Refined and Redefined the Art of Equilibrium: Balancing Family, Career, Academics, and Personal Well-Being
–Meera Ajesh, EMBA 2024
Completing my Executive MBA at SP Jain Global and earning a place on the Dean’s List was an extraordinary milestone reinforcing the belief that no dream is too ambitious with the right mindset and support. This achievement is not just mine; I dedicate this tribute to my family for their unwavering encouragement and to my professors, mentors, and peers who inspired me along the way.
Balancing family, career, and academics has been one of the most significant challenges of my life. As a mother to two children, a daughter, a wife, and a business leader, the journey required resilience, determination, and a passion for learning. It’s a journey that has fostered professional growth and personal transformation, reminding me that success isn’t just about managing roles but thriving in them with balance, empathy, and purpose.
Personal Well-Being: Dance and Gardening
Outside of my professional and academic commitments, my passions for dance and gardening have been invaluable in maintaining balance. Dance allows me to channel creativity and stay physically active, while gardening provides a meditative escape, grounding me and rejuvenating my mind and spirit. These hobbies have reinforced the importance of self-care and pursuing activities that bring genuine joy.
Strategic Planning: A Big Moment
One of the most transformative moments of my journey occurred during a session on creating an individual strategic plan led by Dean Dr Gary. His analogy of “icebergs”—representing the unseen challenges of life—deeply resonated with me. It reminded me that proper balance and resilience involve addressing visible and hidden growth aspects, including health, emotional well-being, and adaptability. This session reshaped my approach to strategic planning, reinforcing the importance of aligning personal and professional goals.
Learning and Growth Through EMBA
The insights gained throughout my EMBA program have been invaluable, particularly in shaping my decision-making abilities. The focus on financial accounting, strategic finance, cost accounting, marketing, change management, and business acumen allowed me to approach challenges from a holistic perspective. The emphasis on real-world applications and practical learning ensured I could translate theory into action, equipping me to lead confidently and clearly.
A standout experience was the Integrative Decision-Making (IDM) simulation, where we applied everything we’d learned to real-world business scenarios. It reinforced the importance of data-driven decision-making and managing complex, interrelated challenges. Similarly, the Engaged Learning Online (ELO) platform made it possible never to miss a session despite my busy schedule, ensuring that I could balance my responsibilities without compromising the quality of my education.
The Applied Strategic Project (ASP)
Undertaking the Applied Strategic Project (ASP) was a pivotal experience, as it allowed me to integrate academic knowledge with real-world practice. My project, which focused on the market entry of Gallium 2.0 filters in Oman’s B2B segment, emphasised the importance of customer input, hypothesis validation, and crafting a systematic research plan. These lessons reinforced the significance of structured thinking, research, and customer-centric strategies in driving business success.
Final Reflections: The Power of an EMBA
For anyone considering an EMBA, I can say with certainty that this journey is transformative. It’s about more than just advancing your career—personal growth, developing new perspectives, and building lasting relationships. An EMBA will challenge you, push you outside your comfort zone, and transform you into a better leader and thinker.
SP Jain Global is an exceptional choice if you want to expand your horizons, reinvent yourself, or satisfy your thirst for knowledge. The rewards—personally and professionally—are immeasurable.
To all aspiring professionals: Leap. Invest in your growth. This is your opportunity to shape the future with purpose and clarity. Transformation begins at the edge of your comfort zone—an EMBA is the catalyst for limitless possibilities.
About the Author
Meera is the Chief Operating Officer at Al Shafaq Group, she has spent the past 12 years steering operations within the organisation, which has a proud legacy of over 28 years of providing advanced filtration and separation solutions. A dedicated professional and lifelong learner, she recently completed her EMBA, earning a spot on the Dean’s List.
