with technologies like blockchain and building networks of key movers in the technology. Today we discuss The Savvy Salamander Study Club (SSSC), founded by five MBA friends and INSEAD looking to explore the intersection among fundraising, education and tech. The club vows that 100% of the net NFT sales will be spent on scholarships and the building of SSSC. Listen on your favourite platform     Our Guests Alex Berghofen, MBA'07D Alex is a former McKinsey Consultant with 22 years’ experience. He now wears three hats: he runs an executive search firm, does HR consulting, and is a career coach. He has 12 years' experience in placing Chief Strategy Officers and other C-Suite roles where a top-tier consulting background is critical. Alex focuses on high-impact roles where the risk of making the wrong hire is big. He helps companies improve their HR and esp. talent acquisition processes. He offers interim management, benchmarking, salary surveys, HR diagnostic and transformation. He is passionate about improving the candidate experience. He also offers outplacement services for senior staff. Outside of work, he trades options, dances salsa and bachata and loves to try exotic foods. He tweets about crypto and blockchain topics. Ferdinand Issels, MBA'22J Ferdinand manages Government Affairs and Comms for Helsing, one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech companies in new defence. In previous roles, he has led communications and marketing for two of Germany’s most prominent industry associations (BDI, VDA) and rebuilt the brand of Europe’s largest automotive and mobility fair (IAA). Together with Joning Lee, Jack Ni, Michelle Yu and Rodrigo Pérez Antolin (all MBA 22Js), Ferdinand co-founded the NFT club on campus. After the INSEAD MBA Programme, he moved back to Berlin where he enjoys his spare time with his wife and two-year old son. Oktawian Zajac, MBA'09D Oktawian is Head of BCG in Poland. He is an experienced international leader specialising in transformations and large-scale value improvement programmes across industries. He has helped leading players substantially improve their bottom line and accelerate growth across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas leveraging innovative approaches and cutting-edge technology and advanced analytics. Oktawian is the author of several innovative strategies and tools for improving the resilience and adaptability of companies in volatile market situations and highly competitive environments. Oktawian is also a husband, father of two, and motorsport and racing enthusiast. The Savvy Salamander Study Club (SSSC) SSSC is a collection of unique generative collectibles bred on the Ethereum blockchain. The club is a community of crypto pioneers that look to connect, explore, and shape the future of crypto and tokens while doing good. 100% of the net NFT sale will be spent on INSEAD scholarships and the building of SSSC. The Salamander NFTs work as a token for club membership that will grant access to member-only events and networks. Resources NFTs as a Force for Good: The Case of the Savvy Salamanders A recent article on INSEAD Knowledge on How a group of MBA students built a community of crypto pioneers and a unique approach to fundraising.  digital@INSEAD Leveraging our team of leading academics researchers, corporate partners and global alumni network, digital@INSEAD probes this rapidly evolving space and offers insights, strategies, and value for individuals and businesses to thrive in today’s digital age. INSEAD's Digital Programmes Read more on INSEAD Master, Executive as well as Open and Customised Online programmes  Web3 projects by INSEAD MBAs include: thallo.io (Hayley Möller)  altr_ (Jessie Fu) Messari: Crypto Research, Data, and Tools Gain an edge over the crypto market with professional-grade data, tools, and research. DigitalBCG BCG recognise that solving the world's biggest problems requires instinct and imagination. They are building the future of business by bringing together a broad set of data, digital, and technology capabilities.   Timestamp 2:26 - Tell us a little more about yourself, how did you get to where you are in your career today? 7:43 - Can you share one of your proudest career achievements with us? 11:57 - Can you describe the way you have been able to interact with the INSEAD network to help embrace the opportunities offered by blockchain? 13:48 - What are NFTs to you and what has been your experience with them to date? 17:45 - Can you tell us how the SSSC came to be and can you describe the moment that you and the team decided to make the club a reality? 24:23 - Introducing the Salamander NFTs and their function as tokens for club membership and the benefits of joining INSEAD’s crypto family. 28:56 - Can you outline how the net NFT sale will be spent on scholarships and the building of SSSC? 34:50 - On the topic of investments, what is the most meaningful investment you have made in the last year? 38:25 - How can businesses and individuals use NFTs to their advantage? 44:44 - What resources can you share with listeners who want to know more about the blockchain and NFTs?

