Episode #48 - How the INSEAD MBA Fuels Entrepreneurship: Rani Khatija’s Journey
What does it take to build a business that survives crisis, reinvention, and growth — all while pursuing an MBA and raising a family?
In this episode of In The Know, host Danny Xue speaks with Rani Khodijah (MBA ’25D), entrepreneur and founding partner of Ambiz. From selling handmade goods as a child to leading a consulting firm today, Rani shares how her entrepreneurial spirit has shaped every stage of her journey. She reflects on the realities of scaling a company, navigating near-bankruptcy, and transforming setbacks into opportunities for renewal.
Learn more about how the INSEAD MBA can support your entrepreneurship goals.
Rani also reveals how the INSEAD MBA is helping her strengthen governance, sharpen her leadership, and scale with purpose across markets. Her story is a candid look at what it means to build with resilience and lead with heart — proving that entrepreneurship is as much about people and purpose as it is about growth.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Early sparks of entrepreneurship
08:26 Start of Rani's company Ambiz
11:56 Facing bankruptcy as an entrepreneur
15:06 Managing employee health as a business owner
18:40 Job fulfilment and performance levels
19:15 Rani's goals for Indonesia and South East Asia
21:06 Managing work and studies as an INSEAD MBA student
25:25 Why INSEAD
26:50 Advice to INSEAD MBA prospects
30:49 Motivating factors
32:58 Managing family when doing the INSEAD MBA
35:08 AI as a business tool
--------
37:49
--------
37:49
Episode #47 - AI and the Future of Work: INSEAD Alumni Leading the Transformation
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, careers, and organisations, and INSEAD alumni are at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode of In The Know, moderator Pankaj Kumar speaks with two experts driving AI strategy and innovation. Kevin Pereira (MBA ’14D) is Managing Director at Blu, where he advises global firms on AI consulting and education. Asan Hu, (MBA'25J) is an AI Product Manager at Alpheya and a former TikTok product strategist, building AI-powered solutions for the future of wealth management.
They share authoritative perspectives on:
How leaders can cut through the hype and integrate AI responsibly into business models
Why successful adoption depends on mindset, education, and change management
The evolution of work, from task automation to the creation of new roles
The critical skills business leaders must prioritise, including continuous learning, critical thinking, and storytelling
This conversation positions AI as an urgent opportunity for executives and organisations today, with insights that connect strategy, product innovation, and leadership.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:10 - Breaking down fear and confusion around AI adoption
08:11 - The changing role of product managers in an AI-first world
11:35 - How organisations should identify the right use cases for AI
16:28 - Job evolution versus job creation and the future of skills
20:41 - Wealth management and fintech: balancing AI and human judgment
23:35 - How different industries use AI
32:33 - INSEAD MBA reflections and how education adapts to AI
43:09 - AI and the human touch
Learn more about the INSEAD MBA: insead.edu/mba
--------
46:32
--------
46:32
Episode #46 - INSEAD MIM Alumni: Career Outcomes from the First Class
In this episode of In The Know, we catch up with Stefano Pizzoli and Francesca Fitzgerald, two alumni from the pioneering INSEAD Master in Management (MIM) class that graduated in 2021.
Five years after starting their INSEAD journey, they share how the MIM shaped their careers, from launching a startup to consulting at BCG, and reflect on the personal growth and global opportunities they’ve gained. If you're wondering whether a Master in Management is worth it, their stories offer honest, inspiring answers.
Timesteamps
00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guests: Stefano and Francesca from INSEAD's pioneering MIM cohort
01:24 – Guests' introductions: Background and current roles at Celonis (Stefano) and BCG (Francesca)
02:25 – Why they chose to join the pioneering INSEAD MIM programme
05:35 – Stefano’s memorable experience applying to INSEAD
10:11 – Navigating the unexpected challenges of starting the programme during the COVID-19 pandemic
17:14 – Maintaining strong bonds with classmates post-graduation
21:44 – Stefano's global career journey in tech at Celonis
27:10 – Francesca's career path in consulting, across Portugal, the Middle East, and now New York City
33:44 – Stefano shares the entrepreneurial story behind his tomato sauce business
37:16 – Francesca highlights the unexpected benefits and personal growth from the INSEAD MIM experience
--------
43:04
--------
43:04
Episode #45 - The Professional Impact of the INSEAD MBA
In this episode hosted by Julio Suarez of the Marketing and Recruitment Department, we explore the long-term impact of the INSEAD MBA through the lens of leadership, personal growth, and global collaboration.
Our guest, MBA'19D Jacqueline Liao, reflects on how the INSEAD MBA programme and her experience with the Personal Leadership Development Programme (PLDP) shaped her communication style, leadership approach, and ability to thrive in diverse, international environments. From challenging assumptions to building lasting networks, she shares personal stories that bring the MBA journey to life.
We also discuss:
What actually happens in the PLDP
The benefits of an INSEAD MBA
How the programme continues to shape life and career post graduation
Whether you're considering an MBA or are already part of the INSEAD community, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.
Learn more about the INSEAD MBA: insead.edu/mba
--------
32:05
--------
32:05
Episode #44 - How the INSEAD Master in Management (MIM) Supports Your Entrepreneurship Journey
In this episode, we talk to Ahmad Sleiman, MIM'24, the founder of SPK Platforms. Ahmad shares how his transformative journey at the INSEAD Master in Management (MIM) programme has shaped his path as an entrepreneur.
He delves into the invaluable connections he made during his time at INSEAD, highlighting how the diverse network of peers and alumni has been a cornerstone of his success. Ahmad also sheds light on the INSEAD faculty and staff's pivotal role in supporting his entrepreneurial aspirations.
If you're curious about how a world-class business school can propel your entrepreneurial dreams, this episode is a must-listen!
Portugal