Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Friday, February 18, 2005
It's been a while since my last post...
I am on a business trip. I went running the other day. Chose the biggest city park, conveniently located a few blocks away from my hotel. Left at 6.30am, half awake. I was planning on doing a 5 mile/45min loop, full of fresh morning intentions - and I paced myself for this dynamic morning re-adaptation to life.
I got totally lost. I did two or three loops inside the park, at a very professional looking pace, waiving at the patrols along the way, greeting dog strollers and admiring these weird flashy orange gates that have mushroomed everywhere. Found a cute icy lake and some Star Trek decor looking rocky hills before finally ending up on the North side of the park, when I was really looking to go back to the southWest entrance. I was also some 70 streets north of my origin. I ran a quick market analysis in the back of my brain (and old reflex acquired in business school, seems to run constantly as a background job now) and concluded: not good.
I tried to zig zag back through the park, ran all around some large reservoir only to find myself on the exact opposite side again from where I really wanted to go. I was facing East and wanted to go West. this stupid sun chose not to show up, so i didn't know which way West was. I tried many paths and bridges, got chased by a tiny dog who could run surprisingly fast given the size of his legs (maybe I was surprisingly slow given the size of mine) - stopped for half a second to ask for directions. I spotted a lady who was walking dogs from an entire neighborhood - managed to hear her say "you must exit the park" in the midst of barking and roaring and finally, picked a direction and started to look for an exit sign. I had long stopped trusting the twists and turns inside this evil park.
I ran all the way back ALONGSIDE the park, on the west side, until I found my point of origin. I was another mile or so away from my hotel, which I covered at supersonic speed as I was getting horribly late for my first meeting.
Bottom line, I ran between 10 to 12 miles, and was out for 1 hr and 40 min.
Since then I have mutated into a snail.
But really the reason for my posting something is simply because I did promise some late perspective on this blog - and I have not forgotten my promise. I will get organized around it...one day
I am on a business trip. I went running the other day. Chose the biggest city park, conveniently located a few blocks away from my hotel. Left at 6.30am, half awake. I was planning on doing a 5 mile/45min loop, full of fresh morning intentions - and I paced myself for this dynamic morning re-adaptation to life.
I got totally lost. I did two or three loops inside the park, at a very professional looking pace, waiving at the patrols along the way, greeting dog strollers and admiring these weird flashy orange gates that have mushroomed everywhere. Found a cute icy lake and some Star Trek decor looking rocky hills before finally ending up on the North side of the park, when I was really looking to go back to the southWest entrance. I was also some 70 streets north of my origin. I ran a quick market analysis in the back of my brain (and old reflex acquired in business school, seems to run constantly as a background job now) and concluded: not good.
I tried to zig zag back through the park, ran all around some large reservoir only to find myself on the exact opposite side again from where I really wanted to go. I was facing East and wanted to go West. this stupid sun chose not to show up, so i didn't know which way West was. I tried many paths and bridges, got chased by a tiny dog who could run surprisingly fast given the size of his legs (maybe I was surprisingly slow given the size of mine) - stopped for half a second to ask for directions. I spotted a lady who was walking dogs from an entire neighborhood - managed to hear her say "you must exit the park" in the midst of barking and roaring and finally, picked a direction and started to look for an exit sign. I had long stopped trusting the twists and turns inside this evil park.
I ran all the way back ALONGSIDE the park, on the west side, until I found my point of origin. I was another mile or so away from my hotel, which I covered at supersonic speed as I was getting horribly late for my first meeting.
Bottom line, I ran between 10 to 12 miles, and was out for 1 hr and 40 min.
Since then I have mutated into a snail.
But really the reason for my posting something is simply because I did promise some late perspective on this blog - and I have not forgotten my promise. I will get organized around it...one day
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Monday, November 01, 2004
I will be starting work on November 15th - a dream company but not in my dream location.
I am in Asia right now. I will spend some time in Europe too before I start. I am talking to a lot of friends from my promotion, from other promotion, from businesses in general.
Some people have argued that Insead is a mirror of the world. Only a positive reflection then. Reality hits you hard in the face when you step out. I hear Pakistanese friends who moan about their families arranging marriages for them back home, I hear French friends who bash about some traditional French companies who did not want to recognize their degree, I hear Chinese friends who work for an old school Indonesian leader who cannot take criticism and must micromanage everybody, I hear Hong Kong friends who worry that high levels of mistrust in the new government will lead to an increased number of deals under the carpet and undermine Hong Kong's reputation for transparency; I hear a Paris fan who had to settle for Switzerland, an Africa fan who has to settle for Europe, a Tokyo fan who might have to settle for Shanghai. I hear European friends who must postpone their Asian dreams, Asian who must postpone their US dreams, disillusioned American friends who were just asked to be "fit for the job, without having to wave an MBA as a sine qua non condition to get in".
