Stepping Back to Leap Ahead: My ISB PGP PRO Story

For most of my career, I have been fortunate to do what I love: Building people-first marketing programmes.

From shaping communities to designing flagship events and customer advocacy initiatives, my work has always centred on creating experiences that connect people to brands and to each other.

In 2020, alongside my full-time role, I co-founded Ranju, an NGO that supports underprivileged families with access to education and essential resources. What began as a small effort during the pandemic has now become one of the most meaningful parts of my life, reminding me that impact is not measured by revenue alone.

For a long time, this balance felt perfect. I was growing in my career and contributing to a cause I cared deeply about. But over time, the pace of learning slowed. I wanted to step back from daily execution and take on more strategic leadership roles.

I wanted to stretch myself beyond the familiar territory of marketing and build an understanding of how businesses function end-to-end, including finance, operations and decision-making frameworks. The question was: How do I make that transition?

Choosing Growth: Why PGP PRO

I had never seriously considered going back to school. A full-time MBA felt like hitting pause on a career that was gaining momentum, and I was not ready to make that trade-off.

The idea of resuming studies only came into focus when I saw the journey of my elder brother, an alumnus of ISB’s PGP PRO. Watching him showed me what the programme could offer.

The weekend format, the hybrid structure and the fact that there was no GMAT requirement all aligned perfectly with where I was in life. It felt like the natural next step.

Balancing Act: Lessons From the First Residency

When Term 1 began with a week-long residency at ISB’s Hyderabad campus, I arrived excited, slightly nervous and determined to soak in every insight and conversation.

By Day 2, reality struck. I was already falling behind on pre-reads, assignments were stacking up, and I quietly began second-guessing my decision. Juggling lectures, quizzes, group work and a full-time job while also remembering how to be a student again was overwhelming.

Eventually, the pace became the new normal, but not without effort. Once I found my footing, the week transformed into a series of intense and often surprising learning moments. On the third night, we were debating economic theories with the same energy usually reserved for sports discussions.

In one exercise, we attempted to hire a fictional VP, only to realise how easily unconscious biases had shaped our decision. And in the midst of the unpredictability, accounting became my steady anchor.

Learning Beyond Classrooms: Perspectives That Shift

Some of the most memorable lessons happened outside the lecture halls. Every hallway chat was a crash course in another industry or way of thinking. Whether it was healthcare, manufacturing, fintech or public policy, each conversation challenged me to rethink assumptions I had taken for granted.

One of the earliest lessons at ISB is that time is the scarcest resource. Balancing work, coursework, and life is challenging, but it teaches you to be disciplined. That discipline spills over into how you show up in all areas of life.

Over time, subtle shifts become noticeable. At work, I no longer approach projects only through the lens of execution. I think about trade-offs, long-term impact and how to collaborate better across teams.

Classroom learning in economics, statistics and decision-making frameworks begins to shape daily choices.

Looking Ahead: Advice for the ISB Journey

If you are about to begin your O-week, a few things may help you navigate the experience. Be open to discomfort and unlearning. Say yes to side conversations, to asking what may feel like basic questions, and to late-night calls with your group. Focus on building a strong foundation and connecting the dots across subjects rather than chasing grades.

Furthermore, contribute actively, because every perspective adds value. And if you are from a marketing or non-traditional background, do not second-guess your place here. Diversity in the classroom is one of the programme’s greatest strengths.

Most importantly, take the time to reflect on why you are here. This is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Everyone’s experience will depend on where they come from and where they hope to go. The more intentional you are, the more you will gain.

As our Deputy Dean said during orientation, “You are here to learn how to learn”. That, to me, is the real value of this investment where we build the confidence to adapt quickly, think clearly and make better decisions.

I am only one term in, and the road ahead will be demanding, but I already feel more curious, more prepared and more willing to stretch than I have in years. And for now, that is exactly where I want to be.

Synopsis:

Tanvi Manchanda, a marketing professional and co-founder of NGO Ranju, has joined ISB’s PGP PRO Class of 2026 to expand beyond execution into strategic leadership. From intense residencies to balancing work, life, and study, ISB has pushed her out of her comfort zone and reshaped how she thinks about projects, decisions, and long-term impact. For Tanvi, the programme is about learning how to learn.