Latest news with #INSEAD
Economic Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Akshat Shrivastava once earned Rs 10,000 per month. Now saves 95% of his income, thanks to one rule
Akshat Shrivastava, a financial advisor, saves 95% of his income by avoiding lifestyle inflation. Starting with modest savings from a small salary, he scaled up his investments after landing a corporate job. His key principle is to only buy something if he can afford it twice, emphasizing financial discipline and smart investment choices. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads His golden rule? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who is Akshat Shrivastava? ( Originally published on Jun 18, 2025 ) In a world obsessed with lavish lifestyles and social media-fueled spending, Akshat Shrivastava 's financial journey stands out as a refreshing example of restraint, strategy, and smart decision-making. The financial advisor and popular content creator recently shared a breakdown of his money journey on LinkedIn—and the takeaway is powerful: he now saves a whopping 95% of his annual income, thanks to one simple mindset began his career earning just Rs 10,000 a month. Living with his parents, using a second-hand phone, and eating home-cooked meals, he still managed to save Rs 1,000–2,000 monthly. No debt, no unnecessary expenses—just small, consistent savings that reflected strong discipline from the start.A few years later, after landing a corporate job with an annual package of Rs 50 lakh, his saving habits scaled up too. He continued living debt-free, saving at least Rs 20 lakh per year, and channelled most of it into high-growth investments. Over time, those investments started generating income of their own, leading him towards financial independence far earlier than even with family responsibilities, global travel, and living in an expensive city, Akshat claims his savings rate still sits at 95%. The secret? Never letting lifestyle inflation outpace income. He emphasised one golden rule that's guided him for years: 'Don't buy something once unless you can afford to buy it twice.' Unless it's an investment in upskilling, he says, this mindset is were quick to praise his discipline and perspective. While many agreed that saving 20–30% of one's income is a good benchmark, they also pointed out the harsh reality of India's average salary and stagnant growth rates. Others admired the power of early financial discipline and echoed their own struggles to avoid debt traps and impulse post didn't just go viral—it struck a nerve with a generation trying to balance aspirations with affordability. Many were curious to know more, especially about his very first Shrivastava, an INSEAD alumnus, is an investor and entrepreneur. He has built multiple businesses and has over 15 years of experience in asset management. As an educator, he has taught GMAT, GRE, business strategy, and consulting. Now, he is a full-time investor managing his own fund.
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
I'm an American doing an MBA in Asia. International schools are a great option, especially with the US visa chaos.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ryan Edward Wall, 32, an MBA student at the National University of Singapore. The following has been edited for length and clarity. I moved to Singapore last year to pursue my MBA at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Before going to business school, I'd graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering with a minor in biology in 2018. After graduation, I worked at Lockheed Martin before starting my own business. That was when I realized that I wanted to learn more about the theoretical underpinnings of business. Getting an MBA felt like the right way to do that. I ended up applying to several business schools, including INSEAD, Wharton, Stanford, and Cambridge. I received offers from INSEAD and NUS, and picked NUS. The US may be the birthplace of the MBA, but international schools offer something different Everyone knows that the US is the birthplace of the MBA. When people think about getting an MBA, they say, "Yeah, you go to a US school." But that wasn't what I wanted from my MBA journey. I wanted a unique experience for myself. That drove me to consider international schools instead. I wanted to be surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds, and to challenge myself intellectually and culturally. Sure, you can get diversity from attending a US business school. Those programs do try to attract foreign students as well, but the experience just isn't the same. You will get to meet people from different countries, but you won't get to engage with their culture. INSEAD does have a campus in Singapore, but I found NUS to be more integrated with the country. It felt a lot more community-driven, was affordable, and also well-rated. The fact that I can jump on a plane and go anywhere in Southeast Asia is unbelievable My experience at NUS has been fantastic thus far. Yes, the weather over here is a bit humid and hot, but I think it's fine. The public transport is good, the country is super safe, and the food is amazing. I have made friends from every corner of the planet, and it's interesting to hear their views on things. Learning about little cultural nuances has also been fulfilling. The fact that I can jump on a plane and go anywhere in Southeast Asia in two hours is unbelievable. For example, I participated in an immersion program in Thailand with my Thai classmates. I got to see the country through their perspective, something that I couldn't do if I were studying in the US. Curriculum-wise, I've had some really all-star professors who are willing to go above and beyond to help students. I am also active in extracurricular activities. I am the president of the business school's cultural, social, and community club. I joined a case competition with my classmates too. We flew to Paris to compete, and we managed to win with the support of the faculty. This first year has been really spectacular for me. The only gripe I would have is that it's been too fast. The program is only for 18 months, so the MBA will be over in a snap. Trump's crackdown on student visas could be a silver lining for students I have friends right now who are trying to get their visas so that they can do a short-term exchange in the US. They are trying to set up meetings, and it's all messed up right now. I think that's a shame. The crackdown on student visas doesn't just hurt the students who want to study in the US. It hurts domestic students as well, who are now less likely to interact with students from other countries. I do think there is a silver lining to all this chaos. For a lot of people, the Ivy League universities are seen as the bastions of knowledge, and to a degree, they absolutely are. But this means some people might be overlooking the value that other institutions have to offer. Obviously, you wouldn't move to Asia to study if you are from the region or if you want to start a life in the US. This applies more to students who come from the West and want to push themselves. Coming to Asia will be a real eye-opener for them. For me, I've learned a lot from studying in Singapore. In fact, I have learned more outside the classroom than inside it, and that's saying something because we study a lot here. People may start looking at other options given the situation now, and that can be a good thing. Maybe people will stop picking schools based on their rankings and whether they are the absolute best. One's education is not defined by what classroom one is sitting in. It's about what you learn, and more importantly, how you apply your knowledge in your life after graduation. Many institutions can prime you for that. The idea that only some institutions can bring you success, that to me, is in itself a problem.
