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.

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

Bilal Shaar

Bilal Shaar

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

Avishek Chaudhury

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

Nilam Shah

  • Luxembourg/India
  • Generation 2025
  • Lead Scientist | Manufacturing & Innovation Sector
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Sylvester Bezegr

Sylvester Bezegr

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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Nilam Shah

Nilam Shah

Luxembourg/India Generation 2025 Lead Scientist | Manufacturing & Innovation Sector Linked
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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.

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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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Farhad Olomi

Farhad Olomi

  • Afghanistan/The Netherlands
  • Generation 2023
  • Senior Director, Global Order-to-Cash | DHL
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Beth Rumack

Beth Rumack

Kenichi Nozu

Kenichi Nozu

  • Japan/Belgium
  • Generation 2025
  • Company Director | Manufacturing & Industry
  • LinkedIn
  • Open Survey
Farhad Olomi

Farhad Olomi

Afghanistan/The Netherlands Generation 2023 Senior Director, Global Order-to-Cash | DHL Linked
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Highlight: Farhad’s journey began far from the boardrooms of Europe. Born in Afghanistan and shaped by the realities of a country at war, he developed an early instinct for conscious, thoughtful decision-making. After two decades in the Netherlands and a successful career at DHL — where he now serves as Senior Director Global Order-to-Cash — he sought an MBA program that would keep him grounded in purpose while sharpening his executive capabilities.
He chose the Alfred Ford School of Management because it pushed him to pause, reflect, and examine the real impact of his decisions on people, teams, and the wider environment. During the program, he earned two promotions — a testament to both his dedication and the practical value of conscious leadership.

“As someone who grew up in conflict, consciousness is not optional. AFSM challenged me to think twice before making decisions — to lead with clarity, responsibility, and humanity.”

Advice: “Read the program guidelines, don’t skip anything, and apply every concept to your real work. The more seriously you take the learning, the more transformation you’ll see.”

Interesting: Farhad consistently highlights the professionalism and availability of the professors, and the collaborative group work with classmates from around the world. Even while managing a demanding senior leadership role, he found the online structure flexible enough to fit his life — and powerful enough to reshape his leadership.
Graduating brought a palpable sense of relief and accomplishment. As he puts it: “Now I feel I can conquer the world.
Why Farhad Chose AFSM: AAlignment with conscious leadership values shaped by his life experience | A curriculum that challenges leaders to think ethically and strategically | Highly professional and accessible faculty | Flexible online learning suited for senior-level executives | Opportunities to apply learning directly to work, supporting promotions and growth.

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Beth Rumack

Beth Rumack

USA Generation 2023 Director of Nursing | Healthcare Leadership Linked
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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.

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Kenichi Nozu

Kenichi Nozu

Japan/Belgium Generation 2025 Company Director | Manufacturing & Industry Linked
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Highlight: Kenichi brings over two decades of leadership experience from Yonago, Japan, where he serves as a company director and one of the candidates for top management within his organization. After 20+ years of professional life, he recognised the need to reconnect with business theory at a higher level. The Japanese business landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, and he wanted a structured, strategic, and future-oriented MBA to strengthen his ability to guide his company through the next era.
He chose the Alfred Ford School of Management for its flexible structure, its emphasis on conscious and strategic decision-making, and its globally diverse cohort — a rare combination that supported his development while balancing the demands of an executive role. During the program, he advanced within his company, applying course concepts directly to real organisational challenges.

“ It is tough, but worth challenging.”

Advice: “Expect effort, discipline, and rigor — and embrace them. The reward is deeper expertise, stronger leadership capacity, and a broader strategic perspective.”

Interesting: Kenichi valued the professionalism and engagement of AFSM’s faculty, who supported him throughout the online program despite time-zone differences. He consistently applied conscious leadership principles to refine his management style, improving communication, collaboration, and decision-making across his team.
His long-term aim is clear: use the MBA’s knowledge and frameworks to help his company survive economic pressures, adapt strategically, and expand responsibly in a complex Japanese market.

Why Kenichi Chose AFSM: Desire to return to academic business theory after 20+ years of practical leadership | Strategic preparation for senior corporate leadership | Comprehensive curriculum covering key management areas | Conscious leadership approach suited to ethical and sustainable Japanese business culture | Flexible online delivery for a busy executive | Faculty who actively support and interact with students across continents.

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