Building Perspective: One Term at a Time at PGP MAX

The PGP MAX journey has been nothing short of a ride. Challenging, intense, and deeply rewarding in ways I did not fully anticipate when I began. Every term has felt like a reset, pushing me to rethink how I analyse problems, make decisions, lead teams, and show up for my clients and the people I work with.

What stands out most is the richness of the learning environment that ISB has created. The faculty experience has been a cornerstone of this journey. ISB professors, along with global visiting faculty, bring deep expertise and sharp case discussions that make learning rigorous yet practical. 

As we moved through the programme, ISB remained the anchor, with its structure, pace, and peer learning constantly nudging us to grow, reflect, and raise our own bar.

Learning Across Campuses and Contexts

The international immersions were truly the highlight. Each campus added a distinct layer to my learning. At London Business School, conversations around strategy and value creation opened up a wider lens. The energy on campus, combined with interactions with professors, start-up founders, guest speakers, and industry leaders, brought diversity into every discussion. The debates were sharp and often uncomfortable in the best way, pushing me to look beyond what felt familiar.

Wharton brought a different kind of clarity. The way analytics, discipline, and leadership were woven together helped me sharpen my own approach as an HR and business leader. The learning went beyond theory, reinforcing how critical rigour is when you are building something meant to last.

INSEAD added yet another dimension. Being surrounded by professors, guest speakers, and founders from diverse cultural backgrounds made me reflect deeply on my own leadership style. It reinforced how global leadership is not about having all the answers, but about listening first and understanding perspectives that differ from your own.

Deep Dives That Reshaped My Thinking

Another memorable term unfolded at the ISB Hyderabad campus, whose serene environment and thoughtful design create the perfect backdrop for immersive learning. The week was packed with deep discussions, practical application, and strategic insight. Two courses in particular reshaped my perspective.

Negotiation Analysis with Professor Michael Schaerer from SMU explored real-world negotiation scenarios, from distributive and integrative bargaining to multi-party conflicts and global deal-making. Cases like Bullard Houses and Viking Investments reinforced a powerful idea: value creation is not just about what you claim, but about what you can build jointly with the other party.

Pricing Products and Services for Profitability with Professor Manish Gangwar challenged several long-held assumptions. The course went beyond numbers to show how pricing is often the most powerful, yet underused, lever of profitability. Learning how a one percent price change can significantly impact profits, and understanding frameworks like value-based pricing, Good-Better-Best models, freemium strategies, and dynamic pricing, helped me think like a pricing strategist rather than just a marketer. The Universal Car Rental Pricing simulation from Harvard Business Impact Education added a strong hands-on dimension to the experience.

The Campus, the Classroom, and the Cohort

Term 3 further deepened the experience. The Hyderabad campus, with its blend of modern architecture and natural surroundings, fosters collaboration and reflection. The infrastructure, classrooms, and shared spaces encourage meaningful conversations that often extend well beyond formal sessions.

The Marketing Management course by Professor Siddharth S Singh was particularly transformative. His case-based approach, focus on fundamentals, and systematic thinking made complex concepts accessible. His engaging and humorous style ensured the classroom stayed lively while remaining deeply insightful.

Equally impactful was the Government, Society, and Business course by Professor Ashwini Chhatre. The course offered a nuanced view of how businesses intersect with public policy and societal challenges. Through real-life examples from both public and private sectors, it broadened my understanding of how organisations can align with government frameworks to create sustainable value.

Through all of this, the cohort has been the real constant. The friendships, candid conversations, and peer learning have mattered as much as the classroom experience. These relationships have shaped my thinking and will stay with me long after the programme ends.

As I near the completion of PGP MAX, I feel grateful for the growth, exposure, and clarity this journey has given me. It has been intense, demanding, and incredibly rewarding. I now look forward to taking these learnings into my work across India and the Middle East, continuing to build, explore, and contribute in my own way.

Synopsis

Anish Roy reflects on his PGP MAX journey as a seasoned HR leader working since 1999. Drawing from decades across consulting, executive search and talent leadership in India, APAC and the Middle East, Roy captures how ISB reshaped his thinking on leadership, decision-making and global perspective while reinforcing the power of peer learning and immersive education.