From Armyman To MBA

You've built a very impressive academic foundation with a law degree, a military background and now an MBA. What initially drew you to pursue law, then the Indian Army and finally the world of business?

The decision to pursue law arose after completing Class 12, despite my initial inclination towards the arts and a brief foray into science during XI and XII. Being the first lawyer in my extended family, the field naturally intrigued me, prompting a deeper exploration and successful entrance into a prestigious law school.

During my legal studies, internships at esteemed corporate law firms exposed me to the intricacies of business law. Yet, stemming from a family where my father served as an Indian Telecom service officer, a desire to contribute to the nation's welfare was deeply rooted in me. While considering avenues beyond corporate law, I stumbled upon the opportunity for lawyers within the army, a revelation that sparked my interest.

Thorough research unveiled a unique position that offered a blend of legal practice and military service, presenting an innovative path to explore. Embracing the challenge, I cleared the selection process on my first attempt, embarking on a fulfilling five-year journey with the army, initially serving in operations in Kashmir before transitioning to the legal branch, the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps.

This experience not only honed my legal acumen but also revealed a broader skill set within me, prompting a desire for personal and professional growth. Leveraging my acquired soft skills, I pursued a business degree from a premier institute, culminating in successful admission and subsequent graduation.

Coming from the military with a strong leadership background, what were the biggest challenges you faced academically at ISB?

Academically, the decision to pursue my MBA in 2023, eight years after completing my undergrad in 2015, presented its challenges. Balancing work responsibilities with academic aspirations created a significant gap, making the transition back to classroom life daunting. Competing with younger peers further intensified the challenge, yet it ultimately proved transformative. Rising to the occasion, I not only kept pace with my classmates but also gleaned valuable insights from their diverse corporate experiences.

As a lawyer, the curriculum's finance-centric subjects posed another hurdle. Despite my eagerness to learn, grappling with accounting and other finance-heavy topics tested my resolve. Nevertheless, I embraced the opportunity to broaden my knowledge base, pushing myself to tackle these unfamiliar subjects head-on.
The intensity of the one-year programme at ISB compounded these challenges. With its rapid pace and rigorous schedule, adapting to the relentless demands initially felt overwhelming. However, I quickly recognised that this intensity is integral to the ISB experience, fostering growth and resilience.

In summary, transitioning from a career in the army to business school presented dual challenges: bridging the academic gap and mastering unfamiliar subjects. Yet, by confronting these obstacles head-on, I emerged stronger and more prepared to navigate the dynamic world of business.

Were there any specific military experiences that made you consider an MBA and a career shift?

My initial immersion into the army came through the Kashmir experience, a surprising initiation into the challenges of military life. Despite my intention to join the legal branch, I found myself thrust into infantry duty for 1 1/2 years, a demanding trial where I led troops in hostile territories, realising my aptitude for effective leadership and personnel management.

Additionally, being of South Indian origin, I was tasked with leading the Secret Regiment troops, necessitating a cultural adaptation which I navigated successfully, forging strong bonds in the process. This experience crystallised my ability to motivate and manage diverse teams, prompting me to consider how these skills could translate into civilian spheres.

Transitioning to the legal branch introduced me to the complexities of managing multiple stakeholders, including civilian authorities and judiciary figures, where the focus shifted towards finding optimal solutions that satisfied both superiors and stakeholders. Recognising the transferability of these skills, I decided to explore new avenues beyond the military.

Moving into consulting, I encountered stark differences from the regimented structure of the army. While hierarchy exists, decision-making is more client-centric, allowing for greater autonomy and flexibility in addressing client needs. The consulting environment fosters innovation and adaptability, essential traits in navigating the fast-paced, ever-changing demands of client projects, in contrast to the more focused, directive nature of military operations.

In essence, the transition from the military to consulting has highlighted the shift from a structured, hierarchical environment to one that prioritises client satisfaction, innovation and adaptability, presenting both challenges and opportunities for growth and development.

Your military experience involved strategic defence, legal expertise and operational efficiency. Can you elaborate on how you see these skills being valuable assets in the consulting industry?

During my time in Kashmir, strategy was paramount due to the daily struggle we faced. Maintaining zero casualties while commanding my company was no small feat amidst constant patrols and ambushes. My approach centred on identifying threats and swiftly addressing any vulnerabilities.

This parallels the consulting world, where problem identification is pivotal. Our external perspective offers unique insights compared to internal stakeholders. Effective solutions hinge on accurately pinpointing issues; without this clarity, efforts are futile.

My legal expertise is a valuable asset, sparing unnecessary back-and-forth with legal teams. Recognising red flags and addressing legality concerns autonomously streamlines my consultancy role, enhancing efficiency.
Operational efficiency was a focus in both military and legal realms. In infantry, it meant minimising ambushes and surveillance time. In legal matters, automation streamlined record-keeping, illuminating how operational changes can transform an organisation.

I apply these principles in my current role, diligently identifying inefficiencies to better understand client challenges. These experiences underscore the importance of proactive problem-solving and operational optimisation.
 

Having served the country in the military and now working at McKinsey, what are your long-term career aspirations?

Honestly, this marks a significant career transition for me, stepping into the realm of renowned firms like McKinsey, for instance. Securing this opportunity has been a culmination of diligent effort and now my focus lies on fostering growth within this new environment.

Having recently graduated, I'm at the outset of my professional journey. My primary goal is to absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible. A place like this is an exceptional learning ground, boasting diverse talents from across the globe, including peers who excel in various fields like chess or sports, enriching the environment with their expertise.

My aspiration is to engage with a wide array of clients, embracing the diversity of projects to uncover where my passions and skills align most effectively. While currently in an exploratory phase, my ultimate objective remains clear: to progress in my career trajectory.

I am actively seeking opportunities, exploring different avenues within the firm. The versatility of working with multiple clients across various domains allows me to discern which areas resonate with me the most, paving the way for specialised growth in the future.

Mayank Badhwar

BW Reporters The reporter works as Senior Correspondent with BW Businessworld