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. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:13 - What China’s innovation ecosystem deserves more global attention for: AI, robotics and biotech 05:46 - What investors look for in Chinese founders today vs. 10 years ago 10:52 - Why the Tsinghua-INSEAD Executive MBA appealed 14:06 - Building high-performing cross-cultural teams 18:25 - A lifelong network beyond graduation 19:44 - Would she do it again? Advice for prospective applicants 21:47 - Closing remarks and programme information

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. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:04 - First impressions of Singapore and Asia 01:20 - Why choose INSEAD's multi-campus experience? 04:07 - A passion for robotics and the pivot from consulting 04:44 - Navigating the tech symposium and building connections in Singapore 06:53 - Networking culture in Asia vs. the West 07:40 - Advice to his Fontainebleau self: balance coursework with community 10:07 - Embracing Singapore's multicultural ecosystem 12:54 - Looking ahead: robotics, Europe and the five-year plan 14:27 - What the MIM brings to the tech and robotics space 16:55 - Personal growth and stepping outside the comfort zone 18:28 - Summing up the MIM experience in a few words 19:19 - Closing remarks and MIM programme information

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 expecting 1:01 Sophie's background and finding out early in the programme 1:45 Teresa's background and an unplanned pregnancy before P2 exams 2:48 Did pregnancy make them reconsider the MBA? 4:42 Day-to-day impact in class and managing symptoms 6:36 Strategies and habits for staying on top of coursework 8:14 Navigating the social side: treks, ski trips and parties 9:20 Support from the cohort and standout moments of kindness 11:04 Practical tips: medical appointments, insurance and healthcare costs 16:02 Misconceptions about doing an MBA while pregnant 18:24 Advice for future MBA students expecting a baby 21:14 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 student 3:01 - Comparing the student vibe between the ISS and the MIM 5:02 - Academic pressure, exams and career prep 6:43 - The P0 online experience and career coaching 8:21 - The Fontainebleau curriculum and collaborative grading 10:20 - Putting theory into practise with hands-on practicals 12:29 - Transitioning to the Singapore campus and finding housing 16:02 - Advice for applicants without a business background 18:30 - Looking back and advice for future students 20:53 - 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 welcome 1:06 - Discovering the INSEAD Summer School 3:53 - A typical day in the two-week intensive programme 6:04 - Interpersonal tools and key takeaways 8:01 - The transition from summer school to the Master in Management (MIM) 9:34 - GMAT prep and navigating the admissions process 13:35 - Overcoming application anxiety 16:13 - What admissions looks for in MIM candidates 17:19 - Connecting with the INSEAD alumni network 18:27 - 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 Introduction 1:22 The testing anxiety 3:21 Defining holistic admissions 5:01 The role of standardised tests 6:31 Recommended ranges 7:50 Case studies: Success with low scores 8:39 Retaking the exam 9:13 Mitigating low verbal scores 11:18 Video interview tips 12:58 The optional essay 14:30 Lowest scores ever admitted 15:42 When to start your application 16:50 Business foundations safety net 17:38 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 INSEAD 0:25 - Meet Rhoda Yap: From law and consulting to the Career Development Centre 2:25 - The "oracle of careers" myth: Why self-mastery is the core of career progress 3:41 - The reality of modern transitions: Shooting a moving target while riding a horse 4:31 - The AI "noise" problem: How Gen AI has lowered application costs but complicated hiring 5:50 - Signalling: Why the best candidate doesn't always get the job 7:24 - Introducing the INSEAD MATCH framework 8:42 - Navigating mobility and work authorisation in a shifting geopolitical landscape 10:41 - Beyond the "volume game": Using AI for strategic research and sector credibility 15:32 - Breaking down the MATCH framework: From adaptability to competitive positioning 22:09 - The power of storytelling: How to communicate signals that matter to employers 22:50 - The Hiring Window: Understanding timing, alignment and market realities 26:07 - Using the framework if you feel "stuck" 27:32 - Human vs algorithm: Why you shouldn't surrender career ownership to technology 28:44 - 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   Timestamps 0:00 - Setting the Scene: From Europe to China and Beyond 1:12 - Discovering Purpose in Auditing and Leadership 3:44 – Climbing the Ladder: Lessons from EY Germany 6:20 – Taking the Leap: Moving to Beijing 8:24 – Why China? Choosing Growth over Comfort 11:00 – First Impressions of China: Culture, Scale and Surprise 14:09 – Bridging Cultures: Leadership Lessons from East and West 19:39 – Rethinking China: Myths, Markets and Mindsets 25:09 – Inside China’s Work Ethic: Collaboration Without Pause 28:04 – 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 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