Scaling Family Business with ISB: Lessons from the PGP MFAB Programme

When I first heard about the ISB PGP MFAB programme in 2020, I was attending a coffee table meetup on campus and realised that this was something I wanted to pursue, but only after gaining some practical experience in the business. Now, as part of the 2025 cohort, I can say the journey has exceeded all expectations.

I am a second-generation entrepreneur in my family business, which spans chemicals manufacturing, trading industrial chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, specialty chemicals, and logistics for chemical transport. Coming from an engineering background, I joined the business immediately after my undergraduate studies. 

Initially, understanding the workings of multiple verticals was challenging, but with my father’s guidance, I navigated the transition. I started as a management trainee and gradually took on responsibility for operations, leading to significant changes in professionalising every department. HR, digitisation, finance, and operational improvements have all been implemented under my supervision.

Applying Insights Across Operations

The ISB PGP MFAB programme has provided an unparalleled platform to deepen my understanding of business strategy, operations, marketing, finance, organisation improvement and business development. 

Case studies, such as the Havells merger, were particularly engaging, allowing me to analyse real-world decisions and learn from multiple perspectives. The programme treats us as business owners rather than typical MBA students, encouraging application of classroom learning directly into our companies. I have been able to identify bottlenecks, improve processes, implement new systems, and apply concepts in accounting, finance and operations immediately.

Interaction with professors and visiting faculty, including international experts, has been invaluable. They are approachable, responsive and always willing to provide guidance. Peer discussions have also been transformative, allowing me to understand challenges faced by other family businesses and experiment with solutions in my own company. The Thomas Midayne Center for Family Enterprises has been another crucial resource, supporting research and practical solutions for family-run organisations.

Transforming Strategy, HR and Global Outlook

ISB has fundamentally changed my approach to business. I am more confident, ready to take on challenges, and equipped to scale our operations, optimise human resources and explore global opportunities. Learning to manage resistance to change within a family business has been particularly insightful, helping me introduce innovation while gaining trust and support from senior stakeholders.

The programme has not only provided academic knowledge but has also fostered personal growth. I am now able to think strategically, implement processes effectively, and pursue ambitious goals for the business. ISB has given me the confidence and tools to take our family enterprise to a larger scale and position it for sustainable growth in global markets.

Synopsis:

Shiva Pulla Reddy, part of ISB’s PGP MFAB 2025 cohort, reflects on his transformative journey as a second-generation entrepreneur in the chemical industry. Based in India, he shares how the programme has reshaped his approach to operations, strategy, marketing, HR and leadership, while providing practical tools to professionalise family business functions, implement new systems, and scale globally.