From Classroom to the Boardroom: Turning Insights into Impact
Deepak Narayanan
Founder & CEO @Practus | Harvard Business School (Owner President Management)
When I walked through the gates of Harvard Business School (HBS) in October 2022, to attend the Owner/President Management (OPM) program, I wasn’t seeking validation, but transformation. Over 3 years, spanning 2022 to 2024, I returned to the hallowed halls of HBS to complete the program. Each visit brought new perspectives, challenged old paradigms and redefined my approach to leadership and business.
Having managed diverse teams, and navigating the complexities of consulting for global clients, I understood the pressures and demands of leadership. Yet, I knew there was more to learn. HBS didn’t just meet my expectations; it surpassed them, becoming a crucible for transformation.
The Magic of HBS
The magic of HBS isn’t just in its renowned case studies or world-class faculty, though both are undeniably exceptional. It lies in the vibrant energy of the classrooms, the late-night debates with peers, and the impromptu strategy sessions that spark ideas and collaboration. The camaraderie that stems from shared challenges created a melting pot of experiences which was transformative.
Interacting with some of the brightest minds in global business offered fresh perspectives. Whether it was tackling complex case studies or discussing real-world challenges, the program became a unique blend of intellectual rigor and practical application.
Execution Over Ideation
A key insight that resonated deeply was the importance of execution. As one professor succinctly put it, “A brilliant plan is only as good as its implementation.” This struck a chord, as Practus is built on the promise of bridging the gap between strategy and execution. This principle, reinforced at HBS, remains our defining differentiator. It’s a constant reminder that success lies in doing, not just planning.
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Leadership Redefined
During one memorable session, a professor posed a question, “If your company does not exist tomorrow, who would miss it the most?” This question got me thinking. It highlighted the importance of delivering deep impact to all stakeholders connected with Practus. At Practus, this philosophy has shaped the "One Practus Culture." This emphasizes empowerment, collaboration, and a shared vision, ensuring that the organization’s success doesn’t hinge on any one individual, but on the collective.
The Harvard Advantage
The OPM program isn’t about formulas or shortcuts. It’s about cultivating a mindset that blends confidence with humility, strategy with purpose and data with intuition. It teaches you to trust your instincts while listening to diverse perspectives, and to balance short term goals with long -term vision.
This perspective has profoundly shaped how we approach stakeholders at Practus. It is about outcomes over optics, creating value that resonates.
A Lifelong Impact
The journey at HBS reaffirmed that growth is a continuous process. For me, it has fueled an ambitious vision to scale Practus into a billion-dollar enterprise by disrupting the consulting space. The lessons, peer insights and experiences I gained at HBS have equipped me with better clarity and conviction to navigate this journey.
As I reflect, I realize that transformation isn’t a destination but a lifelong process. It’s about turning insights into action, embracing change and striving to turn strategy into outcomes. For that, I remain deeply grateful to HBS and the community that shaped this extraordinary journey.
#Leadership #Strategy #Transformation #CXO #HarvardBusinessSchool #InsightsToImpact Practus
Digital & Data Strategy | Salesforce | TOGAF | SixSigma | ITIL | Harvard Business School
1 个月A very insightful post. Thanks for sharing your journey Deepak Narayanan. You have captured the magic of HBS very well that every alum goes through and am able to relate to my own journey during SELP. Best wishes and welcome to the HBS club ??
Chief Executive Officer @ Grupo STIVA | MBA, Strategy, Consulting
1 个月Thanks for sharing Deepak Narayanan . Very happy to have gotten to know you.
Founder at 7sHR Consulting Pvt. Ltd| HR Business Partner working with Founders to increase their revenues by managing their people| Policies| POSH| Payroll and Compliances|
1 个月How often do you share articles here? I really liked this one!
Hi Deepak, Thanks for the insights. Learning doesnot stop and has no age limit. Keep inspiring
Strategic & New Business Initiatives | SaaS | Growth Leader ?? | Execution Excellence??| P&L Management |Tech enthusiast |HBS Alumnus |WeSchool Rank Holder| 2024 Pride of Welingkar awardee | 2x Tata Scholarship Winner
1 个月Thank you, Deepak , for sharing your inspiring journey! It’s incredible to see how the #OPM program at #HBS has shaped your leadership and execution approach. Your reflections on late-night debates, strategy sessions, and the balance between confidence and humility truly resonate.?? It takes immense dedication and tenacity to be an OPMer, and your story took me back to my own days on the HBS campus—those coffee chats and impromptu discussions were truly transformative.?? Welcome to the #HBSalumni network! As you know, HBS’s mission is to educate leaders who make a difference in the world, and it’s clear you’re already embodying that mission. Wishing you all the best as you apply your newfound knowledge and continue to create meaningful outcomes at Practus #keeplearningKeepgrowing