About this episode

Alumni from the first INSEAD MIM class discuss their career outcomes and personal growth five years after graduation.

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. Timesteamps 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 –…

People in this episode

Guests: Stefano Pizzoli, Francesca Fitzgerald

Topics covered

• INSEAD
• Master in Management
• career outcomes
• alumni stories
• personal growth
• global opportunities

Keywords

• startup
• consulting
• BCG
• COVID-19
• entrepreneurial journey

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Celonis

Books & works: In The Know, a Master in Management

Places: Portugal, the Middle East, New York City

More episodes of In The Know by INSEAD

• Episode #50 - Redefining Executive Education: Inside the New INSEAD Global Executive MBA Flex · December 10, 2025 · 33 min
• Episode #49 - From Europe to China: Lessons in Global Leadership with TIEMBA · December 1, 2025 · 46 min
• Episode #48 - How the INSEAD MBA Fuels Entrepreneurship: Rani Khodijah’s Journey · October 27, 2025 · 38 min
• Episode #47 - AI and the Future of Work: INSEAD Alumni Leading the Transformation · September 21, 2025 · 47 min
• Episode #45 - The Professional Impact of the INSEAD MBA · April 8, 2025 · 32 min
• Episode #44 - How the INSEAD Master in Management (MIM) Supports Your Entrepreneurship Journey · January 14, 2025 · 29 min

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