What does it take to build a business that survives crisis, reinvention, and growth — all while pursuing an MBA and raising a family?

In this episode of In The Know, host Danny Xue speaks with Rani Khodijah (MBA ’25D), entrepreneur and founding partner of Ambiz. From selling handmade goods as a child to leading a consulting firm today, Rani shares how her entrepreneurial spirit has shaped every stage of her journey. She reflects on the realities of scaling a company, navigating near-bankruptcy, and transforming setbacks into opportunities for renewal.

Learn more about how the INSEAD MBA can support your entrepreneurship goals.

Rani also reveals how the INSEAD MBA is helping her strengthen governance, sharpen her leadership, and scale with purpose across markets. Her story is a candid look at what it means to build with resilience and lead with heart — proving that entrepreneurship is as much about people and purpose as it is about growth.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Early sparks of entrepreneurship

08:26 Start of Rani's company Ambiz

11:56 Facing bankruptcy as an entrepreneur

15:06 Managing employee health as a business owner

18:40 Job fulfilment and performance levels

19:15 Rani's goals for Indonesia and South East Asia

21:06 Managing work and studies as an INSEAD MBA student

25:25 Why INSEAD

26:50 Advice to INSEAD MBA prospects

30:49 Motivating factors

32:58 Managing family when doing the INSEAD MBA

35:08 AI as a business tool