Divya Raj, EMBA 2016, Conquers Everest Base Camp

Divya Raj, EMBA 2016, Conquers Everest Base Camp  

I am someone who loves outdoor adventure. I never miss an opportunity to try something new whenever I can.

Reading a blog somewhere in 2020 inspired me to include Mount Kilimanjaro in my Bucket list. And it was pure coincidence that one of our Toastmasters friends, who is also an avid hiker, mentioned Kilimanjaro in the group, and I took that opportunity.

While I have done smaller hikes in India, Kili was the first major hike, and we started serious preparations in 2020. In July 2021, we summited Kili. Sameera Khan an alumni of SP Jain Global, is a dear friend, a toastmaster and my driving force for these hikes as we began this hiking journey together.

They say mountains have a way of calling you back! From Mount Kili, it was the picturesque Kashmir Great Lakes and then the grand finale, the Everest Base Camp, that Marquee hike everyone aspires to go on!

Several key aspects inspired the ambition to reach the Everest Base Camp:

• Personal Growth: Each climb is a physical challenge and a test of mental fortitude and resilience. The journey to the top of Everest represents the pinnacle of personal achievement, pushing the boundaries of what I believe is possible for myself.
• Connection with Nature: Standing atop a mountain, surrounded by the world’s raw, untamed beauty, is humbling.
• Community and Camaraderie: The hiking community is filled with passionate, like-minded individuals who share a love for adventure and exploration. The bonds formed during expeditions are unbreakable, forged through shared struggles and triumphs.
• Legacy and Inspiration: By attempting to reach EBC at 41, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem. It’s about showing that anything is achievable with dedication, perseverance, support, love of your dear ones, and the right mindset.

Thinking back to my time during the Executive MBA at SP Jain Global, I can’t help but appreciate how it equipped me with the essential skills to manage my professional, academic, and personal responsibilities effectively. Juggling a demanding job and the responsibility of caring for a young child was challenging. Still, the program’s rigorous curriculum, combined with the support of a diverse cohort, created a dynamic learning environment. This balance fostered both my personal and professional growth. Some key aspects of how the EMBA helped me include:

• Time Management and Prioritisation

The EMBA program’s demanding schedule necessitated a high level of time management and prioritisation. Balancing coursework with professional duties and personal life taught me how to Set Priorities, Efficiently Plan and Delegate,

• Leadership and Teamwork

The program emphasised collaborative learning through group projects, case studies, and discussions. This experience honed my leadership and teamwork skills through diverse group discussions and effective communication.

• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making

Courses in strategy, finance, and operations gave me a broader perspective on business challenges. I learned to analyse complex problems, make data-driven decisions, and develop and implement strategic plans that align with organisations’ goals.

• Networking and Relationship Building

SP Jain Global’s diverse and international cohort provided ample opportunities to build a robust professional network.

• Adaptability and Resilience

The EMBA program’s challenging nature required me to adapt quickly and remain resilient despite obstacles.

• Personal Growth and Self-Reflection

The program encouraged self-reflection and personal development, helping me understand my strengths and areas for improvement. It prioritised work-life balance and fostered the mindset of lifelong learning.

The discipline and time management skills I gained during my EMBA at SP Jain Global have been invaluable in my professional and personal life. Prioritising and executing consistently have been key to my success. These lessons were especially crucial during my Everest Base Camp expedition, where strategic planning, risk management, and teamwork helped me overcome challenges and reach my goal. These experiences have driven me to push boundaries and achieve new milestones.

About Author

Divya Raj (EMBA 2016), an avid outdoor enthusiast, brings nearly 17 years of extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. Last year, she made a strategic career shift and is now leading a Business Unit in Operational Technology Security at a cybersecurity firm in Dubai—Paramount, overseeing operations for the GCC region.