HBS GMP36 60 Day Reflection

And just like that it has been 60 days since I graduated from Harvard Business School (HBS), Executive Education General Management Program (GMP). An alumni status granting program (more on this specific badge of honor later in this read). After 12.5 years of my professional career at one of the greatest companies in the world, I felt an itch to broaden the scope of my learning thus far and step into a world where I could meet people I would have otherwise not crossed paths with in my life.

Amidst several ideas and opportunities, emotions and dilemmas, I always find solace in writing. So here are some key 60 day reflections, thoughts and learnings. In summary, HBS was nourishment to my mind, body and soul.

1. Surround Yourself with Genuine Supporters: this can’t be the first time you have heard this, but if it is, I can share that you need people who serve as ‘wind to your sails’ and not ‘anchors to your boat’. Cut anchors loose - who are holding you back and weighing you down. There will be very few and far between, who are truly happy to see you succeed and give you the push you need to operate at your best. At HBS, my learning group and other colleagues saw in me, strengths, that I may have half seen or neglected. I’m finally able to embrace saying out loud that my superpower has always been communication (verbal and written).
2. Authenticity Above Everything: Personally, I believe being your authentic self is your biggest virtue, it’s what makes you uniquely you. If you modify your behavior regularly, you’re only sharing a version of yourself. My executive coach, living group and other peers, highlighted the word ‘authentic’ as my leadership style repeatedly. I have shared this before, quite simply, do onto others as you’d have others do onto you. People will not remember your fancy titles, but they will always remember the way you treated them.
3. Diversity and Inclusion are not Buzz Words: With peers from 41 countries across 22 industries in the GMP36 cohort, the diversity of thought, varying perspectives solving common problems, highlighted how powerful diversity can truly be. While we celebrate our differences, values of honesty, respect, love and kindness are universal.
4. The Holy Grail For Learning: Harvard’s world renowned faculty have truly mastered the art of imparting knowledge in a palpable manner. The classes were nothing short of theatrics, which raise the energy, discussions and the heat (at times in a good way) of the debates, especially when the class is mostly divided on their points of view. Each faculty member had their unique style of teaching, yet so effective and above all, generous with their time in and outside the classroom.
5. Doing Well by Doing Good: To be honest, the concept of doing well by doing good is something that continues to ring in my head, indicating that I’m still processing the importance of social impact. Business models must be profitable, especially as businesses vow to doing good for society. We learned about several profitable companies, who provide what masses need (not want).
6. Do More of What You Love: I’ve always known this and for those who know me well, will tell you this has always been the case, that I truly love public speaking. Few things match in giving me the joy I get when I have an opportunity to represent India at a global platform. Equally, I loved every bit of giving a graduation speech at dinner, representing the spirit of GMP36. It may have been a decent speech, but the respect and adulation I received from my colleagues and audience, will remain a cherished memory for years to come. View video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXdZmhkqnX8&t=29
7. Community and Belonging: It is rare to form strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie in such a short period of time (also at different life-stages). Besides referring to my cohort as my personal board of directors, it’s incredible to have a like- minded community (and a rather active WhatsApp group) of HBS GMPers sharing pictures of mini re-unions and meet ups from all over the globe.

In our final lecture, our accounting professor shared some life advice for all of us. While we proudly believe HBS Alumni status is an asset, he highlighted how it is a lifelong liability as it comes with the expectation to continuously paying it forward. It is still very early to fully understand the gravitas of this responsibility, so I will defer to sharing more, once I learn more.

The GMP journey was nothing short of a loopy rollercoaster. We laughed together, we cried together (yes, grown adults cried possibly more than once) and made meaningful memories for a lifetime. For now, back to the real world, beaming with rejuvenating energy to make a difference.