Their destinations may differ, but they all began at the same place. A look at alumni stories of success that started at Ivey.
I grew up in Mumbai, India, where, at age 15, I wrote down a plan for my future: earn professional credentials, gain deal experience, pursue an MBA abroad, and build a career in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Fifteen years later, that plan has brought me to Toronto, where I work as a Senior Associate with MNP Corporate Finance, advising entrepreneurial and founder-led businesses on some of the most important decisions of their lives.
I moved to Canada in 2024 to pursue my MBA at Ivey Business School. During my time at Ivey, I had the privilege of serving as President of the MBA Association (MBAA), leading a team of student leaders representing the Class of 2025 and helping revive the Graduate Business Conference, which brought together MBA student leaders from more than 25 business schools around the world. Along the way, I was honoured to receive the Richard Ivey Scholarship, the Wail El Awad Memorial Award, and a Global Student Leadership Award.
I come from a family that values both entrepreneurship and service. My father spent his career as a financial advisor, while my mother runs a not-for-profit organization and a small jewelry business. Those influences helped shape my passion for leadership, mentorship, and helping businesses grow. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI), staying active, and meeting new people from different walks of life.
What led you to your career and how has it evolved over time?
When I was 15, I wrote down a goal: I wanted to build a career helping businesses grow. My father worked as a financial advisor, and I was fascinated by the idea that behind every business transaction was a family, an entrepreneur, or a leadership team trying to achieve something meaningful.
Over the years, that goal shaped many of my decisions. I earned my professional designations, gained transaction advisory experience, moved from India to Canada to pursue my MBA at Ivey, and ultimately joined MNP Corporate Finance in Toronto.
The journey wasn't linear. When I graduated from Ivey, I quickly realized that breaking directly into M&A in a new country was more challenging than I had anticipated. Instead of chasing titles, I focused on proving my value. I joined a financial due diligence team, worked hard to build credibility, and eventually earned the opportunity to transition into M&A. Looking back, that detour taught me humility, resilience, and the importance of earning trust before asking for opportunity.
Today, I have the privilege of advising entrepreneurial and founder-led businesses, which is exactly where I always hoped my career would lead.
Who inspired you?
I've never had one single role model. Instead, I've been inspired by people who constantly challenge my perception of what's possible.
My parents were my first inspiration. My father built a career helping clients navigate financial decisions. My mother dedicated herself to serving others through her not-for-profit work while running her own business. From them, I learned the importance of hard work, service, and perseverance.
More recently, my classmates at Ivey had a profound impact on me. Before arriving at Ivey, I was confident in my abilities and professional experience. But I quickly found myself surrounded by incredibly talented people from all over the world who were willing to outwork, outlearn, and outprepare everyone else in the room. Watching classmates master subjects completely outside their backgrounds humbled me and inspired me to keep raising my own standards.
The people who inspire me most are those who never stop learning, regardless of how accomplished they already are.
How did Ivey play a role?
Ivey played a transformational role in my life, both professionally and personally.
Professionally, the Case-Method Learning approach helped me think beyond numbers and technical analysis. Every class felt like a boardroom discussion where decisions had real consequences. I learned how to communicate ideas, challenge assumptions, and make decisions with incomplete information.
Personally, Ivey pushed me to grow as a leader. As President of the MBAA, I had the opportunity to represent my classmates and lead a team of student leaders from diverse backgrounds. I learned that leadership isn't about authority; it's about influence, trust, and bringing people together around a common purpose.
Most importantly, Ivey gave me confidence. It helped me realize that I could contribute meaningfully in environments that were unfamiliar, challenging, and highly competitive. That confidence continues to shape the way I approach my career and my life today.
Why did you choose the MBA program specifically?
I was looking for more than just another credential. I wanted an experience that would challenge how I thought, how I led, and how I saw the world.
Ivey's case-method approach immediately stood out because it mirrored real business decision-making. Instead of learning concepts in isolation, students are constantly asked to put themselves in the shoes of leaders facing difficult choices.
