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
Nilam Shah
- Luxembourg/India
- Generation 2025
- Lead Scientist | Manufacturing & Innovation Sector
- Open Survey
Jitesh Hirani
- United Kingdom/Australia/USA
- Generation 2024
- Solutions Architect | Finance, Technology & Leadership
- 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.
Nilam Shah
Highlight: As a Lead Scientist with years of experience in Luxembourg’s multicultural environment, Nilam reached a point where technical expertise alone was no longer enough. She wanted to deepen her leadership abilities — to navigate conflict, communicate across cultures, and guide teams with strategic clarity.
The AFSM MBA gave her that bridge. Through conscious leadership training, case-based learning, and a supportive international community, she strengthened her capacity to lead with confidence, empathy, and resilience. The program enriched both her management style and her personal growth, allowing her to integrate scientific precision with human-centered leadership.
“This MBA made me more adaptable, more strategic, and more aware of the people behind every challenge. Conscious leadership changed how I work — and how I think.”
Advice: “Structure your journey. Break your Consultancy Project into clear sections, stay steady, and allow feedback to shape your path. The clarity you gain will make the entire experience much smoother.”
Interesting: Nilam entered the MBA already holding a doctoral degree — but AFSM opened doors that academic research alone never touched: emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, and practical leadership. She now uses these strengths daily in both scientific and corporate environments and continues to advocate for more hands-on projects and professional-development opportunities for future students.
Why Nilam Chose AFSM: A flexible online format ideal for demanding scientific careers | A multicultural learning environment that mirrors Luxembourg’s workplace reality | Conscious leadership at the heart of the curriculum | Real-world case studies that link technical fields with managerial excellence | A pathway toward executive roles or launching her own venture.
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.
Bilal Shaar
- Lebanon/Saudi Arabia
- Generation 2023
- Sales Unit Manager | Private Sector Leader
- Open Survey
Beth Rumack
- USA
- Generation 2023
- Director of Nursing | Healthcare Leadership
- Open Survey
Ramya Ramanujam
- India
- Generation 2025
- IT Professional | Leadership & Technology
- Open Survey
Bilal Shaar
Highlight: Bilal, an experienced sales professional living in Saudi Arabia, came across the Alfred Ford School of Management while searching for top-tier, flexible MBA programs. The Conscious Leadership MBA stood out not only for its affordability but also for its focus on ethical leadership and practical business growth. The online structure allowed him to pursue personal development while maintaining a high-level position in the private sector.
“This program helped me strengthen my leadership and self-confidence while working full-time. It gave me tools to plan strategically for my future business goals.”
Advice: “Take advantage of the flexibility and commit to deepening your leadership skills. Ask for more — more mentorship, more electives, more practical resources. Your growth depends on how much you’re willing to apply what you learn.”
Interesting: Despite earning over €100,000 annually and holding a stable management role, Bilal saw AFSM as a chance to expand his impact. He’s now focused on starting his own company, and uses insights from the program to plan strategically and lead consciously.
Why Bilal Chose AFSM: Affordable and globally accessible MBA | Emphasis on Conscious Leadership and practical self-development | Flexible online format for busy professionals | Relevant modules in strategic planning and project management.
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.
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.
Kumar Abinash
- India/USA
- Generation 2023
- Founder of Ayurvedic Wellness & Holistic Health Coach | Lifestyle Alignment
- Open Survey
Sylvester Bezegr
- Ghana
- Generation 2025
- Zonal Supervisor & Missionary | Non-profit Sector
- Open Survey
Kushmika Singh
- South Africa
- Generation 2025
- Academic & Business Editor | Entrepreneur in Ethical Leadership
- Open Survey
Kumar Abinash
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.
Sylvester Bezegr
Highlight: With more than two decades of service as a missionary and Zonal Supervisor, Sylvester joined AFSM as one of the most senior members of his cohort — a living reminder that growth has no expiry date.
He chose the program because it mirrored his own values: humility, service, ethics, and lifelong learning. What he found was a transformative experience that refined his administrative skills, strengthened his strategic perspective, and deepened his ability to lead teams with compassion and spiritual groundedness. His journey inspired many classmates, proving that leadership is ageless when the heart remains open.
“Conscious leadership widened my perspective and renewed my confidence. This program didn’t just expand my skills — it expanded my service.”
Advice: “Pursue this program wholeheartedly. It will strengthen your leadership and refine your character. The investment you make here will guide your mission for years to come.”
Interesting:Even with decades of leadership behind him, Sylvester found himself growing in unexpected ways. He applied AFSM’s teachings immediately — improving communication, fostering collaboration, and guiding his teams with greater clarity. The MBA became more than an academic path; it became a personal renewal.
Why Sylvester Chose AFSM: Alignment with his life of service | A program built on ethics and conscious leadership | Flexible study for those working in demanding environments | Practical case studies rooted in real challenges | Faculty and mentors who lead with integrity and compassion.
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.
