Harsha Raghavan
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Turbo Power Systems Ltd
Executive MBA (2019-21)

Tell us a bit about yourself
I currently work as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Turbo Power Systems Ltd. This is a leadership role with P&L responsibility and involves a wider scope of influence on divergent functions including commercialisation of innovation products, business development, sales & tenders, contract management, marketing and after sales.

I have experience in the field of power and energy conversion solutions for Energy, Transportation and Industrial sectors.  Over the years, I was fortunate to work in both India and the UK with access to global clientele, as a result I can offer a multicultural perspective on understanding needs of both customers and markets. With a graduate degree in electrical engineering and post graduate diploma in telecommunications management, I am passionate about technology that brings greater societal and economic benefits. Lets create a green and sustainable planet!

What first attracted you to Warwick Business School?
The location, cohort diversity and ranking.

Why did you ultimately choose Warwick Business School for your MBA?
I was applying to get into a top business school in the UK in 2019 and three critical factors filtered out all of the other schools: 1) reputation, 2) value for money and 3) alumni network. Warwick stood out!

What elements of the programme do you value the most and why?
Firstly, the modules and teaching faculty are key as this is fundamental to gaining the knowledge. Secondly, the cohort interaction and case presentation as this offers a varied perspective and challenges the paradigm.  

What is it like studying for an MBA?
I am pursuing the Executive MBA and honestly this is not an easy course. Experienced candidates like me need a challenge and the course modules give you more than that. The course keeps you on your toes. If knowledge gaining is the fundamental ambition, then this course gives you that. However, be prepared to manage the work-life-study balance. 

Tell us about the community at Warwick Business School. 
My cohort had a mix of people from different walks of life – Army, Healthcare, Financial Services, Entrepreneurs, Manufacturing and more. It was an excellent pick of candidates by Warwick!

Can you tell us about your career plans? 
Put the knowledge to use – that is the priority. The course elements will join the dots in my long-term ambition to lead an innovative and progressive firm. 

What did you hope to get out of our programme? What have you actually got?
Anticipated less, got much more. My concern before joining was whether I will be learning more than I know for practical purposes of day-to-day work. This is where WBS equips you with tools and techniques to solve complex day to day problems and gives you a strategic compass to join the dots. 

How did you find the work/life balance?
Very difficult to manage, but thankful to an understanding family. My daughter was born 5 months into the course, and she has kept me in my toes along with WBS. 

Do you have any advice for anyone currently thinking about studying for an MBA?
Do not wait, decide and plunge into it. WBS will give you the edge!