INSEAD Student clubs are run by students and supported by the school. They play a vital role in the student experience. Our clubs cover a broad range of topics from Professional, Social to Sports. A large proportion of the student population is honing their leadership skills by being the management team of clubs. There are 40+ clubs at INSEAD.  Campus activities or on-line events are organised by MBA student clubs and help to sharpen your leadership skills and enable you to explore and pursue new interests or old passions by becoming a member. Professional clubs  A wide range of student-run professional clubs works closely with the INSEAD Student Life department and the INSEAD Career Development Centre. They organise regular networking and speaker events on campus, as well as webinars, competitions or "career treks" further afield. Some of the larger clubs also organise prominent annual forums and conferences, like the Private Equity Conference, the Women in Business Conference and the Global Luxury Forum.  Non-Professional clubs In addition to our gyms offering regular fitness classes on both campuses (and the squash court in France), we have many clubs offering a wide variety of sports and leisure activities to network and enable you to pick up valuable new skills. There are also opportunities to represent INSEAD at inter-business-school events, such as the MBA Regatta and the MBA Golf Challenge. Our guests: Amanda Michel (co-president of the INSEAD Women in Business Club) Matt Disher (co-president of the INSEAD Football club) Timestamp: 01:30 - About the guests and their career backgrounds 03:10 - Decision and motivation to pursue a particular club 05:20 - Becoming a club leader, including process and timelines. 08:00 - Important considerations when becoming a club leader and challenges 10:35 - Time management tips 13:20 - Benefits of joining a club and being an active member 16:25 - Key events organized and important takeaways 19:47 - Working with Alumni and types of support from the alumni network 22:08 - Collaborating with other participants (MIMs and GEMBAs) 25:00 - Collaborating with departments within INSEAD and types of support (I.e. Student Life, CDC, Centres of excellence) 27:35 - Describe your experience as a club leader 

Belonging is knowing that you are a part of the world around you. It's about fitting in, finding your place, and feeling like you belong with the people around you.  But some may have difficulties in identifying a sense of belonging to a certain place, or with certain groups of people, especially after international experiences or careers that may have shaped the way they think, behaves, or addresses any challenges, they are faced. So let’s discuss the importance, or lack thereof perhaps, of having to find your place and assuming an identity and belonging. After all, isn’t it the goal for us all to create more inclusive communities where one is accepted no matter where they are from, or where they believe they belong? Our Guests Aya Imai Aya is the Associate Investment Officer at International Finance Corporation (IFC). Aya joined IFC's Financial Institutions Group in 2019 after working in management consulting and M&A advisory in the private sector. She is involved in executing new investments and the portfolio management of existing investments in the West and Central Africa region, after spending 2.5 years in Amman, Jordan, with IFC’s Middle East and North Africa team. Most recently, her team has been working on equity investments to fintech companies in Africa, small loans to women entrepreneurs, including Syrian refugees, and loans to SMEs that could contribute to climate change mitigation. Aya is an EMFIN'23Feb participant. Stephanie Daudier Stephanie is the founder of The Inspiration Lab, a consultancy working for global companies to strengthen diversity, inclusion and leadership at work. Stephanie started her career as a researcher in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and a teacher in survey theories at Paris University. Stephanie also 25 years at L'Oréal, in the Luxe Division, in marketing, sales and general management and then at 50, I decided to go back to learning and studied NLP at UCSC University of California Santa Cruz, and Organizational psychology at INSEAD with EMC programme.

