Bidisha Sarkar

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

“Data-driven strategist with a penchant for driving excellence using AI and innovative technology with a business lens.”

Hometown: Durgapur, India

Fun fact about yourself: In the winter, I channel my inner Picasso, spending cozy evenings painting and letting creativity flow like a well-mixed palette. But when summer arrives, I swap my brushes for a semi-automatic firearm and head to the shooting range—where the real show begins. As a short, brown woman in my 20s, I never fail to amuse my peers. Their surprised expressions when I enter the range are priceless—it’s as if they’re witnessing a plot twist in my biography. One minute, I’m the delicate artist; the next, I’m hitting targets with precision, proving that versatility isn’t just a skill—it’s an art form in itself.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College, Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Science.

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Brick&Bolt Pvt. Ltd, Product Manager

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? The Entrepreneurship Hatchery, Toronto, Canada

Where will you be working after graduation? I will be working as a Pathways Operations Manager at Amazon in Calgary, Canada.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: I received an Entrance Scholarship ($25000) and GATE Fellowship ($10,000)

Featured in an article by the University’s Defy Gravity campaign.

I am the VP of Education at Healthcare Management Association & VP of Operations at Rotman Culinary club.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I’m most proud of being named 1st Runner-Up in the Rekai Centre Case Competition. In this challenge, I developed a comprehensive design process to enhance long-term care services for LGBTQIA+ seniors in the Rainbow Wing. This experience broadened my understanding of the unique challenges in the Long-Term care sector and was particularly rewarding because my recommendations were adopted for implementation by Rekai Centre officials.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Delivered pitch development and coaching services to three startups, leading two of the three companies to the go-to-market phase, increasing their potential to secure seed funding. I led competitive analysis, STP strategies, and revenue modeling for GutHarmony Inc. (AI-powered microbiome diet company), and Serotech Inc. (Proprietary EEG electrode company). I guided their go-to market transition, resulting in two co-founder offers after securing seed funding.

Why did you choose this business school? Rotman’s commitment to nurturing holistic, forward-thinking leaders made it the ideal place to accelerate my growth and impact in the startup and technology sectors. Rotman’s extensive international alumni network and wealth of global learning opportunities, in addition to its position as the premier business school in Canada, solidified my choice.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor is Professor Mikhail Simutin. His deep expertise in finance and engaging teaching style demystifies complex financial concepts and inspire us to think critically. He is a captivating teacher with engaging presentation skills that allows him to capture your attention as a student– often with added humour. His passion for finance and his approachable, supportive manner have not only enriched my academic experience at Rotman, but have also significantly influenced my business perspective

What was your favorite course as an MBA? It is undoubtedly Finance 1. Although I did not possess a finance or commerce background when I came to Rotman, Professor Simutin made me fall in love with Finance. A seemingly boring subject was made absolutely delightful and turned into my favourite subject.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favourite MBA tradition was the initial know-your-group activity during orientation. This event wasn’t just an icebreaker; it was a carefully designed opportunity to form meaningful connections that would last well beyond our first week. From the moment we were assigned to our academic groups, we were encouraged to share our backgrounds, aspirations, and even a few personal quirks. The dynamic mix of diverse perspectives and shared goals set the tone for the collaborative spirit that defined our entire MBA journey.

I vividly remember the energy and excitement in the room as we worked together on creative challenges and engaging discussions. It wasn’t merely about learning each other’s names—it was about building trust, establishing a support network, and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. The activity fostered a sense of camaraderie that transformed strangers into friends, enabling us to navigate the rigorous academic environment with a built-in community of peers who genuinely cared about one another’s success.

The memories forged during that first group activity have become some of my most cherished experiences from business school. They remind me that the relationships we build in an academic setting can profoundly influence our personal growth and professional trajectories. This tradition was a powerful reminder that, while the coursework was demanding, the true value of the MBA experience lay in the connections and lasting friendships that emerged from those early interactions.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth about our school is the notion that Rotman students carry an air of superiority. In reality, the opposite is true. From day one, it becomes clear that every student is navigating their own challenges and striving to do their best, just like anyone else. There’s a genuine humility that pervades the community, where no one feels the need to flaunt their achievements or belittle others.

What stands out is the supportive nature of our peers. Rather than a competitive atmosphere driven by ego, Rotman fosters an environment of collaboration and understanding. Everyone recognizes that success in an MBA program is a collective journey, where each person’s struggles and victories contribute to the overall learning experience. This sense of camaraderie helps to break down any preconceived notions of elitism, replacing them with a spirit of shared determination and mutual respect.

