From the Skies To The Boardroom: My Journey with ISB PGP MAX

On Republic Day 2023, I soared in formation over Kartavya Path in New Delhi, carrying 14 years of service in the Indian Air Force on my shoulders.

Two years remained in the uniform, but a critical decision awaited me. Should I continue my life in the Air Force with a permanent commission, or step into the unknown world of corporate leadership?

Leaving the military felt daunting. Life in uniform had been adventurous, glamorous and deeply fulfilling, and honestly, the only world I had ever known. Yet I knew it was time to pivot. 

I wanted to apply the lessons of high-stakes leadership to a new arena and reinvent myself for the corporate world, which is unpredictable, shaped by geopolitical shifts, economic turbulence, and constant change.

Why ISB: The Programme that Bridges My Journey

When I start exploring executive education, several programmes in India and abroad catch my eye. ISB’s PGP MAX stands out immediately. The programme combines global industry insights, academic rigour, international immersions and the strength of its peer cohort.

I want to learn not only from professors but also from seasoned professionals who bring decades of diverse experience into the classroom. I have apprehensions. PGP MAX is a significant investment, and it is the right step financially. ISB’s inclusive approach, along with scholarship support, gives me the confidence to take the leap.

I joined the programme with an open mind, ready to learn, unlearn and reimagine leadership beyond the military.

First Impressions and Key Moments: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Stepping onto the ISB Hyderabad campus for the first time feels like going back to school. I have butterflies in my stomach and curiosity about the other professionals in my cohort. I am eager to learn about their industries and journeys.

The first week was transformative. Professor Ram Nidumolu’s session on Beingful Leadership was not just a lecture but an invitation to reflect on the deeper purpose of leadership. Professor Mohan’s Financial Accounting class raised the bar even higher. His energy and clarity made balance sheets engaging and kept the entire class hooked.
Beyond the classroom, I discover that learning happens everywhere. Tea breaks, late-night discussions and group assignments offer lessons that go beyond lectures. 

From debating whether a transaction belongs to assets or liabilities to hearing entrepreneurs describe the problems they are solving, I realise that knowledge at ISB flows in every direction.

In the Air Force, I am accustomed to rigour and discipline. ISB adds the power of diverse perspectives. Listening to eighty different viewpoints on the same case study shows me that leadership is not only about precision. It is also about embracing ambiguity, questioning assumptions and co-creating solutions.

What Changed For Me: Perspective and Continuous Learning

One of the biggest shifts is how I process information. Today, when I read a news article, whether about geopolitics, a corporate merger or an accident, I analyse the hidden business agenda, the strategy behind decisions and the financial ripple effects. This perspective is a direct outcome of my PGP MAX experience.

I also come to appreciate the importance of continuous learning. As one cohort member reminds me, “Economists read a lot.” The same holds true for leaders. The world offers no shortage of reading material, but the discipline to engage with it and connect it to real-world leadership makes the difference.

For me, this means combining classroom knowledge with my military experience and applying it to corporate challenges and global events.

Advice to Future Applicants: Take the Leap and Commit

If you have ten to fifteen years of professional experience and are undecided about pursuing an executive programme, my advice is simple. Draw up an honest career plan. If your ambitions include leadership at the top tier, you need to understand every facet of business.

PGP MAX offers a rare balance, providing broad exposure across management domains and deep dives that push you to think critically and grow. It also places you in the right company, among peers who bring wisdom, diversity and inspiration. 

The experience challenges you, expands your worldview and helps you translate years of professional experience into impact.

Looking Ahead: Leadership Beyond The Uniform

Recently, I was elected as the Learning and Development Council Lead for my cohort. This role is both humbling and exciting, giving me a chance to contribute to the holistic development of my peers while complementing the academic rigor ISB provides.

Looking forward, I see myself in senior strategic leadership roles within the corporate world, working with CXOs, guiding decisions and helping organisations grow holistically. My ability to lead in risk and time-sensitive environments with limited resources, honed in the Air Force, now combines with ISB’s management insights. Together, they give me a unique edge, one I am eager to leverage in building teams and steering companies toward sustainable success.

ISB is not just helping me transition from the military to the corporate world. It is equipping me to translate a lifetime of service into a lifetime of impact.

Synopsis

Aparna Srivastav, a student of PGP MAX, reflects on her journey from the Indian Air Force to the corporate world. Through ISB’s rigorous curriculum, diverse cohort and immersive experiences, she is broadening her perspective, strengthening her leadership and developing a unique edge to drive strategic impact in senior corporate roles.