Augusto Ishikawa

Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about you?

Adaptation, evolution and flexibility require discipline and consistency in the process to set the path for success. My passion lies in ultra-trail running and ultra-distance races, which I can relate to in my professional life. I learned a lot from my positive outcomes, such as crossing the finish line. Still, I learned even more from my DNF (did not finish) experiences, which provided me with insights to improve my physical and mental capabilities. The importance of approaching challenges from a holistic perspective without losing sight of every important detail or step is what makes us go further.

Tell us about yourself and how you got to where you are today, both on a professional and personal level.

What are the paths to a successful life? This is a question I consistently ask myself, despite understanding that there is no straightforward or definitive answer. I believe that my motivation comes not only from the results but also from the process and pursuit of facing remarkable challenges.

Born into a family of simple origin in the countryside of São Paulo State in Brazil, my prospects for the future were not so obvious. My learning process has always been based on freedom and respect for others. At the age of 10, I had contact with another type of cultural background in Japan for almost three years.

I'm the result of these experiences, exchanges and cultural mixes, and I'm grateful to my parents for all this. From the outset, a complex environment shaped me, imposing great responsibilities for my own future and destiny.

Today I can look back and reflect on my entire life trajectory and see that, amid so many seemingly random stories, there is a pattern of learning and adapting to the unknown, a certain familiarity and affinity with the challenges imposed by changes in direction. In one way or another, I consistently progressed towards the new while maintaining a deep understanding of the fundamentals.

I decided to pursue a career in finance, a field that often views results as straightforward and objective, yet my perspective extends beyond this. I like to measure my contribution through the development of the people around me, my community and my country.

What led you to decide to pursue an Executive MBA, and why did you choose INSEAD in particular?

I believe that being surrounded by brilliant people and inspiring minds is the key that will unlock my potential as a human and professional being to a level of excellence. This opportunity will provide another boost in my ongoing journey to become the best version of myself.

I expect to sharpen and develop all the necessary skills to continue my professional journey through the energy transition and be able to directly impact and contribute to the development of our people’s lives and our society. I am fully convinced of the capacity and potential for transformation when the right people connect and create mutual collaboration networks. Therefore, I believe that pursuing the INSEAD GEMBA programme will unlock new opportunities and play a crucial role in enabling me to explore and conquer new boundaries.

At INSEAD, it will be time to strengthen the base through academic credentials so that my fellows and I can take on new and exciting challenges and lead transformation in people, companies and society as leaders who see beyond profitability.

How would you describe your experience so far? What is your impression of the faculty, the curriculum, and your fellow participants?

 It has been much more than what I expected, but it doesn’t mean that I was expecting something ordinary. I'm amazed by the campus's unique environment and atmosphere.  

From the smallest details to the extracurricular activities, the care, rigour and attention that the school maintains are impeccable. No two days are the same during the programme, and the welcoming environment and highly skilled cohort offer endless possibilities for learning and personal and professional growth. Diversity is something real and extraordinary at INSEAD.

Can you share a little about your application process and what you found most helpful and challenging during your preparation?

I had already planned to get an MBA before applying, so I had a foundation to start. Without a doubt, the initial conversations I had with the INSEAD admissions and recruitment office, Amandine and Jordy, were superb, even before starting my application, and were essential and decisive in my process. I believe that, as with any other remarkable challenge, preparation, reflection, time, and action are indispensable.

What advice would you give to someone who might be interested in pursuing an INSEAD programme?

Don’t be scared and shy. Talk with the admission office, the alumni community, and your close friends and family, and go ahead. As the famous proverb attributed to the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”