It will be interesting to see where all these people will, 5 yrs from now.
I am in Asia right now. I will spend some time in Europe too before I start. I am talking to a lot of friends from my promotion, from other promotion, from businesses in general.
Some people have argued that Insead is a mirror of the world. Only a positive reflection then. Reality hits you hard in the face when you step out. I hear Pakistanese friends who moan about their families arranging marriages for them back home, I hear French friends who bash about some traditional French companies who did not want to recognize their degree, I hear Chinese friends who work for an old school Indonesian leader who cannot take criticism and must micromanage everybody, I hear Hong Kong friends who worry that high levels of mistrust in the new government will lead to an increased number of deals under the carpet and undermine Hong Kong's reputation for transparency; I hear a Paris fan who had to settle for Switzerland, an Africa fan who has to settle for Europe, a Tokyo fan who might have to settle for Shanghai. I hear European friends who must postpone their Asian dreams, Asian who must postpone their US dreams, disillusioned American friends who were just asked to be "fit for the job, without having to wave an MBA as a sine qua non condition to get in".
It will be interesting to see where all these people will, 5 yrs from now.
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Monday, October 04, 2004
I just had a conversation with an Algerian friend. She is a truly formidable woman in my humble opinion.
There is a common stereotype about the Arab world, which associates Arabs with the typical carpet salesman, the "bargain" type. Even negotiation professors use this example as the ideal negotiator. Some people argue that well conducted negotiations make for nearly perfect market as there would be no need for price discrimination. This only holds insofar as you consider all of these negotiations perfect...Guidebooks "educate" tourists to negotiate everything, even a 10th of a cent on a cab ride. Note that most of these guidebooks are written by non-natives who have extensively travel (not lived) in these countries and that not all of these books will get reviewe by natives.
My friend was telling me that in general and for most common items, people just pay the price on the tag. People will negotiate only if they have strong reasons for doing so. For instance, suppose that the quality advertised for an item differs greatly from the observable fact. If the price on the tag is associated with the advertised quality, it might not correspond to the value of the item. This can be grounds for negotiations. What I understood was that Arabs do not negotiate just for the sake of negotiating, because it is a "culture" thing. I can then also understand if they become irritated at tourists negotiating because it is "fun", because it is just a game. We were taught that everything is "negotiable" - unless it is clearly illegal. Does it make negotiating everything desirable?
We also talked about languages. My friend shared with me that Arabic was a language of love and passion. I can try to talk about languages I am more familiar with. I experience Spanish as a language of passion and fire. It has Arabic roots. I experience French and Italian as languages of love. They have latin roots, and French slang contains a lot of Arabic terms.
Poetry does not translate well. It would be difficult to appreciate the beauty of a Pushkin or a Goethe poem without reading it in its original form. However, for many of us, a translation will be the only way to get exposed to the diversity and richness of poetry in Arabic. This culture offers many poems, songs and stories which are well worth discovering.
There is a common stereotype about the Arab world, which associates Arabs with the typical carpet salesman, the "bargain" type. Even negotiation professors use this example as the ideal negotiator. Some people argue that well conducted negotiations make for nearly perfect market as there would be no need for price discrimination. This only holds insofar as you consider all of these negotiations perfect...Guidebooks "educate" tourists to negotiate everything, even a 10th of a cent on a cab ride. Note that most of these guidebooks are written by non-natives who have extensively travel (not lived) in these countries and that not all of these books will get reviewe by natives.
My friend was telling me that in general and for most common items, people just pay the price on the tag. People will negotiate only if they have strong reasons for doing so. For instance, suppose that the quality advertised for an item differs greatly from the observable fact. If the price on the tag is associated with the advertised quality, it might not correspond to the value of the item. This can be grounds for negotiations. What I understood was that Arabs do not negotiate just for the sake of negotiating, because it is a "culture" thing. I can then also understand if they become irritated at tourists negotiating because it is "fun", because it is just a game. We were taught that everything is "negotiable" - unless it is clearly illegal. Does it make negotiating everything desirable?
We also talked about languages. My friend shared with me that Arabic was a language of love and passion. I can try to talk about languages I am more familiar with. I experience Spanish as a language of passion and fire. It has Arabic roots. I experience French and Italian as languages of love. They have latin roots, and French slang contains a lot of Arabic terms.
