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Umai Balendra

Bachelors Degree

Computer Science, French Minor

Pre-MBA employment industry:

Technology

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

With a background in software development and entrepreneurship, I’ve always enjoyed building things and solving problems. Over time, I realized I wanted to deepen my understanding of the business side: how to think more strategically, lead effectively, and scale ideas in a broader organizational context. An MBA felt like the right way to bridge that gap while also giving me the chance to expand my network and learn alongside ambitious, diverse peers.

What is the most significant thing you've learned at Ivey?

The most significant thing I’ve learned at Ivey so far has come from my Decision Making with Analytics class: effective decision-making isn’t just about using data, but about communicating those insights clearly across all levels of an organization. For decisions to have real impact, both management and frontline teams need to understand the reasoning behind them and be aligned on how to act.

What's been the most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA journey to date?

The most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA journey so far has been the incredible diversity and caliber of my peers. Being surrounded by people with such different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives has made the learning environment much richer than I expected. It’s been especially inspiring to see how thoughtful, driven, and talented everyone is.

Ivey in one word or a few words: Please share what your Ivey experience is to you!

Growth through challenge.

MBA '27

Ivey Business School

Umai Balendra

Umai  Balendra

Toronto, Canada

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