Hunger > Willingness + Ability
What compels a well-settled Chartered Accountant and CFA charter holder to pursue an MBA? Despite thriving in India with over a decade of diverse industry experience spanning multinational corporations, family businesses, and startups, I felt a strong desire for a broader global perspective. This hunger for growth and new experiences led me to pursue an international MBA, relocate to Europe, and embark on a journey of unlearning and relearning. It was a bold step that reflected my commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
Feeling the Rain > Just Getting Wet
Three decades of life taught me a crucial lesson: you always have a choice – to either fully immerse yourself or merely go through the motions. This principle held true throughout my MBA journey. I actively engaged both in and out of the classroom—coming prepared, participating in discussions, asking questions, and sharing experiences. I offered help in areas where I excelled and sought guidance where I wanted to grow. During social interactions, I made a conscious effort to be present and enjoy each moment.
Also, I found that the art of framing and rephrasing thoughts developed through consistent practice. My interactions with industry leaders who presented real-world challenges provided invaluable insights into the ‘DACH’ corporate world, enabling me to tailor solutions to their unique needs. This hands-on experience proved to be an essential component of my learning and growth during the MBA program.
Learning to Claim Space > Being Apologetic of Who You Are
How do you create space for yourself in an international environment while staying true to your roots? As an Indian in a diverse cohort, I initially got lost trying to fit in. Soon, I realized that carving out my own space was crucial. I refused to let fear or preconceived notions prevent others from getting to know the real me. Instead, I embraced my heritage and took pride in my identity. I hosted a Garba dance workshop, shared aspects of my culture, and enjoyed weekend getaways with my international cohort. These experiences taught me the importance of leading with authenticity. By claiming my space unapologetically, I not only empowered myself but also enriched the experiences of those around me. This journey revealed that being true to oneself is not just personally fulfilling but also adds immense value to the collective experience.
Curiosity > Complacency
Choosing a rigorous program at one of Europe’s top business schools was daunting, but it proved far more rewarding than staying complacent. I eagerly embraced exchange programs, facing initial challenges that soon turned into enriching experiences. Curiosity became my guiding force, helping me navigate the complexities of European life—from understanding why tap water is safe to drink to exploring diverse public transportation systems. Each city captivated me with its unique character, rich history, and cultural fusion in architecture and cuisine. I delved into Copenhagen’s innovative sustainability practices, explored luxury market strategies in Milan, and deep-dived into building efficient supply chains in Lyon, transforming every challenge into an opportunity for growth.
Being Resourceful > Building Toolkits > Having Unlimited Resources
I learned that unlimited resources were never guaranteed, but being resourceful and making the most of what I had would take me far. As a leader, I discovered the importance of understanding the bigger picture before delving deeper. The challenge was to identify the crux of the problem and allocate finite resources towards the best possible risk-to-reward outcomes. The program equipped me with toolkits to approach problems in a structured manner, enhancing my problem-solving skills. Interacting with diverse individuals broadened my perspective, and those who challenged my views contributed most to my growth. This experience taught me that resourcefulness trumped having vast resources; creativity and adaptability became my strongest assets in navigating complex situations with limited means.
Failing Fast > Failing > Not Trying
Everyone tells you to get out of your comfort zone, but how do you do that? Start with taking baby steps. I had the opportunity to work on a business plan for Noble Knot, a unisex product focused on customized elegance with handcrafted bow ties. From designing unique bow ties, finding the right materials, and sourcing vendors in India to conducting market research in the DACH region and hosting stalls at flea markets for customer insights, it was a hands-on experience that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Tools that I got in the design thinking elective helped me evaluate this pragmatically and appreciate how different the go-to-market strategy is in the luxury space vis a vis other categories.
What’s Success for You > What’s Acceptable as Success to Others
We unfortunately have been conditioned to think that professional success is the only kind of success out there. However, I discovered that my uniqueness was the key to excelling in everything I chose to do. This period was filled with personal firsts—leaving India for education, living independently, furnishing an apartment, learning to cook, and braving cold weather. I made it a point to frequently reflect on my own path and appreciate my progress. I understood that seeking external validation could distract me from what truly mattered. By staying focused and persevering, I remembered that my only real competition was who I had been the day before.
Anekantwad > There’s only one way
How do you address conflicts when you’re not open to exploring a different approach? The Jain principle of Anekantwad taught me that there are multiple ways to view a reality and more often than not, each of them is true as a perspective, and no single viewpoint holds the absolute truth. This principle fostered open-mindedness and tolerance in my approach. Living in St. Gallen, a city of stairs and slopes, I observed how each stairway eventually led to the central Marktplatz, yet each path was unique. This urban metaphor reinforced the idea that every journey has its own value if one took the time to explore it. I discovered that by embracing various approaches and ideas, I enriched my problem-solving skills and made my solutions more resilient to contingencies. This openness to multiple viewpoints not only helped me address conflicts more effectively but also led me to unexpected discoveries and insights that I might have missed had I clung to a single way of thinking.
Mentorship > Independence
While independence is important, mentorship proved invaluable for navigating complex career paths. I actively sought out alumni networks, which connected me with experienced professionals who had walked similar paths. These connections often led to conversations that opened doors to unexplored opportunities. The HSG Alumni Community and CFA Society of Switzerland became invaluable resources for me. I found mentors who not only shared insights but also guided me in making key decisions. Recognizing the importance of this support, I am proud to give back by volunteering with the CFA Society’s Careers Committee and helping drive the career mentoring program. This experience taught me that while independence fostered personal growth, mentorship provided the wisdom and guidance necessary to make informed decisions and accelerate professional development.
Celebrate each Milestone!
Sometimes, people struggle to celebrate themselves, often realizing too late—or never—that they should have. The sooner you learn to celebrate your own milestones, just as you celebrate others, the more you’ll grow to love yourself, gain confidence, and find peace in enjoying life fully. My parents always celebrated every milestone, big or small, in my life, and my MBA journey taught me that it’s high time I start doing the same for myself!
This is just the Beginning…
This leads me to the question: “What’s Next?” I am actively exploring global opportunities where I can leverage my expertise in consulting, corporate finance, and key account management, along with a decade-plus experience in emerging markets, to make a meaningful impact. Here’s my request: If you know someone I should connect with, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Wishing you all the best in your personal and professional endeavors!
Written by Raj Vora – MBA graduate of the University of St. Gallen
