In The Know by INSEAD

Antony Widjaja, Associate Director of Executive Degrees Recruiting at INSEAD, speaks with Jireh Li, Partner at INCE Capital and Tsinghua-INSEAD Executive MBA (TIEMBA) alumna, about China’s fast-evolving innovation landscape. Jireh explains why AI, embodied robotics and biotech deserve far more global attention, and how today’s AI-native founders differ from those of a decade ago.

Discover why this senior executive chose the TIEMBA to advance her career with a truly global perspective, how her diverse classmates shaped the way she builds cross-cultural teams, and the lasting value of two alumni networks, plus her advice for prospective applicants.

Emmanuelle Lansari, Assistant Director and Career Coach, speaks with MIM’27 student Jacopo König about his bold transition from Italy to the heart of Asia. Jacopo discusses his passion for the booming robotics industry, his strategic shift from traditional consulting to tech and why he views Singapore as the ultimate launchpad for future innovation.

Discover his proven strategies for relationship building in Asia, the value of leveraging the powerful INSEAD alumni network and how the INSEAD Master in Management programme is helping him achieve his long-term career goals.

00:00 - Introduction and welcome

Welcome to a special Student Life feature of INSEAD's In the Know podcast. 

In this episode, host Eva Laporte from the Student Life team on the Europe campus explores a side of the MBA experience that's rarely discussed: pursuing one of the world's most intense MBA programmes while expecting a baby.

Eva is joined by two inspiring MBA'25J alumnae, Sophie Delaye and Therese Langseth, who share their personal journeys through case studies, exams, recruiting and group projects, all while navigating pregnancy. From the shock of finding out, to managing morning sickness during exams, to receiving unexpected support from their cohort and their class officer, Elisa Duperry, Sophie and Teresa open up about the realities, challenges and joys of this unique chapter.

Tune in to hear how ambition, resilience and community came together to redefine what's possible at INSEAD.

0:00 Introduction: navigating MBA life while expecting

Welcome back to the second part of our conversation with Nancy Blyth Piacentini, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Business Development for Degree Programmes, and Carlijn Nijhuis, an INSEAD MIM'27 student. In our previous episode, we explored Carlijn's INSEAD Summer School experience and her journey through the admissions process.

Today, we pick up right where we left off as Carlijn arrives on campus to officially begin her Master in Management (MIM) programme. We dive deep into the academic structure, the hands-on practicals and the collaborative culture in Fontainebleau. Carlijn also shares what it is like to transition to the Singapore campus, how she navigated housing and why applicants without a business background should not hesitate to apply.

Tune in to hear all about the MIM student life and get Carlijn's top advice for future applicants!

1:00- Arriving on campus as a MIM student

Welcome to In the Know, INSEAD's podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Blyth Piacentini, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Business Development for Degree Programmes, and Carlijn Nijhuis, an INSEAD MIM'27 student, to explore Carlijn's experience with the INSEAD Summer School.

Carlijn walks us through how she first discovered the programme and what drew her in, before taking us inside a typical day during the two-week intensive programme: the interpersonal tools she picked up, the key takeaways that stuck with her, and how the experience shaped her decision to pursue the Master in Management (MIM).

Tune in to hear what makes the INSEAD Summer School such a formative first step, and stay tuned for part two, where we follow Carlijn onto campus as a MIM student!

0:00 - Intro and welcome

Navigating the admissions process for a top-tier business school can be daunting. In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Jennifer Luo (Senior Director of Recruitment) and Larry Medina (Associate Director of Admissions) go behind the scenes of the INSEAD one-year MBA programme application journey to demystify standard testing requirements.

They address the common anxiety surrounding the GMAT and GREs by explaining how the Admissions Committee evaluates your scores within a holistic framework. The discussion highlights why candidates should not wait for a perfect GMAT or GRE score to apply, how strong professional experience can mitigate lower test results and why the video interview and personal essays are often the most critical components in showcasing your true potential for the one-year MBA programme.

0:00 Introduction

Applying for jobs has never been easier, but standing out in today’s global hiring market has never been more challenging.

In this episode, Christine Manipur, Associate Director of INSEAD MBA Product Marketing, speaks with Rhoda Yap, Executive Director of the INSEAD Career Development Centre, to explore how hiring decisions are really made in an increasingly competitive and AI-driven recruitment landscape. Together, they unpack the INSEAD MATCH Framework, a research-backed career strategy framework designed to help MBA students, professionals and career switchers make more intentional and effective career moves.

Whether you are pursuing a career pivot, exploring international job opportunities, navigating MBA recruitment or adapting to changing hiring trends, this conversation offers practical insights into how employers assess talent, leadership potential and market fit in today’s evolving global economy.

0:00 - Introduction: Welcome to In The Know by INSEAD

How is INSEAD reshaping executive education for a world where senior leaders need both global exposure and greater flexibility?

In this episode of In The Know, we speak with Anne Bresman, Senior Director for Degree programmes, and Daniella Wagner, Director of Recruitment and Business Development for Executive MBAs. Together, they break down how the GEMBA Flex format blends in-person learning with virtual and asynchronous components, creating a pathway for high-potential executives who previously could not commit to a fully in-person programme.

0:00 – Introduction and episode overview

1:25 – Who the GEMBA is for

1:41 – Global structure across three regions and Flex

2:51 – Cohort diversity and participant profile

3:36 – What candidates seek in an Executive MBA

4:45 – Global campuses and formats for busy executives

7:59 – One global cohort: electives and networking

10:43 – Choosing your section and planning mobility

13:08 – Why INSEAD created GEMBA Flex

15:20 – How GEMBA Flex works in practice

18:54 – Flex benefits, time on campus and participant stories

21:06 – Anne’s advice for prospective GEMBA participants

25:43 – Navigating the admissions process

28:05 – Ideal candidate profiles and support from the recruitment team

In this episode, In The Know explores the journey of Frauke Steiner, Partner and Head of the German Business Network at EY USA. She shares what it takes to move from Europe to China and beyond, navigating cultural differences, leadership expectations, and evolving global markets. Discover how the Tsinghua–INSEAD Executive MBA shaped her approach to leading across borders and building meaningful business relationships.

Timestamps

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