Sanya Taneja

Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode

“Adventure-seeker, lifelong learner, and joy spreader—mixing curiosity, creativity, and kindness in everything I do.”

Hometown: Gurgaon, Haryana

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m an Instagram influencer with over 150,000 followers, where I blend my passion for fitness with creative content to inspire and engage a growing community. Whether it’s sharing workout tips, healthy lifestyle hacks, or just some motivational vibes, I’m all about connecting with like-minded individuals who are on their own fitness journeys.

Undergraduate School and Major: VIT Vellore, B.Tech in Computer Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Shell, Information Management Advisor

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? The key part of IIM Kozhikode’s MBA program that led me to choose this business school has been the exceptional faculty and their unique approach to teaching. Their pedagogy is not just about delivering lectures; it’s about engaging students in a hands-on, experiential learning process. The faculty members are deeply invested in ensuring that we don’t just understand theories, but also know how to apply them in real-world scenarios. This approach was incredibly important to me because I’ve always valued learning that goes beyond the textbook—learning that challenges you to think critically, to collaborate, and to innovate. I knew that being part of such an environment, guided by professors who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about teaching, would provide me with the skills and insights needed to excel in my career and make a real impact.

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 course at IIM Kozhikode has been Digital Strategy. The course provided deep insights into how businesses are shifting from traditional models to embracing digital transformation. The most important lesson I learned from it is the critical importance of an outside-in approach—focusing on understanding customer needs through extensive market research rather than making assumptions. This lesson has reshaped my thinking, emphasizing the value of aligning business strategies with the evolving digital landscape and customer expectations. I am confident that the insights and skills I’ve gained from this course will be instrumental as I build my own business someday and throughout my career, helping me to drive innovation and meet the ever-changing demands of the market.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career so far has been receiving the Shell Recognition Award in both 2023 and 2024 for leading impactful digital transformation projects. These projects were instrumental in optimizing key processes and driving innovation within the organization. The recognition was a testament to my ability to spearhead complex initiatives that not only improved efficiency but also contributed to the company’s broader digital strategy. These accomplishments highlighted my skills in stakeholder management, leadership, and the application of cutting-edge technology to solve real-world business challenges.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far has been being a national finalist in the BCG Case Competition. This achievement involved working with a talented team to solve a complex business challenge, requiring in-depth analysis, creative problem-solving, and strategic thinking. The experience not only honed my ability to collaborate under pressure but also provided valuable insights into real-world consulting scenarios, reinforcing my passion for strategic management and consulting.

What has been your most memorable experience at IIM Kozhikode? Why was it so special? My most memorable experience at IIM Kozhikode has been the incredible journey of returning to college life, which brought together a perfect blend of rigorous learning, deep friendships, and unforgettable memories. The intensity of the academic rigor challenged me to push my limits, while the camaraderie with my classmates created bonds that will last a lifetime. It was the little moments—late-night study sessions, group projects, and even the shared stress of exams—that made this experience so special. Coming back to a campus environment after years in the professional world allowed me to rediscover the joy of learning, the value of collaboration, and the emotional connection to a community that only a place like IIM Kozhikode can offer. This journey has been more than just an academic pursuit; it has been a transformative experience that has shaped both my personal and professional growth.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? I decided to pursue an MBA at this point in my career to build on my existing experience and to transition into more strategic, leadership-focused roles. After spending 3.7 years in the Oil and Gas industry, where I gained valuable technical and operational experience, I realized that I needed a stronger foundation in business management to effectively lead large-scale projects and drive organizational growth. The MBA program at IIM Kozhikode offered the perfect blend of academic rigor and practical exposure to help me achieve these goals.

After graduation, I aim to leverage my technical background and newly acquired business skills to move into a strategic role, ideally in consulting or a leadership position in the tech industry. My goal is to drive innovation and transformation in organizations, using my unique blend of experience to solve complex challenges and create lasting impact.

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