Meet the PGP-BL Class of 2025: Gaurav Rathore, IIM Kozhikode

Gaurav Rathore

Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode

“Resilient marketer driven by growth, learning, and collaboration to achieve excellence together.”

Hometown: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve built an expansive network of over 5.3k followers on LinkedIn, which I actively nurture, reflecting my keen interest in networking and connecting with like-minded professionals. My enthusiasm for personal growth often leads me to challenge my comfort zones, be it through starting my podcast or navigating uncharted responsibilities at work.

Undergraduate School and Major: Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology | Electrical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Blinkit | Growth Marketing Manager

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Kozhikode’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? A key part of the PGP-Business Leadership Program that drew me in was the opportunity to learn from an exceptional faculty whose teachings transcend the classroom and deeply connect with real-world challenges.

It is wonderful how, Prof. Anupam Das’s course on Communication for Transformation equipped me with the tools to refine my communication strategy, making it more impactful in driving business outcomes. Or, how Prof. Roopak Gupta’s sessions on Managing People and Performance helped me understand the nuances of leadership and team dynamics, reinforcing the importance of empathy and adaptability—skills that are critical in any professional journey.

These professors don’t just teach; they challenge you to apply these learnings in practical scenarios, making the program a perfect fit for someone like me, who thrives on blending academic insights with professional experiences.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Kozhikode? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? My favorite initiative has been starting my podcast, “The Growth Code,” where I interview CXOs and industry leaders to unpack their journeys and insights on leadership. This project taught me the value of authenticity and resilience—how true growth comes from embracing discomfort and learning continuously. The most important lesson has been the power of storytelling in leadership; it’s not just about the data or strategies but about connecting with people on a much deeper level.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: While working at upGrad, I was tasked with opportunities to build multiple initiatives from scratch, taking them from concept to fully scaled projects. Leading these efforts required a blend of strategic vision, meticulous planning, and a relentless drive to overcome challenges. The initiatives I spearheaded have now become few core components of upGrad’s operations, creating a lasting impact on the organization and its community. This accomplishment was not just about the success of the projects but also about the skills I honed—resilience, leadership, and strategic thinking. My efforts were recognized when I received the coveted “Superstar of upGrad” award, a testament to my commitment to driving meaningful change and my ability to deliver impactful results.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student has been learning to prioritize effectively, view problems from multiple perspectives, and embrace the idea that not all problems have clear-cut solutions. In my previous roles, especially during my time at Blinkit and upGrad, I often faced situations that required balancing competing priorities and making decisions in ambiguity. However, it was during my MBA that I truly understood the importance of this skill. Learnings from some amazing professors and analyzing cases on real-world experiences have taught me that solutions often lie in the grey areas, and learning to navigate these complexities is an achievement in itself. This realization has fundamentally shifted how I approach challenges.

What has been your most memorable experience at IIM Kozhikode? Why was it so special? Being elected into the Leadership & Entrepreneurship Circle has been my most memorable experience at IIM Kozhikode. The process was rigorous and demanded a blend of strategic thinking, effective communication, and a clear vision for the impact I wanted to create. I actively engaged in discussions, presented my ideas with conviction, and demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative culture. This experience was special because it reinforced the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the willingness to step up. The circle has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the IIMK community, driving initiatives that blend leadership with real-world problem-solving, thus embodying the very essence of why I chose this program.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? After more than three years of experience in the Ed-Tech and Quick E-Commerce industries, I recognized the need to refine my strategic leadership abilities to drive larger-scale impact. The decision to pursue an MBA at this stage was driven by my desire to transition from an individual contributor to a strategic leader who can influence broader business outcomes. After graduation, I aim to step into a role that allows me to leverage my marketing expertise and leadership skills to drive innovation and growth in a fast-paced, high-impact environment. My ultimate goal is to lead initiatives that not only achieve business excellence but also contribute positively to society and the professional community I’ve built over the years.

DON’T MISS: MEET IIM KOZHIKODE’S PGP-BL CLASS OF 2025