I’ve come to learn that even the most unexpected chapters in life can teach you something – if you’re intentional about it. That mindset has shaped my journey so far.
I was born in Thiruvananthapuram, raised in Muscat, studied engineering in Tamil Nadu, and spent seven-years building a career in India’s advertising industry. By 27, I was leading a branch of an independent agency, sharpening my thinking and fueling my appetite for ambition. I shaped brand narratives for over 30 brands – including Adidas, Uber, and Pernod Ricard – working closely with leaders, strategists, and creatives who deeply influenced how I think about brand building.
I could’ve stayed and continued to grow, but something deeper called out. I wanted to move to the other side of the table – to take responsibility for outcomes, not just messaging. I no longer wanted to advise brands; I wanted to help build them from within. That meant learning business fundamentals, expanding my strategic lens, and earning the credibility to lead from the inside. An MBA felt like the most deliberate way to make that pivot.
I chose IMD because it offered exactly what I was looking for: a close-knit, high-caliber cohort, a deeply personalized experience, and a leadership journey that went far beyond résumé-building. I wasn’t looking for a factory-line MBA – I wanted to be challenged, reshaped, and pushed to reflect on how I lead and grow. And that’s exactly what IMD delivered.
The Leadership Stream and PDE electives have had a real impact on me. They’re immersive, introspective experiences that help you confront blind spots, own your story, and grow from the inside out.
Along the way, I started noticing the wins, not just the big milestones, but the quieter, everyday ones. Cracking cases with diverse teams, learning a once-intimidating skill, or even winning the Battle of the Bands at MBAT – I’ve come to believe: small wins are everywhere. You just have to stay self-aware, push through inertia, and remain intentional – the results will show up, maybe not when or how you expect, but they do. That shift in perspective has been one of my biggest takeaways, and IMD has only deepened it.
That mindset shaped how I approached my internship search. It took time and resilience, but things aligned. I’m currently interning with Rework AG, a sustainable fashion startup in Bern. My role spans brand development, marketing, and growth strategy, and for the first time, I’m working within a brand rather than consulting to it. It’s hands-on and challenging but deeply rewarding. IMD’s Careers Development Team helped me shift my perspective and refine my approach.
Post-MBA, I hope to join a global consumer brand that connects with and impacts millions in a marketing leadership role where I can combine strategic depth with creative instinct to drive meaningful growth.
This journey – this pivot – is already underway. I didn’t come to IMD to validate my past. I came to build something new. And six months in, I know I’m on the right path.
