“Today Is Your Time”: Anna Rubtsova’s Inspiring Leadership Lessons with the NUS EMBA
She had just closed the month, sent reports to headquarters late into the night, and driven more than 200 kilometres from a manufacturing plant. Yet when the interview began, Moscow-based Anna Rubtsova insisted there was no need to rush. That blend of stamina, candour, and generosity has defined her two decades in finance leadership across the automotive and heavy industry sectors. And it’s the same energetic spirit that the Class of 2025 alumnus brought to the NUS Executive MBA (NUS EMBA).
“I came to the EMBA for insight and synergy, not just content,” the CFO at Hyundai Capital CIS shared. “It’s a safe space to exchange ideas with experts and peers you won’t meet on the street.”
Why She Chose NUS
Already twice a master’s degree holder—with qualifications in Economics and International Law from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO)—Anna’s decision to pursue an EMBA was driven not by academic necessity. As she says, it was about lifelong learning, driven by the desire for new perspectives and networks.
She was searching for something that would give her a deeper understanding of Asia. After all, fifteen of her twenty years in business have been spent with Chinese automotive companies, leading finance and accounting teams across multiple joint ventures. “Most of my career is in Asia,” she explained. “I wanted a fundamental Asian university.”
Her choice of NUS was guided by three things: accessibility, relevance, and connection. “The communication was open, transparent, and friendly,” she said, recalling her first conversation with the NUS admissions team who explained the modules and the travel, and it just felt right.” For an economist like Anna, Singapore’s strong and globally connected economy also held deep appeal. “It’s a smart environment for both business and education.”
Lifelong Learning and Classroom Highlights
Anna’s years of professional experience meant she came to class not simply to acquire knowledge but to gain perspective. “I have education already,” she said matter-of-factly. “What I wanted were insights from experts, the kind of high-calibre discussions you can only get when everyone in the room has something to contribute.”
Among the many modules she took, three professors left a deep impression on her. Finance Management with Professor Emir Hrnjić was one of her favourites. “Charisma plus deep expertise—you can’t replicate that,” she said. “His class was full of practical instruments, and we even simulated an IPO from start to finish. For a CFO, IPO readiness is the top tier of our craft.”
The Strategy module was equally valuable for its clarity and real-world application. “It was logical, clear, and immediately useful. You could implement what you learned the very next day.”
Her most memorable experience, however, came in Tokyo during the Leadership segment with Professor Su-Yen Wong. In that session, participants were asked to use pen and paper to divide their lives into weeks, then plan their activities for each week to reach their goals. She chuckles at the memory of her classmates, all top executives in their respective fields, drawing like school children. “It sounded simple, but it forced clarity,” Anna reflected. “It reminded me that today is your time. Do what you can now, because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.”
Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
That lesson resonated deeply with someone who has lived a life defined by perseverance. Anna began working at a young age and became a chief accountant at 24, leading Kyoto Protocol projects on carbon credits. Since then, she has held senior finance roles in large automotive manufacturing plants producing more than 240,000 cars a year and generating over 600 billion rubles in turnover.
“It’s a male-dominated world,” she said plainly. “There are no excuses. You have to be accurate, accountable, and online when it counts. What carried me through was consistent expertise and a long record of delivering results.”
Despite her demanding career, Anna is also a mother of three. She spoke with pride about how her children have seen her dedication up close as she works full-time and studies for the EMBA at the same time. “I have three kids,” she said. “It’s really, really hard to combine a career in a big automotive plant with growing three kids. But anyway, I’m doing this.”
She acknowledged that managing the EMBA alongside work was not easy, especially given her professional responsibilities and frequent travel. Yet she saw it as part of her lifelong learning journey. “I always say, enjoy every minute, enjoy every second, because maybe another minute would never come,” she reflected. That mindset has shaped her approach to leadership and life.
She describes herself as hardworking, disciplined, and responsible, but also open and people-centred. “Every person deserves to be recognised,” she said. “Even if systems aren’t perfect, leaders can make people feel their contribution matters.”
Because of this belief, she manages her teams with transparency, fostering an environment where everyone understands how their work adds value. Even routine accounting tasks are turned into project-based challenges designed to keep her staff motivated.
Her Advice to Women in Leadership
When asked what advice she would give to other women leaders, Anna became reflective. “Just do it,” she said simply. “Don’t wait for perfect. Perfection is a trap, especially for women trying to be perfect mothers or perfect leaders. Nobody is perfect.”
She believes women should focus on self-appreciation rather than guilt. “The birth of a human is a miracle, and the woman who gives birth is another miracle. We have to remember that and be kind to ourselves.”Anna shared that even during her pregnancies, she continued working and took little maternity leave, a reflection of her strong work ethic and sense of duty. Balancing her career and motherhood was far from easy, yet she sees it as a testament to the resilience women show every day.
Her philosophy is one of constant movement and self-development: accumulate energy, attitude, and action every day, and growth will follow. She also advocates for more structural support for women, greater access to education, career development, and social protection. Recalling encounters in India and Thailand that deepened her awareness of the disparities women face worldwide, she wants to tell young women:
“Don’t overthink, don’t be trapped by perfection. Everybody matters, and every action has value.”
Warm Friendship Bonds from the EMBA
Anna’s time at NUS left her with a profound appreciation for her peers. “Our cohort was unique,” she said warmly. “This auditorium held a thousand years of experience. You can’t find that anywhere else.”
The friendships forged during the EMBA have lasted well beyond graduation. She fondly recalls the moments of connection: offering life and career advice to younger classmates, celebrating milestones together, and cheering each other on through work and family transitions. When one classmate married in the Philippines, more than thirty flew in from around the world to attend what they fondly called “Segment 7.” Another wedding in Spain became “Segment 8”. Plans are already underway for future gatherings in Vietnam and even Russia, where Anna has invited everyone to visit her.
“We give more than we get,” she said. “That’s what makes it special. The more energy you give, the more you receive. It really works.” It goes to show that the EMBA is not just about academic growth. The experience can foster lasting friendships, encourage the exchange of perspectives, and provide a firsthand experience of what a true global community feels like.
The Road Ahead
Even as she continues her demanding career, Anna is looking ahead to her next chapter. She plans to enrol in a dedicated women’s leadership programme in the United States, while also pursuing finance certifications to deepen her technical expertise.
She is also working toward completing her PhD in Russia, where she has been researching concessions—public-private partnerships in large infrastructure projects. Her goal is to transition from corporate leadership to academia eventually. “I want to share my experience with professionals who already have real-world backgrounds,” she said. “After all, I already spend twelve to sixteen hours teaching my team of fifty people every day.”
In the long term, Anna hopes to contribute to international finance institutions such as the New Development Bank (BRICS), though she acknowledges the path requires patience and connections. “It’s not linear,” she said, “but with the right network and perseverance, it’s possible.”
A Note of Gratitude
As the conversation drew to a close, Anna paused to express gratitude for the NUS EMBA Admissions team. She felt that the team was always quick and ready to provide her with information, one of the factors that influenced her decision.
From her reflections on leadership and resilience, Anna’s story embodies the spirit of lifelong learning that defines the NUS EMBA. As she puts it best, “Today is your time. Act now.” Speak to our NUS EMBA admission team today to find out more.
