Embracing challenge and change: My Executive MBA journey at Kellogg
By Nitin Chawla ’24 Executive MBA Program
As a first-generation immigrant, I moved from New Delhi, India with my family to the United States in 1999 when I started 10th grade. My parents, especially my mom, made a lot of sacrifices for a brighter future for their children. From selling her wedding gold to uprooting her entire life — leaving behind her family and friends we made this transition into a new country.
After high school, I pursued an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering. Working full-time in product development for my first job, I went on to complete a master's degree also in biomedical engineering. Over my 17-year career in the medical device industry, I've transitioned from engineering roles into marketing and business management working with well-known companies like Zimmer/Biomet and Stryker.
Throughout my career in orthopedics to trauma and radiation oncology, I found myself increasingly drawn toward the complexities of business strategy. The shift from engineering to product management underscored a gap in my expertise: a robust foundational knowledge in business acumen. This realization coupled with the inspiring stories of mentors and colleagues who had pursued their MBAs, particularly from Kellogg, sparked my interest in taking a similar path.
The decision to enroll in the Kellogg Executive MBA program was affirmed during a preview day and through the interview process where I encountered a culture that resonated deeply with my values. In August 2022, I began my Kellogg journey — one marked by a profound personal loss.
Less than a year prior, my mother succumbed to cervical cancer at 63. She was my guiding star; her tenacious spirit, unwavering positivity, and relentless drive to provide for our family were my constant inspiration. Despite enduring over 70 rounds of chemotherapy over six years and the heartbreaking loss of her daughter (my sister) in 2019, she faced each day with a smile.
It's her spirit that fueled me as I stand on the cusp of graduation in June 2024. The Kellogg EMBA is an undeniably rigorous program. For working professionals, it demands a high level of focus and commitment. Balancing a full-time career, family and social life is challenging enough – adding an MBA requires sacrifice.
In my case, that sacrifice has been amplified. My wife and I care for my father, who battles dementia, depression and multiple chronic health conditions. We welcomed our third daughter into the world during the program. Juggling a demanding job, a newborn, two older children, my father’s needs and an intensive MBA has been a monumental test. Yet, I know this has been a temporary sacrifice for a lifetime of potential gain. Without a key supporter — my amazing wife — this journey would have been impossible.
Some of the most transformative experiences during my MBA journey have come from elective and advanced courses like Healthcare Deep Dive, Finance III, and Mergers and Acquisitions. These courses have broadened my understanding of finance and the healthcare industry beyond the medical device sector. They have also offered insights directly from the leaders shaping the field.
The healthcare strategy elective provided a comprehensive view of the U.S. healthcare ecosystem, detailing the interplay between payors, providers, patients and the industry at large. It featured current and former CEOs, chairpersons, and partners from influential companies such as Bain Capital, Gilead Biosciences, Humana, Optum, and Medtronic. Learning directly from these executives, who not only taught the courses but also lived through the real-world cases we studied, offered unique insights into the strategic decisions shaping the healthcare landscape. Their firsthand perspectives illuminated the behind-the-scenes dynamics and decision-making processes that have guided their companies’ successes.
One of the most invaluable aspects of my Kellogg Executive MBA journey has been the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships and establish a strong network of professional connections. The diverse and dynamic environment at Kellogg facilitated interactions with peers from various industries, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
These relationships have transformed into a robust network of professionals who are not just colleagues but also friends I can rely on for support and guidance. The camaraderie developed during countless group projects and discussions have created a mutual understanding that we are always available to help each other. This network, nurtured through shared experiences and challenges, is a profound resource that I know will continue to support and enrich my professional and personal life long after graduation.
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