By Brad Manuel, Executive MBA Graduate and CEO of RSG Performance
I didn’t expect my Executive MBA to be transformed by a week in India. It’s one thing to read about a country’s ascent as a global powerhouse of talent; it’s another to see it, feel it, and reflect on what it means. Last April, right before graduation, our class navigated the narrow, bustling streets streets of Old Delhi in rickshaws, surrounded by vibrant chaos that seemed to hum with purpose. At the Taj Mahal, we stood in awe of human creativity and vision. And in boardrooms at companies like Sterlite, BlackRock and Stryker, we saw the sharp edge of India’s competitive brilliance.
Every moment made one thing clear: India’s rise is no accident. It is fueled by a culture that prioritizes education, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that are not just tools for survival but springboards for global leadership.
The Strength of Education
India’s relationship with education is unique—rooted in rigor, aspiration, and an almost unshakeable belief in its transformative power. I’ve always appreciated the value of education, but my visit to India reframed it. There, education isn’t just a path to individual success; it’s woven into the fabric of national ambition.
Institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) aren’t just schools; they are crucibles of excellence. Their graduates are leaders, not only because of what they know but because of how they think. They bring analytical rigor, problem-solving skills, and a global mindset to whatever they do. It’s no coincidence that leaders like Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), and Indra Nooyi (former PepsiCo) began their journeys in India’s classrooms.
Beyond the Numbers
At first glance, the numbers are impressive: approximately 25 CEOs of Fortune 500 companies hail from Indian backgrounds. That alone speaks volumes about the quality of education and the adaptability of Indian talent. But what struck me most wasn’t just the data; it was the underlying mindset.
India’s education system doesn’t just teach technical skills—it builds resilience. In a country where competition is fierce and resources often scarce, succeeding means learning how to thrive in complexity. This adaptability isn’t just a professional asset; it’s a way of life.
Walking through the streets of Delhi, I saw the same qualities in the vendors and shopkeepers as I did in the executives we met: grit, resourcefulness, and an instinctive ability to navigate uncertainty. It’s a thread that connects the local and the global, the past and the future.
The Diaspora’s Influence
One of the most remarkable aspects of India’s rise is how its diaspora amplifies its story. In the United States, Indian-Americans represent just over 1% of the population, yet their influence is far greater—particularly in business and, increasingly, in politics.
Leaders like Pichai and Nadella aren’t just examples of personal success; they are symbols of how education can create ripple effects across borders. They’ve not only shaped their companies but also contributed to the broader U.S. economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and bridging cultures.
This influence extends to the political sphere. Figures like Second Lady Elect Usha Vance represent a growing voice for the Indian diaspora in shaping American policy and public opinion. As someone who values leadership, it’s inspiring to see how education and ambition can transcend barriers, reshaping not just individual lives but entire nations.
A Broader Reflection on Education
My time in India made me think about how we, in the U.S., view education. Often, the conversation focuses on its flaws—rising costs, student debt, and a disconnect from real-world needs. These criticisms aren’t unfounded, but they miss the bigger picture. Education, when approached with purpose and rigor, is still the most powerful tool we have for personal and collective growth.
India’s example is a reminder of what’s possible when education is prioritized. It shows us that leadership isn’t a coincidence; it’s cultivated. And it made me wonder: Are we doing enough to prepare ourselves—not just as individuals, but as a society—for the challenges of a globalized world?
A Shared Future
As I reflect on my trip, I keep coming back to the idea of interconnectedness. India’s rise isn’t just India’s story—it’s the world’s. Its leaders, shaped by the rigor of its education system and the resilience of its culture, are influencing industries, communities, and policies far beyond its borders.
But this isn’t just a story of one nation. It’s a call to action for all of us. What would happen if we approached education—not as a product to be consumed but as a shared investment in our future? How might we reimagine it to cultivate the kind of resilience and adaptability that India has perfected?
Ready. Set. Go!
My Executive MBA taught me the technicalities of leadership, but India showed me its soul. The trip reminded me that leadership isn’t about titles or accolades—it’s about the impact we make and the legacy we leave. It begins with education, but it doesn’t end there. It’s about how we use what we learn to create opportunities, inspire others, and bridge divides.
India’s rise is a testament to what’s possible when education is taken seriously. It’s a lesson we would do well to learn, whether in the streets of Old Delhi or the boardrooms of America. For me, it’s a challenge to keep growing, keep learning, and keep leading—with purpose.
Because leadership, like life, is always in motion.
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