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.
Nilam Shah
- Luxembourg/India
- Generation 2025
- Lead Scientist | Manufacturing & Innovation Sector
- Open Survey
Abhijit Saha
- India/UK
- Generation 2025
- Business Administrator | Communications & Organizational Service (ISKCON Mayapur)
- Open Survey
Dirk Winterer
- Switzerland/Germany/Brazil
- Generation 2023
- Business Consultant & Project Manager
- Open Survey
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.
Abhijit Saha
Highlight: Abhijit, born in Nabadwip and serving today in ISKCON Mayapur’s Communications Office, joined the Alfred Ford School of Management with a clear purpose: to strengthen his leadership foundation and become more effective in serving his community. With several years of administrative and communication experience behind him, he wanted to cultivate strategic thinking, improve collaboration, and develop a leadership style rooted in clarity, responsibility, and conscious decision-making.
The AFSM MBA supported exactly that. Throughout the program, Abhijit sharpened his leadership skills, deepened his ability to think strategically, and improved his communication practices. These developments translated into real professional advancement — he grew within his organization and began contributing with greater confidence and insight to the projects and teams he serves.
Be more inquisitive and interactive — it opens the door to deeper understanding and insight.
Advice: Engage actively with the material, ask questions, and get involved. Curiosity and interaction enrich the learning experience far beyond the assignments.
Interesting: Abhijit arrived at AFSM after exploring many online programs, but he found something unique in AFSM’s approach to leadership and management — a blend of purpose, ethics, and practical depth that resonated with his values. He was particularly inspired by the quality and intention of the faculty, whose expertise and vision aligned with his aspiration to uplift society through meaningful service.
His long-term aim is clear: to grow as a leader within ISKCON and to contribute to the community with greater competence, compassion, and strategic clarity. For him, leadership is not merely a managerial tool — it is a way to build trust, inspire confidence, and create positive social impact.
Why Abhijit Chose AFSM: A desire to strengthen conscious, ethically grounded leadership | Faculty known for purpose-driven teaching | Flexible online learning suitable for a service-based lifestyle | Practical and applicable course content | A clear path toward meaningful community service and leadership in ISKCON | Personal dedication to growth, clarity, and responsibility.
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.
Kenichi Nozu
- Japan/Belgium
- Generation 2025
- Company Director | Manufacturing & Industry
- Open Survey
Indranil Roy
- India/Canada
- Generation 2021
- Business Development Manager at CIBC, Board Member, Belgian-Canadian Business Chamber
- Open Survey
Jitesh Hirani
- United Kingdom/Australia/USA
- Generation 2024
- Solutions Architect | Finance, Technology & Leadership
- Open Survey
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.
Indranil Roy
Highlight: With over 21 years of experience in the Canadian banking sector, Indranil turned to the Alfred Ford School of Management to refine his leadership and managerial capabilities. The flexible, high-quality MBA program allowed him to study alongside work and family responsibilities — helping him achieve career growth while staying grounded in values. He describes the residency as a defining experience that sharpened his skills, fostered peer collaboration, and solidified the impact of conscious leadership in action.
“The program reshaped how I lead, think, and work. I became more strategic, focused, and conscious — not just as a banker, but as a leader.”
Advice: “Be disciplined. The value you get from this program is directly linked to how you manage your time. It’s a great return on both your investment and your effort.”
Interesting: Indranil managed to switch companies and gain greater responsibility even before completing the MBA. He attributes much of that transition to the program’s emphasis on adaptability, ethics, and decision-making under uncertainty.
Why Indranil Chose AFSM: Strong focus on conscious leadership — a rare find among global MBA programs | World-class faculty he recognized and respected | Format tailored for working professionals needing flexibility | Desire for growth that is not just professional, but also ethical and values-driven.
Jitesh Hirani
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.
Rebecca Raby
- Brazil/Thailand/France
- Generation 2024
- Assistant Project Manager | Healthcare Industry
- Open Survey
Kumar Abinash
- India/USA
- Generation 2023
- Founder of Ayurvedic Wellness & Holistic Health Coach | Lifestyle Alignment
- Open Survey
Farhad Olomi
- Afghanistan/The Netherlands
- Generation 2023
- Senior Director, Global Order-to-Cash | DHL
- Open Survey
Rebecca Raby
Highlight: Rebecca, a French healthcare professional with over 16 years of experience in sales, marketing, and project management, chose the Alfred Ford School of Management to elevate her leadership skills and ethical decision-making. Balancing full-time work, family, and study, she found AFSM’s flexible online format and values-based teaching the perfect fit for her growth goals—both professional and personal.
Advice: “Focus on getting as much out of the program as possible. With a full-time job and a family, time and energy were often limited. I did my best to apply the learning to real life—but if I’d had more time, I could have gained even more from the experience.”
Interesting:
Rebecca specifically sought an MBA that aligned with her ethical values and her role in the pharmaceutical industry, where moral standards are not optional. Her 9/10 ratings across every category reflect a fulfilling and empowering journey—one that sharpened her communication, boosted her confidence, and solidified her identity as an ethical leader.
Why Rebecca Chose AFSM: Emphasis on Conscious Leadership | Fully online and flexible for working professionals | English-language delivery with French accreditation | Curriculum taught by industry experts and aligned with real-world business practices.
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.
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.
