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.
Gaytree Appadu Townsend
- Mauritius/Havaii/USA
- Generation 2023
- Supervisor, Environmental & Housekeeping Services | Healthcare
- Open Survey
William Jardim Dias
- Brazil/Belgium
- Generation 2023
- Application Engineer & Sales Support | Manufacturing Industry
- Open Survey
Ramya Ramanujam
- India
- Generation 2025
- IT Professional | Leadership & Technology
- Open Survey
Gaytree Appadu Townsend
Highlight: Gaytree has spent more than 20 years serving in leadership roles within healthcare’s environmental and housekeeping services — positions where compassion, discipline, and responsibility shape the quality of patient care. Born in Pamplemousses and now living in Honolulu, she chose the Alfred Ford School of Management because she wanted leadership education rooted not only in skill, but in ethics, character, and conscious service.
The MBA helped her deepen her strategic thinking, sharpen her ethical decision-making, and strengthen her capacity to guide others with clarity and purpose. For her, conscious leadership was not a concept — it was a way to bring dignity and humanity back to the workplace.
“This MBA is good for personal growth rather than career growth. I am very grateful to the professors who have good academic knowledge.”
Advice: In the U.S. leadership landscape, especially at mid-senior levels, specialized master’s degrees often carry more weight. Her advice is practical: understand your goals before choosing the path — and if your focus is personal transformation, AFSM provides it in abundance.
Interesting: Gaytree entered the program with a deep philosophical intention: to understand how personal development and career development can be aligned, rather than split. After 17 years of supervising teams and studying human behaviour on the job, she wanted academic tools that would help her lead without personal bias, without attachment to organisational politics, and with a higher sense of service.
She consistently appreciated AFSM’s diverse community, supportive faculty, and the ethical foundation of the curriculum. While the program did not immediately shift her career trajectory, it expanded her clarity, sense of purpose, and understanding of what leadership truly means.
Why Gaytree Chose AFSM: A rare MBA rooted in conscious leadership and ethical service | Desire to blend personal and professional development | Comprehensive curriculum accessible online from anywhere | Supportive faculty and diverse global classmates | Real-world learning through practical projects | A platform for inner growth, value-based decision-making, and leadership maturity.
William Jardim Dias
Highlight: William, originally from the coastal city of Guarujá in Brazil, has built his professional life in Belgium’s manufacturing sector over the past decade. With 11–15 years of industry experience, he joined the Alfred Ford School of Management determined to strengthen his leadership presence, grow his confidence, and prepare himself for future managerial roles.
The MBA became a turning point: he gained sharper strategic thinking, learned to communicate consciously, and developed the self-assurance needed to take on higher responsibilities. During the program, he advanced within his current company — a direct reflection of how effectively he applied course concepts to real-world projects.
“Go ahead — it’s a great program.”
Advice: “Trust the process. Push yourself. Use the learning to grow your confidence and broaden your impact. William’s 10/10 satisfaction score reflects how meaningfully the MBA integrated with his personal goals, career development, and drive for self-improvement.”
Interesting: William’s motivation for studying at AFSM was deeply personal: he wanted a school that matched his needs, supported his growth, and expanded his global network. The diverse student community became one of his favourite aspects of the program, helping him connect with peers from different industries, cultures, and backgrounds.
He now sees himself progressing steadily toward a management position — equipped with stronger leadership skills, strategic clarity, and the ability to collaborate more effectively.
Why William Chose AFSM: Holistic personal development | Strong emphasis on conscious leadership | Comprehensive curriculum across business functions | Flexible structure for working professionals | Global and collaborative student community | A pathway to future managerial growth and confidence.
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.
