Arjun Shivach

HEC Paris

“Strategic thinker, passionate about sustainability, and digital transformation; driven by curiosity and commitment to inclusivity.”

Hometown: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India

Fun fact about yourself: I have six piercings and five tattoos, each with a story though only a few are visible! Every piece of ink marks a moment, a lesson, or a milestone in my life. One of my favorites? My dog’s paw, a tribute to the absolute chaos and joy he brings me every day. It’s a little reminder that sometimes, the simplest things like a wagging tail or a spontaneous adventure bring the most happiness. Some of my tattoos and piercings are carefully hidden, but for me, they represent resilience, adventure, and identity.

Undergraduate School and Degree: BITS Pilani, India – B.Tech Marine Engineering

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Nautilus Labs (Digital Maritime Solutions), Data Manager

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Business Analyst at Danelec Marine, Copenhagen/Paris

Where will you be working after graduation? TBD (Exploring roles in maritime decarbonization, digital transformation, strategy and consulting)

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: 

* HEC Foundation Andre Parent Prize for MBA capstone project on the use of future fuels like hydrogen, ammonia in maritime industry and challenges associated with it.

* President, LGBTQ+ Allies Club: Organized HEC Paris’ first LGBTQIA+ conference, Beyond Boundaries

* Advisor, Energy Club

* Led DEI Assessment for CAC 40 Companies with Windo

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of my proudest achievements at HEC Paris was organizing Beyond Boundaries, the school’s first-ever LGBTQIA+ conference. As President of the LGBTQIA+ Allies Club, I wanted to create something more than just another DEI discussion. I envisioned an event that would challenge perceptions, spark real conversations, and celebrate self-expression in all its forms. We brought together corporate leaders, activists, and students to discuss workplace inclusion, intersectionality, and the realities faced by LGBTQIA+ professionals globally. But we didn’t stop at panel discussions. We made space for art and performance, featuring a drag showcase and pole dancing act, turning the event into an immersive experience that pushed boundaries in the best way possible. It was the first of its kind at HEC, setting the stage for more inclusive dialogues on campus.

What made it even more meaningful was seeing the impact it had on the community. Faculty, students, and even corporate leaders shared how the event challenged their perspectives and opened up conversations about allyship and representation. But the best part? Watching my peers feel empowered, celebrated, and truly seen in a way that hadn’t happened before. Beyond Boundaries didn’t just end when the event was over. It became a movement, paving the way for future LGBTQIA+ initiatives at HEC and reinforcing the school’s role in fostering inclusivity in business education.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of my proudest achievements is successfully transitioning from an onboard maritime career to a high-impact role in an AI-driven software company, proving that deep industry knowledge can drive real digital transformation. Moving from working on ships to shaping data-driven solutions for fleet optimization wasn’t easy. It meant learning AI, data analytics, and enterprise software from the ground up, all while ensuring that technology actually solved real operational challenges for shipowners and operators. Instead of just adapting to this new space, I made it my goal to bridge the gap between traditional shipping operations and cutting-edge AI solutions, helping maritime companies make smarter, more sustainable decisions.

That transition paid off. I worked closely with engineers and data scientists to refine a predictive analytics tool for fleet optimization, ensuring it delivered insights that shipowners could trust and implement effectively. My ability to connect technology with real-world shipping challenges drove a 30% increase in product engagement, expanding Nautilus Labs’ market presence. One of my proudest moments was when a major client, after months of collaboration, told us that our AI-driven tool helped them reduce fuel use by 5% which translated to $7 million and 15,000 tons of CO₂ emissions in savings. For me, this wasn’t just about numbers; it was proof that combining industry expertise with technology can create tangible financial and environmental impact.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose HEC Paris because of its deep commitment to sustainability and climate leadership, which aligns perfectly with my passion for driving sustainable transformation in business. Unlike many schools, where sustainability feels like an optional add-on, HEC integrates it into its core curriculum, research, and real-world industry partnerships. From the Sustainability & Organizations (S&O) Institute to the Climate & Earth Centre, HEC is shaping business leaders who can navigate the complexities of decarbonization, circularity, and corporate climate strategies. The Climate & Business Certificate, developed in partnership with Schneider Electric and Nexans, provides hands-on learning that goes beyond theory, giving us direct exposure to how businesses tackle the energy transition in practice.

