What does it take to thrive in an unpredictable world? At the Asia School of Business (ASB), the answer is clear – a growth mindset. Through its innovative Growth Mindset (GM) Programme within the Master of Business Administration (MBA), ASB is equipping future leaders to excel academically, embrace uncertainty, and push beyond their limits.
For Parvinjeet Kaur and Damian Graizevsky, the MBA journey became more than just an academic exercise, it sparked a profound personal and professional transformation. Coming from different worlds – fintech and entrepreneurship versus education, both discovered new perspectives on leadership, success, and self-discovery.
And that’s exactly the goal.
We wanted to provide a scaffolding that encourages self-awareness and personal development while equipping students with the skills to navigate any professional challenges they may face now and in the future. We believe that whether one is an entrepreneur or a corporate professional, cultivating a healthy growth mindset is key to sustaining oneself as a leader. – Sangeeta Menon Matu, Director of Growth Mindset at ASB.
Unlike traditional MBA modules, the GM Programme blends classroom learning with reflective practices, role-playing, and team-based challenges that mirror real-world complexities. Each student goes through a journey of increased self-awareness, sets personal growth goals and receives five executive coaching sessions, fostering a tailored path to self-discovery. Embedded throughout the MBA journey, the growth mindset journey prepares students for long-term leadership success.
For Parvinjeet and Damian, the GM Programme was a game-changer, transforming how they lead. Here’s how it reshaped their leadership and why learning, unlearning, and relearning are key to lasting growth.
Damian’s Story: Confronting Limiting Beliefs & Paying It Forward
Damian Graizevsky’s career began in the classrooms of London, where he spent over two decades shaping young minds as an educator. With a background in humanities and leadership, he rose through the ranks to hold senior leadership roles, including six years as the Director of Learning at a leading international school in Kuala Lumpur.
After years of guiding others, Damian found himself at a crossroads. Seeking to expand his professional toolkit and redefine his future, he decided to pursue an MBA at the ASB.
I wanted an MBA that offered more than academic rigour. ASB’s focus on action-based learning and personal growth stood out. I knew it would challenge not only my skills but also how I view myself. – Damian Graizevsky
The transition wasn’t easy. Shifting from educator to student meant confronting areas where he felt unprepared.
Coming from a humanities and leadership background, the quantitative focus of the MBA was a real challenge. There were moments when I felt I had to work twice as hard to keep up. – Damian Graizevsky
Yet, through the GM Programme, he discovered that true growth happens by embracing discomfort and challenging long-held beliefs. Damian had to dismantle the self-imposed barriers he had carried since childhood.
One of my biggest ‘aha moments’ was recognising how many of our limits are shaped early in life. Challenging those beliefs takes real intention and the GM Programme gave me the tools to do that. – Damian Graizevsky
A turning point came when he initiated a men’s circle at ASB – a space for honest conversations about leadership, identity, and vulnerability.
Initially unsure if anyone would participate, Damian pushed past his fears and limiting beliefs and was surprised by the positive response. The circle became a place to share stories, foster community, and engage in honest conversations.
This experience forced me to confront my own limiting beliefs, particularly around perfectionism and imposter syndrome. I realised that my hesitation to share publicly stemmed from a fear that my voice didn’t matter. By challenging these thoughts and stepping outside my comfort zone, I discovered that people are often willing to support and engage when you’re open and authentic. I’m learning to reshape the story I tell myself. – Damian Graizevsky
This mindset shift has fueled Damian’s next venture: a youth-centred personal development business, his third social enterprise. Focused on underserved communities in Malaysia, his goal is to empower young people with the tools to thrive and reach their potential.
I am particularly interested in reaching underserved communities in Malaysia, especially those who lack access to resources. I am exploring the idea of creating a free, open-source program that fosters an entrepreneurial mindset—an ‘MBA for young people.’ – Damian Graizevsky
Damian’s commitment to giving back extends beyond education. He has previously collaborated with Yayasan Chowkit, a Malaysian foundation supporting marginalised children, to develop child protection policies aligned with international best practices.
