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.

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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.

Fouad Ben Larbi

Fouad Ben Larbi

Avishek Chaudhury

Avishek Chaudhury

  • India/Canada
  • Generation 2025
  • Project Manager, Ontario Public Service | Executive Director, Living Autism Foundation
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Gopinath Bhadra

Gopinath Bhadra

  • India/Australia/Germany
  • Generation 2023
  • Entrepreneur | Founder, Bhadra Pvt Ltd
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Fouad Ben Larbi

Fouad Ben Larbi

Belgium Generation 2025 Customer Success Manager & Founder of Neoshore Linked
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Highlight
Fouad’s path to the Alfred Ford School of Management began with a dream to become a purpose-driven entrepreneur — and a promise to lead by example for his daughters, Nisrine and Mayssa. After years of experience as a Business Development Manager in international companies, he launched his own outsourcing firm, Neoshore, and joined AFSM to consolidate his real-world experience with ethical, conscious leadership.

“This journey is more than a degree — it’s about proving to my children that with self-sacrifice and determination, we can overcome any limit.”

Advice to My Past Self
“Don’t hesitate. This program will challenge your mindset, push you to grow, and show you what it means to lead with integrity. Be ready to give it your all — the rewards will come.”
Interesting: Before joining, Fouad proactively reached out to AFSM students to understand the school’s values and expectations. Their reflections, along with AFSM’s mission to build ethical and visionary leaders, confirmed he was in the right place. Today, he uses the MBA teachings to lead his company with greater purpose and clarity.
Why Fouad Chose AFSM: A strong focus on Conscious Leadership aligned with his values | Flexible online format compatible with a business owner’s schedule | A visionary institution that values ethics alongside business results | Desire to consolidate over 20 years of experience into a formal, ethical business framework.

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Avishek Chaudhury

Avishek Chaudhury

India/Canada Generation 2025 Project Manager, Ontario Public Service | Executive Director, Living Autism Foundation Linked
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Highlight: Avi reached a defining moment in life — balancing a senior public-sector career, raising two sons on the autism spectrum, navigating a long, difficult divorce, and building a non-profit from scratch. He needed a program that didn’t simply add letters after his name but helped him recalibrate who he was as a leader and as a person.
AFSM became that turning point. The program’s lively case discussions, value-centered teaching, and global community gave him a new lens for leadership — one rooted in clarity, ethics, and genuine compassion. The shift was immediate: greater confidence, sharper strategic thinking, and a deeper sense of purpose that now guides both his government work and his mission to support autistic youth in Canada.

“Conscious leadership isn’t theory. It’s a way of showing up — at work, at home, and in your own mind. AFSM helped me reconnect with that.”

Advice: “Say yes — but understand that this journey will reshape you. You’ll juggle work, family, and study, but the growth you gain will outweigh every challenge. Stay open, lean into the community, and let yourself evolve.”

Interesting: Avi’s transformation wasn’t about switching jobs — it was about upgrading the person doing the job. He became more resilient, more intentional, and more attuned to the human side of leadership. Those insights now fuel his nonprofit’s expansion and his commitment to building inclusive, values-driven workplaces.

Why Avi Chose AFSM: A global, human-centered MBA that fits the rhythm of real life | A curriculum grounded in ethics, purpose, and personal mastery | Faculty who teach with both depth and empathy | A flexible structure ideal for working parents and leaders in transition | A community that makes leadership feel meaningful again.

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Gopinath Bhadra

Gopinath Bhadra

India/Australia/Germany Generation 2023 Entrepreneur | Founder, Bhadra Pvt Ltd Linked
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Highlight:  Gopinath, an entrepreneur based in Sydney, brought his lifelong practice of Bhakti Yoga and a deep theological background into his MBA journey. With a BA in Theology from Radhadesh and a heart rooted in service, he chose the Alfred Ford School of Management for its rare combination of spiritual grounding and business excellence. The online format allowed him to pursue higher education while actively working on his entrepreneurial dreams.

“Business is the balance between freedom, creative expression, and service. AFSM helped me shape that vision into practical knowledge and action.”

Advice: “Have a dream project—and make it happen with the knowledge. The MBA will equip you to turn passion into impact, especially when rooted in service to others.”
Interesting: Gopinath plans to launch a multifaceted company — Bhadra Pvt Ltd — encompassing clothing, tourism, and yoga retreats. His long-term goal is to support ISKCON members by creating income-generating structures that provide security and freedom to serve spiritually. With AFSM’s teachings, he’s developing the skills to bring these aspirations into reality.
Why Gopinath Chose AFSM: Perfect alignment with his spiritual and professional goals | Flexible online format suited to working entrepreneurs in Australia | Emphasis on conscious leadership rooted in ethical principles | A holistic MBA experience that prepares leaders to uplift communities.

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Beth Rumack

Beth Rumack

Rebecca Raby

Rebecca Raby

  • Brazil/Thailand/France
  • Generation 2024
  • Assistant Project Manager | Healthcare Industry
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
C.V.  Sirisha Dhaveji

C.V. Sirisha Dhaveji

Beth Rumack

Beth Rumack

USA Generation 2023 Director of Nursing | Healthcare Leadership Linked
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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.