But what really set HEC apart for me was that sustainability wasn’t just a topic in the classroom, it was a way of life on campus. The school has taken tangible steps, from eliminating single-use plastics and introducing reusable eco-cups at events to reducing food waste in the canteen and expanding plant-based meal options. Initiatives like S&O Climate Day and student-led projects made sustainability something we didn’t just study but actively practiced. This balance of academic excellence, corporate collaboration, and real-world environmental action made HEC the perfect place for me to grow into a leader who can bridge business and sustainability in a meaningful way.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course at HEC Paris was Technology Strategy, which changed the way I think about digital transformation and innovation in traditional industries. The course provided a deep dive into platform strategies, network effects, and barriers to adoption, equipping me with the frameworks to understand how technology creates competitive advantage. As someone focused on maritime decarbonization, these insights were particularly relevant as shipping is a sector where digital solutions have the potential to drive significant efficiency and sustainability gains, yet adoption remains slow due to legacy systems, resistance to change, and fragmented ecosystems.

What made the course truly impactful was the real-world application of strategy concepts. Through case studies and projects, I analyzed how companies built (or failed to build) scalable, data-driven business models, drawing direct parallels to maritime technology adoption. This learning directly influenced my work on Danelec’s Boil-Off Gas (BOG) optimization solution, where I conducted a Total Addressable Market (TAM) analysis and helped refine its strategic positioning as a new digital product. The course reinforced how technology, when strategically implemented, can bridge the gap between sustainability and business value, shaping my approach to driving change in an industry known for slow technological adoption.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? If I could go back, I would have engaged more actively with the French business ecosystem earlier to strengthen my post-MBA opportunities. HEC Paris provides incredible access to top European firms across industries. While I took advantage of networking events and industry collaborations, I realized later that building strong local connections takes time. Many of my peers who started engaging with French companies early through internships, networking, and language immersion found it easier to transition into post-MBA roles within France and Europe.

Despite my background in maritime and sustainability, sectors where France has strong corporate players, I initially focused on broader global opportunities. However, since my long-term goal is to work in Europe, I now see how an earlier focus on leveraging HEC’s alumni network, attending more industry-specific events in Paris, and improving my French language skills could have positioned me more strategically. The biggest takeaway for future students is clear: the sooner you immerse yourself in the local business landscape, the easier it becomes to navigate post-MBA career opportunities, especially in competitive job markets.

What is the biggest myth about your school? A common myth about HEC Paris is that it is primarily a school for finance and luxury careers, with most graduates heading into investment banking, private equity, or high-end brand management. While HEC has a strong reputation in these fields, my experience showed that the school is much more diverse in its career opportunities. It is rapidly evolving into a hub for sustainability, tech strategy, and entrepreneurship, attracting students and faculty who are driving change beyond traditional industries.

From the Climate & Business Certificate to the Sustainability & Organizations (S&O) Institute, HEC provides a solid foundation for those passionate about impact-driven business and environmental sustainability. Courses like Technology Strategy and partnerships with Station F, Europe’s largest startup incubator, highlight its growing focus on tech-driven transformation. During my MBA, I worked on projects in decarbonization and digital strategy, collaborating with peers who were equally focused on shaping the future of sustainable business. The diversity of career paths at HEC Paris is far greater than the myth suggests, making it an ideal place for students looking to bridge traditional business disciplines with innovation and sustainability.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? One show that resonates with me is Suits. While it is set in the legal world, it captures key lessons on business strategy, negotiation, leadership, and workplace dynamics. The show highlights the importance of thinking several steps ahead, leveraging expertise to solve complex problems, and handling high-pressure situations with confidence. Harvey Specter’s approach to deal-making and crisis management is a masterclass in strategic thinking, showing that success often depends not just on technical knowledge, but on understanding people, managing relationships, and staying composed under pressure.