Jitesh Hirani
- United Kingdom/Australia/USA
- Generation 2024
- Solutions Architect | Finance, Technology & Leadership
- Open Survey
Kushmika Singh
- South Africa
- Generation 2025
- Academic & Business Editor | Entrepreneur in Ethical Leadership
- Open Survey
Abhijit Saha
- India/UK
- Generation 2025
- Business Administrator | Communications & Organizational Service (ISKCON Mayapur)
- Open Survey
Jitesh Hirani
Highlight: Jitesh, born in London and now based in Denver, came to the Alfred Ford School of Management with more than 20 years of global experience in technology, finance, and enterprise solutions. Having worked as a developer, consultant, and solutions engineer across multiple continents, he reached a point where technical excellence was no longer enough — he wanted to grow as a leader, deepen his strategic mindset, and align his career with a more conscious, servant-leadership philosophy.
The AFSM MBA provided that transformation. Throughout the program, Jitesh significantly strengthened his leadership capabilities, enhanced his managerial confidence, and developed a deeper sense of ethical, strategic thinking. His studies helped him step into greater professional responsibility, switch companies, and experience clear career growth. The program also supported his long-term aspiration: to lead impactful teams in consulting or technical services, while simultaneously improving his service leadership within the ISKCON community.
Read ahead, understand the concepts, and start the case study early. The journey is deeply rewarding when you pace yourself with intention.
Advice: Stay proactive. Engage early with the material, plan case studies in advance, and treat the program as a space for steady, meaningful growth — both professionally and personally.
Interesting: Jitesh’s leadership journey began long before his MBA. For years he served in multiple ISKCON temples worldwide in roles such as Festival Director, Kitchen Director, Deity Kitchen Manager, and Committee Secretary. These experiences sparked his interest in conscious leadership — a style rooted in service, humility, and collective success rather than corporate ambition.
He appreciated the thoughtful balance of strategic management, ethical leadership, and practical casework that the AFSM MBA offered. The flexibility of the online format allowed him to pursue the program even after taking a break from formal employment, ensuring continuity while he prepared for future leadership roles in consulting and community service.
Why Jitesh Chose AFSM: A desire to shift from technical excellence to conscious leadership | Strong alignment with ISKCON values and servant-leadership principles | Flexible online learning suitable for life transitions | Comprehensive curriculum with real-world application | Supportive and diverse global cohort | Preparation for future leadership roles in consulting, technical services, and community management.
Kushmika Singh
Highlight: Kushmika discovered the Alfred Ford School of Management years ago, when an article about its launch caught her attention. As an academic and business editor with more than a decade of consulting experience, she had long been driven by a simple but powerful goal: to empower people to make better decisions and live more meaningful, ethical, and healthy lives. Her work — whether editing manuscripts, advising clients, or building teams — has always centred on respect, honesty, and cooperation. When she began searching for an MBA aligned with her values, AFSM’s emphasis on ethical and conscious leadership immediately resonated with her vision.
Her experience in the program reflected this alignment. She rated the MBA 10/10 for overall satisfaction, 8/10 for meeting expectations, 8/10 for faculty, and 10/10 for applying classroom learning in her professional life. The combination of flexibility, human-centred teaching, and values-driven curriculum strengthened her leadership, sharpened her strategic thinking, and deepened her commitment to ethical decision-making.
Advice: “Embrace every challenge, pace yourself, find balance, and take every opportunity to learn — this journey will help you grow in ways you can’t imagine. Enjoy every moment.”
Interesting: Although Kushmika did not change roles immediately after completing the program, she experienced significant internal growth: greater confidence, stronger leadership skills, and a renewed sense of purpose. She is now focused on building two mission-driven ventures — a self-sustaining editing business and a business-coaching consultancy dedicated to training leaders in ethical and conscious leadership. Her long-term aspiration is to uplift communities by helping individuals and organisations make values-based decisions that foster cooperation and trust.
Why Kushmika Chose AFSM: Strong alignment with her philosophy of ethical leadership | Flexible online format ideal for balancing entrepreneurship and study | Supportive faculty and a warm, values-driven learning environment | Practical curriculum with conscious leadership at its core | A program that reinforces personal transformation alongside professional skill-building.
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.
