The title of this article is quoted from one GEMBA alumnus in a conversation we had over zoom prior to the start of the GEMBA programme in a networking session during the daunting lockdown periods in 2020. I vividly remember his exact words: As much as I will tell you, it’s difficult to do justice to the experience you’d undergo in the electives during your GEMBA journey; it’s the gemstone of the programme.

• Read more about The Gemstone of the INSEAD GEMBA

“While we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one.” —Albus Dumbledore The obvious question many prospective candidates ask me is the impact of COVID-19, or more specifically online classes (for one month) during the MBA. The honest answer from my point of view is that it's not ideal but it is much better than I had initially expected. Faculty have adopted quickly to provide extremely engaging classes and non-traditional assignments such as games and simulation exercises.

• Read more about The Power of INSEAD's Community

Regular exercise is a great way to recharge energy during the intensive MBA programme at INSEAD. And the unparalleled opportunity to exercise in the extraordinary park of the Château de Fontainebleau is a quintessential INSEAD student life experience! I went for a run today with my lovely housemates Yang and Anna, we're determined to keep up with exercise no matter how busy the new academic term gets. 

• Read more about A Run in the Park of the Château De Fontainebleau

A Bellifontain is an inhabitant of Fontainebleau, the small French town where INSEAD is located, and part of the MBA experience is about adjusting to life here – not exactly French life, but Bellifontain life, which is a very particular subset of the French culture. As the seasons change, let’s say you are an authentic Bellifontain when: You complain that there is nothing to do in Fontainebleau, but your schedule is always full.

• Read more about You Are an Authentic Bellifontain When…

I couldn’t have asked for a better P4/5 break!

• Read more about INSEAD 19D Japan Trip – The Trip of a Lifetime

A few years ago, I read the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and I felt it changed my life. I suddenly had it all figured out. I knew exactly where I want to be ten years from now and exactly how I am going to get there. We all want to be happy, don't we? For me the equation was simple – follow the plan in the book = get rich = be happy.

• Read more about Embrace the Randomness