As an international student coming from a technical finance background, I also wanted exposure to different perspectives. I was drawn to the diversity of experiences within the MBA classroom and the opportunity to learn from classmates with backgrounds across industries, functions, and countries.
The program felt like the ideal environment to develop not just as a finance professional but as a well-rounded business leader. Looking back, it delivered exactly that.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
My proudest accomplishment isn't a title, a deal, or an award. It's staying committed to a dream for 15 years.
As a teenager growing up in Mumbai, I wrote down a roadmap for myself. I wanted to earn professional credentials, gain transaction experience, pursue an MBA abroad, and eventually build a career in North American M&A.
That journey was far from smooth. There were setbacks, rejections, missed opportunities, and moments where the path forward wasn't clear. When I graduated from Ivey, I quickly realized that landing an M&A role wasn't going to happen overnight. Rather than giving up, I adapted. I joined a financial due diligence team, focused on doing exceptional work, and earned the trust of leaders who ultimately became advocates for my career.
Today, I have the opportunity to work in M&A, helping business owners navigate critical moments in their companies' journeys.
Looking back, what I'm proudest of isn't the destination. It's the persistence required to keep moving forward for 15 years without losing sight of the original goal.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I'm naturally curious, so a lot of my interests revolve around learning and experimenting.
Lately, I've been fascinated by artificial intelligence and spend a lot of my free time exploring how it can solve real-world business problems. I've been experimenting with different tools and trying to build solutions that could help small businesses, including my mother's business.
I also enjoy staying active through fitness and working out. It's my way of resetting and maintaining balance.
Beyond that, I genuinely enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories, and sharing experiences. Whether it's mentoring students, connecting with other professionals, or simply having interesting conversations, I've always enjoyed learning from others.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
Most people are surprised to learn that I can fly a paraglider solo.
Several years ago, I attended paragliding school and completed the training required to fly independently. There's a unique sense of freedom that comes from being thousands of feet above the ground with nothing but the wind guiding you.
On a completely different note, people are often surprised to learn that I ranked 15th nationally in India in the Company Secretary professional examinations. Given that I spend much of my time talking about leadership and people, many assume my strengths have always been interpersonal. In reality, I started my career on a very technical path before gradually discovering my passion for leadership and relationship-building.
What is your favourite memory from your time at Ivey?
My favourite memory was running for MBAA President and earning the trust of my classmates to lead the cohort.
The campaign itself was unforgettable. I wrote handwritten notes to every member of the class, put together a creative campaign, and spent countless hours speaking with classmates one-on-one about their hopes and concerns for the year ahead.
Winning the election was incredibly rewarding, but what followed was even more meaningful. I had the opportunity to work alongside an amazing team of student leaders and help create an environment where people felt connected, supported, and heard.
That experience taught me more about leadership than any textbook ever could. It showed me that leadership is ultimately about service, relationships, and helping others succeed.
What is the most important takeaway from your Ivey experience?
Humility.
Before coming to Ivey, I believed I had a strong academic and professional foundation. I quickly discovered that I was surrounded by incredibly talented people from all over the world, many of whom excelled in areas I knew very little about.
Rather than feeling intimidated, I learned to embrace the opportunity to learn from them.
Ivey taught me that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about being curious, listening carefully, welcoming different perspectives, and continuously improving.
That mindset has stayed with me long after graduation. No matter how much experience I gain, I hope I never lose the willingness to learn from the people around me.
Are you still connected to the School in any way?
Absolutely.
I regularly attend alumni events and stay engaged with the Ivey community in Toronto. I also enjoy speaking with prospective and current students, particularly those navigating the MBA experience as international students.
Professionally, I'm involved in recruiting efforts and helping students learn more about careers in corporate finance and M&A. I remember how valuable alumni guidance was during my own journey, so I try to pay that support forward whenever I can.
One of the most meaningful ways I've stayed connected is through a leadership case developed with Ivey that explores the decisions and challenges involved in reviving the Graduate Business Conference. It's incredibly rewarding to know that an experience that shaped my own development may help future students explore leadership challenges in the classroom.
Ivey gave me opportunities that changed the trajectory of my life, and staying involved is one small way to give back to a community that has given me so much.
