Pragya Gupta

Indian School of Business

“Empathetic leader, driven strategist, and lifelong learner passionate about creating impact through innovation and collaboration.”

Hometown: Gurgaon, Haryana

Fun Fact About Yourself: I founded a school for underprivileged children in Rajasthan, blending my passion for education and social impact.

Undergraduate School and Major: B.Tech. and M.Tech. in Chemical Engineering, IIT Delhi

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:

Marketing Manager, Abbott Healthcare, India

Chief of Staff to MD, Abbott Healthcare, India

Associate Consultant, Strategy& (formerly Booz& Co.)

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the Indian School of Business MBA programming that led you to choose this school and why was it so important to you?  The rich and diverse ISB alumni network was a decisive factor in my decision to join the program. With leaders across industries and geographies, the ISB alumni community represents a wealth of knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities. For me, this network is not just about professional connections, but also a source of inspiration and guidance that extends beyond the classroom.

The access to this unparalleled network has already enriched my MBA journey, from alumni-led mentorship sessions to candid conversations about navigating career transitions. Their success stories and willingness to give back underscore the collaborative spirit that ISB fosters, making it the perfect environment for ambitious professionals seeking to grow and create lasting impact.

What has been your favourite course or extracurricular activity at the Indian School of Business? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? My favourite course at ISB has been the Software Product Management course by Professor Vishal. The course wasn’t just about frameworks and strategies—it was a transformative experience that mirrored the challenges of managing a product lifecycle. Professor Vishal’s candid reflections, combined with his engaging teaching style, emphasized the importance of not just the technical skills but also the human connections and camaraderie that drive success in any endeavour.

Through the journey, I learned to balance the chaos of managing diverse expectations with the clarity of delivering value—a skill mirrored in both product management and life. One key takeaway was his insight that while careers and products may evolve, it’s the relationships you build that truly sustain you through challenges. This perspective has reshaped how I view both professional and personal growth.

The course taught me that product management is as much about empathy and adaptability as it is about strategy and execution. It inspired me to approach leadership with humility and a long-term vision, embracing both wins and setbacks as part of the journey.

What makes Hyderabad such as great place to earn your MBA?: Hyderabad’s thriving ecosystem of technology, culture, and business offers unparalleled exposure. The city’s warm hospitality and blend of history and modernity make it an enriching backdrop for the ISB journey.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment was leading the revival of a $7.5M dormant psychiatry brand at Abbott Healthcare, achieving 30% YoY growth and securing therapy leadership for the first time in history. This accomplishment was particularly significant as it came during my transition from Chief of Staff to Marketing Manager—a move that challenged me to step into a completely new function while leading a team of seasoned professionals and learning the intricacies of the medical domain.

Navigating this unfamiliar territory, I spearheaded evidence-based marketing strategies, collaborated with key opinion leaders through national forums, and introduced innovative brand extensions. These initiatives not only revitalized the brand but also established its presence in over 20 institutional accounts, creating a lasting impact on the business. The accomplishment taught me the importance of taking calculated risks, empowering teams, and aligning diverse stakeholders to achieve a common goal.

This experience demonstrated that leadership goes beyond strategy; it’s about building trust, fostering collaboration, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Beyond the professional triumph, it was a journey of self-discovery that strengthened my ability to lead with empathy, resilience, and a clear vision for the future.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: Navigating the fast-paced and dynamic life of an MBA has been a rollercoaster—mentally, physically, and emotionally. One of the most challenging phases came when I sustained a knee injury, making it difficult to keep up with the rigorous schedule. It was a time marked by significant challenges and moments of uncertainty, but the unwavering support of my friends, family, and the ISB community helped me persevere.

Despite the setback, I remained focused on my goals, balancing academics, recruitment preparation, and personal well-being. This journey taught me the importance of resilience and leaning on your support system during tough times. The friendships I earned during this period are among my most treasured accomplishments, as they represent the strength of connections forged under adversity.

With everyone’s encouragement, I was not only able to overcome this difficult phase, but also achieve one of the earliest and best international job placements in my cohort—a milestone that reinforced the value of persistence and the power of community in driving success.

What is your class’s favourite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? Our favourite hangout spot is Rameshwaram Café, a cosy gem in Hyderabad known for its delicious South Indian cuisine. It has become a tradition for us to head there in the early mornings after our late-night outs, sharing laughter over steaming plates of dosa and filter coffee.

The café’s welcoming ambience and mouthwatering food make it more than just a place to eat—it’s a space where we wind down, relive the night’s memories, and bond over our shared experiences. These moments at Rameshwaram Café have not only become a ritual but also a cherished part of our MBA journey, reminding us of the joy in simple things amid our hectic schedules.

What do you hope to do after graduation? : After graduation, I am thrilled to join AlixPartners in Dubai, where I will focus on tackling high-impact challenges across industries. This aligns seamlessly with my prior experience at Strategy& and Abbott Healthcare, where I developed a strong foundation in strategy, business transformation, and operational excellence. My time at ISB has further sharpened my problem-solving abilities and global perspective, preparing me to thrive in AlixPartners’ fast-paced and dynamic environment.

In the long term, I aspire to lead transformative initiatives at a global scale, leveraging my expertise in strategy and marketing to drive sustainable growth and create meaningful impact. My vision is to grow into a leadership role where I can shape organizational strategies, empower diverse teams, and deliver solutions that address complex business challenges while fostering innovation. ISB’s focus on holistic leadership and its global alumni network will enable me to make this vision a reality, preparing me to navigate complex challenges and create impactful solutions in a dynamic business environment.

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