Generation Z, the generation born from 1994 onwards, wants their leaders to be positive, according to “Generations”, a study of more than 18,000 working professionals and students across the world. This study conducted by INSEAD, Universum, and MIT found that the ever-increasing speed of technological change is opening up fissures in both generational expectations of leaders and their expectations for their own paths to management. The mix of aspirations and demands from the different generations presents challenges that will have to be carefully managed. Our Guests Todays Alexander Eissler                  Alex completed his Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics at Vienna University of Economics and Business. The programme’s international approach and culturally diverse student body taught him a lot about the importance of a global perspective and encouraged him to collect professional experiences across the globe. Alex has worked in different countries and industries from consulting to pro-bono and even entrepreneurship with his own start-up and is passionate about cars and tennis. Robin Duppui Robin Duppui is a German student, born and raised in Stuttgart with several years spent living abroad in Mexico and Australia. Looking for a leadership career in business management, he studied Business Administration and Economics at the University of Hohenheim (Stuttgart), graduating with a Bachelor of Science. Alongside his studies, he has gained professional experience in several industries such as automotive, industrial automation, logistics, software-based medical technology and academia, mainly in sales and strategy-related roles. He is a passionate guitarist and an avid snowboarder. Ruxandra Tosun Ruxandra is passionate about building success stories and helping individuals reach their full potential, with a taste for international environments and is a Career Coach at INSEAD. Ruxandra tests how digital innovation can support the higher education sector and the coaching world enabling her to create new strategies and an interactive career journey for her clients.

Are you curious about what the future of work might look like? You're not alone. Many people are wondering how work will change in years to come. Some believe that we'll see more jobs in fields related to technology and science. Others believe that work will become more flexible, with more people working from home or remotely. In this episode, we'll discuss some of the best skills to ensure we are ready for the future of the workplace and the importance of pursuing purpose. Our Guest Today Lisa Barrett MBA'13J Lisa has been working at the forefront of learning and digital innovation for 20+ years. After more than a decade as a leader in some of the most innovative education transformation organizations in the United States (TNTP, TFA), I spent the last 10 years at the highest levels of the British government, to the leadership of organisations redefining what is possible through education and technology (Coursera, Multiverse). Lisa Graduated from INSEAD as part of the MBA’13J Cohort.

If you're a mother-to-be considering pursuing an MBA, or if you're already in the midst of your MBA program and expecting a baby, today's episode is for you.  Our guest for this episode is Kemi Ogunlesi from the 21D cohort, and she shared her experience of getting pregnant with her second child during the course of her INSEAD MBA. Kemi shares some tips on how to manage both pregnancy and an MBA programme successfully. Being a student while pregnant can be challenging, but it's definitely doable with the right planning and support system in place. Our Guest Today  Kemi Ogunlesi MBA 21'D Kemi is an Operations Management professional with a background in Engineering and 8 years of experience delivering complex technical projects in the offshore drilling industry to drive peak operational performance.

Technology change and innovation affect every domain of business, changing the face of the industry at an accelerating pace. With the start of a new year, it is often customary to look to the future and try and plan how we can become a better version of ourselves. To help share insights on the future we held a discussion with an INSEAD MBA alumnus who has dedicated his professional life to engineering, the global economy and futuristic fields like transhumanism and life extension. Join us as we discuss the future of work, life, innovation and mindsets. GUESTS: José Luis Cordeiro is a Venezuelan-Spanish engineer, economist, futurist, and transhumanist, who has worked in different areas including economic development, international relations, and life extension. José is an international fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science, vicechair of HumanityPlus, and director of The Millennium Project and graduated from the INSEAD MBA programme in 1991. Timestamp: 01:40 - Tell us who you are, where do you come from and how did you get to where you are today. 02:45 - How did you progress from engineering to studying and predicting the future? 05:14 - Tell us about some of the key highlights in your career. 07:04 -  How do you view the future of the world and what are some of the activities that excite you in the pursuit of a better future for humanity. 11:12 - At a Talk with Google event in 2014 you said to Forget flying cars and robot butlers. The future will be a far more interesting place. Many people may be thinking they cant even imagine a world with flying cars so how can we prepare our lives and our careers for a largely unknown future? 15:29 - How can we find out more about these technologies and future trends?  17:41 - What changes have you observed over the last couple of years that might signal the future of the workplace? 21:12 - What are some of the skills and mindsets businesses and leaders should be discussing to help themselves prepare for the future? 24:33 - You are also one of the founders of the recent TransVision Future Summit that occurred in Madrid in October. Can you tell us about some of the key topics discussed at the summit and what insights our listeners can take away from these concepts?   28:56 - How can our listeners prepare for unpredictable change, and learn to lead in tomorrow’s world and understand the future direction of technology? 30:18 - What have you changed your mind about in the last few years? Why? 35:23 - What is the worst advice you see or hear being dispensed in your world? 40:08 - What resources can listeners use to discover more about the future of work?

