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.
Our guests in this episode
“Without INSEAD, I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to move to a new country. I really do credit INSEAD and the people that I met there for making that decision.”
Francesca Fitzgerald, MIM'21
British, Irish
Consultant, Boston Consulting Group
“To me, INSEAD is a place where you can become your best self in life – surrounded by diversity, embracing change, leveraging your unique traits, and being humble enough to learn from others.”
Stefano Pizzoli, MIM'21
Italian
Senior Value Engineer, Celonis
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
Listen to other podcasts in this In The Know playlist.
If you are considering to apply for the Master in Management, please contact us to discuss your profile and the programme content in more detail.
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