Stanford MSx Insider https://msxinsider.podbean.com Real stories, honest reflections, and personal journeys from Stanford GSB’s MSx program. Hosted by Alessandro Balzi and Miki Watanabe (Class of 2026), this podcast explores life inside one of the world’s top business schools through candid conversations with students, alumni, and beyond. Originally launched by Jateen Kooverjee and Sasha Gidwani (Class of 2024) and carried forward by Béa Asavajaru and Vinicius Quintanilha (Class of 2025), the podcast continues as a student-led tradition.

The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not represent those of the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

]]> Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:33:24 -0300 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Education 1440 episodic Alessandro Balzi & Miki Watanabe Alessandro Balzi & Miki Watanabe No false https://feed.podbean.com/msxinsider/feed.xml https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/17973457/msx-insider-modern.png Stanford MSx Insider https://msxinsider.podbean.com 144 144 MSx Insider 2026 - Different Backgrounds, One MSx MSx Insider 2026 - Different Backgrounds, One MSx https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-2026-different-backgrounds-one-msx/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-2026-different-backgrounds-one-msx/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:33:24 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/2a33a0fe-4a6d-3eda-ad48-031ebdd0884c Sahaj Saini, Maite Muniz Telleria, Ignacio El Idd, and Huan Ting Lee (MSx '26) join us to talk about why they came to Stanford, the choices they made, and the unexpected things the MSx gave them. A tech product leader at Snowflake, a startup founder from Mexico, an oil & gas executive from Argentina, and a police director from Singapore — four completely different paths, one shared year at the Stanford MSx program. If you're wondering whether your background is fit for this program, this one's for you.

]]> Sahaj Saini, Maite Muniz Telleria, Ignacio El Idd, and Huan Ting Lee (MSx '26) join us to talk about why they came to Stanford, the choices they made, and the unexpected things the MSx gave them. A tech product leader at Snowflake, a startup founder from Mexico, an oil & gas executive from Argentina, and a police director from Singapore — four completely different paths, one shared year at the Stanford MSx program. If you're wondering whether your background is fit for this program, this one's for you.

]]> Alessandro Balzi & Miki Watanabe false No 2022 10 full MSx Insider 2026 - Life After the MSx MSx Insider 2026 - Life After the MSx https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-2026-life-after-the-msx/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-2026-life-after-the-msx/#comments Wed, 27 May 2026 12:02:07 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/f86b6c9b-497f-3bce-b1f8-42471e960a98 Béa Asavajaru and Vinicius Quintanilha (MSx '25) join us to kick off Season 3. As the hosts who handed us the mic, they sit down with us to reflect on life after the MSx: the transitions, the takeaways, and what they wish they'd known. Béa is now based in Paris after a 17+ year career in global luxury beauty, and Vini has gone from investment banking to founding Rentax.ai. Two very different paths, one honest conversation. The perfect way to start a new chapter.

]]> Béa Asavajaru and Vinicius Quintanilha (MSx '25) join us to kick off Season 3. As the hosts who handed us the mic, they sit down with us to reflect on life after the MSx: the transitions, the takeaways, and what they wish they'd known. Béa is now based in Paris after a 17+ year career in global luxury beauty, and Vini has gone from investment banking to founding Rentax.ai. Two very different paths, one honest conversation. The perfect way to start a new chapter.

]]> Béa Asavajaru & Vinicius Quintanilha false No 2391 3 1 full MSx Insider - Diwas Neupane (MSx '25) MSx Insider - Diwas Neupane (MSx '25) https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-diwas-neupane-msx-25/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-diwas-neupane-msx-25/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:07:20 -0400 msxinsider.podbean.com/e5349d3c-3e4d-3156-8353-f4479e6b159f Diwas Neupane (MSx ’25), a third-generation family business leader from Kathmandu, Nepal, shares his journey from scaling and taking his family company public to joining Stanford’s one-year MSx program. He reflects on the unique realities of building a career inside a family enterprise, including blurred boundaries between work and home and the emotional highs and lows of shared ownership. Diwas explains how the MSx experience has sharpened his leadership and storytelling skills, strengthened his self-awareness, and created a powerful sense of community for both him and his wife, as they prepare for the next chapter back home.

