Graduates
What Would You Tell Your Younger Self Before Starting the MBA?
At the conclusion of their MBA journey, every graduate of the Alfred Ford School of Management completes our Graduates Survey, offering candid reflections and personal advice drawn from their own experiences. Below, you’ll discover inspiring highlights, valuable advice, and insightful perspectives that provide an authentic window into how AFSM shaped their leadership, careers, and lives. This unfiltered feedback comes from professionals worldwide who embraced conscious leadership and transformative growth during their studies.
of graduates answered “Yes” when asked if they would recommend Alfred Ford School of Management to others. This reflects strong confidence in the value and impact of the AFSM program.
Source: AFSM Graduate Survey, responses collected up to June 2025.
Pawan Kumar Rajan
- India/Bahrain
- Generation 2023
- Manager – Electrical & Automation | Manufacturing & Industrial Operations
- Open Survey
Matthew Learning
- Canada
- Generation 2023
- Coach & Consultant at 11X Solutions
- Open Survey
Ramya Ramanujam
- India
- Generation 2025
- IT Professional | Leadership & Technology
- Open Survey
Pawan Kumar Rajan
Highlight: Pawan, originally from Munger and now based in Bahrain, joined the Alfred Ford School of Management with more than 20 years of leadership experience in the manufacturing sector. Working in a highly demanding industrial environment, he wanted to elevate his strategic thinking, strengthen his leadership confidence, and gain the managerial breadth required for higher responsibility — and eventually his own consultancy or manufacturing venture.
The AFSM MBA delivered precisely that. Throughout the program, Pawan sharpened his ability to make conscious, strategic decisions, expanded his management capabilities, and cultivated resilience and adaptability essential for fast-moving industrial contexts. During the MBA, he advanced within his company, applying the program’s principles directly to his leadership role.
“It’s absolutely worth pursuing alongside your job or business. The conscious leadership focus is a gamechanger.”
Advice: Take the step. Balancing the program with full-time work is possible, and the transformation in leadership and clarity of thinking is well worth the commitment.
Interesting: Despite his long experience in automation and industrial operations, Pawan felt a growing need to deepen the human and ethical dimensions of leadership. He appreciated the diversity of the AFSM cohort and the flexibility of the online format, which allowed him to study without disrupting his professional responsibilities. The conscious leadership approach especially resonated with him, offering a fresh counterbalance to the often rigid and process-driven world of manufacturing.
He also valued the one-week Belgium residency at Radhadesh — a unique aspect of the program that added cultural depth and strengthened his sense of purpose.
Why Pawan Chose AFSM: A desire to elevate strategic decision-making and soft skills | Conscious leadership approach aligned with personal values | Flexible online structure suitable for demanding industry roles | Strong faculty support and real-world case learning | Global classroom for cross-cultural insight | A clear path toward advancing his career and building his own consultancy.
Highlight: Matthew’s path to the Alfred Ford School of Management began with Back to Godhead Magazine. As a dedicated spiritual seeker and ambitious entrepreneur, he was looking for more than a typical MBA — he was searching for a transformative experience that blended conscious leadership, real-world strategy, and deep-rooted values. With a strong foundation in bhakti-yoga and a vision to lead many businesses with compassion, Matthew found in AFSM the perfect launchpad to help fulfill his divine mission.
“Conscious leadership must become the norm — not the alternative. AFSM is preparing a generation of leaders to live that shift.”
Advice: “Trust the calling. You were led here for a reason. Dive in fully — the combination of spiritual clarity, tactical tools, and peer support will elevate your path as a leader, mentor, and servant of society.”
Interesting: Inspired by his mentor, Carey Porcher — a visionary CEO who transformed his industry with compassion and innovation — Matthew now sees himself stepping into a similar role. In five years, he envisions being a “Peace Maker” in global commerce: an investor, strategist, and advisor who cultivates harmony and sacred space in boardrooms and beyond. His dream? To normalize ethics, empathy, and Krishna consciousness in mainstream business.
Why Matthew Chose AFSM: Discovered through Back to Godhead Magazine, aligned with his bhakti path | Fully online, flexible, and rich with practical case-based learning | Teaches conscious leadership as a path of service, not just success | Powerful peer community and values-driven curriculum.
Highlight: Ramya, born in Srirangam and now based in Bangalore, joined the Alfred Ford School of Management with the determination to develop both her professional expertise and her inner leadership compass. Coming from the fast-paced IT sector, she wanted more than technical advancement — she wanted a program that aligned skill development with ethics, resilience, and human values.
The AFSM MBA became a transformative experience. With perfect 10/10 ratings across every category, Ramya not only switched companies but also gained a significant career boost. She strengthened her strategic thinking, improved communication, deepened her ethical awareness, and built the confidence to navigate the rapid shifts of today’s technology landscape.
“One of the unique MBA programs globally — conscious leadership that teaches us to practice ethical principles along with joyful leadership.”
Advice: Embrace the uniqueness of the program. Apply the principles daily. Let conscious leadership shape not only your professional decisions but the way you show up in life.
Interesting: What drew Ramya to AFSM was its mission: cultivating ethical, conscious, globally minded leaders grounded in both modern business knowledge and timeless wisdom.
