Drishti Basi

University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School

“I am a systems change advocate, who believes in the power of responsible investing to shift the status quo.”

Hometown: New Delhi, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a proud plant parent to about 50 indoor plants back home, making my home a personal jungle

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Delhi, Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (Major in Management and Finance)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Dasra, Manager – Urban Sanitation

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Oxford Saïd’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? As a current MBA student at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, my decision to enroll here was heavily influenced by the program’s unique approach to teaching business. The Oxford MBA stands out for its holistic integration of business education with broader societal forces, including economies, governments, and global trends. This comprehensive approach is evident in courses like “Global Rules of the Game,” which delves into international business regulations, and “Capitalism in Debate,” that encourages critical thinking about capitalism’s societal role. These aspects distinctively set Oxford Saïd apart from traditional MBA programs, focusing not just on business acumen but on preparing leaders who understand the complex interplay between business decisions and global societal impacts.

What course, club, or activity has been your favorite part of the Oxford Saïd MBA experience? At Oxford Saïd, the Impact Lab by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship stands out as my favorite. It’s tailor-made for those of us aiming to work in social impact, offering an exceptional program that’s not just for MBA students but open to other Oxford courses too. We get to interact with leading external speakers, gaining real-world insights into social entrepreneurship. Plus, the peer-to-peer learning in our select group of 25 is incredible, bringing together diverse perspectives for a rich learning experience. This blend of expert input and collaborative learning has been a highlight of my MBA journey.

What is the most “Oxford” thing you have done so far as a full-time MBA student? One of the most “Oxford” things I’ve done as an MBA student was taking an exam in the historic Examination Schools on a chilly winter morning. The walk there is like a journey back in time, almost as if I were a student from the 1900s. Also, there’s a tradition of wearing a white carnation for your first exam. So, instead of studying the day before, I found myself running around town looking for carnations – definitely not your typical exam prep! It’s these little traditions and experiences that really make studying at Oxford unique.

Oxford is known as a place where worlds collide, be it in the classroom or the dining hall. What has been the most interesting interaction you’ve had so far as an Oxford MBA student?  The most interesting interactions I’ve had here involve classmates sharing personal experiences, whether it’s about being a gender minority, coming from a politically-conflicted country, or sharing how their faith and culture shape the way they view the world. These stories have enriched my discussions, blending unique worldviews in every conversation.

Describe the biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The highlight in my career has been playing a crucial role in advocating for better sanitation services for marginalized communities in India. Working with government departments in a developing country, my challenge was to elevate sanitation’s importance alongside areas like education and health. I spearheaded multiple partnerships with multilaterals, global foundations, and non-profits, focusing on the link between sanitation and sustainable city systems.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest Oxford MBA win has been building a tight-knit, supportive community, a key part of Oxford’s MBA ethos. Coming from an NGO and philanthropy background, I was surprised to find many who shared my interests and became strong supporters and allies – the Laidlaw Scholarship has had a huge role to play in building this community. It’s a nice change from the usual quick MBA networking culture!

What has been the biggest epiphany you’ve gained about yourself or the world since you started your MBA program? Since starting my MBA at Oxford, my biggest epiphany has been about the unpredictable yet incredible nature of the journey. I’ve learned the importance of sometimes just going with the flow and creating room for serendipity. It’s amazing how you never know who you’ll meet, what idea will spark, or where you’ll find yourself next. It’s about being intentional about staying open to these unexpected moments!

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