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.
Farhad Olomi
- Afghanistan/The Netherlands
- Generation 2023
- Senior Director, Global Order-to-Cash | DHL
- Open Survey
Kenichi Nozu
- Japan/Belgium
- Generation 2025
- Company Director | Manufacturing & Industry
- Open Survey
Sylvester Bezegr
- Ghana
- Generation 2025
- Zonal Supervisor & Missionary | Non-profit Sector
- Open Survey
Farhad Olomi
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.
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.
Sylvester Bezegr
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.
Kumar Abinash
- India/USA
- Generation 2023
- Founder of Ayurvedic Wellness & Holistic Health Coach | Lifestyle Alignment
- Open Survey
Nilam Shah
- Luxembourg/India
- Generation 2025
- Lead Scientist | Manufacturing & Innovation Sector
- Open Survey
C.V. Sirisha Dhaveji
- India/Singapore/USA
- Generation 2023
- Project Officer | Education Sector
- Open Survey
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.
Nilam Shah
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.
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.
Dirk Winterer
- Switzerland/Germany/Brazil
- Generation 2023
- Business Consultant & Project Manager
- Open Survey
Ljiljana Pavlovicova
- Serbia/Czech Republic
- Generation 2023
- MBA is a Management and Sales Consultant at UNICA Clinic
- Open Survey
Gopinath Bhadra
- India/Australia/Germany
- Generation 2023
- Entrepreneur | Founder, Bhadra Pvt Ltd
- 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.
Ljiljana Pavlovicova
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 AFSM: A 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.
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.