]]> Diwas Neupane (MSx ’25), a third-generation family business leader from Kathmandu, Nepal, shares his journey from scaling and taking his family company public to joining Stanford’s one-year MSx program. He reflects on the unique realities of building a career inside a family enterprise, including blurred boundaries between work and home and the emotional highs and lows of shared ownership. Diwas explains how the MSx experience has sharpened his leadership and storytelling skills, strengthened his self-awareness, and created a powerful sense of community for both him and his wife, as they prepare for the next chapter back home.

]]> Bea Asavajaru & Vinicius Quintanilha false No 1909 2 8 full MSx Insider - Felipe Lourenço (MSx '25) MSx Insider - Felipe Lourenço (MSx '25) https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-felipe-lourenco-msx-25/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-felipe-lourenco-msx-25/#comments Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:34:38 -0400 msxinsider.podbean.com/b22cc546-b7c4-342e-ad73-31a315143601 Felipe Lourenco (MSx ’25), a three-time entrepreneur, discusses his journey from founding startups in Brazil to joining Stanford’s one-year MSX program. He highlights the program’s global network, its tailored leadership and entrepreneurship curriculum, and the uniquely supportive ecosystem in Silicon Valley. Felipe shares lessons learned from successes, failures, and the fast-evolving VC landscape, underscoring the value of resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative impact on both his and his wife’s professional ambitions.

]]> Felipe Lourenco (MSx ’25), a three-time entrepreneur, discusses his journey from founding startups in Brazil to joining Stanford’s one-year MSX program. He highlights the program’s global network, its tailored leadership and entrepreneurship curriculum, and the uniquely supportive ecosystem in Silicon Valley. Felipe shares lessons learned from successes, failures, and the fast-evolving VC landscape, underscoring the value of resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative impact on both his and his wife’s professional ambitions.

]]> Bea Asavajaru & Vinicius Quintanilha false No 2169 2 7 full MSx Insider - Ann Songphatanayothin (MSx '25) MSx Insider - Ann Songphatanayothin (MSx '25) https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-ann-songphatanayothin-msx-25/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-ann-songphatanayothin-msx-25/#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:26:23 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/0b7d622d-0893-3937-b196-faeb1976d3c4 Ann Songphatanayothin (MSx ’25) shares her transition from consulting to entrepreneurship through Stanford’s one-year MSx program. She highlights the cohort’s global diversity, details her early-parenthood care startup, and underscores how resources such as Venture Studio and founder networks helped move her from idea to execution. She also offers practical tactics for balance, prioritizing close friendships and quality time in a two-founder household.

]]> Ann Songphatanayothin (MSx ’25) shares her transition from consulting to entrepreneurship through Stanford’s one-year MSx program. She highlights the cohort’s global diversity, details her early-parenthood care startup, and underscores how resources such as Venture Studio and founder networks helped move her from idea to execution. She also offers practical tactics for balance, prioritizing close friendships and quality time in a two-founder household.

]]> Bea Asavajaru & Vinicius Quintanilha false No 1570 2 6 full MSx Insider - Caleb Huber (MSx '25) MSx Insider - Caleb Huber (MSx '25) https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-caleb-huber-msx-25/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-caleb-huber-msx-25/#comments Wed, 28 May 2025 00:30:24 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/384bf2bc-cb9f-3c20-b624-d4dfafe0934b Caleb Huber (MSx '25), a former US Army Special Forces officer and Green Beret, shares his transformative experience at Stanford GSB. Diving deep into his pivot towards defense technology product management, Caleb reveals how the MSx program has equipped him with skills to bridge technology and military strategy. With candid insights on veteran resources, startup courses, and balancing family life with academic pursuits, he offers an inspiring narrative of career reinvention and the unique value of the one-year MSx experience.

