Previous Occupation: Team Lead, Headstrong India Pvt Ltd.

Present Occupation: GM – IT, Dion Global Solutions Ltd. (formerly Religare Technova Ltd)

Sector: IT/Technology: Software/Services

Work Experience: 7.5 years

Interests: Professional/Personal: Feasting on cuisines (mostly non-vegetarian) from various countries and cultures, spending time with kids, enjoying Hindi comedies, and exploring as many places as I can.

Tell us about yourself – your profile, recap your professional life after ISB including your career progression
I started my career with Infosys Technologies. After a tryst of over two years at Infosys, my desire to work in an IT company focusing on financial markets took me to Headstrong. At Headstrong, my client-relationship management skills earned me the role of client partner with opportunities to work from clients’ offices at international locations such as the US, UK and Africa. As a client partner, I provided technology-led business solutions for key clients such as Bank of America, Lehman Brothers, and continuously worked towards expanding our clientele.
Upon graduating from ISB, I joined my present firm, where I work with the CEO of our UK subsidiary to formulate and implement sales strategies for UK and Africa. I am currently working on due diligence for acquisition of an operational risk management solutions provider.

Describe your fondest memory at ISB
Every moment that I spent at ISB, from the first activity at O-week to the hat tossing on graduation day, is very close to my heart. The fondest memory I have, is of my graduation day. As you enter the packed hall, a thunderous applause begins to acknowledge your achievement. The feeling of being recognised at India's epitome of business education and spending that moment in the presence of your life partner was ricocheting sweet lava bombs in my heart!
The realisation that all my colleagues will never sit together under one roof sounds quite melodramatic, but was nevertheless intense. And well, another anxiety that got the best of us was that India was playing the World Cup final!  

With the knowledge and experience gained at ISB, when looking back, tell us something that you would have done differently while you were a student here?
I guess I’ll have to think hard for this one. The institute has such an enriching and balanced ecosystem that it’s tough to miss on any aspect of learning and fun while here. While there’s little that I would want to change, I’d have loved to know more people and make more friends in the year gone by.

In your personal life, how have you changed post-ISB? Do you see yourself doing something differently because you went to ISB? What has left a lasting impression?
A lot of things changed after ISB. Most importantly, from a secure-job person, I’m now a budding entrepreneur with a high risk-taking appetite. Similarly, on the personal front I find it easier to evaluate situations and take better decisions that benefit everyone. This might sound redundant, but the year at ISB has helped me gain much more from my life and living.

How do you think ISB has contributed to your career growth?
In addition to a technical education, it was imperative for me to develop strong business foundation to attain new heights in my career and the ISB MBA proved to be the best tool to bridge this gap. The intense one-year program equipped me to think on my feet and analyse the ever-changing business situations.

A highly talented and diverse peer group further contributed to my professional growth. I often relied on my friends to explain some of the concepts taught in class. I now strongly feel that interaction with some of the best minds has broadened my horizon.

If you have to sum up ISB in one word:
Enriching

What are the areas that you can contribute in to ISB?
I am keen and thrilled to give back to the School in any possible way. While fundraising is the most obvious response that comes to my mind, I can help students better with my professional insights – I learned more from the countless onetime professional incidents than from any book. Secondly, I would be glad to be part of the ISB selection committee. Besides as an ISB alumnus, I keep doing my bit by promoting the ISB brand in the industrial fraternity.

 

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