Inside PGP MFAB: Learning with Owners, Not Job Seekers

I realised fairly early that what I had been missing in my education was not intelligence or ambition, but access. In all my previous academic experiences, I was surrounded by sharp people, but hardly anyone was a business owner. Most conversations revolved around jobs, careers, weekends and routine work cycles. Business ownership, long-term thinking and growth-oriented discussions were largely absent.

That changed at ISB.

At PGP MFAB, everyone in the room is a business owner or is preparing to become one. The perspective shifts immediately. People here are not working because they have to. They are working because they want to build something. There is a shared ownership mindset, a focus on growth beyond money, and a sense of responsibility that defines every discussion.

Learning Among Owners, Not Employees

One of the biggest differences I noticed at ISB was the mindset of my peers. No one gives excuses. If something does not get done, the responsibility is owned fully, even when external factors are involved. That sense of accountability is common across the batch.

Many of us grew up around business conversations. At home, discussions during meals often revolved around operations, customers and challenges. That exposure builds business acumen subconsciously. What PGP MFAB does is sharpen that instinct with structure, language and clarity. It helps convert scattered thinking into a clear, actionable roadmap.

The diversity within the cohort adds another layer of learning. People come from businesses ranging from under Rs 100 crore to organisations that have seen revenues in the tens of thousands of crores. Industries vary from chemicals and pharma to textiles, infrastructure and manufacturing. Every conversation brings a new insight, and because my business serves multiple industries, these interactions are especially valuable.

From Theory to Immediate Application

The learning at PGP MFAB is deeply practical. Courses like operations had a direct impact on how I now approach setting up and scaling new verticals. Discussions around factory location, machine procurement and production optimisation came not just from professors but from batchmates who have already implemented these decisions in their own businesses.

This all-round exposure makes a significant difference. Unlike a traditional MBA where perspectives are often siloed, everyone here understands finance, marketing, strategy and operations together. That integrated thinking helps when you are building or expanding a business where every decision has multiple implications.

Marketing was another eye-opener. Sessions on data-driven decision-making completely changed how I look at sales. We already had data in our systems, but we did not know how to use it effectively. With guidance from faculty, I began applying a more scientific approach to marketing and sales. Once you start using data yourself, others in the organisation slowly follow.

Governance, Confidence and the ISB Advantage

Governance and professionalisation were concepts I was aware of earlier, but only at a surface level. PGP MFAB helped convert those ideas into a structured plan. Family constitutions, boards with independent professionals and performance reviews are no longer abstract concepts. There is now clarity on what governance actually means and how it can be implemented step by step.

Faculty accessibility is one of ISB’s biggest strengths. The real value often comes after class. Professors are open to discussing specific business problems and provide tailored advice. I remember sitting down with a professor after class, walking him through our marketing software and data systems, and receiving a clear, practical roadmap on how to use them better. That level of access is rare.

Collaboration extends beyond the classroom. I have already worked with classmates on sourcing raw materials and exploring partnerships. Some have become customers, others collaborators. Even casual dinners often turn into business discussions. These relationships feel long-term, not transactional.

Beyond academics, ISB offers balance. Sports facilities, informal interactions and campus life add to the experience. For me, spending time playing squash, table tennis and cricket has been a refreshing contrast to business discussions and assignments.

Confidence, Clarity and a Bigger Vision

Looking ahead, we are already among the top players in India. The aspiration now is global. PGP MFAB has provided exposure to international case studies and global faculty, helping shape that outlook. More than anything, the programme has given me confidence. Confidence to speak up, to try new ideas, to handle resistance and to think bigger.

If I had to summarise my PGP MFAB experience, I would call it a balance. A balance of academics and application, learning and relationships, discipline and freedom. It is not just a programme. It is an environment that reshapes how you think about business and leadership.

Synopsis:

Hitarth Shah, of PGP MFAB co’25, reflects on how learning alongside fellow business owners reshaped his perspective on leadership, strategy and growth. From data-driven decision-making to governance and collaboration, the experience offered access to faculty, peers and real-world insights that traditional education had lacked, creating a balance of academics, application and personal growth.