Gargi

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

“Curious by personality and problem solver by nature – I thrive on continuous experimentation and learning!”

Hometown: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

Fun Fact About Yourself: I enjoy pushing boundaries both mentally and physically. Mentally, I engage in debates, intellectual discussions, and puzzles. Physically, I’m a dedicated health enthusiast who has explored activities such as trekking in the Himalayas, earning an orange belt in Karate, completing a 42-kilometer walk, and participating in Zumba sessions and running.

Undergraduate School and Major: Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi – Textile Technology

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:  Genpact, Vice President

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Ahmedabad’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? With 16 years of corporate experience, I opted for IIM Ahmedabad for its case-based learning, emphasizing practical application over theory. The program entails analyzing approximately 150 diverse cases spanning functions, industries, organizational stages, and sectors (private/public). These cases not only provide insights into core subjects like strategy, marketing, and finance, but also unfold intricacies of multiple industries such as manufacturing and insurance. Learning through real-world examples makes knowledge more relatable and enduring throughout one’s career.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Ahmedabad? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? Narrowing down to a single course or activity is tough. While my work in consulting and strategy had provided me a wide-based experience across topics such as strategy, marketing, finance, the knowledge was limited and experiential. Studying all these topics, especially finance courses, in detail, has enriched my knowledge and perspective multi-fold. It has expanded my perspective, enabling me to approach decisions with newfound depth. I now appreciate the value of examining businesses from multiple angles.

What makes Ahmedabad such a great place to earn an MBA? It is residing in India’s entrepreneurship hub, particularly on a campus with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The city and its dynamic atmosphere encourage you to think out of the box, force you to take your chances, and present multiple options to explore.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Prior to joining IIMA, I led a business transformation program on commercial models for a prominent global business process services firm, under the sponsorship of the CEO and global COO. This role mirrored running a startup within a large organization, encompassing end-to-end program execution: setting targets, redesigning the deal process, launching targeted campaigns, overseeing governance and marketing, and fostering thought leadership with subject matter experts. Key to our success was persuading senior leadership to embrace new commercial models. In a span of 3 years I was able to scale this muscle by 300%. The team’s efforts not only reshaped our approach to client negotiations, but also positioned the firm as a leader in innovative commercial solutions.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: I’ve had two significant accomplishments, each difficult to rank above the other! Returning to academia after extensive corporate experience initially posed challenges, including overcoming inertia and doubts about my learning abilities. Embracing the process of unlearning and relearning, particularly among a younger cohort, has instilled in me a deeper humility and appreciation for continuous learning from everyone. Another major achievement has been successfully balancing family commitments with pursuing an MBA. Ensuring my son’s growth and well-being during this year-long journey was paramount, prompting us to relocate our entire household to a new city. It’s been challenging, but I’ve managed to navigate both fronts effectively.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? We often visit MAFA Bhai, a roadside tea vendor outside the institute gate, where profound conversations unfold alongside our tea. It’s a place where reflections on classes, real industry challenges, and personal experiences in fields from legal to finance to marketing resonate while we savor the campus’s most affordable and finest tea!

What do you hope to do after graduation?  I aim to play a pivotal role in India’s growth story over the next decade, leveraging my business acumen, problem-solving skills, and strategic mindset to drive growth in emerging industries.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Ahmedabad? Approach IIMA with an open mind, ready to explore and learn before making definitive life choices. Leave behind preconceived notions and embrace the opportunity to experiment and learn without hesitation!

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AHMEDABAD MBA CLASS OF 2025