]]> Caleb Huber (MSx '25), a former US Army Special Forces officer and Green Beret, shares his transformative experience at Stanford GSB. Diving deep into his pivot towards defense technology product management, Caleb reveals how the MSx program has equipped him with skills to bridge technology and military strategy. With candid insights on veteran resources, startup courses, and balancing family life with academic pursuits, he offers an inspiring narrative of career reinvention and the unique value of the one-year MSx experience.

]]> Bea Asavajaru & Vinicius Quintanilha false No 1576 2 5 full MSx Insider - Jing Lin (MSx '25) MSx Insider - Jing Lin (MSx '25) https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-jing-lin-msx-25/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-jing-lin-msx-25/#comments Sat, 17 May 2025 20:40:31 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/3bec006b-101e-3753-b51f-95d3d09dc4da Jing Lin (MSx '25) shares her transformative journey from healthcare investor to Stanford GSB student, discussing family support, academic challenges, and her passion for women's health innovation. She explores how the MSx program empowers professionals to take risks, expand their knowledge, and pursue ambitious career goals while integrating personal and professional growth.

]]> Jing Lin (MSx '25) shares her transformative journey from healthcare investor to Stanford GSB student, discussing family support, academic challenges, and her passion for women's health innovation. She explores how the MSx program empowers professionals to take risks, expand their knowledge, and pursue ambitious career goals while integrating personal and professional growth.

]]> Bea Asavajaru & Vinicius Quintanilha false No 1753 2 4 full MSx Insider - Antoine Gamberini (MSx '25) MSx Insider - Antoine Gamberini (MSx '25) https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-antoine-gamberini-msx-25/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-antoine-gamberini-msx-25/#comments Sun, 04 May 2025 15:57:55 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/d301ac5c-a0e0-3052-b032-ebd6de36f7b8 Antoine Gamberini (MSx '25) reveals his dynamic Stanford GSB experience, transforming from a European telecom executive to a multifaceted student. He emphasizes the importance of reflection, community engagement, and seizing diverse opportunities. His journey demonstrates how the MSx program enables professionals to explore personal passions, develop leadership skills, and create meaningful impact across diverse domains.

]]> Antoine Gamberini (MSx '25) reveals his dynamic Stanford GSB experience, transforming from a European telecom executive to a multifaceted student. He emphasizes the importance of reflection, community engagement, and seizing diverse opportunities. His journey demonstrates how the MSx program enables professionals to explore personal passions, develop leadership skills, and create meaningful impact across diverse domains.

]]> Bea Asavajaru & Vinicius Quintanilha false No 2070 2 3 full MSx Insider - Jateen Kooverjee (MSx '24) MSx Insider - Jateen Kooverjee (MSx '24) https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-jateen-kooverjee-msx-24/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-jateen-kooverjee-msx-24/#comments Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:01:22 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/0afc8811-5457-30c7-ad60-6646a9f8375d Jateen Kooverjee (MSx '24) discusses his MSx journey and how the program's flexibility and resources, including an independent study, enabled him to explore entrepreneurship. He highlights the support from his wife, who also engaged in Stanford's academic and entrepreneurial opportunities, and emphasizes the value of challenging conventional career paths, developing leadership skills, and forming lasting relationships.

]]> Jateen Kooverjee (MSx '24) discusses his MSx journey and how the program's flexibility and resources, including an independent study, enabled him to explore entrepreneurship. He highlights the support from his wife, who also engaged in Stanford's academic and entrepreneurial opportunities, and emphasizes the value of challenging conventional career paths, developing leadership skills, and forming lasting relationships.

]]> Bea Asavajaru & Vinicius Quintanilha false No 1634 2 2 full MSx Insider - Sasha Gidwani (MSx '24) MSx Insider - Sasha Gidwani (MSx '24) https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-sasha-gidwani-msx-24/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-sasha-gidwani-msx-24/#comments Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:23:27 -0400 msxinsider.podbean.com/7bdfa087-1054-3b58-b4db-aad38ecfbbf8 Sasha Gidwani (MSx '24) shares her journey from a long-standing career in finance to exploring new opportunities through the Stanford MSx program. She discusses how the program's flexibility allowed her to challenge conventional career paths. Sasha emphasizes the value of leadership development, diverse experiences, and lasting relationships formed during the program. Her story highlights the transformative nature of the MSx experience and encourages current and prospective students to approach the program with an open mind, ready to explore various industries and roles.

