Creating Our Own Blue Ocean: A 9-Day Journey with Dr Umesh Kothari
-Disha Joshi, MGB 2025 intake
Some courses teach strategy. This one changed how we think about it.
“Fun-based learning.”
That is how Dr Umesh Kothari, Assistant Dean GMBA & MGB at SP Jain Global, described his teaching philosophy, and it could not be truer. Over nine incredible days, our class experienced what it really means to think beyond competition and create something truly new through the Blue Ocean Strategy course.
From the very first day, it never felt like a typical classroom. Dr Umesh made sure every session was engaging, full of conversations, questions, and laughter. He encouraged us to speak up, challenge ideas, and explore our own versions of what strategy could mean. Every concept came alive because he taught it like a story, not a lecture.
Learning strategy through real frameworks
We explored frameworks like the ERRC Grid, the PMS Map, the Ansoff Matrix, and the Balanced Scorecard. Each one helped us see how companies can move away from crowded markets and build their own unique spaces, their own blue oceans. But more than the models, what stayed with us was the excitement of learning something that changes how you see business itself.
The Blue Ocean Simulation experience
The Blue Ocean Simulation quickly became everyone’s favourite part of the course. It was a mix of thrill, teamwork, and curiosity as we played the role of business leaders making big decisions. Every round felt like a real challenge, and we could see our choices directly shape our company’s success. It was learning through experience, and the energy in the class was unmatched.
For the grand finale, we were given a live business challenge in which every team had to devise its own Blue Ocean Strategy. It pushed us to be creative, to apply everything we had learned, and to present ideas that could genuinely stand out in the real world. What made it even more special was the presence of Mr Muhammad Naman Ali, Chief Operating Officer of Jones the Grocer UAE, who joined the finale to evaluate our presentations. Having an industry leader from such a respected brand review our ideas added incredible depth and perspective to the entire experience.
The videos and photos captured during these moments truly show the spirit of the class: a blend of curiosity, creativity, and teamwork that made these nine days unforgettable.
More than strategy – A lesson for life
What made this journey truly memorable was Dr Umesh’s incredible commitment. His passion for teaching, his consistency, and the effort he puts into making sure every student feels involved are beyond words. He never gave up on ensuring we understood, engaged, and enjoyed the process. That dedication was a lesson in itself, to keep showing up, to keep doing what you promise, and to always give your best.
This course was not just about learning strategy. It was about understanding innovation, leadership, and belief. It reminded us that success does not come from following the crowd but from finding your own path and doing it with heart.
About the Authors
Disha Joshi is specialising in Marketing with SP Jain Global. She brings over four years of experience in the social media and digital content space, working with brands to craft engaging narratives and impactful campaigns. Disha remained a campus ambassador during her term 1, and now in Term 2 in Dubai, she is helping with content curation from the MGB curriculum and academic activities.
See how MGB students grow, learn, and lead. Read more experiences here.
