02nd February 2026
02nd February 2026
10:00 am
12:00 pm
School of Management
What Happened:
MBA students worked in teams using a single-sheet HR strategy worksheet, designing people practices aligned with distinct business strategies, ranging from cost leadership and innovation to global expansion and DEI-driven organisations. Each group debated critical decisions around hiring choices, skill priorities, reward systems, and the risks of strategic misalignment, followed by peer presentations on the open ground of the campus.
Top Insights:
There are no “best HR practices”, only “best-fit HR practices.”
HR decisions must be tightly aligned with the chosen business strategy.
Trade-offs are central to HR decision-making.
Student Takeaways:
Students realised that HR decisions (hiring, training, rewards) must be tightly aligned with the chosen business strategy.
The activity reinforced that HR effectiveness depends on context – what works for an innovation-driven firm may fail in a cost-focused one.
Designing HR strategies required students to think beyond HR and consider business models, competitive positioning, and organisational goals.
I began my career in 2008 at Matrix Cellular International, followed by a role as Manager, Media Solutions at BIG 92.7 FM. From 2009 to 2018, I served as Vertical Head, Key Business at Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. (Times Group). I then joined Viacom18 as Director & North Head, Branded Content at MTV (2018?2023), before becoming National Revenue Head, Studios at JioCinema (2023?2025). Since April
2025, I have been the CEO of Da One Group, founded by Shikhar Dhawan.
My MBA at IILM equipped me with essential business and corporate skills that helped me excel professionally. Case studies, group discussions, and grooming sessions with brilliant peers shaped me into a lifelong learner. Transitioning from a non-finance background to a finance enthusiast was possible due to IILM’s well-designed curriculum. Grateful to call IILM my Alma Mater!”
As a proud gold medallist of my batch, I had the privilege of dedicating over a decade to Deloitte Consulting. My time at IILM was truly transformative, shaping both my career and personal growth. Returning to campus for the alumni meet was a nostalgic and heartwarming experience.”
My MBA at IILM equipped me with essential business and corporate skills that helped me excel professionally. Case studies, group discussions, and grooming sessions with brilliant peers shaped me into a lifelong learner. Transitioning from a non-finance background to a finance enthusiast was possible due to IILM’s well-designed curriculum. Grateful to call IILM my Alma Mater!”
