The Journey of Growth and Gratitude: How the EMBA Program Shaped My Career and Leadership Path
I remember feeling both excited and apprehensive about the future when I completed my engineering in 2014. Although I had secured a good job, my heart always yearned for more. I wanted to pursue an MBA to deepen my understanding of business, lead teams, and drive data-driven decisions. But life had other plans. Unlike many of my peers, I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. My father, a retired civil servant, received a pension that barely covered our expenses. As the sole breadwinner, leaving my job to chase my dreams was simply not an option.
It took me ten long years after graduation to finally fulfil my dream of earning a master’s degree. Those years were filled with struggles, but they taught me resilience, patience, and a gave me a deeper appreciation for every achievement. Today I am happily married, with a one-year-old daughter, and am grateful for all life has blessed me with. My success is also due to the incredible women in my life—my mother, sister, wife, and daughter whose unwavering support made this journey possible. And to my father, I dedicate this achievement. Wherever he may be, I know he is proud of me.
When I joined the Executive MBA (EMBA) program at SP Jain Global, I had no idea how much it would reshape my career and my path to leadership. The program’s blend of strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and real-world challenges significantly influenced my approach to leadership. Here’s how the EMBA shaped my journey and continues to impact my role at RWS Group:
Influence on Strategy and Data-Centric Decision Making
In today’s fast-paced world, strategic decision-making requires a balance of intuition, data, and market understanding. The EMBA program at SP Jain Global equipped me with tools to make informed, impactful decisions. Through coursework in strategy and analytics, I learned to analyse complex problems, interpret data effectively, and develop actionable solutions.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to align business strategies with data insights. The program taught me to leverage data not just as numbers, but as a core element of strategy. In my current role at RWS Group, I’ve applied this approach to lead initiatives that have improved business performance. By incorporating analytics into our operations, I identified key trends, streamlined workflows, and enhanced customer experiences—all backed by data-driven decisions. This transformation would not have been possible without the insights I gained during my EMBA journey.
Capstone and Immersive Projects: Bridging Theory and Practice
The hands-on experience I gained through the program’s capstone and immersive projects was a turning point in my career. These projects allowed me to work on real-world problems, collaborating with professionals from diverse industries. One such project involved developing a market-entry strategy for a multinational firm seeking to expand into emerging markets. Working with my cohort, I was exposed to market research, competitor analysis, and consumer behaviour insights that shaped our strategic recommendations.
These projects did more than solidify my theoretical understanding; they sharpened my ability to apply strategic thinking under pressure. I learned how to manage cross-functional teams, balance diverse perspectives, and deliver results aligned with organisational goals. The experience gained from these projects has been invaluable in my current role where I lead initiatives that require innovative, data-driven solutions.
Shaping Leadership Skills and Cross-Departmental Dynamics
Leadership isn’t just about decision-making; it’s about inspiring teams, navigating organisational complexities, and fostering collaboration. The EMBA program at SP Jain Global emphasised leadership through personal development, team dynamics, and organisational behaviour. The leadership courses, coupled with case studies and role-playing exercises, pushed me to approach leadership with a more holistic mindset.
A key takeaway was learning to manage cross-departmental dynamics. At RWS Group, I collaborate with teams from various departments, each with distinct goals. The EMBA’s focus on interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and communication provided me with the tools to foster collaboration. As a result, I’ve become a more effective leader, able to unite teams around a common vision and drive success.
The Value of Diversity in My Cohort
One of the most enriching aspects of the EMBA program was the diversity within my cohort. With professionals from various industries, cultures, and backgrounds, every class became an opportunity to broaden my perspectives. Whether learning about business models from my peers in healthcare or gaining insights into global market trends from finance colleagues, the variety of experiences was invaluable.
The diversity within the program challenged me to think critically and embrace new problem-solving approaches. It expanded my network, connecting me with professionals from around the world who have become valuable collaborators. This global perspective has been crucial in navigating today’s interconnected business landscape. Thanks to the EMBA program, I am better equipped to build strong relationships and adapt to diverse environments.
Conclusion: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude
Reflecting on my journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The ten years it took to earn my master’s degree were filled with challenges, but each setback led me to where I am today. The EMBA program at SP Jain Global has been a pivotal chapter, shaping my approach to strategy, leadership, and collaboration.
I owe my success not only to my own hard work but also to the unwavering support of the incredible women in my life and the spirit of my father. As I apply the lessons from my EMBA at RWS Group, I look forward to new challenges and opportunities. With the tools and the mindset that I’ve gained, I am ready to face whatever comes next and continue making a positive impact in my industry and beyond.
About the Author
Dhruba Das Roy is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in both Industrial and IT services. With a strong affinity for strategy, Dhruba has a proven track record in delivering projects through a data-centric approach while simultaneously helping companies streamline processes, revive organic growth and enhance their efficiencies.
