Shailesh Basera

Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow

“Passionate learner, creative thinker, aspiring musician, with a knack for navigating conflicts and fostering collaboration.”

Hometown: Nainital, Uttarakhand

Fun Fact About Yourself: Completed the Delhi Half Marathon and Delhi International Triathlon – Sprint category, each in less than 2 hours.

Undergraduate School and Major: Dehradun Institute of Technology Uttarakhand, B.Tech Mechanical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Assistant Manager, Honda Cars India

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Lucknow’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One of the key aspects of the program is the frequent industry connection opportunities. There are leadership and alumni talk series managed by the student committees. The professors are also well connected. Even more, the environment provides a lot of opportunities to get additional internships and industry projects to test the applicability of the theoretical concepts which are taught to us by expectational faculty and industry experts.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Lucknow? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? My favorite course at IIM Lucknow has been Strategic Management, taught by Professor Mittal. This course condensed the knowledge of approximately 36 books into its curriculum, offering a comprehensive understanding of effective decision-making and long-term planning in business. The pedagogy, centered around case discussions, provided a dynamic platform for applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. What truly made this course exceptional was the integration of insights from over 80 real-life examples from various industries, allowing me to see the practical relevance of the lessons learned.

The most important takeaway from this course is the art of aligning a company’s strengths with market opportunities. Prof. Mittal’s teachings on crafting and executing strategies have underscored the delicate balance between adaptability and foresight. This invaluable lesson has not only enriched my academic knowledge but has also profoundly impacted my problem-solving approach in the dynamic business landscape.

What excites you the most about the International Immersion? The lead-up to the international immersion is a crucial part of the process. Students are equipped with a solid foundation in courses like organizational behavior, human resources management, and international communication. These courses lay the groundwork by providing theoretical insights into various aspects of cross-cultural interactions, global business practices, and effective communication strategies across diverse cultural contexts.

This international immersion provides us with a unique chance to apply these theories in real-world scenarios, particularly in cross-cultural contexts spanning multiple countries. It offers practical adaptability, exposure to diverse cultures, global networking opportunities, and personal growth. Ultimately, it equips students with skills such as cultural intelligence, problem-solving, and effective communication, preparing them to thrive in international business environments.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my most significant accomplishments has been successfully leading a cross-functional team in my previous role at Honda Cars India. Our mission was to establish the supply chain for a new production plant in Tapukara. Collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, I effectively coordinated our efforts to streamline supply chain processes, resulting in a notable reduction in operational costs and improved overall efficiency. This experience not only highlighted my ability to navigate complex challenges, but also reinforced the importance of effective communication, adaptability, and strategic thinking. It’s a testament to my dedication to achieving tangible results and my commitment to continuous improvement. This accomplishment fuels my drive to contribute further within my MBA journey and beyond.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: One of my most remarkable achievements during my MBA journey has been securing second position in the National Case Study Challenge, a competition focused on designing a marketing strategy for an apparel company. What makes this accomplishment particularly noteworthy is that my background lies in supply chain, not marketing. Collaborating closely with a fellow student who was from IT background, we applied our combined knowledge and skills to analyze the apparel industry’s dynamics, consumer preferences, and market trends. This achievement underscores how my problem-solving skills from a supply chain background, combined with the marketing knowledge gained from the course, can lead to exceptional outcomes through cross-disciplinary collaboration.

What do you hope to do after graduation? Prior to pursuing my MBA, I gained experience in the Supply Chain domain at Honda Cars India. Now, armed with a broader understanding of diverse business functions, I’m excited to enhance collaboration across departments. My post-graduation goal involves leveraging this knowledge to foster effective teamwork, facilitate informed decision-making, and drive the growth of the company. With insights gained from my MBA journey, I aspire to bridge the gap between different sectors, contribute to strategic planning, and create a positive impact on overall organizational success. This transition signifies not only personal growth but also an opportunity to apply my skills to contribute to the business world.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Lucknow? Other than the obvious – your CAT/GMAT/GRE scores and academics and SOP – it’s crucial to showcase what you can contribute to class discussions. This can stem from your unique experiences, personal interests, or even your distinctive thought processes. This is the essence of what professors are seeking in your personal interview: your ability to bring diverse perspectives into conversations. It’s no longer solely about right or wrong answers; it’s about the opinions and insights you can offer. Therefore, ensure that these aspects take center stage in your resume and SOP. Craft an engaging narrative around them, illustrating how they can spark enriching discussions and contribute to the learning environment. Your ability to thoughtfully express your viewpoints and engage in meaningful discourse can greatly impress the admissions committee and highlight your potential for active participation in the program.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT LUCKNOW’S IPMX CLASS OF 2024