Previous Occupation: Head of Operations, Edubridge Learning Pvt. Ltd.
Present Occupation: AVP Business Development, Sports365 - www.sports365.in
Sector: Sports and Fitness Retail
Work Experience: 4 years
Interests – Professional/Personal: Marketing, Analytics - Cycling, Basketball, Badminton, Travelling, Photography.

Briefly describe your personal and professional achievements (including recent awards\special projects)
I had a history of working with mostly small and medium sized companies. I was generally one of the early hires and worked on setting up a team and tools/systems required to run the business. Working in such setups meant there were no awards and recognition apart from the growth in sales. In this regard, we did see some great numbers – I was part of the team which took ThoughtWorks Studios to over $5million in revenue with over250 clients in more than 20 countries.

Tell us about your profile pre ISB, and recap your professional life after ISB including your career progression
I held two jobs pre-ISB: a new BU within an existing organization and a startup. My first job was around sales and post-sales account management (from support to up-selling). In my second job at Edubridge Learning Pvt. Ltd., I was heading the South India operations. From hiring Infrastructure partners for our rural training programs to hiring trainers and acquiring students, I was in charge of implementing a scalable business model.

Describe your fondest memory at ISB
The Rec-Center is where I spent most of time during my ISB days. Specifically, the finals of ISL – I think I played in most sports on behalf of the Titans. Those were some great times. Competitive during the night and drinking together a bit later in the night; the cuts and bruises were definitely some of my fondest memories at ISB

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?
Humility: I met some rockstars at ISB. I was pulled back to ground – I would think much harder before disagreeing with an idea or saying a person isn’t good enough.

How do you think ISB has contributed to your career growth?
It’s been only six months and might not be the best time to comment on this. I do know I now have instant credibility – be it with an investor or a customer – they are eagerly waiting to listen to you.  

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

What was the main highlight of your programme at the ISB?
The professors – Some professors changed my outlook in an amazing way. Specifically

• Tanya Menon – Power and Politics
• Arun Pereira – Entrepreneurial Decision Making
• Gary Lilien – Marketing Models 

Word of advice for the current class?
Don’t try to “design” your MBA for some specific job you want post-ISB. That is only your first job, you’ll have a few more for sure. Consider picking up a new skill or sharpening some strength you already have. Go with what you enjoy.

What was your favourite course/class at ISB and why?
Power and Politics -- I never realized I could actually analyse this stuff! It helped me understand my relations with previous bosses and even personal relations. I am slightly better suited to handle future relation dynamics. I am definitely going back to ISB for a refresher course in this.

Was there anyone during your time at ISB who acted as a mentor for you? Tell us a little about this relationship and why it was valuable.
Mentor: I spoke to my previous boss and a relative mostly. They knew how I was at work and they were best positioned to advise me on what strengths to work on. Since they had done their MBAs as well, they could give me some educated advice.

I did talk to ISB Alumni regularly, but I spoke to different Alumni for different reason.

What is the next new thing in the industry or vertical you are working in? Any trends that you can see?
I am now part of the founding team at Sports365, a company focusing on the sports and fitness. We have an e-commerce portal, www.sports365.in, and an offline B2B offering. We could be classified as e-commerce, retail or a sports company. E-commerce is well followed in India. The sports industry in India is on an upswing. Disposable incomes are growing and a significant part is now being spent on healthy lifestyle and leisure sports. I’m not talking about the media-related sports growth, but the core industry for ordinary people who want to play. Both the infrastructure and retail for Sports will grow much faster in the years to come.

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