Pawan Kumar Rajan
- India/Bahrain
- Generation 2023
- Manager – Electrical & Automation | Manufacturing & Industrial Operations
- Open Survey
Tanya Hussein
- Iraq/USA
- Generation 2023
- Finance Professional | Customer & Financial Services
- Open Survey
Balvinder “Bob” Kapoor
- Kenya/USA
- Generation 2023
- Business Executive | Hospitality, Tourism & Organizational Leadership
- 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.
Tanya Hussein
Highlight: Tanya, originally from Baghdad and now based in Pennsylvania, entered the Alfred Ford School of Management as a full-time professional balancing work, family, and the desire to grow beyond her current role. With more than six years of experience supporting customers in the financial services sector, she wanted an MBA that would build her leadership, sharpen her analytical skills, and give her the confidence to support people navigating financial challenges.
The online format of the AFSM MBA was exactly what she needed: flexible, diverse, and designed for self-paced learning. Through the program, she strengthened her strategic thinking and improved her communication and collaboration skills — qualities she now applies daily in her interactions with clients and colleagues.
“Make sure it is credentialed in the USA.”
A reminder from her own journey: do your due diligence, understand the accreditation framework, and make choices confidently.
Advice: Stepping into an MBA pushes you out of your comfort zone. Embrace that discomfort. It’s where leadership ability, professional maturity, and new opportunities begin.
Interesting: Tanya’s long-term vision is rooted in service. After years of watching customers struggle with budgeting, debt, and financial anxiety, she wants to become a specialist in money management — someone who can guide others toward stability and well-being.
Her academic background in history and her cross-cultural experience add depth to her leadership style, helping her understand people, context, and behaviour in ways that go beyond spreadsheets.
Although she hasn’t yet had a career jump, she considers the program valuable for personal growth, increased confidence, and improved professional communication.
Why Tanya Chose AFSM: Flexible online structure suited for full-time professionals | Strong focus on conscious leadership | Diverse international student community | The drive to advance into leadership and financial coaching roles | Desire to gain broader business knowledge and strategic capability | Interest in helping others achieve financial well-being through ethical guidance.
Balvinder “Bob” Kapoor
Highlight: Bob, born in Nairobi and now based in Los Angeles, brought more than two decades of leadership experience in hospitality and tourism when he enrolled at the Alfred Ford School of Management. As an executive overseeing a company of around 40 employees — and simultaneously serving as the Congregational Director for ISKCON Los Angeles — he wanted an MBA that blended professional advancement with values-driven leadership. He sought to sharpen his managerial skills, deepen his strategic thinking, and align his leadership style with the principles of conscious, ethical governance.
The AFSM MBA supported that vision precisely. Throughout the program, Bob strengthened his leadership qualities, refined his decision-making abilities, and developed the confidence to navigate complex organizational environments. During his studies, he switched companies and experienced clear career growth, applying his new insights to both his business responsibilities and his service within the ISKCON community.
Stay on track.
Advice: Consistency is everything. Keep pace with the modules, remain committed, and the transformation will unfold naturally.
Interesting: Bob’s motivation extended far beyond career advancement. As an initiated devotee and longstanding servant of Srila Prabhupada’s movement, he saw the MBA as a way to cultivate leadership qualities rooted in simplicity, high thinking, and ethical clarity. His goal is to expand his business ventures while simultaneously strengthening ISKCON’s resources, management, and long-term sustainability — especially through acquiring and developing properties that benefit the global mission.
He appreciated the flexibility of the online learning format, the practical nature of case studies, and the strong emphasis on conscious leadership — a philosophy that resonated deeply with both his personal values and professional responsibilities.
Why Bob Chose AFSM: A desire to strengthen leadership and ethical decision-making | Deep alignment with conscious leadership principles | Flexible online format suitable for busy executives | Comprehensive curriculum with real-world application | Strong foundation to support ISKCON managerial service | Pathway to expanding his business portfolio responsibly and sustainably.