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Rebecca Raby

Rebecca Raby

Brazil/Thailand/France Generation 2024 Assistant Project Manager | Healthcare Industry Linked
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Highlight: Rebecca, a French healthcare professional with over 16 years of experience in sales, marketing, and project management, chose the Alfred Ford School of Management to elevate her leadership skills and ethical decision-making. Balancing full-time work, family, and study, she found AFSM’s flexible online format and values-based teaching the perfect fit for her growth goals—both professional and personal.

Advice: “Focus on getting as much out of the program as possible. With a full-time job and a family, time and energy were often limited. I did my best to apply the learning to real life—but if I’d had more time, I could have gained even more from the experience.”

Interesting:
Rebecca specifically sought an MBA that aligned with her ethical values and her role in the pharmaceutical industry, where moral standards are not optional. Her 9/10 ratings across every category reflect a fulfilling and empowering journey—one that sharpened her communication, boosted her confidence, and solidified her identity as an ethical leader.

Why Rebecca Chose AFSM: Emphasis on Conscious Leadership | Fully online and flexible for working professionals | English-language delivery with French accreditation | Curriculum taught by industry experts and aligned with real-world business practices.

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C.V.  Sirisha Dhaveji

C.V. Sirisha Dhaveji

India/Singapore/USA Generation 2023 Project Officer | Education Sector Linked
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Highlight: A lifelong admirer of values-based leadership, Sirisha’s turning point came the day she met India’s former President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. His example of humility and wisdom left a lasting impression — and inspired her to seek leadership development grounded in compassion. That’s what led her to the Alfred Ford School of Management. For Sirisha, AFSM’s Conscious Leadership MBA aligned perfectly with her cultural roots, her dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, and her goal of bringing integrity and empathy into today’s competitive workplaces.

“Leadership without humility and compassion remains hollow. This program empowered my conviction that true strength lies in ethical, conscious leadership.”

Advice: “Don’t wait for things to become perfect — the world needs compassionate leaders now. This MBA is more than a degree; it’s a personal and spiritual transformation.”
Interesting: Sirisha joined the MBA while working full-time in Singapore, and her dedication paid off. She experienced career advancement during the program and rated it a 9–10 across every academic and leadership category. She credits AFSM for boosting her confidence, improving her collaboration skills, and giving her a foundation for long-term impact.

Why Sirisha Chose AFSM: Deep alignment with ethical and spiritual leadership | Strong connection to the legacy of Srila Prabhupada | An opportunity to blend project management with inner development | Practical learning for post-pandemic leadership challenges | Flexibility to study while working full-time.

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Kumar Abinash

Kumar Abinash

  • India/USA
  • Generation 2023
  • Founder of Ayurvedic Wellness & Holistic Health Coach | Lifestyle Alignment
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Ramya Ramanujam

Ramya Ramanujam

Matthew Learning

Matthew Learning

Kumar Abinash

Kumar Abinash

India/USA Generation 2023 Founder of Ayurvedic Wellness & Holistic Health Coach | Lifestyle Alignment Linked
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Highlight: Kumar, originally from India and now based in Michigan, brought more than 20 years of experience in IT services when he entered the Alfred Ford School of Management. With a strong technical background and a growing desire to lead with vision, purpose, and ethical clarity, he sought an MBA that would strengthen his confidence, broaden his management capabilities, and prepare him for future leadership roles — both in the corporate IT world and in the nonprofit sector he aspires to serve.

The AFSM MBA became a turning point. Throughout the program, Kumar refined his strategic thinking, deepened his understanding of conscious, ethical leadership, and developed the managerial breadth needed to guide teams and influence organizational direction. His performance led to career advancements within his company during the MBA itself, a clear sign of how directly he applied the program’s teachings in real time.

“This MBA strengthened my confidence, expanded my leadership abilities, and supported my personal and professional growth in a transformative way.”

Advice: Identify your classmates early and collaborate with them. Group study, joint assignments, and shared research create motivation, accountability, and healthy competition — all of which enrich the MBA experience.

Interesting: Kumar’s purpose has always been bigger than career advancement. He is deeply inspired by the idea of leadership rooted in values — a blend of Vedic wisdom and modern management that can uplift communities. His long-term vision is to lead a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainability, cultural enrichment, and community development.

He valued the flexibility of the online format, the depth of conscious leadership discussions, and the practicality of real-world case applications. For him, AFSM offered a rare combination: strong academic training and a spiritually grounded environment aligned with his personal values.

Why Kumar Chose AFSM: A desire to grow in conscious, ethical leadership | Strong alignment with spiritual values and community vision | Flexible online format suited for full-time professionals | Practical curriculum rooted in real-world application | Supportive global cohort | Preparation for future leadership in both corporate and nonprofit sectors | Commitment to long-term personal development and strategic thinking.

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Ramya Ramanujam

Ramya Ramanujam

India Generation 2025 IT Professional | Leadership & Technology Linked
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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.

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Matthew Learning

Matthew Learning

Canada Generation 2023 Coach & Consultant at 11X Solutions Linked
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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.

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