{"id":422,"date":"2026-01-24T19:29:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T11:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emba.nus.edu.sg\/blog\/?p=422"},"modified":"2026-03-25T11:02:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T03:02:38","slug":"anna-rubtsova-nus-emba-leadership-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emba.nus.edu.sg\/blog\/anna-rubtsova-nus-emba-leadership-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cToday Is Your Time\u201d: Anna Rubtsova\u2019s Inspiring Leadership Lessons with the NUS EMBA"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s the same energetic spirit that the Class of 2025 alumnus brought to the NUS Executive MBA (NUS EMBA).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI came to the EMBA for insight and synergy, not just content,\u201d the CFO at Hyundai Capital CIS shared. \u201cIt\u2019s a safe space to exchange ideas with experts and peers you won\u2019t meet on the street.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Why She Chose NUS<\/b><\/p>\n

Already twice a master\u2019s degree holder\u2014with qualifications in Economics and International Law from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO)\u2014Anna\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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. \u201cMost of my career is in Asia,\u201d she explained. \u201cI wanted a fundamental Asian university.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her choice of NUS was guided by three things: accessibility, relevance, and connection. \u201cThe communication was open, transparent, and friendly,\u201d she said, recalling her first conversation with the NUS admissions team who explained the modules and the travel, and it just felt right.\u201d For an economist like Anna, Singapore\u2019s strong and globally connected economy also held deep appeal. \u201cIt\u2019s a smart environment for both business and education.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lifelong Learning and Classroom Highlights<\/b><\/p>\n

Anna\u2019s years of professional experience meant she came to class not simply to acquire knowledge but to gain perspective. \u201cI have education already,\u201d she said matter-of-factly. \u201cWhat 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Among the many modules she took, three professors left a deep impression on her. Finance Management with Professor Emir Hrnji\u0107 was one of her favourites. \u201cCharisma plus deep expertise\u2014you can\u2019t replicate that,\u201d she said. \u201cHis 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Strategy module was equally valuable for its clarity and real-world application. \u201cIt was logical, clear, and immediately useful. You could implement what you learned the very next day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 She chuckles at the memory of her classmates, all top executives in their respective fields, drawing like school children. \u201cIt sounded simple, but it forced clarity,\u201d Anna reflected. \u201cIt reminded me that today is your time. Do what you can now, because tomorrow isn\u2019t guaranteed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry<\/b><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a male-dominated world,\u201d she said plainly. \u201cThere 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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. \u201cI have three kids,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s really, really hard to combine a career in a big automotive plant with growing three kids. But anyway, I\u2019m doing this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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. \u201cI always say, enjoy every minute, enjoy every second, because maybe another minute would never come,\u201d she reflected. That mindset has shaped her approach to leadership and life.<\/span><\/p>\n

She describes herself as hardworking, disciplined, and responsible, but also open and people-centred.\u00a0 \u201cEvery person deserves to be recognised,\u201d she said. \u201cEven if systems aren\u2019t perfect, leaders can make people feel their contribution matters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

H<\/strong>er Advice to Women in Leadership<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

When asked what advice she would give to other women leaders, Anna became reflective. \u201cJust do it,\u201d she said simply. \u201cDon\u2019t wait for perfect. Perfection is a trap, especially for women trying to be perfect mothers or perfect leaders. Nobody is perfect.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She believes women should focus on self-appreciation rather than guilt. \u201cThe 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.\u201dAnna 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t overthink, don\u2019t be trapped by perfection. Everybody matters, and every action has value.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Warm Friendship Bonds from the EMBA<\/b><\/p>\n

Anna\u2019s time at NUS left her with a profound appreciation for her peers. \u201cOur cohort was unique,\u201d she said warmly. \u201cThis auditorium held a thousand years of experience. You can\u2019t find that anywhere else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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 \u201cSegment 7.\u201d Another wedding in Spain became \u201cSegment 8\u201d. Plans are already underway for future gatherings in Vietnam and even Russia, where Anna has invited everyone to visit her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe give more than we get,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s what makes it special. The more energy you give, the more you receive. It really works.\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Road Ahead<\/b><\/p>\n

Even as she continues her demanding career, Anna is looking ahead to her next chapter. She plans to enrol in a dedicated women\u2019s leadership programme in the United States, while also pursuing finance certifications to deepen her technical expertise.<\/span><\/p>\n

She is also working toward completing her PhD in Russia, where she has been researching concessions\u2014public-private partnerships in large infrastructure projects. Her goal is to transition from corporate leadership to academia eventually. \u201cI want to share my experience with professionals who already have real-world backgrounds,\u201d she said. \u201cAfter all, I already spend twelve to sixteen hours teaching my team of fifty people every day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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. \u201cIt\u2019s not linear,\u201d she said, \u201cbut with the right network and perseverance, it\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A Note of Gratitude<\/b><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From her reflections on leadership and resilience, Anna\u2019s story embodies the spirit of lifelong learning that defines the NUS EMBA. As she puts it best, \u201cToday is your time. Act now.\u201d Speak to our NUS EMBA admission team<\/strong><\/a> today to find out more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

is your time.<\/p>\n

Anna Rubtsova pursued the NUS Executive MBA for insight, perspective, and meaningful exchange. A seasoned CFO, she broadened her lens through immersive learning and a diverse cohort, evolving her leadership to be more purpose-driven and people-centred. Balancing career and motherhood, her journey reflects resilience and clarity. Her takeaway is simple: don\u2019t wait for perfect\u2014act now. Today is your time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":811,"featured_media":424,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-422","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-profiles"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\u201cToday Is Your Time\u201d: Anna Rubtsova\u2019s Inspiring Leadership Lessons with the NUS EMBA - EMBA Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From finance leader to purpose-driven executive, Anna Rubtsova reflects on her NUS EMBA experience across Asia and global cohort learning.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/emba.nus.edu.sg\/blog\/anna-rubtsova-nus-emba-leadership-journey\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\u201cToday Is Your Time\u201d: Anna Rubtsova\u2019s Inspiring Leadership Lessons with the NUS EMBA - 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