Navigating the admissions process for a top-tier business school can be daunting. In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Jennifer Luo (Senior Director of Recruitment) and Larry Medina (Associate Director of Admissions) go behind the scenes of the INSEAD one-year MBA programme application journey to demystify standard testing requirements.

They address the common anxiety surrounding the GMAT and GREs by explaining how the Admissions Committee evaluates your scores within a holistic framework. The discussion highlights why candidates should not wait for a perfect GMAT or GRE score to apply, how strong professional experience can mitigate lower test results and why the video interview and personal essays are often the most critical components in showcasing your true potential for the one-year MBA programme.

0:00 Introduction 1:22 The testing anxiety 3:21 Defining holistic admissions 5:01 The role of standardised tests 6:31 Recommended ranges 7:50 Case studies: Success with low scores 8:39 Retaking the exam 9:13 Mitigating low verbal scores 11:18 Video interview tips 12:58 The optional essay 14:30 Lowest scores ever admitted 15:42 When to start your application 16:50 Business foundations safety net 17:38 Final advice and closing

Applying for jobs has never been easier, but standing out in today’s global hiring market has never been more challenging.

In this episode, Christine Manipur, Associate Director of INSEAD MBA Product Marketing, speaks with Rhoda Yap, Executive Director of the INSEAD Career Development Centre, to explore how hiring decisions are really made in an increasingly competitive and AI-driven recruitment landscape. Together, they unpack the INSEAD MATCH Framework, a research-backed career strategy framework designed to help MBA students, professionals and career switchers make more intentional and effective career moves.

Whether you are pursuing a career pivot, exploring international job opportunities, navigating MBA recruitment or adapting to changing hiring trends, this conversation offers practical insights into how employers assess talent, leadership potential and market fit in today’s evolving global economy.

• The signalling paradox: Why AI-generated resumes create hiring "noise" and how professionals can use AI tools strategically for augmentation rather than delegation
• The INSEAD MATCH Framework: A breakdown of the five pillars shaping modern career strategy: Mobility, Adaptability, Total Rewards & Culture, Competitive Positioning and Hiring Windows
• Agile career execution: Why successful career pivots require adaptability, self-awareness and the ability to respond to changing market realities
• How MBA students and professionals can move beyond being "career tourists" and navigate a rapidly evolving global job market

0:00 - Introduction: Welcome to In The Know by INSEAD 0:25 - Meet Rhoda Yap: From law and consulting to the Career Development Centre 2:25 - The "oracle of careers" myth: Why self-mastery is the core of career progress 3:41 - The reality of modern transitions: Shooting a moving target while riding a horse 4:31 - The AI "noise" problem: How Gen AI has lowered application costs but complicated hiring 5:50 - Signalling: Why the best candidate doesn't always get the job 7:24 - Introducing the INSEAD MATCH framework 8:42 - Navigating mobility and work authorisation in a shifting geopolitical landscape 10:41 - Beyond the "volume game": Using AI for strategic research and sector credibility 15:32 - Breaking down the MATCH framework: From adaptability to competitive positioning 22:09 - The power of storytelling: How to communicate signals that matter to employers 22:50 - The Hiring Window: Understanding timing, alignment and market realities 26:07 - Using the framework if you feel "stuck" 27:32 - Human vs algorithm: Why you shouldn't surrender career ownership to technology 28:44 - Advice for prospective students: Reflection before the big investment

How is INSEAD reshaping executive education for a world where senior leaders need both global exposure and greater flexibility?

In this episode of In The Know, we speak with Anne Bresman, Senior Director for Degree programmes, and Daniella Wagner, Director of Recruitment and Business Development for Executive MBAs. Together, they break down how the GEMBA Flex format blends in-person learning with virtual and asynchronous components, creating a pathway for high-potential executives who previously could not commit to a fully in-person programme.

0:00 – Introduction and episode overview

1:25 – Who the GEMBA is for

1:41 – Global structure across three regions and Flex

2:51 – Cohort diversity and participant profile

3:36 – What candidates seek in an Executive MBA

4:45 – Global campuses and formats for busy executives

7:59 – One global cohort: electives and networking

10:43 – Choosing your section and planning mobility

13:08 – Why INSEAD created GEMBA Flex

15:20 – How GEMBA Flex works in practice

18:54 – Flex benefits, time on campus and participant stories

21:06 – Anne’s advice for prospective GEMBA participants

25:43 – Navigating the admissions process

28:05 – Ideal candidate profiles and support from the recruitment team

In this episode, In The Know explores the journey of Frauke Steiner, Partner and Head of the German Business Network at EY USA. She shares what it takes to move from Europe to China and beyond, navigating cultural differences, leadership expectations, and evolving global markets. Discover how the Tsinghua–INSEAD Executive MBA shaped her approach to leading across borders and building meaningful business relationships.

