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.

Ajay Kasishwar

Ajay Kasishwar

  • India
  • Generation 2020
  • Director – Communications, The Akshaya Patra Foundation
  • Webpage
  • Open Survey
Harsha Bhamidipati

Harsha Bhamidipati

Kushmika Singh

Kushmika Singh

  • South Africa
  • Generation 2025
  • Academic & Business Editor | Entrepreneur in Ethical Leadership
  • Open Survey
Ajay Kasishwar

Ajay Kasishwar

India Generation 2020 Director – Communications, The Akshaya Patra Foundation Webpage
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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.

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Harsha Bhamidipati

Harsha Bhamidipati

India/Canada Generation 2021 Contracts Specialist | Financial Sector Linked
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Highlight: For Harsha, spirituality and leadership go hand in hand. As a Contracts Specialist in Canada with a deep desire to start her own business, she sought an MBA that combined practical business knowledge with ethical and spiritual depth. At the Alfred Ford School of Management, she found the perfect blend: conscious leadership, flexible learning, and a deeply supportive community. The program helped her switch companies, grow professionally, and rediscover purpose in her career path.

“AFSM doesn’t just teach business — it teaches you how to lead with values, purpose, and joy. It’s a rare program that shapes both the manager and the human being.”

Advice: “Don’t hesitate. This program will transform how you think, lead, and live. You’ll gain confidence, direction, and the skills to shape a company that puts people and purpose first.”
Interesting: Harsha rated the program 9/10 across nearly every category — from faculty and flexibility to career growth and content. She attributes her recent career advancement and vision for a values-based innovation and construction company to what she learned at AFSM. Her long-term goal? To create workplaces where people feel truly happy and fulfilled.
Why Harsha Chose AFSM: The only accredited MBA focused on Conscious Leadership | Online format, ideal for working professionals | Integration of ancient wisdom with modern management | Faculty and student community rooted in values and personal growth | Rich curriculum with real-world case studies and spiritual depth.

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Kushmika Singh

Kushmika Singh

South Africa Generation 2025 Academic & Business Editor | Entrepreneur in Ethical Leadership
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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.

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Bilal Shaar

Bilal Shaar

  • Lebanon/Saudi Arabia
  • Generation 2023
  • Sales Unit Manager | Private Sector Leader
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Ljiljana Pavlovicova

Ljiljana Pavlovicova

  • Serbia/Czech Republic
  • Generation 2023
  • MBA is a Management and Sales Consultant at UNICA Clinic
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Branko Drljača

Branko Drljača

Bilal Shaar

Bilal Shaar

Lebanon/Saudi Arabia Generation 2023 Sales Unit Manager | Private Sector Leader Linked
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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.

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Ljiljana Pavlovicova

Ljiljana Pavlovicova

Serbia/Czech Republic Generation 2023 MBA is a Management and Sales Consultant at UNICA Clinic Linked
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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.

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Branko Drljača

Branko Drljača

Croatia Generation 2025 Head of Social Entrepreneurship | NGO Sector Linked
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Highlight: Branko is a Croatian social entrepreneurship leader with over a decade of experience in the non-profit and NGO sector. Currently heading the Social Entrepreneurship department at NGO OAZA in Zagreb, his professional journey has been shaped by a clear conviction: leadership must always be people-oriented, not task-driven. He joined the Alfred Ford School of Management after a long period of reflection, practical leadership experience, and a decisive alignment with AFSM’s values-based approach to management.

For Branko, AFSM was not a conventional career move but a natural continuation of his inner development. Having witnessed both ineffective and inspiring leadership in practice, he sought an MBA that would deepen his understanding of conscious leadership, ethics, and real human impact. The program strengthened his ability to lead with awareness, clarity, and responsibility—particularly in environments focused on youth, impact, and social change.

“The program strengthened my leadership skills, managerial competence, and ethical awareness. It helped me think more strategically, communicate more consciously, and lead with greater confidence and resilience.”

Advice: “Peer learning is crucial—don’t be afraid to share your thoughts. Use AI as a learning tool, not an answer generator, and constantly visualize how you would apply what you learn in real practice.”
Interesting: Branko rated his overall satisfaction with AFSM 10/10 and highlighted the program’s conscious leadership focus, practical application, and flexibility as key strengths. While he did not pursue an immediate career change after graduation, he uses the MBA as leverage to strengthen impact entrepreneurship programs for youth and to promote holistic, value-based leadership within local and international networks.

Why Branko Chose AFSM: Strong alignment with conscious and ethical leadership values | People-centred leadership philosophy | Practical, real-world application through cases and projects | Flexible online format suited to NGO leadership | Access to diverse peers and industry experts

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Sylvester Bezegr

Sylvester Bezegr

Ramya Ramanujam

Ramya Ramanujam

Rebecca Raby

Rebecca Raby

  • Brazil/Thailand/France
  • Generation 2024
  • Assistant Project Manager | Healthcare Industry
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Sylvester Bezegr

Sylvester Bezegr

Ghana Generation 2025 Zonal Supervisor & Missionary | Non-profit Sector Linked
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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.

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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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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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