This culture of humility and authenticity is not only refreshing but also empowering. It reminds us that behind every accolade, there’s hard work, perseverance, and moments of vulnerability. The real story at Rotman is one of resilience, community support, and the collective ambition to grow both personally and professionally, dispelling the myth of superiority once and for all.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I love most about Toronto is its knack for turning a daily commute into a breezy, urban adventure. Navigating the city felt like having a VIP pass—whether hopping on the TTC or strolling along its vibrant streets, getting to class is practically a mini celebration. Toronto’s accessible layout and efficient transit meant you never have to worry about being fashionably late, even on the busiest mornings. It was as if the city itself was rooting for us, making sure every journey, no matter how short or long, was a smooth ride wrapped in a dash of urban charm.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? In my Intersecting Business with AI course this summer, I had the unique opportunity to develop an AI-powered platform that transforms the entrepreneurial journey by gamifying roadmaps. This innovative platform was designed to help early-stage companies streamline the process from idea validation to seed funding, and it builds on the customGPT app “PitchPerfect Pro,” which was initially created as part of an Independent Study Project during Summer ‘24.

The platform turns the often-overwhelming startup process into an interactive, game-like experience, where founders progress through various stages—each representing critical milestones such as refining the business model, validating market assumptions, and preparing compelling investor pitches. By integrating AI into this framework, the platform provides real-time, personalized feedback on business plans, market strategies, and financial projections. This robust analytical support helps founders identify potential challenges early on and optimize their strategies for success.

One of the most striking outcomes of this initiative is that the platform is already being embraced by founders in my network, and it boasts an impressively high Net Promoter Score (NPS). This high NPS reflects strong user satisfaction and indicates that founders find the tool not only intuitive and engaging but also genuinely valuable in accelerating their startup journeys.

Through this project, I gained several valuable insights about the transformative role of AI in business. First, I learned that AI can democratize access to expert-level business analytics, enabling entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to make data-driven decisions. Second, the gamification elements proved to be a powerful motivational tool—breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps that keep founders engaged through continuous progress tracking and rewards. Finally, the high NPS and positive feedback highlight that integrating advanced technology with human insight can significantly enhance traditional business processes, making them more agile, accessible, and effective in today’s dynamic market.

Overall, this experience reinforced the idea that AI is more than just an automation tool—it’s a catalyst for reimagining the way we approach entrepreneurship, ultimately driving innovation and tangible value in the startup ecosystem.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I most admire Neelika Chakraborty. Amid the whirlwind of MBA life, she’s the calm in the storm—a dynamo in executive club activities who still finds time to connect authentically with every peer. She has her own mental health startup called “Citta” which helps students to access affordable mental health counselling. Her effortless blend of high achievement and humble grace makes everyone around her feel safe and seen. Truly, if MBA accolades were Olympic medals, Neelika would be a multi-gold champion in both excellence and empathy.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? My professional bucket list is a blend of relentless curiosity and a passion for nurturing people. First on the list is my commitment to being a lifelong student at the exciting crossroads of Business and Technology. I’m determined to keep my intellectual appetite whetted by the latest innovations, market shifts, and emerging trends—after all, staying ahead of the curve is like having the ultimate cheat code in this fast-paced digital era. Whether it’s delving into AI breakthroughs or decoding disruptive business models, I’m all in for a continuous journey of learning, one exciting discovery at a time.

Second, I aspire to be an excellent manager who crafts a work culture where inclusivity, support, and empathy aren’t just buzzwords but everyday realities. I envision leading teams where everyone feels valued, inspired to contribute, and ready to tackle challenges together—kind of like being the conductor of a well-rehearsed symphony, where each member’s unique talents harmonize to create something truly extraordinary. In this culture, trust and respect form the bedrock, and every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow, both as individuals and as a collective.

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

“As Bidisha’s career coach, I have had the privilege of witnessing her remarkable journey, resilience, and unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change.

Bidisha’s story is one of courage, tenacity, and purpose. From breaking barriers as a young woman challenging societal norms in India to finding her voice as an advocate for inclusivity, she exemplifies the kind of leadership that makes an impact far beyond the classroom. She has turned personal adversity into a platform for empowerment, helping others find their strength through her advocacy for gender equality and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Her lived experiences, from supporting her mother in an abusive household to standing up against workplace harassment at just 22, highlight her ability to take charge and drive change.

At Rotman, Bidisha has fully embraced the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. Her background in AI and Data Analytics fuels her ambitious goal of leveraging technology to build a consulting company that champions diversity in hiring and retention. Her vision of a system that assesses companies’ commitment to inclusivity—akin to a credit score for diversity—showcases her innovative mindset and passion for equity in the workplace.

Beyond her impressive professional aspirations, Bidisha’s character sets her apart. She is a natural leader who uplifts those around her, creating an environment where others feel seen and heard. Her willingness to challenge the status quo, combined with her intellectual curiosity and empathy, makes her an exceptional candidate for this recognition.

Bidisha’s journey embodies the very essence of what it means to be one of Poets & Quants’ Best & Brightest. She is not only shaping her own future but also paving the way for others to do the same. I wholeheartedly support her nomination and look forward to seeing the lasting impact she will undoubtedly make.”

Rob Woon-Fat
Career Consultant
Rotman School of Management

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2025

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