INSEAD’s student life is diverse and transformational. A cultural melting pot of experiences that triggers students to re-shape their perceived reality beyond the classroom; from sports activities to unforgettable travel experiences, or from cheerful parties to intimate heartfelt dinners. GUESTS: Jad ANTOUN MBA'21D MBA Student, versatile problem solver, interested in Sustainable Innovation and Strategy. 5 Years Experience in a vareiety of Operations and Manufacturing roles. Passion for Consumer Goods and People Management. Shruti MAHESHWARI MBA’21D Results-driven go-to-market strategist that is passionate about technology and global leadership. I grew from Sales Executive to a Global Director with Lightspeed HQ, a SaaS POS provider that experienced employee growth of 100 – 1500 employees, 9 acquisitions, $347M in funding and went public on TSX and NYSE. Timestamp: 00:00 - Career backgrounds and what brought you to this point in your careers? 02:41: The main motivation for wanting to partake in the MBA programme at INSEAD as compared to other schools.  What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?  04:09 - What are some of the preparations you made before coming to INSEAD, and would you have any tips for future MBA students thinking about applying? 06:37 - Challenges faced and how did you overcome them  09:38 -  What would you say your week usually looks like as an MBA student at INSEAD?  13:28 -   Most exciting moments about being in the MBA programme  16:54 -   What are some of the things you did to occupy your free time in either campus?  20:40 - What would you say the classroom experience was like and your interactions with the professors?  24:15 - Were involved in any leadership opportunities while pursuing the MBA? And what was the experience like to be part of that? 28:28 - How would you describe the INSEAD MBA culture?  31:28 - What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of December 2021?  34:00 - If you had to summarise your experience at INSEAD in three words or less, what would it be? 

Welcome to series three of In The Know. Over the course of this academic year, we will continue to discuss the latest career advice like the future of the workplace and inside the mind of a recruiter while also covering many leadership insights featuring episodes on business in the Middle East and managing generation Z. To kick off series three, we are joined by our Associate Dean of Degree Programmes, Katy Montgomery, as we look to build on the start of a new academic year and share what the future looks like for business education.

Most people are strangers to themselves; many of them resort to the manic defence – filling their calendar with a flurry of activities meant to prevent them from having any time to reflect. They are always running, without knowing what they are running for or running towards. Also, they feel drained, but they don’t understand why. Others, having reached the pinnacle of professional success, fail to find meaning. Today we discuss the Executive Master in Change programme and how understanding yourself can lead to transformation. Our Guests Sini Dimitrios Parampota Sini is a global citizen with 25+ years of diverse experience, using career development to build bridges, promote DEI and drive change. She is a lifelong learning enthusiast and digital geek, currently researching the impact of infertility on women leaders’ career aspirations. For the last decade, she has worked with the Qatar Career Development Center, a member of the Qatar Foundation. She is the proud founder of Thrive Lab Qatar. An avid explorer, Sini enjoys travelling around the world and meeting new cultures. She is fluent in Greek, English, German and has practical skills in Arabic and Italian. She is married and lives in Doha with her Qatari husband. Patrick Parker Patrick is the Director of Specialised Degree Programmes at INSEAD and also an EMC graduate. Patrick has gained over 20 years of international business education experience and specialises in people management, programme management and design, and candidate admissions.