Poetry does not translate well. It would be difficult to appreciate the beauty of a Pushkin or a Goethe poem without reading it in its original form. However, for many of us, a translation will be the only way to get exposed to the diversity and richness of poetry in Arabic. This culture offers many poems, songs and stories which are well worth discovering.
Friday, September 24, 2004
We still have not received our deposit back for our house in Fontainebleau (and we did not have any hot water for the last two months). So if anyone of you decides to live North of Fontainebleau, across from Barbizon, let me know. I can tell you if you will be dealing with our dreaded landlady...
No news from France Telecom. I bet they forgot me. But SBC Pacfic Bell conned me into paying for a lot of extra months of line rental because they forgot to disconnect my phone. I am going to use VoIP from now on, wireless access points or smoke signals. I think wired telephone companies hate me.
No news from France Telecom. I bet they forgot me. But SBC Pacfic Bell conned me into paying for a lot of extra months of line rental because they forgot to disconnect my phone. I am going to use VoIP from now on, wireless access points or smoke signals. I think wired telephone companies hate me.
I talked to someone last night at a dinner - She's Canadian, lives in the US and spent a few months in Paris. I thought I should post this as it might be a useful lesson for anybody trying to "Frenchise" their English.
This lady was walking around Paris telling people that she didn't like American bread because she didn't like preservatives (too much in American bread according to her). She was also telling everyone that she was very excited (to be in France, in Paris, etc...). Preservatives does not translate into preservatif. "Preservatif " in French, as she found out later, means condom. And excited does not translated into "excite" in French. Excite (pronounce excitay) means "horny".
So this lady was going around Paris, telling people about how "horny" she was, and then adding that she really didn't like condoms. The poor Parisians must have been thinking: "and the world bashes about our liberalism! It should look at the other side of the Atlantic!"
This lady was walking around Paris telling people that she didn't like American bread because she didn't like preservatives (too much in American bread according to her). She was also telling everyone that she was very excited (to be in France, in Paris, etc...). Preservatives does not translate into preservatif. "Preservatif " in French, as she found out later, means condom. And excited does not translated into "excite" in French. Excite (pronounce excitay) means "horny".
So this lady was going around Paris, telling people about how "horny" she was, and then adding that she really didn't like condoms. The poor Parisians must have been thinking: "and the world bashes about our liberalism! It should look at the other side of the Atlantic!"
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Some people have enquired about France Telecom.
I did manage to get them on the phone - as I put pressure on the law people to get access to their service directly. They indicated that the law office never passed on any of my letters (great...). It took me two phone calls to get them to realize that I never had a phone line. They passed the enquiry to their customer service department (I was talking to the claims and legal issues department) as they figured it must have been some sort of mistake but they are apparently months behind with their claims. I indicated that I was leaving the country and was quite anxious to close this matter off. They will do their best and they assured me that they now understood better the situation, although it was still puzzling to read that I had requested a line and claims not to have any. I invited them to visit the property and check for themselves. Anyway, it looks as if there is some progress...Back here, I now have to phone another local company who hasn't figured out that I left months ago and forgot to disconnect my number...For some reason I never get on well with phone companies anywhere I go...
There you go. The day things clear out completely and I become a trusted customer again, I will let you know.
I did manage to get them on the phone - as I put pressure on the law people to get access to their service directly. They indicated that the law office never passed on any of my letters (great...). It took me two phone calls to get them to realize that I never had a phone line. They passed the enquiry to their customer service department (I was talking to the claims and legal issues department) as they figured it must have been some sort of mistake but they are apparently months behind with their claims. I indicated that I was leaving the country and was quite anxious to close this matter off. They will do their best and they assured me that they now understood better the situation, although it was still puzzling to read that I had requested a line and claims not to have any. I invited them to visit the property and check for themselves. Anyway, it looks as if there is some progress...Back here, I now have to phone another local company who hasn't figured out that I left months ago and forgot to disconnect my number...For some reason I never get on well with phone companies anywhere I go...
There you go. The day things clear out completely and I become a trusted customer again, I will let you know.
Friday, July 09, 2004
Welcome to this journal, offering to the world the lunatic mood of an MBA ape participant. This journal is about living and studying in France, and living and studying in Singapore at INSEAD – an international business school. It started at the beginning of the first term, in August 2003 but because the primate could not figure out the technicality of Internet posting, it was brought online a couple of months afterwards.
