I was six years old when my life changed from the quiet rhythms of a small town in Kerala to the bright lights of Dubai. That early move taught me adaptability and curiosity, shaping how I learned to thrive in new environments while staying connected to my roots. Years later, those same lessons guided me as I moved from Dubai to Switzerland, each transition a chance to grow and redefine myself.
Dubai quickly became home. It was where I grew up, built lifelong friendships, and began my professional journey. Over 10 years in the power management industry, I have evolved across both engineering and commercial roles. I learned how to solve technical challenges, but also how to step back and see the bigger picture. A turning point came when my mentor encouraged me to expand my horizon beyond engineering details and ask not only how things are built but also why. That broadened perspective allowed me to connect tasks to strategy and to recognize the larger impact of decisions.
Along the way, I also became more aware of the gaps I wanted to address. In one instance, a discussion on financial accruals highlighted how much I could gain by strengthening my understanding of business fundamentals. I realized that if I wanted to influence strategy and lead at a higher level, I needed to intentionally invest in building both hard business skills and the kind of leadership skills that would help me be more deliberate about how I show up for others. That realization motivated me to pursue an MBA.
I chose IMD because its culture of experiential learning and its leadership focus aligned with how I learn best. Unlike traditional interviews, IMD’s admissions process emphasized how people collaborate, solve problems, and lead under pressure. That authenticity stood out to me and reinforced my choice.
Nine months into the program, IMD has contributed deeply to my growth. The leadership stream, especially the sessions with PDE analysts, has helped me uncover not just what drives my behaviors but why. I came in believing I was fairly self-aware, but I realized there is always more to learn about yourself. I have also discovered the importance of building a new community. My classmates have become my tribe here, supportive yet challenging, and that has made Lausanne feel like home.
Receiving the IMD Merit Scholarship was a source of pride and validation. I sought it as a way to demonstrate my commitment, and IMD’s recognition of my potential reinforced my decision to join. Beyond financial support, it symbolized that the perspectives and experiences I bring add value to the class.
Looking ahead, I want to combine my engineering background, business acumen, and leadership journey to contribute to the future of infrastructure. The world is facing rising demand for reliable, sustainable, and resilient systems, whether in energy, transportation, or manufacturing. I see an opportunity to apply my skills to help organizations adapt and innovate for this next phase of growth. Just as I learned to adapt from Kerala to Dubai, and later to Switzerland, I continue to embrace each new challenge as a chance to grow and create lasting impact.
