Sakshi Lahori

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

“Passionate about DEI and Human Psychology; curious about people, and eager to explore their unique stories!”

Hometown: Delhi, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a food lover at my core; perhaps there’s more biryani running through me than blood.

Undergraduate School and Major: Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi. Bachelors (Hons.) in Economics.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Korn Ferry, Associate Consultant (Advisory Practice)

Integrative thinking is one of the cornerstones of the Rotman MBA experience. What does integrative thinking mean to you and how have you been able to apply it thus far? Integrative thinking involves effective listening, openness to healthy conflict, and a willingness to unlearn when necessary. Human minds often prioritize simplicity over complexity, but at Rotman, I learned that complexity and ambiguity can create powerful new ideas. Through academic teams, case competitions, and group study sessions, I’ve seen that diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions.

What has been your favorite part of Toronto so far? Why? What I appreciate about Toronto is its diverse attractions that cater to everyone’s interests – from picturesque landscapes and lively food marketplaces to vibrant neighbourhoods and distilleries. As an avid traveller, I often seek respite from the demanding MBA life by exploring this dynamic city and its surroundings. Over the past year, my explorations have included cycling in the Toronto Islands, trick-or-treating in Toronto neighbourhoods on Halloween, hiking in the scenic Scarborough Bluffs, canoeing in the lakes of Muskoka, road-tripping around Niagara-on-the-Lake, walking around the picturesque town of Elora, and shopping in the Christmas markets of Blue Mountain. Yet, my to-do list is brimming with even more exciting experiences waiting to be checked off!

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Toronto Rotman’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? As a Human Capital professional, I was deeply interested in and closely followed esteemed Rotman Professors’ work in the following areas, which made it my ideal choice:

Business Design – Rotman’s Business Design ecosystem, including the BD curriculum, BD Club, BD Case Competitions, and Business Design Initiative (led by Prof. Andrew Seepersad), offered numerous opportunities for deep exploration and real-time experience in the subject.

Self-Development Lab – Led by Prof. Maja Djikic, the SDL focuses on refining behavioural skills crucial for leadership, such as effective communication and executive presence. Through SDL sessions, I received valuable feedback from teammates and the distinguished SDL faculty.

Institute of Gender and Economy – The GATE Foundation addresses gender inequality, which aligns with my DEI advocacy. I am looking forward to research in the area and taking Prof. Sarah Kaplan’s guidance in the process.

Behavioral Economics in Action at Rotman – Led by Prof. Dilip Soman, the BEAR Foundation conducts cutting-edge research. Having fallen in love with Behavioral Economics in undergraduate college, I attended enlightening sessions, making them the highlight of my Rotman experience.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Toronto Rotman? I recently attended the Business Design Fundamentals course and absolutely loved it! Taught by the incredible Professor Anjana Dattani, this course gave us the unique opportunity to work with a company on their real-time problem statement. Despite the evening classes and the intensive schedule, I found myself eagerly anticipating each session. The course completely transformed my approach to problem-solving and opened my mind to a whole new way of thinking. It was an exhilarating experience, and I would totally recommend it.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My proudest achievement is transforming my four years of extensive HR consulting experience into tangible value wherever I go. This journey has allowed me to offer a distinctive perspective and make a significant impact. Recently, during my internship, my director reached out to me, expressing her desire for me to help shape the HR landscape within the team. Being entrusted with a role in shaping something so valuable to the company fills me with immense pride and validates the expertise I’ve cultivated over the years.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? Months before arriving in Canada, I vividly recall attending the initial meet-up for Rotman Students in India. During that event, Imran Kanga, the Admissions Director, mentioned, “MBA is not going to be tough; it’s going to be a lot.” Reflecting on the past year of my MBA, I find that statement to accurately capture the experience.

My proudest achievement as an MBA student has been successfully navigating the challenges of moving away from my parents’ home to a different country. Managing the logistics of living in a new country, balancing rigorous academics, networking with new people, participating in case competitions, and navigating the complexities of internship searches—all while maintaining a firm belief in myself—has been a remarkable journey and accomplishment.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? I created some of my core memories while celebrating different cultures with friends through food, music, and conversations. I distinctly recall spending an entire bus ride bonding with my friend from Peru, discussing how Delhi and Lima share striking similarities (excluding the extravagance of Indian marriages). Another vivid memory is dressing up my friend from Nigeria in a saree for Diwali Night at Rotman. In these moments, despite our differences, we were remarkably similar. And of course, the unforgettable experiences of enjoying Pisco Sours, Jollof Rice, and Sichuan hotpots are among some of my best memories!

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Toronto Rotman’s MBA program? I want to highlight two crucial aspects for anyone considering Rotman. Firstly, Rotman follows a highly creative and non-traditional application process. Consequently, discovering your own unique story becomes paramount. Your narrative should be authentic to you, defining who you are and setting you apart from others. You don’t necessarily have to be a trained dancer, a mountaineer, or a startup owner (though kudos to those who are); I wasn’t. My unique story revolved around my core value of Equity and Inclusion and my efforts in that realm. Thus, it’s essential to introspect, identify what is fundamental to you, and express it in a vulnerable and sincere manner.

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