Arab News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Book Review: ‘The Culture Map' by Erin Meyer
'The Culture Map' by Erin Meyer, which was published in 2014, discusses the cultural differences between people and how they influence business interactions. American author and professor at INSEAD Business School, Meyer talks from personal experience about fundamental points to pay attention to while having interactions with international business owners, peers, or clients. She uncovers the meaning behind certain behaviors and suggests solutions to overcome the differences between people to accomplish shared goals. As a cross-cultural management expert, Meyer discusses the elements that contribute to people's communication and collaboration, including evaluation, persuasion, leadership, decision-making, and trust. Using practical examples, she explains how misunderstandings sometimes happen when people interpret attitudes using their own lens, which may not be appropriate when relying on personal background and general understanding of the world. She writes about people appreciating and focusing on what they find meaningful to them. Some cultures value direct feedback, while others tend to lean toward indirect communication when asked to give an opinion. In addition, the author provides strategies to overcome differences and find common ground, focusing on the importance of learning and understanding cultural norms, and also being adaptable when an individual becomes part of an international team. She also encourages readers to understand and respect other traditions to build effective relationships with the world around us. 'The Culture Map' is a guide for people who may be working in multicultural environments and want to elevate teamwork while improving intercultural skills.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Digital China and INSEAD Jointly Release First AI Case
SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Guo Wei, Chairman of Digital China, shared insights on "Enterprise Management in the AI Era" at the INSEAD 2025 Asia AI Conference and jointly released a case study with INSEAD. In his speech, Guo Wei pointed out that the interaction of Business Model, Technology Architecture, and Management Approach forms a growth flywheel that drives enterprise evolution—at the core of which lies business processes. Therefore, deeply integrating AI into the reengineering of business processes will be key to the commercialization of AI. To achieve process reengineering and meet the management goals in the AI era—full-scope awareness, rapid decision-making, and continuous iteration—enterprises must first rebuild their infrastructure. This means aligning business processes with a new data cloud integrated architecture, to fully harness the value of data assets. When discussing AI's impact on organizational transformation, Guo Wei said, "From an enterprise perspective, every wave of technological change brings enormous opportunities, and also significant challenges. The biggest challenge lies in building the right mindset. There's a great deal of enthusiasm for AI in the public discourse, but its actual application in enterprise settings is still at an early stage. This gap often leads to fatigue and anxiety. We firmly believe that AI and digitalization will drive profound changes, but such transformation won't happen overnight—it requires a gradual, step-by-step process." Now included in the INSEAD Case Library and soon to become part of its MBA curriculum, the case study "Shaping the Future: Digital China's Journey from Digitalization to an AI-Embedded Organization" provides global learners with insights into AI-led transformation and reflects China's growing influence on enterprise AI innovation. This case study presents Digital China's journey in digital transformation and its latest AI initiatives under the strategic framework of "AI-Powered Data Cloud Integration." Reflecting global digital and AI trends, it offers valuable insights for companies pursuing similar transformations. Following earlier inclusion in the case libraries of London Business School and Harvard Business School in 2024, this latest inclusion by INSEAD further showcases Digital China's leadership and China's growing influence in shaping global AI innovation. Professor Chen Guoli remarked: "This case firmly validates Digital China's AI transformation methodology and enriches global academic research by contributing to the theoretical framework of digital transformation and AI application—bridging Chinese practice with the global academic community." View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Digital China
Korea Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
INSEAD and Tsinghua SEM renew TIEMBA partnership, strengthening global leadership in Asia and beyond
SINGAPORE and BEIJING, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- INSEAD, The Business School for the World, and Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (Tsinghua SEM), jointly announced the extension of their strategic partnership for another five years. This marks almost two decades of success for the Tsinghua-INSEAD Executive MBA (TIEMBA) programme. The renewed agreement was signed by Professor Francisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD, and Professor Bai Chong-En, Dean of Tsinghua SEM, at a ceremony held in Beijing on 22 May. The ceremony was joined by faculty, staff, students and alumni from both schools. Professor Francisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD, said,"I am very proud of our strong partnership with Tsinghua SEM. Together, we have built a truly global programme that not only prepares executives to lead across borders but also fosters a deep understanding of business in both the East and the West. We are excited