From Execution to Strategy: My Executive MBA Journey with SP Jain Global
As Chief Operating Officer at Oilfield & Technical Supplies Centre (OTSC) and Managing Partner at KV & Sons, our family’s diversified investment office, I’ve led initiatives spanning industrial equipment, oil & gas, FMCG, and retail. My focus has always been the intersection of strategy and execution.
Beyond business, I’m passionate about creating long-term impact through innovation and leadership. I’ve taken on leadership roles in Rotaract, Business Networking International (BNI), and our local business council, where I enjoy mentoring and contributing to community growth.
The Turning Point
After over a decade in operations and strategy, I needed to step back and see the bigger picture. I wanted to evolve into a true strategic leader, and I realised that transition required exposure to global business frameworks.
SP Jain Global’s Executive MBA stood out for its global reputation, flexible format, strong industry connections, and focus on leadership and transformation. It offered exactly what I needed to bridge my hands-on experience with structured strategic thinking.
A Transformational Learning Experience
What truly set the program apart was the faculty. Many brought both academic rigour and deep industry experience. Their ability to break down complex ideas through practical case studies made learning instantly applicable. Special thanks to Professor Arindam Banerjee and Professor Umesh Kothari for their exceptional guidance.
Another highlight was the Engaged Learning Online (ELO) platform. Its real-time, interactive design meant I could stay fully engaged without compromising work commitments. The program’s simulations and cross-functional projects challenged me to collaborate, think critically, and step outside my comfort zone.
From Gut Feel to Financial Frameworks
Before the EMBA, I often made financial decisions based on instinct and experience. However, during a major investment decision for a new product line, I applied tools from our Strategic Finance and Managerial Accounting courses—using ROI analysis, DCF valuation, and risk-weighted modelling. It transformed our decision-making process and reinforced confidence among stakeholders. That product line has since become a key growth engine.
This experience cemented the value of structured thinking in high-stakes scenarios.
The Consulting Mindset
The EMBA reframed how I think and operate. I now bring a consulting mindset to business challenges—breaking down problems, asking sharper questions, and designing scalable solutions.
In my current role, I’ve led cross-functional transformations, introduced data-driven dashboards with Power BI, and engaged board members with greater confidence. I now lead with foresight, not just experience something the program deeply influenced.
The Power of Peer Learning
While our cohort may not have spanned every industry, the diversity in leadership styles, experiences, and regional insights added immense value. Group projects helped me understand different problem-solving approaches and sharpened my communication and leadership skills.
The connections I made continue to offer fresh perspectives, encouragement, and new opportunities.
A Degree That Delivers
Having gone through the program, I can confidently say SP Jain Global’s EMBA competes with the best—thanks to its faculty, curriculum, tech infrastructure, and real-world relevance. Seeing a program so attuned to business realities in Asia and the Middle East gain global recognition is especially meaningful, which adds even more credibility to the degree.
If you’re considering an EMBA, do it for the right reasons. It’s not just a degree—it’s a mindset shift. It requires time and energy, but the return is exponential.
Look for a program that blends theory with practical frameworks, leadership growth, and a global peer network. SP Jain Global delivered all of that for me.
About the author
Harsh is part of the SP Jain Global EMBA Class of 2024. He is the COO of Oilfield & Technical Supplies Centre (OTSC) and Managing Partner at KV & Sons, a diversified family investment office. Based in Bahrain with professional roots across the GCC, he brings 10+ years of experience in strategy and operations in industrial equipment, oil and gas, FMCG, and retail.