Living in Malaysia for the past seven years has given me so much. I want to leave a legacy of gratitude through initiatives that directly benefit the community. – Damian Graizevsky
For Damian, the MBA journey is more than an academic exercise – it has been a catalyst for personal transformation. By confronting his fears, embracing vulnerability, and pushing through discomfort, he has not only reshaped his own future but is now empowering others to do the same.
Parvinjeet’s Story: Embracing Uncertainty and Becoming An Impactful Leader
For Parvinjeet Kaur, the path to leadership began out of necessity. At just 14, after the passing of her mother, the family’s sole breadwinner, she began working to support her family. That early hardship forged a fierce work ethic and a belief that preparation and control were the keys to overcoming life’s uncertainties.
Over the next 17 years, Parvinjeet built an impressive career in fintech, venture building, and impact-driven entrepreneurship. She held senior leadership roles, including CEO and Country Director, navigating complex operational and financial challenges.
Yet, despite her accomplishments, one lifelong dream remained – to pursue an MBA and deepen her ability to create meaningful change.
When she joined the MBA programme at ASB, Parvinjeet was prepared for academic rigour but not for the profound personal transformation that awaited her through the GM Programme.
As someone who is naturally results-driven, one of her biggest takeaways was learning to embrace the process of growth, especially when outcomes are uncertain.
I’ve always preferred clarity, control, and structure, but this journey forced me to go deeper – to reflect on who I am and why I react the way I do. Instead of seeking comfort, I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and the unknown. – Parvinjeet Kaur
Balancing the MBA while raising a family pushed Parvinjeet beyond her limits. Long hours, late-night assignments, and motherhood left little room for perfection. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, the lessons from the classroom began to take root.
As a mother, uncertainty often brings anxiety, and I used to believe that preparation was the best way to deal with it. But a growth mindset taught me that sometimes, the best preparation is trusting yourself in the moment. It allowed me to see motherhood, work, and personal purpose differently, and most importantly, to have confidence in embracing uncertainty rather than fearing it. – Parvinjeet Kaur
Surrounded by other MBA students of different ages and diverse backgrounds, Parvinjeet initially questioned where she fit in. But a breakthrough moment came when she realised her unique journey was a strength, not a weakness.
For a long time, I felt the need to blend in rather than stand out. A growth mindset helped me shift that perspective. It gave me the confidence to embrace what makes me different, to own my strengths, and to see value in my journey rather than comparing it to others. – Parvinjeet Kaur
Parvinjeet’s leadership philosophy has evolved. She no longer sees leadership as just personal success but also a responsibility to uplift others and guide them through uncertainty.
In a world where AI and rapid technological changes redefine industries, she asks herself, “How can I be at the frontier of change? How can I help others navigate these transitions?”
Before ASB, her work focused on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through innovative financial solutions. Now, she envisions building ecosystems where businesses can thrive sustainably while uplifting communities.
I want to be in a leadership role where I can drive meaningful impact, whether in fintech, private equity, or entrepreneurship. I want to be a thought leader in entrepreneurship and finance, helping others navigate uncertainty and growth in their own journeys. I see myself at the frontier of change, especially as AI and digital transformation redefine industries. – Parvinjeet Kaur
One of the biggest surprises for Parvinjeet has been the depth of investment from ASB’s faculty, not just academically, but personally.
This is a place where people genuinely want you to succeed. You’re given a safe space to question, to fail, and to grow. – Parvinjeet Kaur
Her MBA experience has been nothing short of transformative, shaping how she leads, learns, and moves forward. Her advice for future MBA students?
Come in with an open mind and be ready to challenge yourself in ways you didn’t expect. You’ll be forced to step outside your comfort zone, and at times, it will feel overwhelming. But those are the moments when real growth happens. Engage deeply, connect with people, and most importantly, trust the process. – Parvinjeet Kaur
Explore ASB’s newly designed 12-month MBA programme, where you’ll engage in hands-on learning with top ASB and MIT Sloan faculty, tackle real-world projects across Asia, and spend up to three weeks at MIT Sloan in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
