Executive MBA Journey: A Triumph of Personal & Professional Growth
-Divya Asuri, EMBA 2024
Two years ago, I made a life-changing decision—not just to advance my career but also to fulfil a dream I had nurtured for over a decade.
I decided to pursue an Executive MBA at SP Jain Global, a choice that tested me mentally, emotionally, and physically.
With nearly ten years of experience in Salesforce, working on digital transformation across industries like real estate, hospitality, and aviation, I was also navigating life as a new mom. The EMBA was more than just a career move; balancing my professional goals with motherhood was a personal challenge.
The program wasn’t just about adding credentials but pushing my limits and proving I could achieve more. It tested my resilience and growth, and while difficult, it was one of the most rewarding choices I’ve ever made. My goal was to bridge the gap between my technical expertise and the leadership skills needed to shape long-term strategies. The EMBA gave me global exposure, broadening my perspective on leadership and business.
More importantly, this journey was a chance to show my family, especially my daughter, that growth and learning are possible at any stage of life. It wasn’t just about climbing the career ladder but demonstrating that I could handle work, study, and motherhood challenges while growing into a more well-rounded leader.
Starting the EMBA as a new mom was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times of my life. My daughter was just a few months old when I began the program, and the juggling between her care, my full-time job, and my academic responsibilities pushed me to develop a level of adaptability I had never expected. Thankfully, the flexible online format of the program played a huge role in making it possible. With live interactive classes I could attend from anywhere, I could participate in sessions after putting my daughter to bed or holding her when necessary. This structure allowed me to stay on track with my studies while managing the unpredictability of parenting. The support I received from my family, professors, and peers made all the difference during those tough days.
Achieving Dean’s List for three consecutive terms was a milestone that filled me with pride. Throughout the program, I wasn’t focused on recognition; my goal was simply to do my best while juggling my professional and personal life. Learning of the Dean’s List achievement reminded me that my hard work had paid off. This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support from my family and the encouragement I received from my peers and professors.
The EMBA program spurred both personal and professional growth. Professionally, I gained a deeper understanding of business strategy and leadership, learning to approach challenges with a long-term mindset. I also saw how different business functions work together for success.
Personally, balancing work, family, and academics pushed me out of my comfort zone, revealing my inner strength and resilience. It taught me valuable lessons in time management, setting boundaries, and prioritising what truly matters, boosting my confidence to handle demanding phases of life.
The online format of the EMBA was crucial in enabling me to stay fully engaged with my learning experience. The live sessions, breakout rooms, and group discussions made the program interactive and immersive. Despite the challenges of managing multiple responsibilities, the flexibility to attend classes from anywhere meant that I could maintain consistency in my studies. The collaborative nature of the format allowed me to form meaningful connections with my cohort, even though we were all located in different places.
One of the standout moments in my journey was presenting our team’s Global Strategy Immersion Project (GSIP) to Dean Gary. We were tasked with developing a market entry strategy for a cement manufacturer, and the project required weeks of research, analysis, and late-night brainstorming sessions. That experience reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and teamwork, and it was one of the most fulfilling moments of the program.
The EMBA also played a pivotal role in enhancing my leadership capabilities, especially as a woman. It gave me a strategic mindset that helped me holistically assess challenges and balance operational needs with long-term objectives. I gained confidence in communicating and influencing others and learned the importance of collaboration in building trust and aligning teams toward shared goals.
The program expanded my professional network, connecting me with industry peers in technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. The opportunity to engage with industry leaders and professors also gave me valuable guidance, helping me shift my focus from just executing technical solutions to aligning them with broader organisational goals.
Looking back, the EMBA experience was more than just an academic pursuit. It was a transformative journey that shaped my personal and professional growth. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, but they became milestones that enriched my understanding of leadership, strategy, and the power of collaboration.
If you’re considering an EMBA, my advice is to embrace the journey, trust in your ability to grow, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to your resilience.
