Warren Ang

How did you get into the non-profit sector – and why leave it for business school?

After graduating, I became a strategy consultant in Australia. Then I did some pro bono work for an NGO and realised I felt much more passionate about using my skills for social impact. So I left to serve, and eventually run Bless China International, a regional charity, which does a lot of different work targeting the poor and disadvantaged in rural areas.

My goal was to transform the organisation toward its goal of establishing local leaders, and manage a critical leadership transition from the Founder to CEO. Having completed this, I decided to do my MBA, but I haven’t left the sector. I came to INSEAD to gain the network, leadership and management skills that are crucial for helping development organisations reach their potential.

Why did you choose INSEAD in particular?

Only INSEAD matched my requirements, which were: exposure to Asia, an alumni network in emerging markets, speed of gaining an MBA, incredibly smart students… and a great deal of fun.

And has the school lived up to these high standards?

It’s awesome. The network, the culture, the pace… it’s definitely fast! In many respects, INSEAD has exceeded my expectations. I didn’t expect such good courses on developing economies. I didn’t expect the school to have such a strong brand and network in the social sector either. And I’ve been very impressed by the faculty, particularly in the electives, where professors get to teach their own passion.

They also seem willing to give their time and get to know you personally. I’ve emailed INSEAD experts in the areas that most interest me – leadership, change, social innovation – and they’ve always been ready to meet up, even if they’re not currently teaching MBA classes.

What is your biggest INSEAD highlight?

Too many to mention. I loved the dinner parties, playing foosball with my study group, Cabaret and the work we did with INDEVOR (INSEAD’s social impact club). The “social entrepreneur in residence” programme is also one of the best things. I wouldn’t have got my future job without it.

Can you say something about the job and how INSEAD helped you to find it?

It’s with a strategy consulting firm, whose mission is to raise living standards in developing countries and address global challenges in development. I’ll be starting there as a Project Leader in their Mumbai office, with a view to work across Asia. I hadn’t even heard of the firm, but one of the entrepreneurs in residence saw my CV and thought I’d be perfect for it.

Apart from the job, what lasting impression do you think INSEAD will leave?

I’ve always wanted to make a difference. INSEAD has taken that original mission and enlarged my view of it. Before, I hadn’t even thought about India as a destination. But now it seems completely natural and one of the best places to learn about social innovation. I’m also beginning to think about new ways to merge business and not-for-profit work in different markets. INSEAD has enlarged my view of what’s possible in the world. That global perspective isn’t to be underestimated.

Does the campus exchange bring an even more global perspective?

Yes – and most importantly a global address book! I just can’t imagine going to a US school and having a mainly US address book. I started the programme in Europe, which was a hugely attractive opportunity for me. But despite enjoying the wine and the cheese, I knew I had to be back in Asia for the recruitment season.

What advice would you give to people applying now or starting in the next class?

Don’t be afraid to be who you are and take the time to really figure out what it is that you truly value. There are going to be many attractive paths once you get here, but the real challenge is finding the one that is for you. Learning to be brutally honest with yourself and your motivations for getting involved in various activities can be hard in the midst of a very busy program! Taking the time out to reflect and get good advice from those who know you can make all the difference!