I think the way people interact here is unique. Everyone is on an equal footing!
Adedeji Adebusoye

Adedeji Adebusoye

Adedeji Adebusoye
Nationality/Passport: Nigerian Year of graduation: 2013 Current Role: Vice President, Sahel Capital Agribusiness Managers Ltd

Why did you decide to do an MBA at INSEAD?

I always wanted to do an MBA. When the time came, I had three criteria. First, a one-year programme, as I knew my wife and son would stay back in Nigeria. Second, strong international experiences; and third, one of the best in the world! INSEAD ticked all three boxes.

And does INSEAD still tick all your boxes?

It’s exceeded my expectations. I’ve encountered more cultures and beliefs than ever in my life. The classes are fantastic and very varied. Some are quite structured, some are case intensive and some involve simulation exercises. The ease with which the professors come down to our level is very impressive. But what surprised me most about the faculty is that their doors are always open. For example, I just had lunch with one of the best negotiation professors in the world!

Looking back, what are your favourite classes?

Surprisingly, of the core courses, Managerial Accounting! And one of the electives I did, “Strategies for Products and Services” was amazing. The professor’s passion and dedication was all-consuming. We were sad when the course ended.

What was it like working in your group?

We were three guys (from India, Brazil and me) and two girls (from France and Russia). I really got to see the “why” behind the cultural differences. At the beginning it was quite a mild experience but gradually little frictions began to emerge – and we worked through them. It’s much more than an academic collaboration, though. We’re still very much in touch.

What are your career plans? And how is INSEAD helping with them?

My goals are to gain a more general-management type of expertise and to change at least one of the three career dimensions: geography, function and industry. I can’t say too much at this stage, but I think I may be one of the lucky few who changes all three! At the moment I’m looking at three potential options. About half of my applications were made through CareerLink and the CV review sessions were very helpful.

How has INSEAD changed the way you think?

I can see the big picture now. I think more strategically than operationally. Also, although I can’t remember more than a tenth of what I learned in class, I know what to look for now and where to find it, whatever the problem is.

What do you think INSEAD gives you that other MBA programmes don’t?

I think the way people interact here is unique. They can be just themselves: everyone is on an equal footing. And I know it’s obvious, but I wouldn’t have got the same international exposure from any other programme. I know now that I can survive anywhere in the world. Even if it’s a culture I don’t know, I have the tools to blend in. I can see what makes people tick… and life is bigger than I thought!

How did you fund your MBA?

I doubt I would have been able to come to INSEAD without a scholarship. Savings and a Prodigy loan, which was very efficient and smooth, provided the rest. The scholarship has been very important to me – and I’d definitely like to give back in the future if I can.