My First Week at PGP MAX: Relearning How to Learn

Starting over is never easy, especially when you already have years of professional experience behind you. Yet the pace of change today makes it essential.

Technology, economies and systems are evolving so quickly that even seasoned leaders need to refresh their perspective.

For me, joining ISB’s PGP MAX programme was a conscious decision to relearn how to learn, to sharpen my thinking and to stay relevant in a world that demands constant reinvention.

A Wake-Up Call: No Soft Start

Work commitments meant that I attended the first term virtually, but there was nothing gradual about the beginning. From the opening sessions on decision making and accounting, it was clear that this journey would be rigorous, fast paced and deeply participative.

These were not abstract lectures. Every session demanded focus and immediate application, pushing our minds to shift gears quickly.

The adjustment was not easy. Years of execution in complex work environments had shaped strong reflexes, but this programme asked for reflection instead. Concepts were tied to real-world application, but the learning demanded that we go beyond what we already knew. 
It was not about replacing experience. It was about reactivating it in new ways.

True Learning: Late Nights and Early Deadlines

What made the week transformative was the group work. Assignments landed with sharp 8.00 am deadlines, which meant evenings quickly turned into late night huddles. We debated, refined and aligned under tight timelines.

The first few days were rough, as different work styles collided. But that friction was where the real learning happened.

By Friday, the rough edges had turned into rhythm. We were no longer strangers working side by side. We had become collaborators.

That shift from classmates to a functioning team captured the essence of PGP MAX, learning not just from the faculty, but from one another.

Why This Week Mattered: Humility and Curiosity

The week closed with quizzes, full-day classes and a final exam. It was exhausting, but in the best way possible. Being in a high-intensity learning environment reminded me of the clarity that only comes from focused challenges.

More than an academic beginning, this was a reset. It forced me to slow down and think deeper, even while working faster.

It reminded me that no matter how far you have travelled in your career, growth still begins with humility, curiosity and the courage to be a student again.

Synopsis

Sonika Meena, PGP MAX Class of 2026 also an IAS Officer, reflects on her first week of the programme. From demanding sessions and group deadlines to late night huddles and exams, the experience became a powerful reset, reminding her that true growth starts with humility, curiosity and the courage to learn afresh.