Vasudha Mathur

Columbia Business School

“Community builder, status quo challenger, idea connector, and unapologetic lover of bad jokes.”

Hometown: New Delhi, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have worked across 5 cities and have not lived in the same place for more than 2 years since 2019

Undergraduate School and Major: Cornell University, Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Fireside Ventures, Senior Investment Associate

What makes New York City such a great place to earn an MBA? New York City has a unique ability to make you feel like the main character of your story while simultaneously reminding you that the world is much, much bigger than you. The city’s energy is electric, providing an unparalleled environment to adapt, grow, and broaden your perspective.

It’s incredible to think that a subway ride can connect you with business leaders, world leaders, and innovators through networking events, company visits, and conferences. At the same time, I have the privilege of working with emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses—helping them achieve their goals while learning from their journeys. I believe this experience is unique to New York as I get to witness their plans to leave a lasting impact on the city.

Beyond professional opportunities, New York offers a rich cultural experience through food, art, and authentic conversations, showcasing the diverse perspectives and vibrant communities that make the city so special and the perfect place to earn an MBA.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Columbia Business School’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One of the key reasons I chose Columbia Business School was its commitment to building responsible businesses and leaders. Personally, I am interested in how consumer products businesses can integrate climate-friendly practices that are financially viable. Columbia stands out as one of the few schools with a robust curriculum and faculty focused on climate and business, making it a core pillar of its approach to the future. This emphasis extends beyond environmental sustainability to all areas of business responsibility, aligning perfectly with my goals of driving positive change through business.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Columbia Business School? ‘CBS Matters,’ a long-standing tradition where community members share their life stories, has quickly become one of my favorite parts of the MBA experience. Through CBS Matters, I’ve learned so much about my peers, including their ability to tell beautiful stories! Listening to them has not only helped me understand their journeys but also fostered a sense of connection and closeness in a short period, leading to authentic and long-lasting relationships. The courage and vulnerability it takes to share one’s story in front of so many people is deeply inspiring. Witnessing my classmates open up has motivated me to embrace my own story, creating a space of mutual respect and support that truly defines the CBS community.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Columbia Business School was the right program for you? Why? When I was applying to Columbia Business School, I had the opportunity to speak with Admissions Director Susanna Matthews, who recounted an anecdote about the collaborative nature of CBS students. She described how, despite a competitive recruiting process, students went above and beyond to support each other in preparing for interviews. This deeply resonated with me and significantly influenced my decision to apply. Now that I’m here, I’ve experienced this culture firsthand.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: At Fireside, India’s leading early-stage consumer fund, I spearheaded the creation of a plastic recycling pact for portfolio companies to address plastic waste. This initiative successfully led to recycling 5,000 MT of plastic. To tackle this industry-wide challenge, I negotiated a bulk deal with a waste management company, providing portfolio companies with an economically viable solution. I united our portfolio companies under a common sustainability goal by aligning incentives and fostering collaboration through shared resources and best practices. My vision was to position our portfolio as a leader and catalyst for change within India’s emerging consumer startup ecosystem, paving the way for sustainable innovation and setting a powerful precedent for the industry.

What do you hope to do after graduation? I’m passionate about the intersection of consumer brands and sustainability. After graduation, I aim to understand the operational nuances of consumer brands across the entire value chain to identify and develop innovative models for climate-friendly business practices that promote responsible consumption and adopt thoughtful post-consumption strategies to foster a circular economy.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Columbia Business School’s MBA program?  Spend time getting to know the school! CBS offers something for everyone, but it’s crucial to articulate why it’s the right fit for you. Business school can feel overwhelming, with seemingly infinite opportunities and countless activities happening simultaneously. Prioritizing what matters most to you is key to navigating this environment successfully. Reflect on what’s most important to you, be clear about what you want, how CBS aligns with your aspirations, and how you’ll leverage its resources to reach your goals. Connecting with current students and alums who share your interests can provide invaluable insights and help you better understand how CBS can support your journey.

DON’T MISS: MEET COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2026