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. Episode timestamps 0:00 Introduction: navigating MBA life while expecting1:01 Sophie's background and finding out early in the programme1:45 Teresa's background and an unplanned pregnancy before P2 exams2:48 Did pregnancy make them reconsider the MBA?4:42 Day-to-day impact in class and managing symptoms6:36 Strategies and habits for staying on top of coursework8:14 Navigating the social side: treks, ski trips and parties9:20 Support from the cohort and standout moments of kindness11:04 Practical tips: medical appointments, insurance and healthcare costs16:02 Misconceptions about doing an MBA while pregnant18:24 Advice for future MBA students expecting a baby21:14 Closing thoughts: "My MBA while pregnant taught me..."

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!   Episode Timestamps   1:00- Arriving on campus as a MIM student3:01 - Comparing the student vibe between the ISS and the MIM5:02 - Academic pressure, exams and career prep6:43 - The P0 online experience and career coaching8:21 - The Fontainebleau curriculum and collaborative grading10:20 - Putting theory into practise with hands-on practicals12:29 - Transitioning to the Singapore campus and finding housing16:02 - Advice for applicants without a business background18:30 - Looking back and advice for future students20:53 - Carlijn's standout INSEAD moment and final tips

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! Episode timestamps 0:00 - Intro and welcome1:06 - Discovering the INSEAD Summer School3:53 - A typical day in the two-week intensive programme6:04 - Interpersonal tools and key takeaways8:01 - The transition from summer school to the Master in Management (MIM)9:34 - GMAT prep and navigating the admissions process13:35 - Overcoming application anxiety16:13 - What admissions looks for in MIM candidates17:19 - Connecting with the INSEAD alumni network18:27 - Outro and teaser for part two

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. Podcast Episode Timestamps: GMAT and GRE Strategies 0:00 Introduction1:22 The testing anxiety3:21 Defining holistic admissions5:01 The role of standardised tests6:31 Recommended ranges7:50 Case studies: Success with low scores8:39 Retaking the exam9:13 Mitigating low verbal scores11:18 Video interview tips12:58 The optional essay14:30 Lowest scores ever admitted15:42 When to start your application16:50 Business foundations safety net17:38 Final advice and closing

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.   Key insights include: The signalling paradox: Why AI-generated resumes create hiring "noise" and how professionals can use AI tools strategically for augmentation rather than delegation The INSEAD MATCH Framework: A breakdown of the five pillars shaping modern career strategy: Mobility, Adaptability, Total Rewards & Culture, Competitive Positioning and Hiring Windows Agile career execution: Why successful career pivots require adaptability, self-awareness and the ability to respond to changing market realities How MBA students and professionals can move beyond being "career tourists" and navigate a rapidly evolving global job market Episode Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction: Welcome to In The Know by INSEAD0:25 - Meet Rhoda Yap: From law and consulting to the Career Development Centre2:25 - The "oracle of careers" myth: Why self-mastery is the core of career progress3:41 - The reality of modern transitions: Shooting a moving target while riding a horse4:31 - The AI "noise" problem: How Gen AI has lowered application costs but complicated hiring5:50 - Signalling: Why the best candidate doesn't always get the job7:24 - Introducing the INSEAD MATCH framework8:42 - Navigating mobility and work authorisation in a shifting geopolitical landscape10:41 - Beyond the "volume game": Using AI for strategic research and sector credibility15:32 - Breaking down the MATCH framework: From adaptability to competitive positioning22:09 - The power of storytelling: How to communicate signals that matter to employers22:50 - The Hiring Window: Understanding timing, alignment and market realities26:07 - Using the framework if you feel "stuck"27:32 - Human vs algorithm: Why you shouldn't surrender career ownership to technology28:44 - Advice for prospective students: Reflection before the big investment

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. Timestamps 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. “ I am very proud of our strong partnership with Tsinghua SEM. Together, we have built a truly global programme that not only prepares executives to lead across borders but also fosters a deep understanding of business in both the East and the West. ” – Professor Francisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD   Timestamps0:00 - Setting the Scene: From Europe to China and Beyond1:12 - Discovering Purpose in Auditing and Leadership3:44 – Climbing the Ladder: Lessons from EY Germany6:20 – Taking the Leap: Moving to Beijing8:24 – Why China? Choosing Growth over Comfort11:00 – First Impressions of China: Culture, Scale and Surprise14:09 – Bridging Cultures: Leadership Lessons from East and West19:39 – Rethinking China: Myths, Markets and Mindsets25:09 – Inside China’s Work Ethic: Collaboration Without Pause28:04 – A New Chapter: From Beijing to New York

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 Introduction02:00 Early sparks of entrepreneurship08:26 Start of Rani's company Ambiz11:56 Facing bankruptcy as an entrepreneur15:06 Managing employee health as a business owner18:40 Job fulfilment and performance levels19:15 Rani's goals for Indonesia and South East Asia21:06 Managing work and studies as an INSEAD MBA student25:25 Why INSEAD26:50 Advice to INSEAD MBA prospects30:49 Motivating factors32:58 Managing family when doing the INSEAD MBA35:08 AI as a business tool

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 - Introduction02:10 - Breaking down fear and confusion around AI adoption08:11 - The changing role of product managers in an AI-first world11:35 - How organisations should identify the right use cases for AI16:28 - Job evolution versus job creation and the future of skills20:41 - Wealth management and fintech: balancing AI and human judgment23:35 - How different industries use AI32:33 - INSEAD MBA reflections and how education adapts to AI43:09 - AI and the human touch 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.  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