This journal is as accurate, comprehensive and honest as possible. It was inspired by my predecessor, Lucky Goldstar, whom I must thank tremendously. Both the Lucky Star and the Immature Primate had noticed an information gap between the INSeaDE and the outsEAde world. I dearly hope that it has or will be of use to you, readers of all nations, who choose to gather around these words. These writings are meant as a service to you.
More information about Insead can be found at www.insead.edu. More information about MBA bloggers can be found at http://mbaleague.blogspot.com/.
If you cannot find the answer to your question in this journal, I will be happy to be of further assistance. You can e-mail me, by just clicking on the left-hand side of this page.
I must now go on with my life – and cannot wait to become a more concrete contributor to the global economy. I will summarize the key lessons I have learned at business school, and more specifically at INSEAD during the course of the summer. It will be a repeat of the main takeaways. I must wait and gain some perspective. This journal per say, ends here - unless anyone of you emails me with an urgent question that will benefit all - or if I hear something extraordinarily useful.
If you read some of the "Dean at INSEAD" posts again, and focus on the "seriously" section - some ideas might start appearing, after discussions with good friends and fellow classmates.
- Decision to go to Business School
- Application Process
- Choice of Campus
- Move and Expensive, sorry Executive Solutions
- First Periods
- Group Work
- Campus Exchange
- Elective Choice and Bidding
- Job Search
- Becoming a member of the INSEAD Family.
Regardless of the flaws of the program - like of every program - this year has been an AMAZING year.
I must thank all of you readers, supporters, classmates, sailors of the 7 seas. Thank you to the founders of INSEAD, visionary leaders of the global economy.
I will keep writing as I have much to share and explore with all of you – but today, I bid you goodbye.
Finance Monkey
Fontainebleau, 9th July 2004
This journal is as accurate, comprehensive and honest as possible. It was inspired by my predecessor, Lucky Goldstar, whom I must thank tremendously. Both the Lucky Star and the Immature Primate had noticed an information gap between the INSeaDE and the outsEAde world. I dearly hope that it has or will be of use to you, readers of all nations, who choose to gather around these words. These writings are meant as a service to you.
More information about Insead can be found at www.insead.edu. More information about MBA bloggers can be found at http://mbaleague.blogspot.com/.
If you cannot find the answer to your question in this journal, I will be happy to be of further assistance. You can e-mail me, by just clicking on the left-hand side of this page.
I must now go on with my life – and cannot wait to become a more concrete contributor to the global economy. I will summarize the key lessons I have learned at business school, and more specifically at INSEAD during the course of the summer. It will be a repeat of the main takeaways. I must wait and gain some perspective. This journal per say, ends here - unless anyone of you emails me with an urgent question that will benefit all - or if I hear something extraordinarily useful.
If you read some of the "Dean at INSEAD" posts again, and focus on the "seriously" section - some ideas might start appearing, after discussions with good friends and fellow classmates.
- Decision to go to Business School
- Application Process
- Choice of Campus
- Move and Expensive, sorry Executive Solutions
- First Periods
- Group Work
- Campus Exchange
- Elective Choice and Bidding
- Job Search
- Becoming a member of the INSEAD Family.
Regardless of the flaws of the program - like of every program - this year has been an AMAZING year.
I must thank all of you readers, supporters, classmates, sailors of the 7 seas. Thank you to the founders of INSEAD, visionary leaders of the global economy.
I will keep writing as I have much to share and explore with all of you – but today, I bid you goodbye.
Finance Monkey
Fontainebleau, 9th July 2004
Our Global Strategy Management professor gave us the most inspirational lecture to conclude is inspirational course.
“The successful companies are the ones that manage to achieve profitable and sustainable growth – however, the most admired companies, the ones that will go down well in history are the ones that are also the most ethical and that have had a positive impact on their ecosystem and society at large.”
“It is not necessary for all companies to go global to be successful. It is necessary for all companies to think global. A few years ago, Philips and Thomson did not count with a Samsung, the computing industry with an Acer, Dell with a Legend – or Zara with a Giordano. Ford did not expect Toyota to emerge, nor Lafarge Cemex.”
“There was an experiment done a few years ago – people put in vitro communism, socialism and capitalism. The experience is over and a mix of capitalism and capitalist socialism has won. However, has it really? Is it a victory to have 40 million people without medical coverage in the US? In that respect, with their slow and backward looking attitude, the French might be rendering the greatest service to humanity, as it pulls it back a little as, to me, the biggest question is: To Grow, yes, but how FAST?
