On my undergraduate degree and MBA
My basic degree is a B.Sc from Pune University in 1973. I got my PGDM from IIM-Bangalore in 1980.
How the MBA helped me in corporate life
As far as my own branding is concerned it helped immensely. As an alumni of an IIM, corporates tend to assume that we are already equipped with the basic competencies (not necessarily true always) and this gives us a head-start over non-MBAs. During my days, there were not too many MBAs in industry. So, if I were reporting to a non-MBA boss, the latter often assumed that, being a product of an IIM, I would naturally be arrogant. One was thus subjected to extra pressure and given difficult assignments. It took some perseverance to weather the storm and prove oneself.
The key learnings from my MBA
1. Working on case studies provided insights into a structured and analytical approach to solving problems.
2. At IIM, one met up with extremely smart colleagues and that just raised the bar for me.
3. Learning from people with experience in the industry proved very helpful.
4. An exposure to all facets of management
If I had to re-visit my MBA what I would have liked to see as part of the course
I would have liked the following to be part of the course:
1. How to manage a better work-life balance
2. How to cope with uncertainty in business cycles and with layoffs that are a reality in this age and times. How not to let these things affect one’s self-worth.
3. A better understanding of organisational dynamics and how to navigate the politics.
4. On the need for and importance of cultivating interests and friends beyond the organisation.
5. How to deal with situations where the company you work for gets acquired.
My best and worst moments
Best moments : As an entrepreneur as CEO and Joint MD of Maadhyam Advertising Pvt Ltd I had to build the organisation by attracting key talent and new clients with virtually no capital. I succeeded beyond my dreams.
Worst Moment : When the company I worked for, “Tality Inc”, shut all 15 design centres all over the globe post 9/11 and I was laid off.
My advice to young MBAs who are joining the corporate sector
1. Read a lot, collaborate willingly and use the word 'we' more than 'I'.
2. Cultivate some interests and friends outside your company.
3. Look to your job as something that will sustain your body. Let your family/friends and interests outside work sustain your soul.
4. Don't get complacent. Stay one step ahead in the learning curve and acquire competencies that help you stay relevant.
5. Invest in a comfortable house and a car.
6. The sooner you stop living a glorious life in the minds of others, the quicker your journey to a full and satisfying existence.
7. Help those who need your help, if you can. It always comes back.
8. Learn to count life’s blessings and, as you grow older, simplify your desires to what you actually need/have.
What I think young MBAs should read
Managing by Harold Geneen. High Output Management by Andrew S Grove. Chasing Daylights by Eugene O'Kelly. The Economist . Every week, cover to cover. HBR .
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