Sardana Mikheeva
"For me, the return on investment in the Global Executive MBA has been clarity, confidence, and community—all guiding me toward what’s next. With those three, I know I’ll succeed both professionally and personally. I’ve learned that ROI isn’t just about positive NPV or financial payback. Some of the most meaningful outcomes can’t be measured—like defining your dream, gaining the skills and tools to pursue it boldly, and being surrounded by a community that lifts you up, supports you, and opens doors. That’s the kind of ROI that truly lasts. That’s what Fuqua has given me."
Global Executive MBA
Industry:
Prior Education:
Far Eastern State University of Humanities
BA/MA Japanese Linguistics
Why I Chose Fuqua
I chose the Global Executive MBA at Fuqua because it offered the ideal combination of academic rigor, a strong team-based culture, and a deep commitment to developing business leaders who create positive impact in the world. With 17 years of international experience, I was looking for a truly global program, one that reflects the complexity and diversity of the world we work in. Fuqua delivered exactly that.
What stood out to me was the emphasis on collaboration over competition and the genuine sense of team spirit that runs through everything, from the classroom to the WhatsApp chats during residencies. I wanted to be part of a community where people not only learn from each other but show up for each other.
The flexible format also made it possible to pursue this degree without weekly or biweekly travel, which was essential for managing both my professional and personal responsibilities. Fuqua has helped me grow not just as an executive, but as a more self-aware and purpose-driven leader, and I know I made the right decision.
Before Fuqua
I served as Vice President of Strategy Execution and Global Operations at inDrive, one of the world’s fastest-growing ride-sharing platforms. As a strategic partner to the C-suite, I helped build the company from the ground up—driving global strategy execution and leading transformations across 40+ countries. I built core operational functions, scaled teams, and created the structure and alignment needed to support rapid global growth.
After Fuqua
At Fuqua, I found the clarity and confidence to finally build something of my own. I co-founded an advisory firm helping people move to Japan and guiding foreign investors and buyers in acquiring Japanese SMEs. I’m now focused on shaping the next chapter—building pathways for global founders and operators to become business owners in Japan through acquisition, investment, or collaboration. It’s a way to bring together everything I care about: entrepreneurship, partnership, and global growth.
5 Tips for Working in Teams
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Practice radical transparency from the start. Sit down with your new team in Term 1 and have the real conversation. Share your story, your hopes, and your fears. Be open about your availability, stress levels, and limits. You don’t need to have it all together, just be real. Vulnerability builds trust faster than any assignment ever could, and it creates the foundation for genuine connection, support, and high-functioning teamwork.
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Adapt to the team’s rhythm. Everyone works differently. Respect your teammates’ pace, communication style, and boundaries.
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Play for the team, not just with the team. Shift your mindset from individual goals to shared success. Show up, step up, and support each other.
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Pick your battles. Not everything needs to be perfect. Focus on what matters most and learn when to let go.
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Celebrate and connect. Make time to bond beyond the work. It strengthens the team and makes the tough moments easier to navigate.
A Journey of Transformation
One of the most powerful transformations I’ve experienced through this program has been learning how to dream boldly again—for myself. It’s a gradual process, but the progress feels real and deeply personal. Much of my professional life has been dedicated to supporting others—helping founders and teams bring their dreams into reality. Over time, it’s easy to forget how to dream for yourself. On the second day of the program, I shared with my classmates: “I’m here to learn how to dream big again.”
Since then, I’ve felt incredible support from classmates, faculty, coaches, and the broader Fuqua community. That encouragement became the catalyst for change. It has helped me reconnect with my own aspirations and redefine what success and leadership mean on my own terms. That mindset shift—reclaiming space for my own vision—has been the most powerful transformation I've experienced so far.
MSQM:HA students "meet" in Durham without leaving home
Global Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
Financial Services (20%)
Consulting (5%)
Sales/Business Development (5%)
Energy/Chemical/Gas (9%)
Marketing/PR/Advertising (6%)
Consumer Goods (3%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Master of Management Studies: Duke Kunshan University
Undergraduate Majors
Business/Accounting (51%)
Economics (22%)
Liberal Arts (14%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (10%)
Other (4%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business
Undergraduate Majors
Liberal Arts (33%)
Business/Accounting (24%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (18%)
Economics (17%)
Other (8%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Weekend Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
IT (16%)
Financial Services (14%)
Health Care/Health Services (10%)
Manufacturing/Operations (9%)
Sales/Business Development (8%)
Consulting (8%)