We cannot make unlimited uncontrolled use of public goods, we cannot use up our oil reserves, without planning for replacement, we cannot burn down the Amazon forest, we cannot build cities and deplete the land from its natural rejuvenation mechanism, we cannot produce more carbon dioxide than nature can absorb, we cannot make more babies than there are daycare facilities, etc…”
“My recommendation to you is to take a stand – choose your values and represent them well in your communities. Do not hurry and weigh carefully the consequences of your action. Be what you say you are and the world will admire you.”
“The successful companies are the ones that manage to achieve profitable and sustainable growth – however, the most admired companies, the ones that will go down well in history are the ones that are also the most ethical and that have had a positive impact on their ecosystem and society at large.”
“It is not necessary for all companies to go global to be successful. It is necessary for all companies to think global. A few years ago, Philips and Thomson did not count with a Samsung, the computing industry with an Acer, Dell with a Legend – or Zara with a Giordano. Ford did not expect Toyota to emerge, nor Lafarge Cemex.”
“There was an experiment done a few years ago – people put in vitro communism, socialism and capitalism. The experience is over and a mix of capitalism and capitalist socialism has won. However, has it really? Is it a victory to have 40 million people without medical coverage in the US? In that respect, with their slow and backward looking attitude, the French might be rendering the greatest service to humanity, as it pulls it back a little as, to me, the biggest question is: To Grow, yes, but how FAST?
We cannot make unlimited uncontrolled use of public goods, we cannot use up our oil reserves, without planning for replacement, we cannot burn down the Amazon forest, we cannot build cities and deplete the land from its natural rejuvenation mechanism, we cannot produce more carbon dioxide than nature can absorb, we cannot make more babies than there are daycare facilities, etc…”
“My recommendation to you is to take a stand – choose your values and represent them well in your communities. Do not hurry and weigh carefully the consequences of your action. Be what you say you are and the world will admire you.”
Heard in our BBQ last night
“I now understand why the French don’t travel – I went around the country and it is just amazing – so varied and beautiful” – South African MBA graduate
Heard at my last dinner at Ty-Koz
"there is an obvious equity agency cost at the school. There are some key shareholders: faculty, participants, alumni, staff and the power seems to reside totally in the hands of one of them..." - French MBA graduate
“I now understand why the French don’t travel – I went around the country and it is just amazing – so varied and beautiful” – South African MBA graduate
Heard at my last dinner at Ty-Koz
"there is an obvious equity agency cost at the school. There are some key shareholders: faculty, participants, alumni, staff and the power seems to reside totally in the hands of one of them..." - French MBA graduate
One last time, I would like to encourage INSEAD MBA participants to share more and more of their stories. Writing this journal has been a fantastic experience for me – and the more independent voices the better to minimize any biased opinion.
New applicants have indicated that the blog was informative, helpful both for their application, and for their decision to apply to INSEAD (or not).
Recent admits have said that the journal provided sufficient data to support their decision to join INSEAD (or not), and of Fontainebleau or Singapore as a starting campus – and to get ready for a move.
Current participants launched into a Cluedo adventure to find out who I was and would often email me comments.
INSEAD graduates could perhaps get a fresh taste of the life in the abstract world of education and recall fond memories of their time on campus.
Other satellite readers, such as MBA participants in other schools, faculty members both at INSEAD and in other schools and people managing these programs have browsed through the journal and at times, send me an email or two.
I originated this diary for my friends and family – I believe that none of them actively followed it as some are still surprised when I announce them that I have graduated. They thought I was still backpacking in Latin America.
You can decide about the amount of time you wish to dedicate to writing – you can make it as fun, as descriptive, as deep as you like – just try to keep it honest!
If you want to talk more about blogging, don’t hesitate to email me.
New applicants have indicated that the blog was informative, helpful both for their application, and for their decision to apply to INSEAD (or not).
Recent admits have said that the journal provided sufficient data to support their decision to join INSEAD (or not), and of Fontainebleau or Singapore as a starting campus – and to get ready for a move.
Current participants launched into a Cluedo adventure to find out who I was and would often email me comments.
INSEAD graduates could perhaps get a fresh taste of the life in the abstract world of education and recall fond memories of their time on campus.
Other satellite readers, such as MBA participants in other schools, faculty members both at INSEAD and in other schools and people managing these programs have browsed through the journal and at times, send me an email or two.
I originated this diary for my friends and family – I believe that none of them actively followed it as some are still surprised when I announce them that I have graduated. They thought I was still backpacking in Latin America.
You can decide about the amount of time you wish to dedicate to writing – you can make it as fun, as descriptive, as deep as you like – just try to keep it honest!
If you want to talk more about blogging, don’t hesitate to email me.