    ]]> Sasha Gidwani (MSx '24) shares her journey from a long-standing career in finance to exploring new opportunities through the Stanford MSx program. She discusses how the program's flexibility allowed her to challenge conventional career paths. Sasha emphasizes the value of leadership development, diverse experiences, and lasting relationships formed during the program. Her story highlights the transformative nature of the MSx experience and encourages current and prospective students to approach the program with an open mind, ready to explore various industries and roles.

    ]]> Bea Asavajaru & Vinicius Quintanilha false No 1401 2 1 full MSx Insider - Scott Brady MSx Insider - Scott Brady https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-9-scott-brady/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-9-scott-brady/#comments Thu, 27 Jun 2024 20:06:55 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/ae7541b3-ba78-39b1-98b2-ceef5a0f73a6 On the season finale, we are joined by Scott Brady, Sloan Fellow and Lecturer at the GSB. Scott served as the chair of the MSx Advisory Board and has overseen the program's transformation into one of the world's premier programs for experienced leaders. Scott shares his journey from being a student to becoming a lecturer at the GSB. 

]]> On the season finale, we are joined by Scott Brady, Sloan Fellow and Lecturer at the GSB. Scott served as the chair of the MSx Advisory Board and has overseen the program's transformation into one of the world's premier programs for experienced leaders. Scott shares his journey from being a student to becoming a lecturer at the GSB. 

]]> Jateen Kooverjee & Sasha Gidwani false No 1986 1 9 full MSx Insider - Jed Simon MSx Insider - Jed Simon https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-8-jed-simon/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-8-jed-simon/#comments Thu, 30 May 2024 00:22:39 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/1141fa42-38d5-355f-acd0-bf04fc1930d5 Jed Simon shares his inspiring journey of pursuing a career in music through an unconventional path. His stories highlight how he created opportunities and challenged conventional wisdom. He also discusses his passion for business and how it fueled the creation of his most recent FinTech venture.

]]> Jed Simon shares his inspiring journey of pursuing a career in music through an unconventional path. His stories highlight how he created opportunities and challenged conventional wisdom. He also discusses his passion for business and how it fueled the creation of his most recent FinTech venture.

]]> Jateen Kooverjee & Sasha Gidwani false No 2278 1 8 full MSx Insider - Julia Vasconcelos MSx Insider - Julia Vasconcelos https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-7-julia-vasconcelos/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-7-julia-vasconcelos/#comments Thu, 16 May 2024 18:52:50 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/7b71a267-30f8-3ebe-94d5-035841aa4eeb We explore the dynamic career of Julia Vasconcelos, a master of professional pivots in Brazil. Beginning her journey as a skilled M&A lawyer, Julia successfully transitioned into Corporate Development and Product roles at a NASDAQ-listed FinTech company. Now, she's setting her sights on venture capital. Julia shares valuable insights on leveraging the power of the Stanford network and offers a glimpse into her strategic approach to career development post-GSB. 

]]> We explore the dynamic career of Julia Vasconcelos, a master of professional pivots in Brazil. Beginning her journey as a skilled M&A lawyer, Julia successfully transitioned into Corporate Development and Product roles at a NASDAQ-listed FinTech company. Now, she's setting her sights on venture capital. Julia shares valuable insights on leveraging the power of the Stanford network and offers a glimpse into her strategic approach to career development post-GSB. 

]]> Jateen Kooverjee & Sasha Gidwani false No 1860 7 full MSx Insider - Abraham Ogoudou MSx Insider - Abraham Ogoudou https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/episode-6-msx-insider-abraham-ogoudou/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/episode-6-msx-insider-abraham-ogoudou/#comments Sun, 05 May 2024 20:13:52 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/9a870d55-a678-3185-b89d-91e8a2dbaf15 Abraham Ogoubou started his journey in Benin and has become a true global citizen after building his career at EY across Europe and the USA. He shares how he structured his time at Stanford to maximize his learning and how he ultimately wants to make an impact on his home continent of Africa.