We live in a world of constraints - some are physical, some cultural but they are always personal. These mindsets limit our human potential to achieve great things in life and hinder experiences that not only enrich ourselves but also benefit society at large. INSEAD celebrates women who have dared to push beyond their own limits and conquer obstacles in their lives to create positive change. Welcome to another episode of In The Know where in today’s episode we celebrate the incredible feats of our five guests with a digital roundtable discussion. Our Guests Tade Fayomi – MBA’19J Finance & Strategy Consultant @ BCG Straight from university, Tade joined Goldman Sachs. She worked there for eight years and rose through the ranks from Analyst to Associate, and Vice President while being moved to work in the organisation’s London, New York, Singapore and Dubai offices. Tade went on to complete her MBA and work with the Africa Finance Corporation in 2018 before landing her current role as a Finance & Strategy Consultant at BCG. Isavella Vitou – EMC’21 Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer @ Allianz Greece Isavella joined Allianz in May 2021 as the Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer. Before joining Allianz, Isavella worked for Egon Zehnder and gained valuable experience in C-level executive search and assessment. In her mandate, she supported the growth of the business and successfully managed rapport with both candidates and clients. Before that, Isavella worked for Eurobank, Ernst & Young and at the Ministry of Tourism acting as a Consultant to the President of the Greek National Tourism Organization at the Ministry of Tourism. Sofia Arhall Bergendorff – MBA’03D Director, Platforms and Partnerships, Northern Europe @ Google, Denmark Sofia is the Director of Partnerships in Northern Europe for Google, managing the relationship between Google and publishers when it comes to ad markets. Before that role, Sofia spent seven years in a Google strategy operations team in the Nordics and globally with the publisher business.  Before Google Sofia spent many years in management consulting and working with start-ups. Maria Pereira – MBA’18D Chief Innovation Officer @ TISSIUM Maria Pereira leads the Innovation Hub at TISSIUM. She co-invented the development of Tissium’s range of biomorphic programmable polymers technology while a PhD student at Prof. Jeff Karp’s Laboratories. She has been recognized for her research by MIT Tech Review’s “35 Innovators Under 35” in 2014, as well as Forbes in its “30 under 30” selection in Healthcare in 2015. Maria holds a PhD in Bioengineering from the MIT-Portugal program and an MBA from INSEAD. Chiara Lepora – EMBA’18Dec Head of the Manson Unit / Deputy Medical Director of OCA @ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Chiara trains people in the design, planning, implementation and management of humanitarian medical interventions; security management; networking and negotiations; project management, especially in emergencies. Chiara also provides consultation services in the topics of ethics of medicine in non-ideal circumstances; ethics of research; ethics of public health; bioethics; global health; allocation of scarce resources. References https://herminiaibarra.com/books/ https://hbr.org/2020/12/how-to-lead-when-your-team-is-exhausted-and-you-are-too https://www.ted.com/talks/frances_frei_how_to_build_and_rebuild_trust?language=en Time Stamp 01:25 - Guest background and career aspirations 08:31 - What do you consider your greatest achievement? 17:10 - What does limitless mean to you? 22:18 - Can you describe some of the limitations you have faced and the tipping point that motivated you to take action against those limitations? 32:27 - What are some of the most meaningful skills young women can learn today to help them achieve their ambitions? 39:15 - What is one tip you can offer to help build a more inclusive and diverse workforce? 39:49 - What one piece of advice would you give our listeners to help break through their barriers and become limitless? 40:38 - What insights can you offer for women looking to advance their careers? 40:55 - Why are you optimistic about the future of women in business? 42:00 - Who do you look to for inspiration and can you recommend any sources of inspiration our listeners can follow, read about or watch?

INSEAD's Master in Management (MIM) programme is designed to empower the next generation of innovative individuals who are ready to positively impact society. If you are a young professional with zero to two years of work experience looking to learn beyond theory, acquire practical skills and maximise your career potential, INSEAD's MIM is one to explore. Discover more about the programme as we discuss the INSEAD MIM student experience with a couple of pioneering MIM students on topics ranging from class experience and diversity to career services, academics and more. Our Guests Raag Sudah Raag is the Founder of an integrated education hub with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Raag has honed her skills in Nonprofit Organizations, Analytics, Communication, Management, and Leadership. Jeffery Dong  Jeffery's career highlights to date include conducting due diligence for early-stage startups, interviewing founders, startup operators & venture capitalists and researching & analyzing parallels between the ‘kingmakers’ of Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Jeffery also co-launched Wrapped Up, a curated weekly newsletter to give you insights into the world of startups and VC, from the East to the West. Time Stamp 02:39 - Guest background and career aspirations 03:42 - What does it feel like to be a part of the Pioneering class of MIMs at INSEAD? 04:57 - The main motivation for wanting to partake in the MIM programme at INSEAD 07:35 - The preparation done before coming to INSEAD, and tips for future MiM students thinking about applying. 10:42 - Challenges faced and how did you overcome them? 14:24 - What does a typical day look like for a MIM student at INSEAD? 17:58 - Most exciting moments about being in the MIM programme 21:39 - What are the things you did during your free time, and how did that change after moving to Singapore? 26:35 - How was it like to mix and interact with the MBAs on each campus? 29:01 - Tell us about your cohort and how the international/global aspect affects the dynamics of the classroom 31:44 - What would you say the classroom experience was like? 34:15 - How did you organise your workload and studying? Did you study more in groups or individually? 36:19 - How would you describe the INSEAD MIM culture? 39:34 - If you were to go back in time and do things differently in MIM, is there anything you would change? 42:20 - If you had to summarise your experience at INSEAD in 3 words or less, what would it be?

