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 0:18 – Meet the Guests 0:31 – What Makes the INSEAD GEMBA Unique 4:59 – Programme Structure Across Regions 7:59 – Electives, Networking, and the Global Cohort 12:54 – Introducing the GEMBA Flex 16:05 – How the Flex Format Works 18:09 – Market Response to GEMBA Flex 21:02 – Advice for Executives Considering GEMBA 25:55 – Navigating the Admissions Process 29:56 – Speaking to 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