Beyond strategy, Suits also emphasizes the power of mentorship and teamwork. The dynamic between Harvey Specter and Mike Ross illustrates how knowledge-sharing and trust can accelerate professional growth. The show also delves into the ethical dilemmas that arise in business, whether it’s navigating corporate politics or making tough moral choices when the stakes are high. My biggest takeaway is that technical skills alone aren’t enough, success in business often comes down to confidence, adaptability, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal relationships, all of which are critical in high-stakes corporate environments.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? HEC Paris has taken a practical and strategic approach to AI integration, ensuring that students use AI as a tool for enhancement rather than a replacement for human judgment. One of the best examples was during our MBA Capstone Project, where we were encouraged to leverage AI tools to analyze industry trends, refine research, and generate insights. However, the focus was always on critical thinking, strategic interpretation, and human oversight. Professor Jeremy Ghez played a key role in shaping our understanding of AI’s strengths and limitations, emphasizing best practices for AI adoption, the risks of over-reliance, and the ethical challenges that come with integrating AI into decision-making.

During my Capstone project, I used AI tools to model alternative fuel adoption scenarios for maritime decarbonization, helping me refine business feasibility and compare economic impacts. The AI models provided valuable insights, but I quickly realized that their outputs needed to be assessed through the lens of strategic and industry expertise. While AI was instrumental in processing vast amounts of data, it could not account for market dynamics, regulatory shifts, or operational constraints. This reinforced the lesson that AI is most valuable when used as a co-pilot rather than a decision-maker, allowing leaders to focus on higher-level thinking, creativity, and ethical considerations. The experience highlighted the importance of responsible AI usage, ensuring that technology enhances decision-making rather than dictates it.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? The MBA classmate I most admire is Nicolette Gopaul Nair. From the moment we met, she has been an inspiration, not just for her achievements but for her resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. As President of the Public Speaking Club, she didn’t just help students improve their speaking skills. She empowered people to find their voice. Whether it was coaching someone before a big speech or encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone, she had a way of making everyone around her more confident and capable.

Beyond that, Nicolette won the MBA Prize for Best Capstone Project, a testament to her dedication to social impact and academic excellence. Her project, EMPOWERHER, tackled menstrual health inequality in South Africa, breaking barriers for young girls through education and advocacy. But what truly makes her special is the way she balances ambition with kindness. She has been one of my closest friends at HEC, always bringing energy, encouragement, and her sharp sense of humor. Whether in class, over coffee, or during late-night study sessions, she has been a constant source of support. She has a rare ability to uplift those around her, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had her by my side throughout this journey.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1) Helping companies transition to cleaner energy through cost-benefit analysis and business viability: Many industries, especially capital-intensive ones like shipping, face significant challenges in adopting sustainable solutions due to cost concerns. My goal is to help businesses navigate the economic feasibility of energy transition, ensuring that sustainability is not just an environmental responsibility but also a financially viable strategy. By leveraging cost-benefit analysis, market incentives, and regulatory insights, I want to drive the adoption of low-carbon fuels and efficiency-enhancing technologies that align profitability with decarbonization.

2) Leading an industry-wide initiative on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in shipping: The maritime industry still has a long way to go in fostering LGBTQIA+ representation and workplace inclusivity. I want to create a platform for awareness, policy changes, and mentorship by collaborating with industry leaders, shipping companies, and maritime associations. Building a global network of LGBTQIA+ professionals in maritime can help drive lasting cultural change, making the industry more inclusive and ensuring that diversity in leadership and innovation becomes the norm rather than the exception.

What made Arjun such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Arjun Shivach is the kind of MBA student who transforms a classroom. His laser-focused commitment to learning—not grades—sets him apart. He listens deeply, challenges ideas fearlessly, and pushes discussions beyond the obvious. More than just a strong individual contributor, Arjun elevates those around him. He engages directly with peers, fostering 360-degree learning where ideas are tested, refined, and strengthened. This is particularly remarkable in HEC Paris’ highly diverse, multicultural environment.

Arjun argues without being argumentative, disagrees without being disagreeable, and makes difficult debates more productive. Arjun doesn’t just seek knowledge—he sharpens it, shares it, and inspires others to do the same. It is my pleasure to nominate him for Poets & Quants’ prestigious “MBA Best & Brightest” Class of 2025.”

Goncalo Pacheco de Almeida
Professor of Strategy and Negotiation
The Dieter Schwarz Foundation Chaired Professor
Academic Director of the MBA Strategy Specialization
HEC Paris

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