Every strong INSEAD MBA candidate has a story that shows they’re ready for global leadership, and Revati Asthana’s is one of the most compelling. From captaining her school’s football team to commanding the fashion stage, Revati has always combined leadership with creativity. That same adaptability carried her through a rewarding career at KPMG and now into one of the most competitive INSEAD MBA cohorts in the world. Her story is a reminder that an INSEAD MBA journey rarely follows a single, predictable path—it’s shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a genuine drive to make an impact.

In this post, we trace the milestones that prepared Revati for the INSEAD MBA, why she chose this particular program over other top business schools, and what she hopes to build once she completes her MBA.

A Global Foundation for the INSEAD MBA: Learning Through International Exposure

Long before she considered pursuing an INSEAD MBA, Revati was building the global mindset that would eventually make her a strong candidate for the program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in instrumentation and control engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology, which gave her a sharp analytical foundation—a skillset that continues to serve her well as she prepares for the quantitative rigor of an MBA curriculum.

Her involvement with IAESTE, an international student exchange organization, was equally formative. Through IAESTE, Revati facilitated global internships, organized cross-cultural events, and contributed to digital transformation initiatives. These experiences sharpened her team management and cross-cultural collaboration skills—precisely the qualities that INSEAD MBA admissions committees look for in candidates who can thrive in a classroom representing more than 90 nationalities.

Even outside academics, Revati’s versatility stood out. Whether competing in football tournaments, winning accolades at creative fashion shows, or navigating leadership roles in college, she consistently demonstrated the adaptability that would later define her approach to the INSEAD MBA application process.

Career Growth at KPMG: Building the Case for an INSEAD MBA

At KPMG, Revati’s career flourished as she progressed from Analyst to Consultant, contributing significantly to the Cyber Assurance Team’s market positioning and business development. Her role involved partnering with leaders to craft value propositions that resonated across regions — an experience that reinforced the “think globally, execute locally” mindset central to the INSEAD MBA philosophy.

Her most notable contribution came during the pandemic, when she spearheaded an initiative to strengthen team cohesion in a virtual work environment. She launched a newsletter spotlighting her colleagues’ interests and lives beyond work, fostering deeper connections within a geographically dispersed team. This kind of empathetic, people-first leadership is exactly what an MBA aims to cultivate in its graduates—leaders who can build trust across distance, culture, and function.

Why the INSEAD MBA Is the Right Fit

Securing admission to the INSEAD MBA program marks a pivotal moment in Revati’s journey. Known for its unmatched diversity and focus on international business, the INSEAD MBA offers the ideal environment for her to refine her leadership skills and expand her global acumen. The program’s fast-paced, one-year format mirrors her dynamic career trajectory and her appetite for immersive, transformative experiences.

Revati was especially drawn to the INSEAD MBA’s emphasis on cultural intelligence and its focus on preparing leaders for complex global markets. The chance to collaborate with classmates from over 90 nationalities was a major factor in her decision — you can explore INSEAD’s official MBA program page for more on this defining feature of the school.

Beyond academic rigor, the INSEAD MBA aligns with Revati’s short-term goal of transitioning into management consulting with firms like McKinsey, Bain, or BCG. If you’re mapping out a similar path, our related guide on breaking into top-tier consulting firms walks through how an INSEAD MBA — or a comparable program — can position you for these roles. The school’s powerful alumni network and “leadership in action” focus will equip Revati with the tools to navigate diverse industries and solve multifaceted business challenges.

A Vision for Leadership Beyond

While her short-term goals center on excelling in management consulting, Revati’s long-term vision extends well beyond the corporate world. Inspired by her father’s entrepreneurial journey, she aspires to eventually build a venture that addresses pressing global challenges. Her time completing the INSEAD MBA will play a crucial role in shaping this vision, offering her the strategic frameworks and global network necessary to drive meaningful, lasting change.

For applicants weighing their own next steps, our step-by-step guide to crafting a standout MBA application essay offers practical tips on articulating a vision as compelling as Revati’s—a vision that made her INSEAD MBA candidacy stand out.

An MBA Story of Global Inspiration

Revati Asthana’s journey to the INSEAD MBA captures the essence of a true global leader: adaptable, empathetic, and driven to create impact. Her international experiences, professional accomplishments at KPMG, and creative pursuits make her an inspiring example of someone who thrives at the intersection of cultures and ideas.

As she prepares to embrace the transformative experience of the INSEAD MBA, Revati’s story is a reminder that real growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Her journey isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about using the global insights gained through the INSEAD MBA to help build a better, more connected future.

Thinking about your own INSEAD MBA application? Contact our admissions consulting team to get started.