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.

Fouad Ben Larbi

Fouad Ben Larbi

Gopinath Bhadra

Gopinath Bhadra

  • India/Australia/Germany
  • Generation 2023
  • Entrepreneur | Founder, Bhadra Pvt Ltd
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
C.V.  Sirisha Dhaveji

C.V. Sirisha Dhaveji

Fouad Ben Larbi

Fouad Ben Larbi

Belgium Generation 2025 Customer Success Manager & Founder of Neoshore Linked
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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.

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Gopinath Bhadra

Gopinath Bhadra

India/Australia/Germany Generation 2023 Entrepreneur | Founder, Bhadra Pvt Ltd Linked
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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.

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C.V.  Sirisha Dhaveji

C.V. Sirisha Dhaveji

India/Singapore/USA Generation 2023 Project Officer | Education Sector Linked
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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.

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Sean Jugmohan

Sean Jugmohan

  • South Africa
  • Generation 2025
  • Academic | Head of Department | Higher Education
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Gaytree Appadu Townsend

Gaytree Appadu Townsend

  • Mauritius/Havaii/USA
  • Generation 2023
  • Supervisor, Environmental & Housekeeping Services | Healthcare
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
William Jardim Dias

William Jardim Dias

  • Brazil/Belgium
  • Generation 2023
  • Application Engineer & Sales Support | Manufacturing Industry
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Sean Jugmohan

Sean Jugmohan

South Africa Generation 2025 Academic | Head of Department | Higher Education Linked
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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

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Gaytree Appadu Townsend

Gaytree Appadu Townsend

Mauritius/Havaii/USA Generation 2023 Supervisor, Environmental & Housekeeping Services | Healthcare Linked
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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.

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William Jardim Dias

William Jardim Dias

Brazil/Belgium Generation 2023 Application Engineer & Sales Support | Manufacturing Industry Linked
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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.

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Byll Marques Brandão

Byll Marques Brandão

  • Portugal / Norway
  • Generation 2025
  • Entrepreneur | Sustainability & Ethical Business
  • Open Survey
Jitesh Hirani

Jitesh Hirani

  • United Kingdom/Australia/USA
  • Generation 2024
  • Solutions Architect | Finance, Technology & Leadership
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Avishek Chaudhury

Avishek Chaudhury

  • India/Canada
  • Generation 2025
  • Project Manager, Ontario Public Service | Executive Director, Living Autism Foundation
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Byll Marques Brandão

Byll Marques Brandão

Portugal / Norway Generation 2025 Entrepreneur | Sustainability & Ethical Business
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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

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Jitesh Hirani

Jitesh Hirani

United Kingdom/Australia/USA Generation 2024 Solutions Architect | Finance, Technology & Leadership Linked
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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.

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Avishek Chaudhury

Avishek Chaudhury

India/Canada Generation 2025 Project Manager, Ontario Public Service | Executive Director, Living Autism Foundation Linked
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Highlight: Avi reached a defining moment in life — balancing a senior public-sector career, raising two sons on the autism spectrum, navigating a long, difficult divorce, and building a non-profit from scratch. He needed a program that didn’t simply add letters after his name but helped him recalibrate who he was as a leader and as a person.
AFSM became that turning point. The program’s lively case discussions, value-centered teaching, and global community gave him a new lens for leadership — one rooted in clarity, ethics, and genuine compassion. The shift was immediate: greater confidence, sharper strategic thinking, and a deeper sense of purpose that now guides both his government work and his mission to support autistic youth in Canada.

“Conscious leadership isn’t theory. It’s a way of showing up — at work, at home, and in your own mind. AFSM helped me reconnect with that.”

Advice: “Say yes — but understand that this journey will reshape you. You’ll juggle work, family, and study, but the growth you gain will outweigh every challenge. Stay open, lean into the community, and let yourself evolve.”

Interesting: Avi’s transformation wasn’t about switching jobs — it was about upgrading the person doing the job. He became more resilient, more intentional, and more attuned to the human side of leadership. Those insights now fuel his nonprofit’s expansion and his commitment to building inclusive, values-driven workplaces.

Why Avi Chose AFSM: A global, human-centered MBA that fits the rhythm of real life | A curriculum grounded in ethics, purpose, and personal mastery | Faculty who teach with both depth and empathy | A flexible structure ideal for working parents and leaders in transition | A community that makes leadership feel meaningful again.

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