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

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:

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction

Learn more about the INSEAD MBA: insead.edu/mba

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. 

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

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!

Join guest host Antony Widjaja, Associate Director of Executive Degrees Programme Recruitment & Partnerships at INSEAD, as he sits down with current GEMBA participant Rachid Ouazizi to uncover the transformative impact of the INSEAD Executive MBA.

In this insightful conversation, they explore diverse approaches to funding the programme—whether through personal investment or securing employer support—and share valuable strategies for building a strong business case to gain company backing. They also discuss the unique challenges and rewards of the Executive MBA experience, offering a holistic view of the programme’s value that extends far beyond financial returns.

Tune in for practical advice and inspiration, whether you’re self-funding or seeking corporate assistance for this pivotal career investment.

In this episode of the In The Know Podcast, we delve into the unique challenges and triumphs of pursuing an MBA while managing the responsibilities of parenthood. Join us as we explore the journey of navigating the INSEAD MBA programme with a baby, from the initial decision to enrol, to overcoming major concerns and preparing for life in Fontainebleau. 

Host:

1:10 - About the guests and reasons for applying to INSEAD?

2:32 – Deciding to pursue the INSEAD MBA with a baby

3:10 – Major concerns and preparation for the year in Fontainebleau

4:23 – Navigating the MBA, keys to making it work

6:28 – Support systems & childcare challenges during the MBA  

10:11 – Biggest challenges and how to overcome them

12:01 – Managing classes and breastfeeding

13:03 – The MBA experience and influence on careers

14:28 – Advice and tips for future MBA parents

Welcome to another episode of INSEAD's In The Know podcast.

In this episode, we'll discuss with MBA'24J Jeffry Lum about his experiences in OUTSEAD.

OUTSEAD is a fun-loving and inclusive club representing the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) community at INSEAD. The club aims to foster an inclusive atmosphere for everyone on campus and provide a social network for community members and allies.

Expect to learn about the diversity and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community at INSEAD and the various scholarships available to the community.

Head to insead.edu/mba to learn more about our MBA programme!

Have a great listen! 

Our Guests Today:

Jeffry Lum

Ben Ning

Timestamps

0:25 - What you can expect in the episode

2:25 - Why was Jeffry drawn to INSEAD

4:38 - Diversity at INSEAD

5:02 - The role of allies

8:38 - How has society progressed so far?

10:31 - What drives Jeffry to keep striving for change

11:50 - Support from INSEAD

12:55 - Scholarships

15:31 - The special bond among classmates

In this episode, we'll talk with Jay Kenton (Associate Director of Student Life & Experience (Degree Programmes) and Saraphine Pang (MBA'24J) about their experiences of student life on INSEAD's Asia campus. 

Expect to learn about the career perks of living in Singapore, common misconceptions, cost and accommodation, student life on campus, and more. Head to insead.edu/mba to learn more about our MBA programme! 

Enjoy the show!

Our Guests Today

Saraphine Pang

Saraphine Pang (MBA'24J) is a skilled strategist with expertise in international business development and strategic marketing initiatives. With a career spanning the dynamic gaming industry landscape, Saraphine has honed her skills across multiple markets, including the United States, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Her extensive experience underscores a deep understanding of global business dynamics and strategic decision-making, positioning her as a versatile and valuable asset in her field.

Jay Kenton

As the Associate Director of student life for degree programmes at INSEAD, Jay Kenton is a catalyst for student engagement and community building, revolutionizing the educational experience beyond conventional boundaries. Jay orchestrates opportunities for hundreds of students from varied backgrounds to interconnect and exchange ideas poised to shape society's future. His impact reverberates across several institutions, where he has pioneered innovative initiatives encompassing social and creative development programs, student wellness initiatives, and strategic enrollment planning.

Timestamps

0:50 About our guests

2:42 How Jay feels about Singapore

3:45 What inspired Saraphine to pursue her MBA

4:40 Opportunities in Asia

5:40 What’s Saraphine’s experience with the INSEAD MBA

10:35 Cost of living in Singapore

11:15 MBA Career Treks

13:10 How has INSEAD helped Saraphine prepare for what’s next in her career?

13:30 Working with people form different cultures

14:30 What does student life do at INSEAD?

17:20 Student clubs at INSEAD

21:35 Student life advice to students

In this episode, we'll hear from Priyanka Nath, who will share about her experiences, challenges, and opportunities she has faced as a woman in the working world.

Our Guest Today

Priyanka Nath is a strategic and results-driven marketer with 16 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region's travel, technology, lifestyle retail and FMCG sectors.

With roles and responsibilities across B2B/B2C operations, global/country/regional teams and traditional/new media campaigns, she has cultivated a broad skill set and an agile approach.

She is an ardent believer in the digital medium and its potential to transform multiple facets of our lives—the trajectory of our careers, the business models of the companies we work for, and our community at large.

About Limitless

We live in a world of constraints—some physical, some cultural, but always personal. These mindsets limit our human potential to achieve great things in life and hinder experiences that not only enrich ourselves but also benefit society at large.

Through LIMITLESS, INSEAD strives to create a diverse community where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and pursue their ambitions.

In honour of this commitment, we are proud to launch "Ambition Has No Gender - Stories of Vulnerability and Courage".

Head to https://insead.edu/limitless to learn more!

Timestamps

1:17 - Priyanka's self-introduction

Have a great listen!