She wanted to become a leader who creates positive environments, designs innovative IT solutions, and aligns business strategy with social responsibility.
During the program, she developed adaptability, resilience, and the courage to reinvent her path — qualities that helped her secure new opportunities even before completing the MBA.
Why Ramya Chose AFSM: Deep alignment with ethical and conscious leadership | Global mindset rooted in timeless wisdom | Flexible online structure supporting self-paced learning | Comprehensive and practical curriculum | Supportive and engaged faculty | Real-world projects that strengthen confidence and critical thinking | A transformational approach to leadership development for modern professionals.
Farhad Olomi
- Afghanistan/The Netherlands
- Generation 2023
- Senior Director, Global Order-to-Cash | DHL
- Open Survey
Ljiljana Pavlovicova
- Serbia/Czech Republic
- Generation 2023
- MBA is a Management and Sales Consultant at UNICA Clinic
- Open Survey
Byll Marques Brandão
- Portugal / Norway
- Generation 2025
- Entrepreneur | Sustainability & Ethical Business
- Open Survey
Farhad Olomi
Highlight: Farhad’s journey began far from the boardrooms of Europe. Born in Afghanistan and shaped by the realities of a country at war, he developed an early instinct for conscious, thoughtful decision-making. After two decades in the Netherlands and a successful career at DHL — where he now serves as Senior Director Global Order-to-Cash — he sought an MBA program that would keep him grounded in purpose while sharpening his executive capabilities.
He chose the Alfred Ford School of Management because it pushed him to pause, reflect, and examine the real impact of his decisions on people, teams, and the wider environment. During the program, he earned two promotions — a testament to both his dedication and the practical value of conscious leadership.
“As someone who grew up in conflict, consciousness is not optional. AFSM challenged me to think twice before making decisions — to lead with clarity, responsibility, and humanity.”
Advice: “Read the program guidelines, don’t skip anything, and apply every concept to your real work. The more seriously you take the learning, the more transformation you’ll see.”
Interesting: Farhad consistently highlights the professionalism and availability of the professors, and the collaborative group work with classmates from around the world. Even while managing a demanding senior leadership role, he found the online structure flexible enough to fit his life — and powerful enough to reshape his leadership.
Graduating brought a palpable sense of relief and accomplishment. As he puts it: “Now I feel I can conquer the world.”
Why Farhad Chose AFSM: AAlignment with conscious leadership values shaped by his life experience | A curriculum that challenges leaders to think ethically and strategically | Highly professional and accessible faculty | Flexible online learning suited for senior-level executives | Opportunities to apply learning directly to work, supporting promotions and growth.
Ljiljana Pavlovicova
Highlight: With over 20 years of experience in healthcare and leadership roles, Ljiljana joined the AFSM MBA seeking something deeper than just a qualification. As a practicing devotee and value-based professional, she was drawn to the program’s unique Conscious Leadership focus. What she found exceeded expectations — a transformative experience that renewed her professional energy and filled crucial gaps in her leadership journey. Her perfect 10/10 satisfaction across all program areas speaks volumes.
Advice: “Don’t wait. If you’re feeling stagnant, this program is your turning point. Conscious Leadership will not only enhance your career — it will upgrade how you think, live, and lead.”
Interesting: Despite not holding a university degree, Ljiljana brought in decades of practical management experience. AFSM’s open, supportive learning environment helped her reconnect with learning, gain fresh insights, and build lasting confidence — proving that leadership isn’t about titles, but transformation.
Why Ljiljana Chose AFSM: A rare offering: MBA in Conscious Leadership | The desire to “upgrade” and re-ignite her career after a quiet professional phase | Supportive mentorship and flexible online format that respected her pace.
Byll Marques Brandão
Highlight: Byll is a Portuguese national based in Norway with over 20 years of professional experience across sectors and a long-standing personal commitment to ethical and conscious living. Practicing Bhakti Yoga since his teenage years, he chose the Alfred Ford School of Management for its rare integration of modern management education with ancient wisdom and moral clarity. For Byll, the MBA was not a credential alone, but a structured path toward reinvention, confidence, and purposeful leadership.
Completing the program marked a decisive turning point. Through AFSM’s conscious leadership framework, practical projects, and supportive international learning community, Byll strengthened his managerial competence, strategic thinking, and ability to lead with ethical awareness. The program directly supported a successful career transition, enabling him to switch companies and pursue new professional directions with clarity and confidence.
“The program exceeded my expectations in every dimension. It strengthened my leadership skills, ethical judgment, communication, and strategic thinking. I feel empowered to lead with confidence and adaptability in changing environments.”
Advice: “Make effective use of the wide range of academic resources AFSM offers. The more you engage, the more transformative the experience becomes.”
Interesting: Byll rated the AFSM program 10/10 across satisfaction, expectations, value for money, faculty quality, and real-world relevance. After graduation, he successfully changed professional direction and experienced tangible career growth. Looking ahead, he aims to launch a green, sustainability-focused business—combining entrepreneurship, environmental responsibility, and conscious leadership—supporting local economies through ethical e-commerce and eco-friendly solutions.
