What Makes Laura Freedman an Exceptional MBA Consultant?
Meet Laura Freedman, a dedicated MBA Admissions Consultant with extensive experience guiding students on their postgraduate career paths. Having worked as a career coach and MBA admissions consultant since 1993, she has a reputation as one of the most experienced MBA admissions consultants, particularly for INSEAD. She is also the principal of Access Education and an MBA admissions consultant specializing in international MBA programs.
Laura brings firsthand knowledge as an INSEAD MBA alum and former INSEAD careers team member in Singapore.
Laura Freedman’s Diverse Educational and Professional Background
Laura’s impressive academic background includes an MBA from INSEAD, a degree from Université Paris Dauphine PSL, and a BA from Cornell University. With over 14 years of consulting experience, her global career has taken her from Citibank and Booz Allen to Standard Chartered Bank and Deloitte Touche.
Laura speaks four languages at a native or professional level. Having lived in several countries throughout her career, she is now based in Austin, Texas, in the United States.
Early Passion for Global Cultures and Languages
From an early age, Laura was drawn to international environments and found great joy in exploring other cultures and languages, recalling that she found it ‘incredibly exciting.’ (03:33)
Laura reflects, “In some ways, I think I’m kind of a classic INSEADer.” (02:39)
Born in Germany, raised in Ithaca, New York, and later living in Chicago, Laura was exposed to many languages during her schooling. She was taught French at school by an Italian teacher living in America. She notes, ‘I thought that was the coolest thing!’ (03:03).
This sparked her fascination with global perspectives. Completing her senior year abroad in France, she eventually pursued a master’s degree in France as well.
Discovering INSEAD: A World of Global Perspectives
At the age of 20, while studying a master’s program in France, she took a train up to Fontainebleau to explore the INSEAD campus. After sneaking into the dining room for a meal and chatting with some MBA students from all over the world, she knew INSEAD was the place for her, “It was like the UN, and I was just blown away.” (04:13)
However, her path to INSEAD was less than linear. At 26, she applied for INSEAD and was refused. Although she spoke fluent French, studied Spanish, had a prestigious degree from an Ivy League school in the United States, had a 750 GMAT, and was on the board of Junior Achievement, she was told she was not the right fit yet.
An admissions director told her to gain work experience as a consultant in Europe, which seemed impossible, but this fuelled her to take her international career to the next level. Laura then worked her way from Citibank in New York via some key networking contacts into the Paris office at Booz Allen. A few years later, she reapplied and was finally accepted into her dream school.
INSEAD Insights: A Global Mindset in Every Classroom
Laura emphasizes that INSEAD is more than an international business school; it’s a truly global institution. Most students have already navigated diverse cultural landscapes, creating an atmosphere where they recognize the value of humility and collaborative learning across languages and perspectives.
Laura highlights, “INSEADers understand that you’re never going to be the smartest person in the room if everybody in the room is speaking Vietnamese.” (01:18)
INSEAD enforces a distinctive MBA Language Policy that requires students to speak at least two languages on arrival and three by graduation. This policy ensures graduates leave with the linguistic and cultural skills necessary for leadership in a global context.
Laura stresses that INSEADers are globally minded and thrive in multicultural settings. What typically sets the INSEADer apart is what makes them an ‘insider’ at INSEAD.
The INSEAD Legacy: A Truly Global MBA Program
INSEAD’s founding in 1957 by former Harvard professor George Doriot emphasized the importance of bridging cultures from the United States, Britain, and Europe in the wake of WWII.
Laura believes this legacy lives on at INSEAD, where there is a deep commitment to fostering collaboration across cultures to drive economic growth and peaceful business partnerships. These values continue to shape INSEAD’s approach today, embedding a commitment to cross-cultural learning and global connectivity in each student’s journey.
How to Stand Out as a Real INSEAD MBA Candidate
If Laura’s story is anything to go by, an INSEAD applicant shows authenticity, tenacity, and perseverance. Dedication to the INSEAD application process will only be matched by the student’s willingness to be transparent and brave when telling their story and sharing the goals they have for their future careers. As a school renowned for its diverse and multicultural environment, it is essential to highlight, rather than hide, the diversity of your experience in your application.
INSEAD’s diverse cohort, composed of students from a wide range of nationalities, provides an environment where different cultures, perspectives, and business practices naturally intersect. This diversity is central to the INSEAD experience, creating a setting where students gain valuable insights not only from faculty members but also from the varied backgrounds and perspectives of their peers.
Building a Community of Outsiders at INSEAD
As Laura explains, many students come from different cultures or locations and are accustomed to being outsiders; elsewhere, this could be seen as a challenge or something to overcome.
However, when new students arrive at INSEAD, they become insiders. Laura believes this transformation makes INSEAD so compelling to new students.
Laura explains, “INSEADers are accustomed to being outsiders; we’re kind of used to landing in an environment where we’re the odd person out. When we get to INSEAD, suddenly being an outsider makes us insiders, and that’s a very powerful experience.” (1:35)
Likewise, the school emphasizes the strength of global perspectives and how they can assist in building the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to excel in global business structures and drive meaningful change in organizations worldwide.
Laura Freedman’s Ongoing Commitment to a Global Mindset and Education
Laura’s new role as Executive Director at the Alliance Française d’Austin reflects her passion for global education and commitment to inspiring international students, applying her INSEAD insights and extensive business experience in impactful ways.
Laura Freedman’s journey with INSEAD began with a fascination for new cultures and languages, sparking her interest in the prestigious institution known for its international outlook.
Despite being initially rejected, she persevered by gaining consulting experience in Europe and expanding her horizons. Eventually, she secured her place and completed her MBA at INSEAD, where she thrived in its diverse, multicultural environment. Later, she returned as an MBA admissions consultant, helping others navigate similar paths.
Curious to learn more? Check the INSEAD profile page or read another inspiring journey of lifelong learning from INSEAD MBA alum Jamie Wang.