to continue this journey and support the next generation of global leaders." INSEAD's presence in Asia has grown significantly over the past two decades, anchored by its Singapore campus and strengthened through strategic partnerships such as TIEMBA. Today, INSEAD Asia Campus serves as a vital hub for world-class leadership education, with a diverse portfolio of programmes designed to develop responsible leaders across industries. The school's Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) Asia track has attracted senior leaders from across the region, offering immersive learning experiences tailored to the complexities of Asian markets. In addition, MBA participants can begin their journey at INSEAD's Singapore campus, which demonstrates the school's dedication to preparing global business leaders with a deep understanding of Asia. Beyond degree programmes, INSEAD has expanded its impact through Executive Education and Customised Corporate Programmes, partnering with leading multinational firms to develop transformational leadership strategies tailored to the Asia-Pacific landscape. These initiatives empower executives to navigate the evolving business environment while embracing cultural intelligence and innovation. As INSEAD marks 25 years in Singapore, its influence continues to grow. Chinese students, faculty, and alumni have played a vital role in this journey. They contribute to the classroom with their unique perspectives, advance research that combines academic rigour with real-world relevance, and make a lasting impact across sectors in Asia and around the world. Professor Bai Chong-En, Dean of Tsinghua SEM, said, " The Tsinghua SEM has always been dedicated to serving as a bridge that closely integrates diverse disciplines, business with technology, theory with practice, and is committed to fostering deeper connections between China and the world. Our partnership with INSEAD has been successful, marked by enduring achievements. The TIEMBA programme has fostered global connections and contributed to economic cooperation between China and other nations. We are committed to strategically advancing this collaboration in line with our shared vision for global excellence." Over the past four decades, Tsinghua SEM has become one of the world's most acclaimed business schools, a magnet for entrepreneurial activities and top professionals from across China and beyond. International collaborations with institutions such as INSEAD, MIT and Columbia University have enhanced global engagement, while partnerships with over 100 universities worldwide have bolstered student exchanges. The TIEMBA dual-degree programme began in June 2007 with an inaugural cohort of 45 participants from 17 nationalities. Since then, the 22-month programme has graduated over 680 global executives from 51 nationalities, with credentials from two of the world's most prestigious academic institutions. Designed for senior professionals, the TIEMBA programme blends East and West. With its flexible modular format and strong support for career advancement, the programme offers both immediate applicability and long-term value. Participants benefit from global exposure, diverse peer interactions, and a strategic curriculum designed to prepare them to lead with purpose across cultures and markets. Over the past 18 years, the TIEMBA programme has consistently ranked among the world's top EMBA programmes. Its graduates represent a wide range of industries and geographies, and many occupy C-suite or entrepreneurial roles with global impact. The new agreement will extend the TIEMBA programme through 2032, welcoming future cohorts across INSEAD's global campuses in Fontainebleau, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, as well as Tsinghua SEM's campuses in Beijing and Shenzhen. Upon graduation, they will be part of two powerful alumni networks. These global communities offer lifelong access to a vibrant, engaged community of leaders, enhancing personal growth, business collaboration, and global influence. For more information about the TIEMBA programme, visit here. About Tsinghua SEM Founded in 1984, Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (Tsinghua SEM) has a mission "to advance knowledge and cultivate leaders for China and the world"; aspires "to be a world-class school of economics and management"; and holds "integrity, dedication and respect" as its core values. For more than 40 years, Tsinghua SEM has led the nation in talent training, scientific research, social influence and international exchange, and strove to become a world-class school of economics and management. More information about Tsinghua SEM can be found at About INSEAD, The Business School for the World As one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas to develop responsible leaders who transform business and society. Our research, teaching and partnerships reflect this global perspective and cultural diversity. With locations in Europe (France), Asia (Singapore), the Middle East (Abu Dhabi), and North America (San Francisco), INSEAD's business education and research spans four regions. Our 165 renowned Faculty members from 41 countries inspire more than 1,300 degree participants annually in our Master in Management, MBA, Global Executive MBA, Specialised Master's degrees (Executive Master in Finance and Executive Master in Change) and PhD programmes. In addition, more than 11,000 executives participate in INSEAD Executive Education programmes each year. INSEAD continues to conduct cutting-edge research and innovate across all our programmes. We provide business leaders with the knowledge and awareness to operate anywhere. Our core values drive academic excellence and serve the global community as The Business School for the World. More information about INSEAD can be found at
