A Year of Transformation: Celebrating 2023 and the Journey Through My Executive MBA

As the sun sets on 2023, I am compelled to pause and reflect on a year that has been a whirlwind of growth, discovery, and connection. This year has been a mosaic of experiences, each contributing uniquely to my personal and professional growth and it has reshaped my perspective, both professionally and personally. In sharing this journey with my LinkedIn community, I want to delve deep into the experiences and the incredible people who have been pivotal in this transformative journey.

The Beginning: A Global Classroom

The year commenced with an invigorating journey to Tel Aviv, Israel. This trip was the inaugural step in my international electives of my Executive MBA program, a journey that promised to be as enlightening as it was challenging. In Israel, I found myself immersed in a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurship, surrounded by innovative minds and spirited discussions. The experience extended beyond academic learning; it was about understanding different cultures, business practices, and building a global network. Thanks to special group of people - Miguel Ruiz , Jeremy Collins, MD, MBA , Jennifer Striebeck , Trevor Campbell MIEAust CPEng IntPE(Aus) , Jay Bhinde , Karan Khanijou , Mitesh Patel and all my Tel-Aviv peers.

The travels continued with educational and insightful visits to Germany and the Netherlands. Here, the focus was on understanding the profound impact of social and cultural dynamics on business and entrepreneurship. These trips weren't just about acquiring knowledge; they were instrumental in fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among my peers. We shared experiences, debated ideas, and in the process, formed bonds that I am sure will last a lifetime.

Family: The Unwavering Pillar of Support

2023 also blessed me with precious family moments. Our trip to Paris, especially the surprise visit to the PSG stadium for my son's birthday, remains etched in my heart. These personal moments provided me with the balance and grounding needed amidst my hectic academic and professional schedule.

Professional Milestones: A Leap Forward

This year marked a significant leap in my career as I took on the role of IT Director at Regal Rexnord. This achievement was not just a reflection of my hard work but also the faith and guidance of numerous individuals who believed in me. I am deeply grateful for their support and mentorship.

The year also brought me the joy of experiencing my first Phish concert. A special shoutout to Melissa, my cohort mate, for introducing me to this new realm of music and to my study group - Manu, Virginia, and Alex - for sharing these moments with me.

The MBA Journey: A Tapestry of Experiences and Gratitude

December 2023 marked the pinnacle of my MBA journey with the graduation ceremony. Standing there, in the midst of my proud family and peers, I was overwhelmed with a sense of achievement and gratitude. This MBA journey was an amalgamation of rigorous academic learning, practical insights, and life lessons.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to my study group, whose support was unwavering. To Melissa Mullarkey , Manmadha Pasari , Virginia Venable , and Alex Steinwachs, MBA , your insights, patience, and camaraderie made the challenging moments of this course more manageable and enjoyable.

Special thanks to Christine Abramo, MBA and George Evagoras , my mentors in this journey. Your belief in my potential and guidance in the world of entrepreneurship has been invaluable.

To the Biriyani Boys group ( Zafar Akram Jamkhana , Jitendra Sagili , Sunil Bahunapati , Praveen Nimmala, MBA , Sudhakiran Pendurthi ), thank you for the moments of laughter and relaxation. Your presence added a light-hearted balance to our intense academic schedule.

The incredible women of my cohort deserve a special mention [Every women of my cohort]. Juggling a demanding program with family responsibilities and jobs, you were a source of inspiration, demonstrating resilience and strength.

My appreciation goes out to the GIM-EEE friends . The depth of our friendship (Praveen Nimmala , Sunil Bahunapati, Manoj Arigela ) and the support we shared during our discussions and study sessions added a rich layer to my MBA experience ( Eden Xu , Roxanne Zong ) . Also thankful to company the fantastic thought leaders.

A shoutout to the Canada group for those memorable late-night train rides Fahad Bijle , Ayush Rastogi . Your companionship during our academic travels added a delightful dimension to our learning experience.

Gratitude to the Capstone team for providing a stress-free and enriching learning environment, especially in understanding the complexities of M&A Ivana Hamidi (Zbozinek), MBA , Preetha Menon , Vishal Kamble .

There is a set of special people in my cohort who made my MBA experience very special and thanks to each of them from the bottom of my heart. Qian Jenny Liu , Sonia Arora , Sri Manda , Vijay Ponnaiyan , Jason Boche , Erik Mayer , Kai Liang , Dorian Oleksak, MBA , John Mensing , Lipsa Mahapatra , Jena Teeling , John McNabb , Christopher Lugo, DMD, MBA , Scott McLeod, JD, MBA . A special thanks to my previous cohort friends who made us feel home from the day-1 Bob Ntuaremba Leyo, MBA , Traci Shapiro, MBA , Volkan E. , Mohammad Abubacker , Vasanth K. . A special thanks to my favorite professors Mitchell Petersen , Alexander Chernev , Achal Bassamboo , Nancy Qian , Harry Kraemer, Jr. , David Schonthal , Stephen Lanchak

I cannot forget the indispensable role of the EMBA admin team. Your efforts behind the scenes ensured our academic journey was seamless and fulfilling. A big thank you to the Allen Center staff for your patience and support throughout these two years. Your dedication to our comfort and needs did not go unnoticed.

Broadening Horizons: Speaking Engagements and Coaching

Apart from my graduation, a significant highlight was speaking at the CIO/CISO conference of Apex Assembly about DEI in IT. This opportunity not only broadened my professional network but also deepened my understanding of contemporary industry challenges.

Coaching a robotics team in the First Lego League competition was a journey in itself. Witnessing their progression to the Sectionals for the first time in three years was a proud moment. This achievement was a collective effort, and I thank all the parents and team members for their dedication and hard work.

Looking Forward: Embracing 2024 with Open Arms

As I stand on the threshold of 2024, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I carry forward the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the experiences gained in 2023. I am profoundly grateful for every moment of this year and eagerly look forward to building on these foundations in the coming year.

Here's to embracing 2024 with the same zeal, curiosity, and determination that defined 2023. Let’s make it another year of remarkable growth, learning, and impactful connections!