Kathiroli Vasu

“Curiosity-fueled leader; passionate engineer; synergy builder; driven to unite diverse cultures, ignite transformative teamwork, and lasting impact”

Hometown: Chennai, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: A 2,000-plus-day Duolingo streaker mastering Spanish like a language ninja, while jamming in the top 2% of Spotify listeners worldwide.

Undergraduate School and Major: Vellore Institute of Technology, bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and master’s in automotive engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: TVS Motor Company, Norton Motorcycles, assistant manager

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you?

The decision to pursue an MBA stemmed from a desire to elevate my leadership skills and broaden my understanding of business operations. After gaining significant experience in the automotive industry, I recognized the importance of strategic management and innovation in driving sustainable practices within organizations. This felt like the right time as I aim to elevate my career by combining technical expertise with strategic insights.

What are one or two key aspects of this MBA program that stood out among the others, and why were they so important to you?

Two key aspects of this MBA program that stood out are its focus on innovation and global business perspectives. These elements are particularly important to me because they align with my aspirations to drive transformative change in the industry. Understanding how to manage innovation effectively is crucial for my career goals, especially in a rapidly evolving sector like automotive.

What club, activity, or experience at the school have you most enjoyed so far, and why?

I have joined the school’s Product Club and am excited about the workshops and collaboration activities.

What is your biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

My biggest accomplishment has been leading a “commonizing” project at Norton Motorcycles. Commonizing is an automotive term used to describe an activity performed to use existing components to avoid unnecessary new development. The project was about reducing the fastener (joining components like bolt, nut, clip, seals, washers, etc.) bill of materials (BOM) of Norton engines to 40% of their original cost by commonizing with existing fasteners readily available within TVS Motor Company’s huge supply chain. I owned this product end-to-end from inception, requirement collection, database creation, and data analysis to stakeholder collaboration, including the engineering team, production team, purchase team, and costing team, and executing the engineering change management process. I successfully navigated significant challenges without clear guidelines. By standardizing calculations and documenting technical criteria, I completed the project and reduced fastener BOM cost by 60% and created a sustainable framework for future initiatives. This experience reinforced the importance of data-driven decision-making and innovative problem-solving.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs? Why?

I recently read Start with Why and Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek, and I highly recommend both to prospective MBAs. In Start with Why, Sinek emphasizes the importance of understanding the deeper purpose behind what we do—our “why.” This concept is crucial for leaders and organizations as it drives motivation, fosters loyalty, and creates a strong sense of identity. This book encourages us to lead with purpose, which can be a game-changer in any business context. Leaders Eat Last delves into the qualities of effective leadership and the importance of creating a supportive environment for teams. Sinek argues that great leaders prioritize the well-being of their team members, leading to a culture of trust and collaboration. This is especially relevant for MBA students looking to develop their leadership skills and create impactful organizations.

What are two things you have learned at your school that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

I was surprised by the program’s strong emphasis on experiential learning. Real-life case studies have deepened my understanding of business strategies and improved my problem-solving skills. Another unexpected aspect has been the diverse perspectives shared in class discussions. Engaging with classmates from various backgrounds has enriched my understanding of global business challenges.

What has been the biggest epiphany you’ve gained about yourself or the world since you started your MBA program?

Since starting my MBA program, my biggest epiphany has been that the hardest thing is often just getting started. Whether it’s tackling a challenging project or diving into complex coursework or taking care of yourself, I’ve realized that overcoming the initial inertia is key to progress.

What advice would you give to help prospective MBAs as they look to gain admission into an MBA program?

My advice is to come with an open mind and a readiness to learn. Embrace the opportunity for continuous growth, as the ability to absorb new information tends to diminish with age. Be prepared to engage deeply with hands-on projects and diverse perspectives, which are crucial for tackling real-world challenges. Actively network with classmates, faculty, and most importantly, industry professionals: Building relationships can lead to opportunities and insights that are invaluable for career advancement.