Venturing beyond the classroom

When it comes to preparing leaders for a global economy, there’s no substitute for immersive, real-world experience. This spring, students in the Kellogg Executive MBA Program (EMBA) traveled to India as part of the TechVenture India elective led by Professor Mohan Sawhney.  

Over the course of a transformative week, the group engaged directly with entrepreneurs, policymakers and business leaders at the forefront of India’s rapidly evolving tech and innovation landscape. What unfolded was far more than a study trip — it was a deeply personal and professional journey that challenged assumptions, sparked new perspectives and forged lifelong connections.  

In their own words, a group of EMBA students who participated in the course reflect on what made this experience so meaningful. 

By Juan José Huamán Capristán, Prathima Kapa, Sai Konduri, Estef Lupercio,  Linda Monge Guerrero, Anil Rao and Vijay Shukla 

Executive MBA Class of 2025  

We want to begin by expressing our deepest appreciation to Professor Mohan S. Sawhney for his insightful leadership, which guided us through this profoundly impactful journey. 

As we embarked on TechVenture India together, it became clear that the true value of an EMBA extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. It’s found in the shared experiences, the immersive cultural encounters and the robust network forged while navigating real-world complexities together. This elective course illuminated this truth more vividly than any of us could have anticipated. 

We didn’t merely study global innovation; we actively engaged with it. Stepping into India’s dynamic tech and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the theoretical frameworks we had discussed in class became tangible realities. Leadership wasn’t an abstract concept; it was embodied in the individuals we met across the table. And, remarkably, a diverse group of EMBA students from around the globe coalesced into a tightly-knit cohort — bound not just by case studies, but also by moments of genuine emotion, cultural exchange and deep personal reflection. 

One of us articulated it perfectly during our final debrief, with visible emotion: “This was more than just a trip; it was a transformation. I came expecting to learn about innovation in India, but I left with a completely changed perspective.” We all wholeheartedly agree.  

Immersed in more than just business 

We were fortunate to move beyond surface-level observations and truly immerse ourselves. From the headquarters of India’s established digital giants to the workspaces of burgeoning social entrepreneurs, we encountered founders, investors, policymakers and executives who shared not only their business models but also their underlying values, current challenges and visions for impactful change. It was an incredibly enriching experience.

Under Professor Sawhney’s direction, we stepped outside the confines of traditional classrooms and actively participated in policy dialogues with India’s national leadership, including some of the Prime Minister’s advisory team. The access we were granted to senior executives (including CEOs, CTOs, CFOs and CMOs), influential policymakers, prominent investors and accomplished Kellogg alumni was truly exceptional. Furthermore, the course facilitated meaningful cultural and diversity exchanges among Kellogg and esteemed global business alumni, punctuated by unforgettable moments like celebrating Holi.

Our visit to Fusion Microfinance — an organization dedicated to financial inclusion — left a lasting impression on many of us. Witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of microloans on women’s lives reshaped our understanding of capital and leadership. It was an experience that deeply resonated with us.

Then there was Medanta Hospital, a world-class medical center seamlessly blending compassion with cutting-edge technology. Observing that convergence of empathy and innovation prompted a profound reflection on what it truly means to lead with both heart and strategic vision.

And Freshworks, a remarkable homegrown tech success story, demonstrated a unique startup journey — one characterized by resilience, local ingenuity and global aspirations. We gained invaluable insights into how innovation can be both agile and strategic. 

An ecosystem of ideas and influence 

Throughout the journey, we engaged with a diverse array of organizations spanning the realms of technology, finance, healthcare, education and policy. We extend our sincere gratitude to the following companies and institutions for graciously opening their doors and sharing their insights with us. 

Thank you to Jio, Bessemer Venture Partners, Skills Caravan, PolicyBazaar, Medanta Hospital, AIESL, Fusion Microfinance, Masters’ Union, Axtria, Infosys, vMock, Digantara, Freshworks, MediBuddy, Exponent Energy, InMobi, NIMHANS, Emoha and to all the other partners and hosts who contributed to this transformative experience. Your openness and generosity were invaluable. 

One of us captured the sentiment perfectly: “Each visit was more than just a meeting — it was a fundamental shift in perspective. Every founder and leader challenged us to think on a grander scale and with greater compassion.” 

The enduring power of a cohort 

Beyond the insightful company visits, it was the connections we forged within our cohort that many of us consider to be the most enduring aspect of the journey. 

Many of us have expressed that we had never experienced such a strong sense of community in such a short period. We arrived as classmates, certainly, but we departed as something much more profound. It was in the late-night discussions and during the shared bus rides that we truly connected and saw each other as individuals. 

We also want to acknowledge the seamless logistical support provided by Kellogg staff member Colette Feldges. Every detail was meticulously planned to enable us to focus fully on the experience and to be present in each moment. It provided us with the space to engage not just as professionals, but as individuals with unique perspectives.  

Looking towards the future 

This experience has also sparked a broader conversation about the potential for Kellogg to establish a larger presence in India, a sentiment echoed at Pragati, a Kellogg-led business conference in New Delhi last month. The enthusiasm for deepened engagement was unmistakable. TechVenture India highlighted the immense value of a sustained presence in this dynamic region, emphasizing that it is not a one-time event but a vital component of global leadership education. 

More than just a program 

Ultimately, TechVenture India was about challenging our assumptions, expanding our empathy and realizing the immense potential of shared experiences. 

As one of us reflected during the final session: “I arrived seeking frameworks. I’m leaving with a network, a deeper understanding of myself and a renewed vision of what leadership can achieve.” 

In closing, we extend our deepest gratitude to Professor Sawhney, to Kellogg, to all our hosts in India and to the dedicated team who made this journey possible. What you created was truly transformative, and we are confident that it will shape the way many of us lead in the years ahead.

The authors invite anyone interested in learning more about TechVenture India to connect with them on LinkedIn, via the link in their byline above.
 
Read next: EMBA classroom insights with boardroom impact