Turn Career Risks into Leadership Opportunities with SP Jain Global’s Executive MBA
With nearly a decade of experience across India and the UAE, Nishita Dhawan shares how pursuing an Executive MBA at SP Jain School of Global Management helped shape her leadership mindset, strategic thinking, and global career journey. From navigating career transitions to leading brands in competitive markets, she reflects on the lessons, confidence, and perspectives that continue to influence her growth as a marketing professional.
In this candid Q&A, Nishita Dhawan reflects on her Executive MBA journey, the impact of the program on her leadership style, and the experiences that helped shape her global marketing career.
What motivated you to pursue an Executive MBA? And why did you choose SP Jain Global for the program?
At the time, I was already working as an Associate Manager, but I knew that if I wanted to continue growing into stronger managerial roles, I needed the right academic backing. I was also relatively young for that stage in my career, so having an Executive MBA would strengthen my case and add credibility to my experience.
I chose SP Jain Global because the program felt practical, relevant, and designed for working professionals. It offered the right balance of flexibility, global exposure, and business learning that could be applied immediately at work.
How was your experience with the program? How has the EMBA influenced your leadership style or strategic thinking?
My experience with the program was very enriching. It gave me exposure to various business areas and helped me think beyond my core marketing function. That broader understanding has definitely helped me become more strategic in the way I approach decisions.
The program also influenced my leadership style by making me more aware of how to work with different people, perspectives, and problem-solving styles. Much of the group work and discussions pushed me to be more thoughtful, adaptable, and balanced in how I lead and collaborate.
How has the online Engaged Learning Online (ELO)/on-campus format enhanced your learning experience? What specific benefits did it provide?
The format worked very well for me because it allowed me to continue learning without stepping away from my career. The online component gave me flexibility, while the on-campus experience added a more immersive, engaging element to the program.
It also prepared me for the reality of modern workplaces, where collaboration often happens across teams, schedules, and geographies. In that sense, the format itself was part of the learning.
Was there any specific project or class that had a strong impact on you? If yes, what made it memorable?
One of the most impactful parts of the program for me was the Personal Development modules with Prof Andrew Jones. They were genuinely eye-opening because they focused on the softer side of leadership, which is often overlooked.
The sessions gave structure and clarity to different leadership styles and personality types, helping me better understand the people around me. More importantly, they trained me to look beyond what meets the eye. That has stayed with me and continues to influence how I work with teams and approach people in professional settings.
How has the EMBA helped you navigate challenges or opportunities in your career?
The biggest impact was the confidence it gave me. It helped me trust my decisions and think more long-term about growth. That became especially important when I moved from Gurgaon to Dubai.
I took a step down in title at that stage, but I saw it as an investment in a new market and a larger opportunity. The EMBA gave me the confidence to make that decision and the perspective to stay focused on the bigger picture.
Within two years, I had grown back into an Associate Manager role, and today I am a Brand Marketing Manager.
What advice would you give to those considering the EMBA program?
Go into it with clarity on why you want to do it. If you see it only as a qualification, you may miss a lot of its real value.
The biggest learning often comes from the people around you, not just the curriculum. Stay open, participate fully, and use the experience to challenge your own thinking. If you do that, the growth goes far beyond the classroom.
About the Author
Nishita Dhawan completed her Executive MBA program from SP Jain School of Global Management in 2024. Currently working as a Brand Marketing Manager at SARA Group, with 9 years of experience across India and the UAE, she manages brands under the Building Materials segment, focusing on strategy, positioning, and market growth.
Recommended Reads:
How SP Jain Global shaped the journey behind my dream venture, Dreamoura
My Executive MBA Dubai Intensive Experience with Dr Gary Stockport
Unlearning to lead: How the EMBA changed my view of technology and leadershipFrom curiosity to clarity: My Executive MBA journey with SP Jain Global
