IMD MBA student profile: Determination was a key driver for Shiv Shwetha Kalyanasundaram who describes her dream of becoming a responsible AI leader – and reveals how her family inspired her to succeed.

I was raised by my parents, grandmother, and extended family in Tamil Nadu, southern India. As the eldest of three siblings, I was always encouraged to set an example for my younger sister and brother. In a society where it was uncommon for women to have professional aspirations, I was fortunate to have open-minded parents who taught me to think independently and pursue my dreams. In our household, values and ethics were paramount, often taking precedence over academic performance.

Me with my extended family in India

From an early age, I was drawn to technology. My career began with exploring various areas within IT, but it was data science that truly captivated me. My father always emphasized that education is the greatest wealth one can possess, as it eradicates ignorance. Inspired by his belief, I worked diligently to develop myself through formal education. I pursued a master’s in business analytics at WBS, where I learned how to turn data insights into business outcomes. Subsequently, I joined PA Consulting in London as a data science consultant, where I delivered AI-driven solutions to MNCs.

PA’s Women in Tech Panellists event in London (I’m second from left)

My rapid progression in leading complex projects highlighted the need for formal business education, so IMD became my ideal next step due to its emphasis on experiential leadership coaching, holistic professional and personal development, and world-class academic training.

My experience at IMD has been nothing short of transformative. Each day is filled with intense learning and new challenges. I have gained a deeper understanding of business language and processes, and I now appreciate the importance of comprehending the entire business landscape to lead confidently.

My startup team after our final presentation – Kieran Sy, Yonjai Lee, Thiago Nascimento, Me, Bent Bille-Brahe-Selby

Through the program and feedback from my peers, I have come to realize that I can be a caring and daring leader, capable of driving high performance while maintaining empathy and support for my team.

Enjoying our Discovery Expedition in the US – Sheng Li, Teodora Andrejic, Me, Roger Wang

During my time at IMD, I landed a part-time job opportunity at an EPFL lab, where I am applying my business acumen and technical skills to bring groundbreaking in-situ stress measurement technology to the market.

Due to my humble cultural and financial background, pursuing an MBA at IMD was challenging – but the Nestlé Scholarship for Women provided crucial support. The encouragement of my family, especially my husband, who has been by my side throughout the course, motivated me to excel every single day.

With my husband Dharun at Lake Geneva in Lausanne

I see life as a beautiful journey, one that evolves in unexpected and enriching ways. I aspire to emerge as a responsible AI leader after my MBA and address significant business challenges through data-driven solutions.

Women on Boards session at IMD

As I reflect on my journey, two constants have always guided me: a relentless drive for consistency and the unwavering support of my loving family. These elements have shaped who I am and directed me through every stage of my life and career.

My education serves as a testament that anyone, regardless of background, can dream big and achieve their goals. I am committed to offering my time and expertise to aspiring young professionals aiming to create a positive impact.

Shiv Shwetha Kalyanasundaram

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