“I feel stuck in my career; I wonder if there’s more to my professional life than what I am currently experiencing. I just can’t envision what it looks like.”

This is the question I posed to my mentor during a pivotal conversation back in 2015.

Today, I celebrate 6 years of completing the Strategic Management program at the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode.

After over a decade in HR, I felt a compelling need to shift gears, guided by extensive discussions with mentors who deeply understood my career landscape. Tarun Nallu, a dear friend, a mentor and someone who has been a guiding force in my career asked, “Why don’t you look beyond HR and explore something that brings you closer to the core business?”

For me, it wasn’t just about adding another course to my CV. It was about stepping out of my comfort zone to gain a broader, more empathetic view of the business world.

It couldn’t have come at a better time. It helped me immensely to understand businesses, business cycles, disruptions, digital transformation, and much more. It fundamentally changed my worldview, allowing me to look at HR from a business perspective. Here’s how the course helped me:

➡ Broadens Horizons: Strategic management gave me tools to transcend daily tasks and see the bigger picture—essential for navigating complex market dynamics and setting long-term goals.

➡ Enhanced Decision-Making: It helped me gain strategic insights that reshaped decision-making from short-term fixes to long-term planning, including looking at sustainable growth.

➡Improved Problem-Solving Skills: Beyond mere planning, strategic thinking helped me anticipate and tackle challenges proactively, a crucial skill for maintaining team morale and productivity.

➡ Empathy and Cultural Insight: I learnt how to view problems through various cultural and human-centric lenses, enhancing inclusivity, team cohesion, and overall business outcomes.

This journey was eye-opening. It reinforced the idea that leadership thrives on continuous learning and adaptability. It shaped me into a more well-rounded, empathetic leader, both personally and professionally.

If you’re considering a career move or looking to advance, step out of your comfort zone. Reflect on which skills could broaden your horizons and open new opportunities.

Don’t miss my “Career Shifts Podcast,” which launches on May 2nd, 2024. In it, I’ll explore strategic career transformations with those who’ve successfully navigated them. Join us for invaluable lessons and insights that could redefine your career path.

Follow me, Gopal A Iyer, for more such insights.

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