Why MBA is a great choice for moms, and why INSEAD is the best place in the world for moms.
INSEAD welcomes diverse top talents from all over the world, including parents. Now we have two mom graduates from 25J, reflecting on their journey at INSEAD and articulating why the INSEAD MBA is the best choice for moms' careers and lives.
Who we are
Tong in Fontainebleau had to stop the revision for the mid-term exam when her baby started to cry at midnight, while Moeko in Singapore was taking a Strategy Class, bringing her kid to campus as her nursery was closed. We are both mothers of similarly aged kids, and were completely living in different time zones during our INSEAD life. However, we reached the same conclusion.
The decision to come to INSEAD for an MBA was one of the best decisions of our lives.
We want to articulate the rationale by revealing our campus life in both Singapore and Fontainebleau with reality, and from our experience at INSEAD, what we are pursuing now for our next generation.
MBA life is intense and fulfilling. The key is to make your own priorities, believe in your decision, and always ask for help from others.
INSEAD life is busy, especially with kids. We will share how we used our time during weekdays and weekends.
Why the INSEAD MBA is a great choice for moms
It is a world phenomenon that women, especially mothers, have to slow down their careers to maintain their families. In some countries, they try to change that, and in some countries, it is a strong social norm. However, we saw commonalities across many countries when we talked with mothers. Mothers are always struggling to balance their careers and families, and they always face many social pressures, which often lead to a loss of confidence. An MBA in general will empower mothers socially to challenge such social bias and contribute to regaining self-confidence as both mothers and professionals.
Among MBA schools, INSEAD is one of the great choices, and we believe it is the best choice because of its diversity. There are 400 students in a single batch, and there are many parents. When I needed help physically and mentally, there was always someone who would listen to me and help me.
Networking
Networking is essential for business and career growth—but for many moms, it’s often the first thing sacrificed.
At INSEAD, connections aren’t forced—they form naturally through shared experiences. For moms, it’s a rare chance to build a powerful, lifelong network without stepping away from who they are.
Diverse and supportive community
There are more than 1000 students in a year, and there are parents, too. When you need help physically and mentally, there is always someone who will listen to you and help you.
Flexible programme structure
The 10-month intensive programme allows mothers to complete their MBA quickly and return to their careers or families sooner than traditional two-year programmes. This reduces the time away from family while still gaining a world-class education. Also, the location advantage…
Strong female leadership representation
INSEAD has many successful female alumni in leadership positions who serve as role models and mentors, showing that it's possible to balance high-achieving careers with motherhood.
Work-life balance test
If you’re planning to have a child—now or in the future—business school is a unique opportunity to test and shape your own way of work-life balance. Living this challenge in a supportive environment like INSEAD helps you build the habits and boundaries you’ll carry into your professional life.
Our journey after graduation
Moeko and Tong successfully found jobs and are working at global companies. Moeko is working as a marketing consultant, and Tong is working as chief of staff. And at the same time, our passion to create a future for the next generation did not wither—instead, it grew stronger.
Moeko and Tong met in Fontainebleau and talked about what we can do together for future mothers. And we decided to launch a community: "MoMBA".
”MoMBA”, Built by Moms, For Moms
MoMBA is a community to empower mothers to pursue their MBA by filling the information gap through consultation and mentorship. It is a community built by moms, for moms. When we started our journey to pursue an MBA, there were lots of unknowns. What is the local support for childcare? How much does it cost? Can we balance academics and family? How can I bring my partner? Is an MBA worth it?
There are so many unknowns we have to solve before deciding to go for an MBA. This platform offers every answer you need.
For mothers who want to accelerate their careers but hesitate to take the step, please reach out to us. We will be your guardians. For mothers who have experience with MBAs, please join our team.
Let's gather our wisdom for our future generations and create a world where more mothers can have unlimited options.
We're not just helping mothers earn degrees. We're rewriting the narrative of what motherhood can achieve. Join us in building a future where no mother has to choose between her dreams and her family.
About the authors
Moeko Kabuta is a strategic marketing leader specialising in AI and digital transformation. Currently a Managing Consultant at Mastercard and leading several marketing projects, she previously spent seven years at Google, driving digital innovation across retail, consumer goods, and sports equipment industries. She received the APAC Team Level Recognition Award for exceptional client impact. Before Google, Moeko worked at Dentsu Inc., directing global Olympic campaigns that won a Gold Award at Cannes Lions. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Waseda University and is proficient in data analytics. Contact: [email protected]
Tong:
Tong Li is a strategy and operations leader specialising in industrial AI, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship. Currently Chief of Staff at Braincube, she leads cross-functional initiatives, board relationships, and global expansion. She began her career in industrial engineering, designing robotic solutions for Airbus and automotive manufacturers, before moving into digital consulting, leading data transformation projects that helped manufacturers digitise processes and unlock measurable gains in efficiency and reliability. Tong holds a Master’s in Mechatronics from EIGSI in France and a Bachelor’s in Aeronautics from Beihang University in China. Contact: [email protected]