Around 30 per cent of students bring partners to INSEAD, which makes for a large, vibrant community. We try to make sure that everyone benefits from the INSEAD experience in every possible way through the availability of on-campus support, activities and the INSEAD Partners' community. A year as a partner at INSEAD is also a great opportunity to experience new cultures and learn new languages. In episode #15 we have the second episode of a two-part feature which will discuss how partners and children enrich and enliven the MBA journey and the choices we make in our careers. This episode provides insights into the lives of MBA partners on the Singapore campus.

Around 30 per cent of students bring partners to INSEAD, which makes for a large, vibrant community. We try to make sure that everyone benefits from the INSEAD experience in every possible way through the availability of on-campus support, activities and the INSEAD Partners' community. A year as a partner at INSEAD is also a great opportunity to experience new cultures and learn new languages. In episode #14 we have the first episode of a two-part feature which will discuss how partners and children enrich and enliven the MBA journey and the choices we make in our careers. This episode provides insights into the lives of MBA partners on the Fontainebleau campus.

The region of Asia is incredibly diverse in people and culture, you need to be aware of those differences to be successful when conducting business or pursuing a career in Asia. The Tsinghua – INSEAD Executive MBA (TIEMBA) is a unique partnership between INSEAD and Tsinghua, one of China’s most prestigious universities. The programme takes place across INSEAD’s three campuses in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Fontainebleau (France), and Tsinghua’s campuses in Beijing and Shenzhen. In episode #13 we have the second of a two-part episode which will feature a participant and alumnus from the TIEMBA programme. This two-part episode provides insights into business and career success in Asia. Guest Julian Tan, TIEMBA'09Jan Julian is the Chief of Digital Business at Singapore Press Holdings while also holding many other roles across the TMT industry. Julian specialises in Journalism, business development, sales, mergers and acquisitions. Julian graduated from the Tsinghua-INSEAD Executive MBA in 2009.

What is it that sets finance professionals apart?  The ability to evolve with your industry’s changing priorities can make the difference between building a good career and a truly great one. The rapid change that has characterised the finance sector over the past 10 years shows little sign of slowing. FinTech firms are leveraging big data from e-commerce and other internet-based services to personalise the customer experience. Established financial services players are responding with their own digital transformations, launching e-commerce platforms and new online wealth management tools. At the same time, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are poised to further disrupt the marketplace and reshape traditional approaches to financial services. As a result, banks are having to shift their business models to succeed in a more fragmented and highly competitive landscape, and that’s having an impact on hiring needs. Sound finance qualifications, technical skills and experience are still critical to success in the finance sector. But in the digital age, institutions are increasingly looking to acquire senior talent with skills and capabilities that go beyond finance – those that can help them cultivate a challenger mindset and deliver speed-to-value and innovation. Guests Yuri Yoshioka Yuri is the Vice President of Risk Management, Aircraft Leasing, GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and graduated from the INSEAD Master in Finance in 2017. Vijay Rajendran Vijay has 15+ years of experience with the Private, Public, and Non-profit sectors in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Vijay has gained in-depth knowledge and experience of Leadership, General Management, and Finance from two of the best business schools in the world: Master in Finance from INSEAD in Singapore/France and MBA from IMD in Switzerland.