Ryo Makino

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

I run marathons not to chase personal bests, but to think. It calms my mind and sparks creative ideas, including my decision to apply to INSEAD. Even the thought of visiting the campus struck me during a trip to Singapore with my running friends.

Another fun fact: I studied at a liberal arts college in Japan, transferred to another university there, and now work for a Japanese company with a presence across multiple countries. I see myself as an “outsider-insider,” bridging cultures thanks to the critical thinking skills I honed in university. 

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

Professionally, I lead the Professional Solutions division at Sony India, focusing on Media & Technology, Sports Entertainment and Medical Device Solutions. Over the years, I’ve managed P&Ls, launched new businesses and built partnerships worldwide, learning to foster trust while navigating ambiguity, diverse cultures and rapidly evolving technologies.

I never set out to become a corporate leader. Starting as a generalist passionate about media technology and global business, I gradually moved into roles blending strategy with execution. Each step, from Japan to China and India, then broader APAC responsibility, came from embracing uncomfortable opportunities.

On a personal level, exercise has been my steadfast anchor. Training for long-distance races and practising yoga have honed my ability to manage stress, time and resilience. I journal extensively too, helping me cut through the noise to align my work, family and long-term goals, including the community-focused running and wellness venture I’m steadily building.

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

I reached a point where “doing more” no longer challenged me. It was time for “deciding better,” allocating capital, leading across cultures and crafting strategy beyond my current industry. I sought a structured way to sharpen my toolkit for my career’s second half and challenge my assumptions in a new environment.

INSEAD stood out for four key reasons. 

First, it's global DNA.

Campuses in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, plus a highly diverse cohort, perfectly mirrors the cross-border nature of my work.

Second, its emphasis on strategy and leadership development aligns with my goals: evolving from regional operator to global, values-driven leader, whether as a general manager or future entrepreneur. 

Third, the GEMBA’s demanding schedule and intensity fit alongside my commitments to my team and family. 

Fourth, the people. Visit the campus or chat with alumni, and you’ll meet exceptionally smart, genuinely warm individuals happy to support you everywhere.

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

“Humbling and energising” captures it best. Academically, the curriculum is rigorous, not a ‘lite’ MBA at all, and its breadth, from corporate finance to organisational behaviour and entrepreneurship, pushes me well beyond my comfort zone. The faculty blends strong theory with practical insights. A single case discussion can reshape how I tackle problems back at work. 

My classmates are the true standouts. From every continent, industry and function, their coffee chats and post-class talks rival the lectures in value. It feels like joining a high-performing team where everyone’s ambitious yet refreshingly open and vulnerable.

The GEMBA’s greatest gift, though, is forging deep friendships with such smart, warm and considerate individuals in the class.

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

The most helpful part was treating the application as a self-discovery process rather than an exam. Writing the essays forced me to articulate who I am and my biggest challenges: why I made certain career moves, what truly motivates me and what I want in the next 5–10 years. Talking to alumni and the admissions team was also invaluable for calibrating expectations and glimpsing the culture beyond brochures.

The most challenging part was time and focus. Balancing test preparation, essays, recommendations, the assessment and a demanding job, while staying present for my family, was tough. Distilling years of experience into concise, authentic answers took multiple iterations to shift from “what sounds impressive” to “what’s true and coherent for me.” 

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

Clarify your “why” before your “where.”  Be specific about the career or life challenge you want to solve, pivot, accelerate, broader perspective or network, and test if INSEAD is the right fit.  

Visit the campus and talk to admissions or alumni if possible. It reveals what studying at INSEAD feels like. Far better than websites, sharpening your essays with authentic motivation and clarity.

Connect with diverse alumni from varied intakes, regions and paths. Ask what changed for them post-programme, and what didn’t.

Treat the application as a leadership exercise. Be candid about your strengths and gaps, prove you’re coachable and show how you’ll contribute to classmates beyond what you’ll gain.

Plan logistics early. Secure buy-in from your employer and family, and block time for modules, travel and assignments. The journey is intense, but alignment makes it profoundly rewarding.

The programme isn’t easy. But trust me, it rewards you far more than the effort. You may run alone, but the team runs with you.