The Shift No One Sees: From Execution to Influence at PGP PRO

For years, I was good at execution. Product roadmaps, back-to-back meetings, tight deadlines, I knew how to deliver.

But somewhere along the way, I realised I was part of decisions, not shaping them. I could build, but I wanted to influence. I wanted to understand the numbers behind decisions, speak the language of business, and contribute at the table where strategy is defined.

That realisation is what brought me to ISB’s PGP PRO.

Why I Chose to Step Out

Coming from an R&D background, the obvious question was: why an MBA now?

For me, it was about expanding my role beyond execution. I wanted the confidence to make decisions, not just implement them. I also wanted to challenge a larger reality: the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and equip myself to be part of that change.

PGP PRO offered the right balance. It allowed me to continue working while building business acumen in parallel. Courses like Accounting Analysis and Information helped me finally decode the financial side of business conversations that once felt inaccessible.

More importantly, it gave me flexibility. Whether it is programme management, marketing, or strategy, the learning here opens multiple pathways. It is not just about a role change; it is about expanding possibilities.

Learning to Keep Up

The first few weekends were overwhelming.

Assignments, group work, and professional responsibilities quickly piled up. There were moments when it felt like too much, when I wished for more hours in the day. But over time, I realised that the constraint wasn’t time. It was how I managed it.

Staying organised helped, but what made the real difference was the cohort. Late-night calls, shared notes, quick check-ins—there was always someone willing to step in. That sense of community made the journey manageable, even during the most demanding weeks.

What the Classroom Changed

Some of the most meaningful shifts came from the classroom.

Management of Organizations helped me rethink how I approach myself. Instead of focusing on weaknesses, I began to double down on strengths. It sounds simple, but it changed how I show up at work and in teams.

Strategy of Digital Economy brought clarity to decisions I had seen in the industry but never fully understood. For instance, I could finally make sense of why my software company was acquired by a larger industrial player. What once seemed like a growth move revealed itself as a strategic play to build a global energy technology platform.

These moments made learning tangible. They connected theory to real-world decisions in a way that stayed with me.

Beyond the Curriculum

What makes ISB stand out is not just the curriculum, but the environment.

From classroom discussions and case studies to informal conversations with peers, the learning is continuous. The faculty bring deep industry insight, often going beyond textbook explanations to unpack how organisations actually function.

Equally important are the conversations around leadership. Being in spaces where peers actively discuss how to bring more women into leadership roles changes how you think about your own journey.

ISB is not just teaching me business. It is changing how I think about growth, leadership, and priorities. It has pushed me to make choices that are not always comfortable, but necessary.

Looking Ahead

PGP PRO is not just another credential. It is a turning point.

I see myself stepping into roles where I can shape strategy, influence decisions, and contribute to meaningful change. I also hope to see more women take up space in leadership and be part of that shift.

For anyone considering ISB, the journey is demanding. There will be moments of doubt. But that is also where the growth lies.

This is not a solo journey. It is a collective one.

And every step is worth it.

Synopsis

Manognya Ayyadevara, a tech professional, reflects on transitioning from execution-focused roles to strategic leadership through ISB’s PGP PRO. Balancing work and academics, she highlights how classroom learning, peer support, and real-world insights reshaped her thinking, built business confidence, and opened new career possibilities, while reinforcing her aspiration to see more women in leadership roles