Maksim Mironov, Vice-President-Head of the “Center” division of the JSC “Renaissance Insurance Group”, a 2019 graduate of the “Economy and Management in International Business”, shares his experience of studying in the MBA Programme.

— Maksim, tell us please what your company specializes in.

My professional activity is insurance. This industry has been very conservative for a long time. But technologies are transforming the traditional insurance business model. Consumer behavior is changing. Consumers begin to value their time more, they want a quick feedback, as well as an understandable and convenient contact to meet their needs.

I like to be part of these changes and develop a new client-oriented way in the “Renaissance Insurance” company group. Today, our Company comprises 5 business units which we develop under a common umbrella brand “Renaissance Insurance”, “Renaissance Life”, “Renaissance Health”, “Renaissance Pensions”, and “Renaissance Clinic”. We establish an out-of-the-ordinary ecosystem based on a person’s key needs.

— What made you enroll in the “Economy and Management in International Business” MBA Programme?

I believe that it is imperative to study on a permanent basis. The world changes fast, the amount of information grows rapidly, what was important yesterday is no longer relevant today. That is why, it is necessary to improve and develop new skills to compete in your profession. I find it crucial that the MBA Programme aims to study trends in international business and form a new culture of entrepreneurship and management.

— In your opinion, what are the components of success? What makes your company successful?

I point out two key factors of a successful business:

Today companies should embrace changes in consumer needs. Digital technologies transform business – product personalization, speed, convenience and comfort in getting services. These are a key for a company’s success.

Progress of any business hinges on certain people: strong leaders in a collective, who champion the company’s values, unite the team and promote business. For such leaders to appear, it is important to develop employees including through studying. I think this is a great investment in future success.

— In your opinion, why is business education so valuable?

The main advantage is a combination of academic knowledge and relevant business practice.

— MBA is not simply learning and studying, it is communication with highly professional people. What did your group colleagues teach you?

Studying at MGIMO provides an atmosphere of dialogue, an open exchange of views and knowledge. Communication with colleagues gives you a clear picture of how different business areas develop, what problems we face and how we solve them.