How ISB Helped Me Blend Global Learning with the Realities of Indian Business

A question I get asked often is, What is a biomedical engineer doing trying to sell houses? What made you switch from software and make the move to become a part of your family business? To that, I say, fair question. My profile is a clear indication of my multiple interests and passions, but not of the reasons behind my career change.

When I chose to pursue biomedical engineering, it was largely due to my interest in problem-solving and design. After graduating from Duke University, I realised that while I had enjoyed what I was learning in the classroom, I did not enjoy the jobs that followed as much. Working with my family business, Subishi, offered me the chance to work on design problems, while also getting the opportunity to learn operations, marketing, and business management. It was a novel challenge.

Understanding which business degree I really needed

So, I made the decision to quit my cushy corporate job in the United States and move back home to join my family’s real estate and construction business. I was only sure of two things. One - that if I were going to take on this new role, it would not suffice for me to simply keep the company operational. I knew I wanted to work on expanding it and focus on future growth. Two - I needed to find the right resources to help me maximise the company’s potential, learn how to leverage modern-day computational business tools, and find my own footing in an entrepreneurial world that was entirely new to me.

As I searched for different educational programs that might aid me in this latter pursuit, I landed upon ISB’s PGP MFAB program. Uniquely focused on understanding the operations of family businesses and strategies for their growth, this program felt tailor-made for me. While there were plenty of options for business schools in the US or the UK, I knew the business I wanted to build was rooted in India. ISB is special because it offers an education with global perspectives while also providing an understanding of the Indian consume

Learning to think differently

So far, my favourite part of my ISB experience has been the professors. Their approach is research-centric and demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the Indian market. They often challenge our perspective, encouraging us to approach situations in new ways. They bring in Indian industrialists, and our classroom conversations feel rooted in the reality in which our family businesses operate.

What I have come to realise is that what we learn at business school is a lot simpler than we assume at the outset. We tend to complicate things with business jargon and financial terms. In the end, however, it comes down to the basics and making intelligent judgment calls. What I hope ISB will help me do is hone my judgement and help me make these decisions as I grow within the business.

Synopsis

Ria Thimmaiahgari is a second-generation entrepreneur from Hyderabad working in real estate and construction. With a background in biomedical engineering and computer science from Duke University, she chose PGP MFAB to gain practical business tools, global perspectives and a deeper understanding of the Indian market as she builds the next chapter of her family business.