When Deans are Finance teachers, we already know what it is like:
- Z-curve
- tuition fees rising with appreciation of the euro
- 18% women last year (fortunately up now but the Dean is moving to economics;-) )
- high bidding scores for electives
- no Finance elective would clash if you want to take them all, which will not be the case for all other electives
- A name that no one understands ;-)
- Periods bear names that aren't as creative as something simple such as GENESIS, ANTIQUITY, MIDDLE AGES, RENAISSANCE, REVOLUTION ...with a fixed number of electives in a fixed grid
- The Most Outstanding Professor of the year is a Finance professor, and I think that the Dean of te MBA program, Exec Ed and INSEAD are Finance professors...
Couldn't resist...Sorry...
;-)
- Z-curve
- tuition fees rising with appreciation of the euro
- 18% women last year (fortunately up now but the Dean is moving to economics;-) )
- high bidding scores for electives
- no Finance elective would clash if you want to take them all, which will not be the case for all other electives
- A name that no one understands ;-)
- Periods bear names that aren't as creative as something simple such as GENESIS, ANTIQUITY, MIDDLE AGES, RENAISSANCE, REVOLUTION ...with a fixed number of electives in a fixed grid
- The Most Outstanding Professor of the year is a Finance professor, and I think that the Dean of te MBA program, Exec Ed and INSEAD are Finance professors...
Couldn't resist...Sorry...
;-)
I really like our yearbook - I cannot post here anybody else's profile without permission but I can give samples of the ones I wrote, taking out the names. Our classmates write profiles about each and everyone of us...
Here is X profile
Some argued that X was a power fanatic with an International Tech hat on, much like his president, except for the style of hat. In reality, he pushed the concept of non-authoritarian consensus building to its limits by making a series of controversial moves. He developed close contact dating techniques, through the delivery of self-defense classes to the 18% minority under threat. After running his own company and have little to learn from INSEAD, X nevertheless supported international cooperation by raising the number of languages per capita. We only regret his preference for useless dialects, such as French and Finnish. Admittedly, in the Olympics, it would be hard for this international patchwork to choose which flag to run with. The boldness and originality of his views on international affairs were magnificently illustrated by interventions in which he turned into a passionate walking encyclopedia. As such, he courageously stood against the abyss of ignorance of his national leaders. X also embraced true values in Singapore as he revealed to his senses the voluptuous secrets of Thai massage, the delights of Asian food, the vapors of alcohol and the power of female seduction. Most likely to win in a fight with Jacky Chang while enjoying caviar and champagne.
Here is Y profile
If James Bond were Indian, Y would get the role. His charm and social ease gets him whatever (and whoever) he wants. It is hard to imagine this all-smile, funky cool guy has contributed to half the world’s marketable technical inventions. When not breaking people with his wicked cross-over on the basketball court, he attempted to pick-up his French teacher with Level I skills. Needless to say, “ça va?” did not get him very far despite his Dawg gangsta look (he lowered his car seats all the way down!).
Y is gifted at almost everything he does: tennis, skiing, cooking, yet he generously pours wine into your glass at a party. He is the most credible and incredible person when he claims that grades rank second to learning and having fun (he never opened his grade envelopes, preferring to surround his cleverness with an air of mystery.) Y rules when it comes to handling “liquidity” products. He’d never run on a negative bash flow. Most likely to sell for a profit, then be asked to turn around the same company four or five times, before retiring a sublime millionaire with a delicate glass of vodka, at age 35.
Here is Z Profile
Ever want to get away from life for a short bit? Z's the person to talk to. Four months in Singapore were insufficient to travel to all the places she wanted to go. She generated more travel ideas than the rest of INSEAD and took us all over SE Asia. And more than that, she doesn't need transport like us common mortals! She sails. Really well.
Super Z, full of energy, enthusiasm and eternally rearing to go. Where? Nobody knows … But be careful of what you say, our class Lois Lane is always on the watch. However, this hard-hitting writer needs no Superman, her own super powers include a wit faster than a speeding bullet, a sports addiction hardly contained by volleyball, a charisma more powerful than a locomotive and a charm to leap over all men. Omnipresent and effervescent, she is a generous powerhouse.
From cycling through the forest of Fontainebleau, to dancing in the nightclubs of SingaPOMP, and back - she added color wherever she went. Let’s just hope she never gets a job as a France Telecom/UPS representative!
Most likely to be the first MBA woman to sail around the world (and write about it!)
