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.
Avishek Chaudhury
- India/Canada
- Generation 2025
- Project Manager, Ontario Public Service | Executive Director, Living Autism Foundation
- Open Survey
Kushmika Singh
- South Africa
- Generation 2025
- Academic & Business Editor | Entrepreneur in Ethical Leadership
- Open Survey
Branko Drljača
- Croatia
- Generation 2025
- Head of Social Entrepreneurship | NGO Sector
- Open Survey
Avishek Chaudhury
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.
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.
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
Dirk Winterer
- Switzerland/Germany/Brazil
- Generation 2023
- Business Consultant & Project Manager
- Open Survey
Gopinath Bhadra
- India/Australia/Germany
- Generation 2023
- Entrepreneur | Founder, Bhadra Pvt Ltd
- Open Survey
Ivana Mihajlovska
- Macedonia/Bulgaria/Belgium
- Generation 2024
- Consulting Professional | Early-Career Economist
- 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.
Gopinath Bhadra
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.
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.
Sean Jugmohan
- South Africa
- Generation 2025
- Academic | Head of Department | Higher Education
- Open Survey
Byll Marques Brandão
- Portugal / Norway
- Generation 2025
- Entrepreneur | Sustainability & Ethical Business
- Open Survey
C.V. Sirisha Dhaveji
- India/Singapore/USA
- Generation 2023
- Project Officer | Education Sector
- Open Survey
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
Byll Marques Brandão
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
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.
