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