From Doubt to Triumph: My Journey of Balancing Ambition and Achieving Success

-Chinmay Vaishnav, EMBA 2024

When I completed my full-time MBA in Marketing in 2016, I had high hopes for my future. I ventured into business development and distribution sales, yet my heart always longed for a role in the marketing function. As time passed, I realised that the business world had transformed significantly since my initial MBA, leaving me with some noticeable gaps in my knowledge. The more I reflected on my career goals, the more I understood that it wasn’t just about skills; I needed a strong academic foundation from a reputable institution and a solid network to pivot my career successfully.

This realisation led me to pursue further academic qualifications before launching my job search. That’s when SP Jain Global’s online Executive MBA (EMBA) program came to my attention, a recommendation from corporate connections and friends that piqued my interest. After thorough research, I felt confident this program could be the right stepping stone for my aspirations.

But one pressing question lingered in my mind: Can I complete a rigorous academic program while balancing my demanding job, which often kept me on the field well beyond regular work hours?

After extensive discussions with family, friends, and the onboarding team at SP Jain Global, I enrolled in the program. Fast-forward 27 months, two gold medals, a successful job switch, and a convocation later, and I can confidently say that this decision changed my life in more ways than one.

Here are the key takeaways from my EMBA journey.

The program shaped my leadership style and vision. Through leadership simulations, teamwork, and strategic decision-making exercises, I gained firsthand experience managing a team, balancing goals, and making tough decisions. The exposure to senior professionals from diverse industries enriched my learning, broadened my perspectives, and challenged many preconceived notions I had about business. I now use these invaluable lessons to navigate my daily business challenges and collaborate better with clients to help my company meet its objectives.

However, the most important takeaway from my time in the program was the emphasis on teamwork. Major projects such as the Global Immersion Strategy Project were group-based, necessitating constant practice of team dynamics and collaboration. This experience proved immensely beneficial in my current role, where I manage a range of internal and external stakeholders. I now prioritise being a team player before making decisions, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders are taken into account. Additionally, the program reinforced the importance of putting the customer first — aligning products and services with functional and emotional customer profiles to build lasting connections with the target audience.

One of the most rewarding parts of the EMBA experience was the exposure to practical, real-world scenarios through immersive projects. My organisation was undergoing a brand transition at the time, which brought forth internal and external challenges. I could apply what I learned from the program directly to my work. For instance, management accounting principles helped me navigate budgeting challenges, while the Change Management Simulation offered insights on driving organisational change. Key lessons, such as crafting a business canvas in the Blue Ocean Strategy course and managing cost, budgets, and business plans through the Integrative Decision-Making Capstone, proved invaluable when managing complex projects and tight deadlines. Even the Digital Marketing course gave me new tools to harness the power of social media analysis, which I use to better connect with audiences today.

I have a few tips for this journey, especially those aiming for Dean’s Lister status.

• First, don’t procrastinate. The program demands that you adhere to strict timelines, and staying ahead of assignments is critical.
• Second, the Urgency/Importance matrix became my best friend in managing academic and professional responsibilities. It’s an essential tool for organising your time effectively.
• Third, find a buddy who can step in when deadlines clash between work and academics — this can make a huge difference when juggling priorities.
• Fourth, maintain a healthy work-life balance. Amid the hustle, I found solace in a simple routine of daily 30-minute walks or yoga sessions, paired with some music to start the day and a good book or movie to unwind at night.
• Finally, always ask questions and engage in discussions with your professors and batchmates. Their experiences and insights can provide perspectives you may not have considered.

Looking back, I can honestly say that my EMBA journey transformed me. From Can I? to I can… – I’m living proof that you can accomplish what once seemed impossible with dedication, the right mindset, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

About the Author:

Chinmay Vaishnav is a seasoned professional with 8+ years of experience in relationship management and business development across industries like MSME Consulting, Auto Ancillaries, and Asset Management. With a strong educational background and a passion for marketing, he is now transitioning his expertise in sales to build a successful career as a brand marketer.