Here is X profile
Some argued that X was a power fanatic with an International Tech hat on, much like his president, except for the style of hat. In reality, he pushed the concept of non-authoritarian consensus building to its limits by making a series of controversial moves. He developed close contact dating techniques, through the delivery of self-defense classes to the 18% minority under threat. After running his own company and have little to learn from INSEAD, X nevertheless supported international cooperation by raising the number of languages per capita. We only regret his preference for useless dialects, such as French and Finnish. Admittedly, in the Olympics, it would be hard for this international patchwork to choose which flag to run with. The boldness and originality of his views on international affairs were magnificently illustrated by interventions in which he turned into a passionate walking encyclopedia. As such, he courageously stood against the abyss of ignorance of his national leaders. X also embraced true values in Singapore as he revealed to his senses the voluptuous secrets of Thai massage, the delights of Asian food, the vapors of alcohol and the power of female seduction. Most likely to win in a fight with Jacky Chang while enjoying caviar and champagne.
Here is Y profile
If James Bond were Indian, Y would get the role. His charm and social ease gets him whatever (and whoever) he wants. It is hard to imagine this all-smile, funky cool guy has contributed to half the world’s marketable technical inventions. When not breaking people with his wicked cross-over on the basketball court, he attempted to pick-up his French teacher with Level I skills. Needless to say, “ça va?” did not get him very far despite his Dawg gangsta look (he lowered his car seats all the way down!).
Y is gifted at almost everything he does: tennis, skiing, cooking, yet he generously pours wine into your glass at a party. He is the most credible and incredible person when he claims that grades rank second to learning and having fun (he never opened his grade envelopes, preferring to surround his cleverness with an air of mystery.) Y rules when it comes to handling “liquidity” products. He’d never run on a negative bash flow. Most likely to sell for a profit, then be asked to turn around the same company four or five times, before retiring a sublime millionaire with a delicate glass of vodka, at age 35.
Here is Z Profile
Ever want to get away from life for a short bit? Z's the person to talk to. Four months in Singapore were insufficient to travel to all the places she wanted to go. She generated more travel ideas than the rest of INSEAD and took us all over SE Asia. And more than that, she doesn't need transport like us common mortals! She sails. Really well.
Super Z, full of energy, enthusiasm and eternally rearing to go. Where? Nobody knows … But be careful of what you say, our class Lois Lane is always on the watch. However, this hard-hitting writer needs no Superman, her own super powers include a wit faster than a speeding bullet, a sports addiction hardly contained by volleyball, a charisma more powerful than a locomotive and a charm to leap over all men. Omnipresent and effervescent, she is a generous powerhouse.
From cycling through the forest of Fontainebleau, to dancing in the nightclubs of SingaPOMP, and back - she added color wherever she went. Let’s just hope she never gets a job as a France Telecom/UPS representative!
Most likely to be the first MBA woman to sail around the world (and write about it!)
Ooops, I have seriously increased my speed of typing in the past few months...
The quality of my grammar and number of typos have become inversely proportional and both have experienced changes conditional to this F1 writing style...for the worse.
If I was really serious about this blog, I'd have to read again all the posts and correct all of that. I apologize for the inconvenience, ask for your forgiveness and thank you for your understanding.
Yesterday, I had a lovely Italian dinner - even if my Italian friend left the pasta in the water 1 minute too many and complained for most of the evening about overcooked pasta. Nice Italian salad, nice Italian cheese, nice Italian pasta and nice French red wine. Topped off by a fantastic black coffee and wonderful company. What more could you ask, as your eyes reach into the disorder of a few branches in blossom, extending out to the sky in a silent prayer.
Today, I had an Australian-style Barbecue at my old house, hosted by my old housemates with South African, English, Australian, Peruvian and a Belgian lady to break the Commonwealth circle. I now bring my own food if I don't want to suffer from the now well-known vegetarian BBQ famine. One of the British guests works in healthcare. He indicated that the French have the highest consumption of drugs per capita in the world and the highest concentration of pharmacies per sq km. Apparently, on average, a doctor will prescribe 5 drugs after each visit and they would be very generous in their use of antibiotics. This is very bad as bugs get used to antibiotics and he reckons that within 10 to 20 years, the world will go back to what it was before antibiotics were introduced.
Another interesting part of the conversation hovered around the fact that the "Homeless" holiday package was one of the best sellers in Germany. Apparently, people PAY to get dropped off with plastic bags and no money in London for a week of begging and supreme survival skills. If people are willing to pay for THAT - my idea about opening an ice-cream business in Greenland doesn't sound so stupid anymore.
