Finding My Voice at ISB: From Silence to Strength

I grew up as the quiet child who preferred the sidelines. College at SRM University changed that for me. I began saying yes to new experiences, be it clubs, fests or leadership roles. Bit by bit, I found myself moving from a hesitant participant to becoming the Sponsorship and Marketing Lead.

The thought that carried me forward was simple. If not now, when. That same thought guided me into my first job at ADP, where I worked as a Business Analyst.

Alongside my role, I joined Toastmasters to keep growing. What started as speaking practice soon became a passion. I won accolades, mentored, served as PR Head, and helped my club reach the international stage.

Each of these experiences convinced me of one truth. A strong institution or community can unlock potential in ways you do not expect. That belief is what kept nudging me towards ISB.

Choosing ISB: When the Heart Knows the Answer

For me, ISB was not one of many options. It was the only place I pictured myself in. The real decision was not whether to join ISB, but which programme would allow me to grow while continuing my work.

I had entered product management early in my career, much before many of my peers. It was a role that usually comes post-MBA, and I did not want to lose that momentum. The PGP PRO programme was a perfect fit, balancing professional commitments with rigorous learning.

Speaking to alumni only confirmed what I already felt. They talked not just about the academics, but about the culture, the friendships, and the lifelong impact. A doubt still lingered, though. With just the minimum required experience, would I belong here?

Many people advised me to wait another year, but I chose to trust myself. When the admission offer arrived in the very first round, it felt like the universe had nodded yes.

First Week at ISB: Chaos, Connection and a Birthday Surprise

Nothing could have prepared me for the first week. The days were packed with long hours of classes, new subjects, assignments and networking. Sleep was a luxury. Yet in the middle of all that, I found joy.

Evenings turned into memories. We stayed up late over case studies, gate-crashed parties, celebrated birthdays and exchanged life stories. What struck me the most was the kindness of my peers. On my birthday, they surprised me with a cake. In just a few days, I felt truly seen and celebrated by people who were strangers a week ago.

That is the spirit of ISB. Diverse people coming together, supporting one another, and becoming more like family than classmates.

Learning to Grow: From Doubts to Curiosity

In the beginning, I often wondered whether I could manage the pace. Balancing work with studies felt daunting. But the first class itself changed something in me. We dived into financial concepts, learning how companies calculate profits and build models. It was intense, but it opened my eyes.

Every subject since then has deepened that curiosity. I now notice how each piece of business connects with another. The cohort adds even more richness. Every conversation brings a new perspective, whether it is in class or over coffee.

This journey also pushed me to step up in ways I had once avoided. When student council elections were announced, I almost did not contest. Encouragement from my peers made me take the plunge. I prepared a roadmap of ideas, spoke about problems and solutions, and presented my vision. I lost by a narrow margin, but I gained something much more valuable. People now knew my thoughts, my intent, and my willingness to serve.

I have since received the opportunity to be part of the student council and pursue my passion for public speaking by hosting podcasts for the ISB PGP PRO community. I’m looking forward to exploring many more such opportunities that ISB has to offer.

This experience taught me that sometimes, you need to lose today to win bigger tomorrow.

Note to Future Applicants: Take the Leap Anyway

If you are standing on the fence, unsure about applying, here is what I would say. Trust yourself. Do not wait for the perfect moment, because there is no such thing.

When you want something deeply enough, the universe finds a way to meet you halfway. So take the leap. Put in your best effort, and let yourself be surprised by what follows. Explore everything that comes your way, because you never know what might change your path. Most of all, stay authentic. Show the world who you really are, and you will find your place.

Looking Forward: Building, Learning and Staying True

My vision for the coming months is clear. I want to explore, embrace mistakes, learn from failures and keep strengthening my business knowledge. ISB offers endless opportunities, and I intend to use every bit of them.

In the long term, I see myself pivoting into fintech and banking. I want to solve complex problems and one day build something of my own. I know I will carry the support of my peers and the guidance of ISB with me.

For someone who once stayed silent at the back of the room, this journey has been about finding my voice. At ISB, I am learning not just business, but the courage to dream bigger.

Synopsis

Sai Priyadarshini S, PGP PRO Class of 2026, Hyderabad Cohort and Product Manager at ADP, shares her transformation from a quiet observer to a confident leader through ISB’s PGP PRO. From Toastmasters to Student council, every step reflects her growth in courage, curiosity and connection. Her journey is one of resilience, learning and the courage to dream bigger.