Kofi Asare-Adjei

“An ambitious and results-driven leader, blending engineering expertise with business acumen to drive growth”

Hometown: Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana.

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a big fan of hiphop music. Also, I am interested in art

Undergraduate School and Major: MEng Civil Engineering with Business Management.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Asadtek Group of Companies, Business Development Manager.

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you?

I pursued my MBA to bridge my technical background with strategic business management. Having accumulated few years of experience in business development, I realized the need for deeper knowledge in leadership, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making. The timing felt right as I had gained sufficient practical experience. This practical experience will enable me apply new ideas to my family business.

When you think of your school, what is the first word that comes to mind and why?

Excellence. CEIBS continually pushes the boundaries of business education with a cutting-edge curriculum, diverse perspectives, and a strong global focus.

What are one or two key aspects of this MBA program that stood out among the others, and why were they so important to you?

1. International Exposure: The global network and diverse student body at CEIBS offer a unique opportunity to gain cross-cultural insights, essential for working in global markets.
2. Practical Learning: The strong emphasis on case studies, real-world business challenges, and consulting projects made it clear that this MBA would be hands-on, preparing me for leadership roles.

What course were you/are you most interested in taking coming into the program and why?

I am most excited about Marketing and Strategic Management. I’ve always been intrigued by how companies navigate complex, competitive environments, and this course will help me sharpen my ability to think long-term and make strategic decisions that drive business success.

What club, activity, or experience at the school have you most enjoyed so far, and why?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Family Business Club. It has allowed me to connect with like-minded professionals, work on high-impact projects, and learn from industry leaders. The collaborative environment has been invaluable in honing my strategic thinking.

What do you consider the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

The biggest accomplishment in my career was spearheading a new business development initiative with our corporate clients that successfully expanded our market share in a competitive region.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs? 

I recommend having a conversation with an experienced professional/academic to give you insight into the importance of an MBA in a company’s success.

What are two things you have learned at your school that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

Academic: The complexity of international trade and its impact on global supply chains. The case studies have shown me how interconnected global markets are and how businesses must adapt to navigate these complexities.

Non-academic: The value of networking. CEIBS has truly opened my eyes to the power of building meaningful connections. The network here is diverse, and I’m constantly learning from peers with experiences from all over the world.

What advice would you give to help prospective MBAs gain admission into an MBA program?

My advice would be to focus on genuine self-reflection and clarity of purpose. Schools want to know not just what you’ve done but why you’ve done it and how you will contribute to the program. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a strong recommendation and demonstrating leadership potential in real-world scenarios