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.
Rebecca Raby
- Brazil/Thailand/France
- Generation 2024
- Assistant Project Manager | Healthcare Industry
- Open Survey
Jitesh Hirani
- United Kingdom/Australia/USA
- Generation 2024
- Solutions Architect | Finance, Technology & Leadership
- Open Survey
Kumar Abinash
- India/USA
- Generation 2023
- Founder of Ayurvedic Wellness & Holistic Health Coach | Lifestyle Alignment
- Open Survey
Rebecca Raby
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.
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.
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.
Harsha Bhamidipati
- India/Canada
- Generation 2021
- Contracts Specialist | Financial Sector
- Open Survey
C.V. Sirisha Dhaveji
- India/Singapore/USA
- Generation 2023
- Project Officer | Education Sector
- Open Survey
Ivana Mihajlovska
- Macedonia/Bulgaria/Belgium
- Generation 2024
- Consulting Professional | Early-Career Economist
- Open Survey
Harsha Bhamidipati
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.
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.
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.
Dirk Winterer
- Switzerland/Germany/Brazil
- Generation 2023
- Business Consultant & Project Manager
- Open Survey
Fouad Ben Larbi
- Belgium
- Generation 2025
- Customer Success Manager & Founder of Neoshore
- Open Survey
Sean Jugmohan
- South Africa
- Generation 2025
- Academic | Head of Department | Higher Education
- Open Survey
Dirk Winterer
Highlight: Dirk, a seasoned consultant based in Zurich with over 20 years of experience, joined the Alfred Ford School of Management to deepen his capacity for purpose-driven leadership. As the founder of a consulting firm and chairman of a spiritual organization, Dirk embodies the unique fusion of conscious leadership and business strategy. He chose AFSM for its holistic approach, spiritual grounding, and flexible format — ideal for busy professionals like him.
Advice: “Talk to the alumni. They’ll tell you how this program builds not just knowledge but character. It’s a step toward becoming the kind of leader the future demands — purposeful, ethical, and deeply grounded.”
Interesting Fact: Dirk’s MBA journey sparked professional growth, helped him transition companies, and empowered him to lead with confidence. He now aims for his consulting agency to capture 30% of the Swiss market — driving conscious change among top-level executives while shaping a sustainable business culture.
Why Dirk Chose AFSM? Deep alignment with values: conscious leadership, ethics, personal growth | Practical impact: gained confidence and tools to lead transformative initiatives | Global network: peers from around the world, sharing insights and support | Flexible online learning: fit around his work, leadership roles, and family.
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.
Sean Jugmohan
Highlight: Sean is a senior academic from South Africa with over 20 years of experience in higher education and institutional leadership. Holding a doctoral degree and serving as a Head of Department, he completed his MBA at the Alfred Ford School of Management at a mature stage of his career, driven by a clear intention: to strengthen how he leads, decides, and contributes. Introduced to AFSM through Back to Godhead magazine, he was immediately drawn to the school’s emphasis on conscious leadership as an integral part of daily professional life.
Through the program, Sean deepened his leadership confidence, sharpened his strategic thinking, and strengthened his ability to lead with ethics, awareness, and responsibility. He credits AFSM with enhancing his managerial competence while helping him integrate conscious decision-making into real academic and organizational contexts.
“The program strengthened my leadership and managerial abilities, especially in ethical decision-making, communication, and strategic thinking. I am more confident in how I lead people and navigate complex institutional environments.”
Advice: “It will be challenging, but remain committed until the end. The value comes not only from the knowledge, but from the discipline, reflection, and personal growth the program demands.”
Interesting: Sean rated his AFSM experience 9/10 for satisfaction and confirmed that the degree directly supported leadership advancement within his institution. Approaching formal retirement, he sees education as a responsibility rather than a finish line—an opportunity to continue contributing, mentoring, and giving back through conscious leadership.
Why Sean Chose AFSM: Focus on conscious and ethical leadership | Flexible online format suited to senior professionals | Practical application through real-world projects | Diverse and collaborative international learning community | Strong alignment between personal values and institutional leadership