A peruvian guest was actively listening to a girlie conversation about whether men look better in speedos or in short (the Perfect Body syndrom struck again). We concluded that it depended on the original looks of the man, rather than on swim-wear fashion. He asked: "so do you prefer your underwear..." and was stopped by furious women, outraged at his lack of manners. Confused like hell, he had to explain..."I used to work for Procter and Gamble, I marketed sanitary towels, sorry it's a reflex, it was very important for us to know the type of underwear that women like to wear..." This is the greatest opening line I heard this year...
And if you are looking for a truly nice restaurant in a truly nice place, try Le Boulevard at the bottom of the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Never been there but everyone around the table recommended it.
The quality of my grammar and number of typos have become inversely proportional and both have experienced changes conditional to this F1 writing style...for the worse.
If I was really serious about this blog, I'd have to read again all the posts and correct all of that. I apologize for the inconvenience, ask for your forgiveness and thank you for your understanding.
Yesterday, I had a lovely Italian dinner - even if my Italian friend left the pasta in the water 1 minute too many and complained for most of the evening about overcooked pasta. Nice Italian salad, nice Italian cheese, nice Italian pasta and nice French red wine. Topped off by a fantastic black coffee and wonderful company. What more could you ask, as your eyes reach into the disorder of a few branches in blossom, extending out to the sky in a silent prayer.
Today, I had an Australian-style Barbecue at my old house, hosted by my old housemates with South African, English, Australian, Peruvian and a Belgian lady to break the Commonwealth circle. I now bring my own food if I don't want to suffer from the now well-known vegetarian BBQ famine. One of the British guests works in healthcare. He indicated that the French have the highest consumption of drugs per capita in the world and the highest concentration of pharmacies per sq km. Apparently, on average, a doctor will prescribe 5 drugs after each visit and they would be very generous in their use of antibiotics. This is very bad as bugs get used to antibiotics and he reckons that within 10 to 20 years, the world will go back to what it was before antibiotics were introduced.
Another interesting part of the conversation hovered around the fact that the "Homeless" holiday package was one of the best sellers in Germany. Apparently, people PAY to get dropped off with plastic bags and no money in London for a week of begging and supreme survival skills. If people are willing to pay for THAT - my idea about opening an ice-cream business in Greenland doesn't sound so stupid anymore.
A peruvian guest was actively listening to a girlie conversation about whether men look better in speedos or in short (the Perfect Body syndrom struck again). We concluded that it depended on the original looks of the man, rather than on swim-wear fashion. He asked: "so do you prefer your underwear..." and was stopped by furious women, outraged at his lack of manners. Confused like hell, he had to explain..."I used to work for Procter and Gamble, I marketed sanitary towels, sorry it's a reflex, it was very important for us to know the type of underwear that women like to wear..." This is the greatest opening line I heard this year...
And if you are looking for a truly nice restaurant in a truly nice place, try Le Boulevard at the bottom of the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Never been there but everyone around the table recommended it.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Now that this blog is coming to a close, I invite you, readers and beneficiaries, to provide some feedback. Not to me anymore but to INSEAD with respect to this kind of information, blogs in general, this blog in particular (I have graduated, it's ok to do so now), or with respect to the school. INSEAD is desirous to make things change when it matters to applicants and participants and they want to hear from you.
We can do this several ways.
You can either email me - with a subject line FEEDBACK. I will compile this feedback and forward it to INSEAD. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know. I'll be sure to remove your name.
You can contact INSEAD directly. Either INSEAD MBA Marketing or the general contact number and they will redirect your e-mail.
I have received feedback about this blog all along, from applicants, new and current participants, professors, Deans or ex-Deans of other programs (!) and MBA grads (from INSEAD and other schools). I thank all of you for your encouragements, keep them coming as this email address will remain valid for a while. It is very gratifying to hear from you. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any help to you in the future - or if you know of any need in marketing or product development ;-)
You have been the best part of this blogging experience - good luck to you all!
We can do this several ways.
You can either email me - with a subject line FEEDBACK. I will compile this feedback and forward it to INSEAD. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know. I'll be sure to remove your name.
You can contact INSEAD directly. Either INSEAD MBA Marketing or the general contact number and they will redirect your e-mail.
I have received feedback about this blog all along, from applicants, new and current participants, professors, Deans or ex-Deans of other programs (!) and MBA grads (from INSEAD and other schools). I thank all of you for your encouragements, keep them coming as this email address will remain valid for a while. It is very gratifying to hear from you. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any help to you in the future - or if you know of any need in marketing or product development ;-)
You have been the best part of this blogging experience - good luck to you all!
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