Finding the right MBA program is like finding the family that speaks your language. They may not look or talk like you, but you feel “at home” because they understand and value you. I knew that INSEAD was the only school that speaks my “language” i.e. could decode my resume and understand who I am…
It’s Sunday night and nearly 2 am. I have class in 6 hours, but I have an urge to sit here in silence and write. It feels like a month has gone by. Flipping through my notes from a week ago compels me to check the date again. Yep, it’s only been a week. I don’t know…
Since we arrived at INSEAD about 3 weeks ago, there’s been a tremendous amount of encouragement and support for us to develop a mindfulness practice. Yes, that’s right – the #1 international MBA program teaches its students about the importance of regular…
The overwhelming joy of welcoming my mom to INSEAD was indescribable. I was beaming. She has never seen me happier. And it’s only been 6 weeks since I arrived in Singapore! When she asked how my quiz went that morning, I happily responded: I know I passed. Passed?! She was confused and rightly so. She distinctly remembers…
We were born in the same townhouse in Chicago, but we never got along as children. My cousin was 9 months older and was always taller, fairer, and prettier. She was popular everywhere she went. As a young adult, I based my entire identity on everything she wasn’t – she went away to NYC for college, so I went…
I was reluctant to sign up for another big group trip, as this generally means less independence, and sometimes leads to more confusion. Four months into the 10-month program, I was no longer going on trips with most of my classmates simply because…
Fifteen months ago, on June 7, 2016, I divorced my best friend of 10 years and husband of 2 years. I spent the next two weeks sitting on a seafoam green couch staring at…
If you’re a lucky guy… you have #1 or #2: Your parents are equal partners and have a loving marriage. You’ve closely observed at least two marriages (e.g. your parents’ and one other) in your childhood. If you’re super lucky, you have #1 and #2. If you don’t have…
If you’re a lucky guy… you have #1 or #2: Your mom is mature and always encourages you to put your partner first in your life. Your dad has shown you how to put a partner first in your life by putting your mom first in his life. If you’re super lucky, you have #1 and #2. This means you’re well-prepared to…
My grandmother passed away 23 days ago, at the age of 84, and left behind a handful of stories which will continue to shape my life forever. My grandfather taught my grandmother our Dua, the set of prescribed prayers for Ismaili Muslims all around the world, in 1957 when Prince Karim Aga Khan became our 49th Imam. Four years later…
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