Can compassion drive career ambitions? For Subhasree Ray, our EMBA student, the answer is a resounding yes!

Now serving as the Lead of the Workforce Nutrition and Wellness division at Reliance Industries Limited, Subhasree Ray impacts the lives of 2.5 lakh people, driving change at the most molecular level. Subhasree’s compassion and passion for nutrition have been guiding forces throughout her academic and professional journey, which ultimately led her to pursue an Executive MBA at SP Jain Global after completing her PhD. Along the way, she has published in A-list journals, authored G-20 policy briefs, mentored emerging professionals, and contributed chapters to an academic book. Her dedication earned her the ‘Long Service and Medical Excellence Award’ and the ‘Game Changer’ recognition at the MS Excellence Awards 2023-2024, celebrating her transformative contributions to the field. This is her journey.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, beginning with what interested you about your field and personal journey?

As a driven and compassionate individual, I’ve always sought a career where I can significantly impact people’s lives, particularly in enhancing their health and well-being. My passion for nutrition led me to pursue a journey in Clinical Nutrition, building on a solid foundation in biology and human physiology. I earned my Master’s and PhD degrees from esteemed institutions in Kolkata and Mumbai. The profound connection between everyday food choices and overall health outcomes fascinated me the most. I became convinced that empowering individuals to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, including informed eating patterns, is crucial for a fulfilling life. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve stayed at the forefront of knowledge in my field, actively participating in conferences, seminars, and research projects. I’ve honed my skills in public speaking, networking, and communicating cutting-edge information with authenticity. Over the past decade, I’ve authored numerous publications, including 17 journal papers, G-20 policy briefs, and over 100 columns for reputable media outlets. I’m writing an academic book with Springer and contributing to multiple book chapters. I am researching sustainable nutrition and food systems that support climate change and environmental impact on food production and security. My expertise has been recognised through invitations to deliver plenary and keynote addresses and awards for best paper and young researcher. As the Lead of the Workforce Nutrition and Wellness division at Reliance Industries Limited, I serve over 2.5 lakh employees and their families, making a tangible impact on their lives. I oversee food quality and workplace wellness activities and contribute to the central wellness team. This role gives me immense satisfaction, and I’m proud to be making a difference in the lives of so many individuals.

Why did you choose to pursue an EMBA after completing your PhD?

I chose to pursue an EMBA after completing my PhD to broaden my leadership and management skills, enabling me to drive larger-scale initiatives in the healthcare sector. While my PhD equipped me with deep scientific expertise, an EMBA complements that knowledge by honing strategic decision-making, financial acumen, and business operation skills, which are essential for leading multidisciplinary teams and creating impactful health programs. This combination allows me to bridge science with business, ultimately creating sustainable and scalable solutions in healthcare and beyond.

How is this program helping you accelerate your career growth? What differences are you noticing in your approach to work and leadership?

The EMBA program is significantly helping accelerate my career growth by enhancing my ability to think strategically and manage complex business operations. The EMBA has equipped me with a broader perspective on organisational dynamics, financial planning, and data-driven decision-making, complementing my scientific background. I now approach work with a more holistic, cross-functional mindset, aligning technical and business goals. Regarding leadership, I’m noticing a shift towards being more proactive in problem-solving, fostering collaboration, and leading teams with a greater focus on long-term vision and stakeholder value creation. This integrated approach is proving invaluable in driving impactful changes within my organisation.

How does the diversity within your cohort help you? Do new perspectives enhance your performance in your industry?

The diversity within my cohort is an invaluable asset, offering a wide range of perspectives from different industries, functions, and cultures. Engaging with professionals from varied backgrounds allows me to challenge my assumptions, think outside my usual frame of reference, and approach problems with more innovative solutions. This exposure to new perspectives has enhanced my performance in my industry by helping me better understand global trends, adopt cross-industry best practices, and develop more adaptive leadership strategies. The collaborative discussions and shared experiences from such a diverse group have enriched my ability to navigate complex challenges with greater creativity and agility.

Your work in nutrition and wellness cuts across class and age groups. Where do you feel your field could provide the most input?

My field of nutrition and wellness can provide the most valuable inputs in preventive healthcare, particularly in chronic disease prevention and management with sustainable solutions. With the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, there is a growing need for evidence-based nutrition and wellness interventions that can help mitigate these conditions.

Specifically, I think my field can make a significant impact in the following areas:

• Childhood nutrition and development, where early interventions can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits and optimal growth and development.
• Workplace wellness, where nutrition and wellness programs can help improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and enhance overall employee wellbeing.
• Geriatric nutrition, where targeted interventions can help address the unique nutritional needs of older adults and promote healthy aging.
• Public health policy, where nutrition and wellness experts can inform and shape policies that promote healthy food systems, physical activity, and other health-promoting behaviours.
• Sustainable food systems and diets to help mitigate climate change, global hunger and food insecurity.

Based on your observations and study, what prediction can you make about the future of your sector?

Based on my observations and study, I predict that the following trends will shape the future of the nutrition and wellness sector:

• Personalised nutrition: With advancements in genomics, epigenomics, and artificial intelligence, personalised nutrition will become increasingly prominent. It will enable tailored dietary recommendations based on individual genetic profiles, health status, and lifestyle.
• Digital health and therapeutics: Technology will continue to revolutionise the sector, with telehealth, mobile apps, and wearable devices becoming integral tools for health monitoring, education, and intervention.
• Sustainable food systems: The sector will prioritise sustainable food production, processing, and consumption, focusing on environmentally friendly practices, reducing food waste, and promoting regenerative agriculture.
• Dietary shift: A significant shift towards plant-based diets, alternative proteins, and reduced meat consumption will occur, driven by concerns about climate change, animal welfare, and health outcomes.
• Integrative and functional medicine: The sector will shift towards a more holistic approach, incorporating functional medicine, mind-body therapies, and integrative practices to address the root causes of chronic diseases.
• Increased focus on mental health: Nutrition and wellness will play a critical role in addressing mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive function, through targeted dietary interventions and lifestyle modifications.
• Globalisation and cultural exchange: The sector will become increasingly global as knowledge, ingredients, and practices are shared across cultures, driving innovation and diversity in nutrition and wellness solutions.

What advice would you give to professionals considering an EMBA to advance their careers? 

For professionals considering an EMBA to advance their careers, I would advise approaching it with a clear understanding of your career goals and how the program aligns with them. An EMBA is a significant investment of time and resources, so choosing a program that offers academic rigour and opportunities to build your network and learn from diverse, experienced peers is essential. Be open to stepping outside your comfort zone, as the real value comes from applying business principles to new contexts and industries. Lastly, view it as more than a credential—use it as a platform to cultivate strategic thinking, leadership skills, and a global perspective that will set you apart in today’s competitive landscape.