Reminiscing the journey to my Executive MBA.....

As I get ready for the upcoming 'virtual' convocation ceremony, it feels serene to reminisce on my truly special 2 year journey. I would be remiss; if I don't share my learnings and reflections with you all and especially those who are still considering if they should go for an MBA or not. As a Kelloggian and as a leader, it is my responsibility & desire to give back & pass it on.

The 3 Key Learnings:

• It Depends: When you have a limited toolkit; you fall in the trap of quickly picking a side of right or wrong. But this experience encourages you to think holistically and then you realize 'it depends' upon many more factors.

• Strategy is deciding what 'not' to do: It is not just a mere to do list but instead it is an act of consciously choosing where not to invest time & resources. As a leader you must understand the trade offs while deciding. Post that - give it the necessary time to flourish. Can't keep changing it everyday.

• You can't make everyone happy and it's okay! : It is so true, right? So why even bother? Choose the right target segment (or right priorities) and give it everything you have. Less is more in this case. Become the best in the segment/priorities you are serving and make that your competitive advantage.

The 3 Key 'Aha' Moments:

• There are 24 Hours in a day: That is a whole lot of time. In fact you quickly realize how you had been 'wasting' your time on non-value add things. If planned right, you can maintain a decent (not ideal) balance on work, study and family front.

• You are not alone: You don't need to have an answer for everything. Through your global network, you will always know a guy or gal who knows a guy or a gal. This helps you breathe since your network has got you covered.

• Learning is Fun: Being surrounded with diverse mindsets who all are trying to learn and collaborate is a whole lot of fun. It is not about the grades at this point in your career but its more about understanding and applying the concepts you learn in class. My cohort members through their experience and stories, taught me equally or more than what the classes covered.

The 3 Key Resolutions:

• Connecting my profession & actions to a bigger purpose in life: Through this journey, I have gotten greater admiration to the fact that life is too short to be mere materialistic. Personal actions as well as career choices should reflect a very strong connection with the social or environmental cause one genuinely believes in. After all, one's legacy won't be measured by how much wealth she/he accumulates but the impact they leave behind on society or the environment.

• Dance as if no one is watching: Doesn't matter what people think (barring the loved and close ones off course). Perception is critical but if its burden is making you do things that are un-natural to you then what's the point ? Do what you feel is right and always be humble enough to reflect on if your right is 'the right'.

• Be the change you want to see in the world: The world needs more people who can be the change agents and who lead by example. Be authentic, be passionate, be focused on doing the right thing and driving the right change. To drive such change - big or small - one must be willing to invest time to do so, no matter how challenging the journey might end up being. Be the guiding light for others who are in need.

Gratitude & Huge Thanks To:

• My Cohort: Without the amazing and compassionate EMBA 118, I wouldn't have been able to pull it off. This group of 'high impact low ego' leaders will continue to lead the way. These 70 are genuinely amazing human beings who I call my family. Huge shout out to my group members - Velisha Haddox, Eric Hanson, Dan Manojlovski, Yuanyuan Jia. They made me better and tried hard to make me wiser. :) Lastly - it was an honor to be the elected Cohort Ambassador for our amazing cohort along with my dear friend Al Johnson. Being honored with this responsibility truly was a highlight of my journey.

• My Team: My very talented team at AbbVie stood behind me and allowed me the time to focus on being a better leader. More critically, they gave wings to my dreams as a leader who was eager to implement the key learnings. They also provided ample encouragement every time I needed it. And all of this while delivering record breaking performance on almost all fronts of the enterprise expectations.

• My School: World class faculty, best in class program administration, and with a secret recipe with which Kellogg chooses complimentary skilled, diversely styled cohort members who have similar foundational value system makes this World's #1 ranked Executive MBA Program. I had only applied to this program and would have kept applying until Kellogg accepted me. :) But got lucky the first time. Despite COVID, Kellogg Team under the very able leadership of Greg Hanifee and his amazing team members Colette Feldges, Chris Bray and others were able to provide a world class experience to us. I am honored to have had this opportunity and will stay forever grateful to the school.

• My Family: Without my mother & father's relentless confidence & investment in me which enabled me to dream big, this feat wouldn't have been possible. Making them proud was a very strong sentiment with me throughout this journey. My kids, who helped me pack my bags every alternate weekend as I headed out for classes. Those late night video calls urging me to come home soon - were the emotional anchor for me. My in laws were exceptional as they came for our rescue as Prachee & I were delivering our lovely daughter. Finally & most importantly, my wife and my best friend, Prachee who stood behind me throughout this journey. Despite her own professional commitments; she not only filled in for me with the kids but was there to encourage and motivate me throughout. She truly has been the wind beneath my wings.

Wrapping Up:

This truly is a FAMILY degree and when one decides to sign up for this - it is absolutely important that the entire family is onboard since their sacrifices are going to be lot more significant and harder than yours.

This journey is filled with self-reflections, deep thinking and learning that will stay with you forever. It truly is an investment in yourself to discover your passion and then it enables you to put an action plan to convert that passion into a reality.

If you are in two minds of whether to pursue an MBA or not, check the link at the end of this article as I was exactly there couple years ago. Wish you all the best ! If you go for it - you won't regret it, for sure.

Akshar Awalgaonkar