Leadership has been a recurring theme throughout my career. With over 12 years of experience in fashion and e-commerce in India, I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams, drive revenue growth, and spearhead change. I thought I had figured out what it truly means to lead. However, my last role in Change Implementation at H&M allowed me to view leadership in a new light—not merely as managing teams and stakeholders but as the ability to inspire and influence them. Recognising the need to further develop my strategic thinking and leadership skills for the next big leap, I decided to pursue a Full-time MBA.

Warwick Business School (WBS) stood out for its strong curriculum and emphasis on personal growth to develop the leaders of tomorrow, the "Change Makers." I wanted an experience that would challenge my thinking, expose me to diverse ideas, and refine my leadership approach. Studying at a globally recognised institution like WBS, with a dynamic and multicultural cohort, seemed like the perfect way to broaden my perspectives.

LeadershipPlus: Learning by Doing

One of the first core modules introduced in the MBA was LeadershipPlus. Having attended leadership sessions in the past, I expected a traditional classroom experience filled with theories and lectures. It turned out to be anything but conventional. This module isn’t about learning leadership from a textbook, it’s about experiencing it firsthand. Through a mix of self-reflection, real-world scenarios, and interactive exercises, it pushes you to examine your strengths, biases, and working styles. We started with a Spotlight profile analysis, which helped us understand our innate behaviours and preferred ways of working. This was followed by a group survival simulation, which provided practical insight into how core behaviours influence team dynamics and effectiveness.

As I progressed through the course, I realised that leadership is at the heart of the MBA journey, particularly while working in groups. My first syndicate group was, to put it lightly, a bit chaotic at the start. We struggled with communication, differing expectations, and clashing work styles. But by the end of Term 1, we had transformed into a high-performing team. The guided sessions, tools and frameworks from the module enabled us to define our team principles and strengthen collaboration. As we grew together, our improved teamwork directly enhanced our performance in group projects for other modules. This journey of self-discovery and teamwork not only refined our leadership skills but also instilled a mindset that will serve us long after the MBA.

The cohort's diverse cultural backgrounds also brought a variety of leadership styles to life. Every discussion and group activity was an opportunity to understand different perspectives and a masterclass in adaptability. I learned to listen first and then lead—strengthening my ability to collaborate in diverse settings.

Growing into a “Change Maker”

As I applied these insights beyond the module, I began to see how they shaped my leadership identity. I had always aspired to inspire and influence those around me, and the coaching workshop played a pivotal role in this journey. It opened my eyes to the power of asking open-ended questions and active listening, skills that will stay with me for a lifetime. The whole experience has changed my perspective on driving meaningful conversations and engaging with others.

I learned to pause my instinct to “fix” and instead create space for others to reflect, disagree, and grow. Beyond teamwork and group dynamics, Leadership Plus also helped redefine my personal brand as a leader. The module’s emphasis on personal growth through self-awareness enabled me to identify my core values. It deepened my understanding of what matters to me and how to nurture those values to lead authentically.

LeadershipPlus is a transformative experience that will undoubtedly challenge you. It will stretch you far beyond your comfort zone and unsettle assumptions you didn’t know you held. But if you’re ready to truly understand what it takes to lead, it’s an experience you won’t forget. As I continue my MBA journey and beyond, I know these lessons will shape not only how I lead but also how I empower others to do the same.