From student to speaker - a full circle experience

Ankush Sahni did his MBA at Strathclyde and recently returned to campus to speak to a new batch of MBA students. Here, he shares his career journey, what he learned from the MBA and why coming back was so special.

Before pursuing my MBA, I spent over five years at BYJU'S, where I steadily progressed through leadership roles. Starting as a Business Development Associate, I moved on to become a Business Development Manager and eventually a Senior Manager. These roles gave me extensive experience in managing teams, driving revenue, and ensuring operational efficiency.

As I took on more senior responsibilities — managing over 150 employees and overseeing strategic initiatives — I realised that deeper knowledge in strategic thinking, decision-making frameworks, and business transformation would be crucial for my growth. This recognition motivated me to pursue an MBA to strengthen those capabilities and broaden my perspective.

An MBA was something I had always planned to pursue, and I felt this was the perfect time to do so. Having gained substantial leadership experience, I wanted to reflect on my past decisions, understand where I could have approached things differently, and sharpen my strategic thinking.

The Strathclyde MBA

Strathclyde stood out for several reasons. Its internationally recognised MBA programme is known for blending academic excellence with real-world application. The strong focus on strategy, leadership, and innovation was exactly what I was looking for to refine my skills. Moreover, Strathclyde’s emphasis on experiential learning — including live case studies, consulting projects, and industry engagement — offered a practical approach that resonated with my ambitions.

Being located in Glasgow, a vibrant and well-connected city, also provided access to a diverse business community, allowing me to expand my network and gain insights from professionals across various industries. Combined with Strathclyde’s strong reputation and triple-accredited status, it felt like the ideal place to take my career to the next level.

The MBA had a profound impact on my leadership approach. My thinking has drastically evolved, and I’ve become far more strategic when it comes to leadership decisions.

One particularly memorable experience was attending an Insights Discovery workshop. This session was incredibly eye-opening — it introduced us to a powerful framework that helps individuals understand their own personality traits and those of others through a colour-based energy system. Learning to recognize these behavioural patterns has been invaluable.

This experience not only helped me better understand myself but also improved how I interact with colleagues. By identifying different communication styles and energy types, I’ve been able to adapt my approach, foster stronger relationships, and create more productive collaborations. The insights and feedback from that workshop have played a significant role in shaping my leadership style for the better.

Memorable moments

One of the most memorable moments at Strathclyde was giving a dance performance that showcased Indian culture in front of an audience of 200 Scottish people. It was an incredible experience — not just for the performance itself, but for the opportunity to connect with people through cultural exchange. Seeing how engaged and appreciative the audience was made it a truly special moment. On the academic side, one of the standout learning experiences was understanding operations through a LEGO-based simulation. I never imagined that something as simple as a game could teach such powerful lessons about teamwork, process efficiency, and strategic thinking. It was a unique and impactful way to grasp complex business concepts, and it left a lasting impression on me.

International study

Strathclyde was my first experience studying internationally, and I was also the first in my family to study outside our home country. Exploring a different country and its education system was something I had always aspired to do. What stood out most was the shift in learning style. In the UK, the focus is much more practical — with assignments, research, and real-world applications forming the core of the learning experience. This was a refreshing change from my previous education in India, where exams were the primary focus.

Choosing the UK felt natural to me — it was always my first choice. Spending time in Scotland, with its rich diversity and cosmopolitan culture, made the experience even more rewarding. It offered a perfect blend of cultural exploration and academic growth. I am now planning to stay in the UK for a longer period. Having explored the market, I’ve seen a wealth of opportunities that align with my career goals. The UK’s dynamic business environment, particularly in the tech and innovation sectors, offers immense potential for growth and learning. One key factor that influenced my decision is the emphasis on work-life balance. This approach not only supports professional development but also allows individuals to thrive personally — something I value deeply.

Future plans

Looking ahead, I have aspirations to start my own venture here. The UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with its strong support for startups and innovation, feels like the ideal environment to turn those plans into reality. Staying here gives me the chance to build valuable connections, refine my ideas, and contribute meaningfully to the business landscape. Currently though, I am working as the Head of Business Development for DataGardener, where I manage B2B sales across the UK and Ireland. In this role, I focus on building strategic partnerships, driving growth, and identifying new market opportunities.

The MBA has had a significant impact on how I approach my role. I’ve started applying various frameworks to guide my decisions more strategically. For instance, conducting a detailed SWOT analysis recently allowed me to assess the company’s position more effectively, identifying key strengths to leverage and areas for improvement. The MBA has transformed my decision-making process — I now take a more structured and thoughtful approach, ensuring each step aligns with broader business objectives. This shift has been crucial in enhancing both my confidence and effectiveness as a leader.

People Make Glasgow

I truly loved the vibe of Glasgow — the city has a calm and soothing energy that makes it feel welcoming and comfortable. Whether walking through its vibrant streets or exploring quieter corners, there’s a unique charm that stays with you.

One of my favourite spots in Glasgow is Godshot Studio, a hidden gem that serves the most amazing matcha I’ve ever had. As a matcha lover, it quickly became my go-to place — not just for the drink, but for the warm atmosphere that makes you want to sit back and unwind.

Beyond that, what really stood out was the city’s sense of community. People are incredibly friendly, and there’s a genuine openness that makes it easy to connect with others. Whether at networking events, casual meet-ups, or even just walking through town, Glasgow has a way of making you feel right at home.

Return to campus

I recently returned to campus to give a talk to the current MBA students. During my talk, I shared some key insights from my own journey — particularly the things I did differently that worked well for me. I emphasised the importance of proactive networking, encouraging students to step beyond university events and actively engage in external opportunities.

For instance, I highlighted how one of my most valuable connections came from attending a school event as a sustainability judge — an experience that unexpectedly expanded my professional network.

I also spoke about the job market, stressing the importance of "buying time" after graduation by gaining experience with smaller, micro-companies. These roles often provide a faster entry point and offer invaluable hands-on learning early in your career.

Returning to Strathclyde as a speaker felt incredibly special. Just a year ago, I was on the other side of the screen, listening to alumni for guidance. Standing in front of current students and sharing my own experiences felt like a full-circle moment — both humbling and rewarding.

About Ankush Sahni

Ankush Sahni has over eight years of experience in business development and sales. He did the full time MBA at Strathclyde Business School and post-graduation, is currently working as the Head of Business Development at DataGardener, managing B2B sales across the UK and Ireland.