A Journey from Boardroom to Classroom
As someone who spent decades navigating the fast-paced corporate world, the idea of transitioning to academia wasn’t a decision I took lightly. Yet, as I sit here on Teacher’s Day, reflecting on my journey from the boardroom to the classroom, I am reminded of how deeply rewarding this path has been—far beyond what I ever imagined.
?After years of managing teams, driving business strategies, and scaling corporate ladders, I decided to pursue a passion that had long been simmering in the background: teaching. The transition was significant. Trading strategy meetings for lesson plans and financial reports for lecture notes was a challenge, and yet with those challenges came immense satisfaction. Adapting to the world of academia required me to embrace new pedagogical methods, find ways to connect with a generation born into the digital age, and learn the nuances of fostering critical thinking. It was a steep learning curve, but the rewards far outweighed the hurdles.
?There’s a unique joy in teaching that’s difficult to capture. It’s in the spark of curiosity you see in a student’s eyes when they connect the dots, or the moments when a lively classroom debate ignites fresh perspectives. These experiences remind me daily of the profound impact education has on shaping minds and futures. What’s more rewarding are the unexpected notes, emails, and messages from former students—people I had the honor to teach—who are now carving their own paths in the world. Knowing that I played even a small role in their journey is incredibly humbling and uplifting.
?One of the most fulfilling aspects of teaching is the relationships I’ve formed with my students. These connections often extend far beyond the classroom, evolving into mentorships and friendships. Over time, I’ve watched students become successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are making real impacts. Knowing that I contributed to their growth, however small, is a deeply gratifying experience. The trust and respect that develop between teacher and student form the cornerstone of these relationships. It’s a privilege I hold dearly.
?Teaching isn’t a one-way street. Every student brings new questions, fresh ideas, and different perspectives to the table. While I’m the one leading the class, I’ve often found myself learning as much from them as they do from me. Their questions challenge me to think critically, their energy reignites my passion for the subjects I teach, and their diversity of thought broadens my understanding of the world. Each class brings a new lesson for me, and this dynamic exchange is what keeps teaching exciting and ever-evolving.
?What I didn’t expect when I entered academia was the personal growth it would inspire. Teaching has made me more patient, more empathetic, and more committed to lifelong learning. The ethical dilemmas we explore in class have made me more attuned to the complex challenges we face in today’s world, while the discussions on sustainability have deepened my commitment to finding innovative solutions. Through teaching, I’ve not only honed my skills as a communicator and mentor but also strengthened my own sense of purpose. I’ve become more thoughtful in my approach to leadership and more intentional in how I shape the classroom experience.
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While both environments offer unique opportunities for growth, I found that collaboration in the corporate world was often more immediate and open, whereas in academia, collaboration tends to be more measured and guarded, perhaps due to the independent nature of research and teaching. This contrast has taught me to appreciate the different dynamics of each setting.
?On this Teacher’s Day, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the students who have been part of this journey—both past and present. To those who’ve challenged me with tough questions, shared groundbreaking ideas, or simply shown up with enthusiasm: thank you. Your engagement makes teaching an incredibly rewarding experience. To my former students, thank you for keeping in touch, for sharing your successes, and for reminding me why I love this profession. Watching you achieve your goals and make positive impacts in the world is the greatest reward I could ask for. To my current students, your energy, curiosity, and willingness to engage with complex topics keep me motivated every day. I’m excited to see where our shared journey will lead.
?Teaching has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life. It has allowed me to contribute to the development of future leaders, innovators, and thinkers, while also providing countless opportunities for personal growth. As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the many students who have made it such a rich and meaningful experience. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives, and for making teaching a career of endless rewards. Here’s to many more years of learning, growing, and inspiring each other.
Have you made a career transition? What did you learn? Let me know in the comments...
Sales Leader / Channel Sales Expert / Product Management
2 个月Well done Joy R. ??Congratulations ??
VP & Global Head - Sustainability, Procurement, Administration & Facilites
2 个月Congrats Joy!
Associate Professor, Marketing Domain, St. Joseph's Institute of Management (SJIM), Bangalore, India
2 个月Wish you many more fruitful years of teaching Sir! My best wishes!