Why Byll Chose AFSM: Deep alignment with conscious and ethical leadership | Integration of ancient wisdom with modern management | Flexible online format supporting career transition | Strong faculty engagement and mentorship | Practical, real-world application of business concepts | Diverse international student community
Abhijit Saha
- India/UK
- Generation 2025
- Business Administrator | Communications & Organizational Service (ISKCON Mayapur)
- Open Survey
Indranil Roy
- India/Canada
- Generation 2021
- Business Development Manager at CIBC, Board Member, Belgian-Canadian Business Chamber
- Open Survey
Beth Rumack
- USA
- Generation 2023
- Director of Nursing | Healthcare Leadership
- Open Survey
Abhijit Saha
Highlight: Abhijit, born in Nabadwip and serving today in ISKCON Mayapur’s Communications Office, joined the Alfred Ford School of Management with a clear purpose: to strengthen his leadership foundation and become more effective in serving his community. With several years of administrative and communication experience behind him, he wanted to cultivate strategic thinking, improve collaboration, and develop a leadership style rooted in clarity, responsibility, and conscious decision-making.
The AFSM MBA supported exactly that. Throughout the program, Abhijit sharpened his leadership skills, deepened his ability to think strategically, and improved his communication practices. These developments translated into real professional advancement — he grew within his organization and began contributing with greater confidence and insight to the projects and teams he serves.
Be more inquisitive and interactive — it opens the door to deeper understanding and insight.
Advice: Engage actively with the material, ask questions, and get involved. Curiosity and interaction enrich the learning experience far beyond the assignments.
Interesting: Abhijit arrived at AFSM after exploring many online programs, but he found something unique in AFSM’s approach to leadership and management — a blend of purpose, ethics, and practical depth that resonated with his values. He was particularly inspired by the quality and intention of the faculty, whose expertise and vision aligned with his aspiration to uplift society through meaningful service.
His long-term aim is clear: to grow as a leader within ISKCON and to contribute to the community with greater competence, compassion, and strategic clarity. For him, leadership is not merely a managerial tool — it is a way to build trust, inspire confidence, and create positive social impact.
Why Abhijit Chose AFSM: A desire to strengthen conscious, ethically grounded leadership | Faculty known for purpose-driven teaching | Flexible online learning suitable for a service-based lifestyle | Practical and applicable course content | A clear path toward meaningful community service and leadership in ISKCON | Personal dedication to growth, clarity, and responsibility.
Indranil Roy
Highlight: With over 21 years of experience in the Canadian banking sector, Indranil turned to the Alfred Ford School of Management to refine his leadership and managerial capabilities. The flexible, high-quality MBA program allowed him to study alongside work and family responsibilities — helping him achieve career growth while staying grounded in values. He describes the residency as a defining experience that sharpened his skills, fostered peer collaboration, and solidified the impact of conscious leadership in action.
“The program reshaped how I lead, think, and work. I became more strategic, focused, and conscious — not just as a banker, but as a leader.”
Advice: “Be disciplined. The value you get from this program is directly linked to how you manage your time. It’s a great return on both your investment and your effort.”
Interesting: Indranil managed to switch companies and gain greater responsibility even before completing the MBA. He attributes much of that transition to the program’s emphasis on adaptability, ethics, and decision-making under uncertainty.
Why Indranil Chose AFSM: Strong focus on conscious leadership — a rare find among global MBA programs | World-class faculty he recognized and respected | Format tailored for working professionals needing flexibility | Desire for growth that is not just professional, but also ethical and values-driven.
Highlight: Beth brought more than 20 years of healthcare experience into her MBA journey, stepping into the program as a seasoned clinical leader from St. Louis Children’s Hospital. She chose the Alfred Ford School of Management because she wanted something American MBA programs rarely offer: a globally minded education grounded in conscious leadership and human-centered decision-making.
During her studies, she not only grew academically — she switched companies, earned a major promotion, and stepped into higher responsibility with clarity and confidence. Her perfect scores across satisfaction, expectations, value, and quality reflect how deeply the program resonated with her personal mission to transform healthcare through safer, more effective, more compassionate leadership.
“Go for it!”
Advice: Take the leap. The more you immerse yourself in the program, the more it shapes your confidence, your leadership presence, and your ability to influence meaningful change.
Interesting: Beth’s vision is ambitious and deeply service-oriented: to rise into executive leadership — ideally a healthcare presidency — where she can merge clinical insight, strategic thinking, and conscious leadership to create environments where care is elevated and human dignity is protected.
She also carries a strong commitment to diversity and inclusive leadership, aiming to influence her field not just through expertise, but through values.
AFSM’s diverse cohort, globally oriented curriculum, and supportive faculty gave her the kind of perspective she felt was missing from traditional U.S. MBA programs.
Why Beth Chose AFSM: A rare MBA focus on conscious leadership and human capital | Globally informed curriculum beyond the traditional American model | Flexible online structure for demanding healthcare roles | Engaging faculty who support and guide students personally | Practical, real-world projects that connect directly to clinical leadership | A diverse, international student community offering new perspectives | A pathway to executive healthcare leadership rooted in ethics and innovation.