Timestamps 0:00 - Setting the Scene: From Europe to China and Beyond 1:12 - Discovering Purpose in Auditing and Leadership 3:44 – Climbing the Ladder: Lessons from EY Germany 6:20 – Taking the Leap: Moving to Beijing 8:24 – Why China? Choosing Growth over Comfort 11:00 – First Impressions of China: Culture, Scale and Surprise 14:09 – Bridging Cultures: Leadership Lessons from East and West 19:39 – Rethinking China: Myths, Markets and Mindsets 25:09 – Inside China’s Work Ethic: Collaboration Without Pause 28:04 – A New Chapter: From Beijing to New York

What does it take to build a business that survives crisis, reinvention, and growth — all while pursuing an MBA and raising a family?

In this episode of In The Know, host Danny Xue speaks with Rani Khodijah (MBA ’25D), entrepreneur and founding partner of Ambiz. From selling handmade goods as a child to leading a consulting firm today, Rani shares how her entrepreneurial spirit has shaped every stage of her journey. She reflects on the realities of scaling a company, navigating near-bankruptcy, and transforming setbacks into opportunities for renewal.

Learn more about how the INSEAD MBA can support your entrepreneurship goals.

Rani also reveals how the INSEAD MBA is helping her strengthen governance, sharpen her leadership, and scale with purpose across markets. Her story is a candid look at what it means to build with resilience and lead with heart — proving that entrepreneurship is as much about people and purpose as it is about growth.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 02:00 Early sparks of entrepreneurship 08:26 Start of Rani's company Ambiz 11:56 Facing bankruptcy as an entrepreneur 15:06 Managing employee health as a business owner 18:40 Job fulfilment and performance levels 19:15 Rani's goals for Indonesia and South East Asia 21:06 Managing work and studies as an INSEAD MBA student 25:25 Why INSEAD 26:50 Advice to INSEAD MBA prospects 30:49 Motivating factors 32:58 Managing family when doing the INSEAD MBA 35:08 AI as a business tool

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, careers, and organisations, and INSEAD alumni are at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode of In The Know, moderator Pankaj Kumar speaks with two experts driving AI strategy and innovation. Kevin Pereira (MBA ’14D) is Managing Director at Blu, where he advises global firms on AI consulting and education. Asan Hu, (MBA'25J) is an AI Product Manager at Alpheya and a former TikTok product strategist, building AI-powered solutions for the future of wealth management.

They share authoritative perspectives on:

• How leaders can cut through the hype and integrate AI responsibly into business models
• Why successful adoption depends on mindset, education, and change management
• The evolution of work, from task automation to the creation of new roles
• The critical skills business leaders must prioritise, including continuous learning, critical thinking, and storytelling
• This conversation positions AI as an urgent opportunity for executives and organisations today, with insights that connect strategy, product innovation, and leadership.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction 02:10 - Breaking down fear and confusion around AI adoption 08:11 - The changing role of product managers in an AI-first world 11:35 - How organisations should identify the right use cases for AI 16:28 - Job evolution versus job creation and the future of skills 20:41 - Wealth management and fintech: balancing AI and human judgment 23:35 - How different industries use AI 32:33 - INSEAD MBA reflections and how education adapts to AI 43:09 - AI and the human touch

Learn more about the INSEAD MBA: insead.edu/mba

In this episode of In The Know, we catch up with Stefano Pizzoli and Francesca Fitzgerald, two alumni from the pioneering INSEAD Master in Management (MIM) class that graduated in 2021.

Five years after starting their INSEAD journey, they share how the MIM shaped their careers, from launching a startup to consulting at BCG, and reflect on the personal growth and global opportunities they’ve gained. If you're wondering whether a Master in Management is worth it, their stories offer honest, inspiring answers.

• 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guests: Stefano and Francesca from INSEAD's pioneering MIM cohort

• 01:24 – Guests' introductions: Background and current roles at Celonis (Stefano) and BCG (Francesca)

• 02:25 – Why they chose to join the pioneering INSEAD MIM programme

• 05:35 – Stefano’s memorable experience applying to INSEAD

• 10:11 – Navigating the unexpected challenges of starting the programme during the COVID-19 pandemic

• 17:14 – Maintaining strong bonds with classmates post-graduation

• 21:44 – Stefano's global career journey in tech at Celonis

• 27:10 – Francesca's career path in consulting, across Portugal, the Middle East, and now New York City

• 33:44 – Stefano shares the entrepreneurial story behind his tomato sauce business

• 37:16 – Francesca highlights the unexpected benefits and personal growth from the INSEAD MIM experience

• What actually happens in the PLDP
• The benefits of an INSEAD MBA
• How the programme continues to shape life and career post graduation