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.
Ljiljana Pavlovicova
- Serbia/Czech Republic
- Generation 2023
- MBA is a Management and Sales Consultant at UNICA Clinic
- Open Survey
Matthew Learning
- Canada
- Generation 2023
- Coach & Consultant at 11X Solutions
- Open Survey
Ajay Kasishwar
- India
- Generation 2020
- Director – Communications, The Akshaya Patra Foundation
- Webpage
- Open Survey
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.
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.
Ajay Kasishwar
Highlight: Ajay brings over 20 years of cross-industry experience and a deep commitment to service through his work in the non-profit sector. As Director of Communications at one of India’s largest food relief organizations, his professional journey has always been aligned with higher values. Yet, it was at the Alfred Ford School of Management that he found a unique path to integrate spiritual consciousness with leadership excellence. The MBA in Conscious Leadership offered him not just academic enrichment, but also a space for inner transformation.
“This isn’t just a qualification — it’s a journey of becoming a spiritually conscious thought leader. AFSM has helped me align professional impact with personal purpose.”
Advice: “Gain more clarity on the course structure early on. The deeper your understanding of the content and delivery, the better you can integrate the learnings into your leadership journey.”
Interesting: Ajay was already in a senior leadership role when he joined the MBA — but the program still created tangible advancements within his current organization. He was especially drawn to the program’s practical, case-based approach, as well as its strong ethical foundation rooted in wisdom traditions.
Why Ajay Chose AFSM: A rare curriculum that fuses management science with spiritual depth | Practical learning through real-world case studies, not rote memorization | The vision of forming leaders who are both efficient and elevated | A flexible online structure that fits the busy schedule of a senior professional.
Ivana Mihajlovska
- Macedonia/Bulgaria/Belgium
- Generation 2024
- Consulting Professional | Early-Career Economist
- Open Survey
Gopinath Bhadra
- India/Australia/Germany
- Generation 2023
- Entrepreneur | Founder, Bhadra Pvt Ltd
- Open Survey
C.V. Sirisha Dhaveji
- India/Singapore/USA
- Generation 2023
- Project Officer | Education Sector
- Open Survey
Ivana Mihajlovska
Highlight: After earning her degree in economy and management, Ivana moved abroad to work and learn new languages. But her dream of pursuing a master’s never left her. When she discovered the Alfred Ford School of Management, she found a program that offered not just flexibility, but purpose. AFSM gave her the opportunity to grow professionally and personally — and to study at her own pace while working full-time.
“It’s everything I was looking for — flexibility, supportive staff, real-world projects, and a human approach. I call it the MBA of the future.”
Advice: “Start now. Don’t wait for the perfect time — it doesn’t exist. The knowledge and confidence you’ll gain are worth the effort. This program will challenge you to grow, and it will give you the tools to make a real impact.”
Interesting: Despite being early in her career, Ivana entered the program with a clear vision: to become a manager who leads with empathy, ethics, and strategy. AFSM’s conscious leadership model resonated deeply with her, and she believes it will shape how she inspires teams in the future.
Why Ivana Chose AFSM: Online learning that adapts to working professionals | Focus on Conscious Leadership and ethical values | A truly international, diverse student community | Encouraging mentors and responsive faculty.
Gopinath Bhadra
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.
C.V. Sirisha Dhaveji
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.
Balvinder “Bob” Kapoor
- Kenya/USA
- Generation 2023
- Business Executive | Hospitality, Tourism & Organizational Leadership
- Open Survey
Byll Marques Brandão
- Portugal / Norway
- Generation 2025
- Entrepreneur | Sustainability & Ethical Business
- Open Survey
Indranil Roy
- India/Canada
- Generation 2021
- Business Development Manager at CIBC, Board Member, Belgian-Canadian Business Chamber
- Open Survey
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.
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
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.
