Bridging Technology and Leadership: My Story at ISB

When I look back at my professional journey, I see a steady evolution across industries and organisations. Over the past decade, I have worked in consulting and project management roles, leading large-scale technology and integration projects with global teams. 

The work was challenging and rewarding, but I often felt the need to strengthen my strategic lens and build a broader perspective on leadership. 

I did not just want to manage projects. I wanted to create an impact at scale. That desire for deeper purpose became the turning point that led me to ISB.

Choosing ISB: A Programme That Fits

For me, ISB was never about adding a name to my résumé. It was about finding a programme that would allow me to grow in my career while immersing myself in a rigorous and collaborative environment. 

The PGP PRO stood out because of its design. It gave me the chance to keep working while learning from world-class faculty, gaining global exposure, and accessing a powerful network. 

What impressed me most was how the programme connected classroom concepts directly to workplace challenges. It was clear that this was where I could transform the way I thought about leadership.

Defining ISB Experiences: Learning Beyond the Classroom

From the very beginning, the programme has been intellectually stimulating. The rigour of the coursework and the collaborative nature of assignments have been both demanding and rewarding.

Class discussions often go beyond frameworks, drawing richly from the experiences of my peers. Being surrounded by professionals from such diverse industries and leadership journeys has been one of the biggest sources of learning.

Some experiences have been particularly close to my heart. Leading the Consulting Club, for instance, gave me the opportunity to curate and publish monthly newsletters. This work kept me engaged with emerging industry trends and created a platform for knowledge-sharing within the cohort. It also reinforced my consulting toolkit and leadership skills in a practical, hands-on way.

Another milestone was launching ‘PRO Pulse,’ the first-ever PGP PRO podcast. This initiative was born out of a desire to amplify the diverse voices, stories, and learnings of my peers. It was not just a creative project. It was also a chance to contribute to the community’s growth and visibility while building something that will live beyond the classroom.

Residencies, too, have been transformative. They provide an immersive environment where we can step away from professional responsibilities and fully engage with learning. They are also where some of the most insightful peer-to-peer exchanges happen, and they have given me bonds and friendships that extend far beyond the academic experience.

Shifts and Next Steps: A Broader Perspective

The biggest change for me has been in perspective. I no longer approach problems only through an operational or execution-driven lens. I now see the bigger picture, where strategy, leadership, and human dynamics come together in every decision. Courses on strategy, leadership, and decision-making have been especially influential in this shift, equipping me to face business challenges with confidence and clarity.

If I could share one piece of advice with future applicants, it would be this. The programme will stretch you. Balancing work, classes, and personal life is demanding, but that is exactly where transformation happens. Be open, lean on your cohort, and bring your authentic self to the classroom. The more you invest in this experience, the more it will give back to you.

Looking ahead, I do not see ISB as just a stepping stone. I see it as a launchpad. My goal is to move into more strategic leadership roles where I can bridge technology and business impact. What ISB has truly given me is not only the knowledge and network but also the confidence to dream bigger and the tools to get there.

Synopsis:

Raga Deepika Gullipalli, PGP PRO Class of 2025, reflects on her journey from consulting and project management to purposeful leadership at ISB. In her blog, she shares how the programme’s rigorous coursework, diverse cohort, and transformative initiatives like leading the Consulting Club and launching the ‘PRO Pulse’ podcast have shaped her perspective. For her, ISB has become more than a milestone; it is a launchpad to pursue larger strategic leadership roles.