]]> Abraham Ogoubou started his journey in Benin and has become a true global citizen after building his career at EY across Europe and the USA. He shares how he structured his time at Stanford to maximize his learning and how he ultimately wants to make an impact on his home continent of Africa.

]]> Jateen Kooverjee & Sasha Gidwani false No 1998 1 6 full MSx Insider - Daulins Emilio MSx Insider - Daulins Emilio https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-5-daulins-emilio/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-5-daulins-emilio/#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:46:49 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/66513c87-0748-3076-8a3e-808ecc19f71a Daulins shares his perspective on his storied career, which spans from being a mechanical engineer to earning a PhD in Microeconomics, and culminates in transforming and listing a business on the NASDAQ.

]]> Daulins shares his perspective on his storied career, which spans from being a mechanical engineer to earning a PhD in Microeconomics, and culminates in transforming and listing a business on the NASDAQ.

]]> Jateen Kooverjee & Sasha Gidwani false No 1964 1 5 full MSx Insider - Parul Gupta MSx Insider - Parul Gupta https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-4-parul-gupta/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-4-parul-gupta/#comments Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:18:28 -0300 msxinsider.podbean.com/7f615c83-9d65-32f2-980b-96b0b6ad38ab Parul Gupta, a Class of '24 member, shares her journey of exploring a new career in sustainability at Stanford, balancing her roles as a mother, spouse, and former founder.

]]> Parul Gupta, a Class of '24 member, shares her journey of exploring a new career in sustainability at Stanford, balancing her roles as a mother, spouse, and former founder.

]]> Jateen Kooverjee & Sasha Gidwani false No 1802 1 4 full MSx Insider - Cayla Marvil MSx Insider - Cayla Marvil https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-3-cayla-marvil/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-3-cayla-marvil/#comments Thu, 07 Mar 2024 14:00:33 -0400 msxinsider.podbean.com/9c5e717a-590a-3f05-b8f6-c708f7dc023a Cayla Marvil, a member of the class of '24, an outdoor adventurer, and brewery owner, joins us on our podcast to discuss how she's using her time at Stanford as a springboard for changing the future of food.

]]> Cayla Marvil, a member of the class of '24, an outdoor adventurer, and brewery owner, joins us on our podcast to discuss how she's using her time at Stanford as a springboard for changing the future of food.

]]> Jateen Kooverjee & Sasha Gidwani false No 1859 1 3 full MSx Insider - Joseph Kao MSx Insider - Joseph Kao https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-2-joseph-kao/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-2-joseph-kao/#comments Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:55:53 -0400 jateenk.podbean.com/92459e9e-d270-3a20-b302-a9f6fabdcd8d Class of '24 MSx member Joseph Kao who graduated with a Ph.D. in Material Science from Berkeley shares his experience on how his childhood exposure shaped his entrepreneurial dreams. 

]]> Class of '24 MSx member Joseph Kao who graduated with a Ph.D. in Material Science from Berkeley shares his experience on how his childhood exposure shaped his entrepreneurial dreams. 

]]> Jateen Kooverjee & Sasha Gidwani false No 1949 2 2 full MSx Insider - Alex Mermod MSx Insider - Alex Mermod https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-1-alex-mermod/ https://msxinsider.podbean.com/e/msx-insider-episode-1-alex-mermod/#comments Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:36:52 -0400 jateenk.podbean.com/7e602309-f239-3066-8df3-73bea9f0e993 Alex Mermod, a founder, former CEO, and MSx class of '24 member joins us for our first episode of the podcast. He shares his journey from the south of France to Stanford and reflects on what it's been like to move across the world with his family.

]]> Alex Mermod, a founder, former CEO, and MSx class of '24 member joins us for our first episode of the podcast. He shares his journey from the south of France to Stanford and reflects on what it's been like to move across the world with his family.

]]> jateenk false No 2193 1 1 full