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.

Sylvester Bezegr

Sylvester Bezegr

Jitesh Hirani

Jitesh Hirani

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

Kumar Abinash

  • India/USA
  • Generation 2023
  • Founder of Ayurvedic Wellness & Holistic Health Coach | Lifestyle Alignment
  • 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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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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Kumar Abinash

Kumar Abinash

India/USA Generation 2023 Founder of Ayurvedic Wellness & Holistic Health Coach | Lifestyle Alignment Linked
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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.

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Bilal Shaar

Bilal Shaar

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

Ramya Ramanujam

Avishek Chaudhury

Avishek Chaudhury

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

Ljiljana Pavlovicova

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

Kushmika Singh

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

Matthew Learning

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 AFSMA 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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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 satisfaction8/10 for meeting expectations8/10 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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Matthew Learning

Matthew Learning

Canada Generation 2023 Coach & Consultant at 11X Solutions Linked
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Highlight: Matthew’s path to the Alfred Ford School of Management began with Back to Godhead Magazine. As a dedicated spiritual seeker and ambitious entrepreneur, he was looking for more than a typical MBA — he was searching for a transformative experience that blended conscious leadership, real-world strategy, and deep-rooted values. With a strong foundation in bhakti-yoga and a vision to lead many businesses with compassion, Matthew found in AFSM the perfect launchpad to help fulfill his divine mission.

“Conscious leadership must become the norm — not the alternative. AFSM is preparing a generation of leaders to live that shift.”

Advice: “Trust the calling. You were led here for a reason. Dive in fully — the combination of spiritual clarity, tactical tools, and peer support will elevate your path as a leader, mentor, and servant of society.”
Interesting: Inspired by his mentor, Carey Porcher — a visionary CEO who transformed his industry with compassion and innovation — Matthew now sees himself stepping into a similar role. In five years, he envisions being a “Peace Maker” in global commerce: an investor, strategist, and advisor who cultivates harmony and sacred space in boardrooms and beyond. His dream? To normalize ethics, empathy, and Krishna consciousness in mainstream business.
Why Matthew Chose AFSM: Discovered through Back to Godhead Magazine, aligned with his bhakti path | Fully online, flexible, and rich with practical case-based learning | Teaches conscious leadership as a path of service, not just success | Powerful peer community and values-driven curriculum.

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