ATLAS ISME Leadership Series: Bringing the Boardroom into the Classroom

At ATLAS ISME, management education extends far beyond textbooks and case studies. The real learning begins when students engage directly with the leaders shaping industries, disrupting markets and redefining the future of work.

The ATLAS ISME Leadership Series, launched for the incoming MBA cohort under the theme “Where Learning Meets Leadership and Purpose,” was designed with this philosophy at its core. Over a series of conversations, fireside chats and interactive sessions, students learnt from accomplished leaders across technology, financial services, consulting, consumer businesses and human resources.

Rather than delivering lectures, every speaker invited dialogue, encouraging students to ask questions, challenge assumptions and think critically about the careers they want to build.

Reinvention in the Age of AI : Param Puneet Singh, Managing Director, Accenture

The Leadership Series welcomed Param Puneet Singh, Managing Director, Accenture, for a fireside chat with Siddharth Shahani, Co-Founder & Executive President, ATLAS SkillTech University.

The conversation focused on one of the defining realities of modern business—constant reinvention.

Mr. Singh explained how organisations have evolved from making strategic shifts every few years to transforming continuously across multiple business verticals simultaneously.

He introduced students to the idea of talent reinvention—preparing today’s workforce for tomorrow’s responsibilities.

“Managers of the future may manage AI alongside people.”

Equally compelling was his perspective on failure.

“Failing is okay—as long as you learn from it.”

He encouraged students to take risks, experiment across industries and avoid becoming overly dependent on AI.

His closing insight resonated strongly with the audience:

“A CV may get you an interview. Your attitude gets you the job.”

What Recruiters Really Look For : Vishal Thakur, Head HR – Microfinance Business & Head – Campus Recruitment and Employee Engagement, Tata Capital

The series continued with Vishal Thakur, Head HR – Microfinance Business & Head – Campus Recruitment & Employee Engagement, Tata Capital, who gave students an honest view of what employers expect from young professionals.

Drawing from years of campus hiring experience, he challenged many common assumptions about careers.

Fresh graduates, he said, should not expect narrowly defined roles.

Instead, they should embrace versatility.

“Be ready to take on different roles. Versatility is a superpower.”

He also spoke candidly about interviews.

“Never pretend. Experienced recruiters can always tell.”

Beyond technical expertise, he emphasised flexibility, curiosity and resilience—qualities that increasingly define employability in today’s rapidly evolving workplace.

The Human Skills AI Cannot Replace : Shharad Dhakkate, Chief Human Resources Officer, National Stock Exchange (NSE)

The session featured Shharad Dhakkate, Chief Human Resources Officer, National Stock Exchange (NSE), in a refreshingly candid conversation with students.

Instead of beginning with a prepared presentation, he invited questions from the audience, creating an open and engaging discussion on careers, leadership and personal growth.

One of the strongest themes was choosing careers thoughtfully rather than following trends.

“Don’t choose a specialisation because everyone else is choosing it. Choose what you’ll enjoy doing for years.”

While acknowledging AI’s transformative impact, he reminded students that technology has limits.

Empathy. Communication. Leadership. Human judgement.

These, he argued, will continue to define successful professionals.

“Don’t fear AI. Build the skills that AI cannot replace.”

Students also heard stories of stepping outside comfort zones, embracing unfamiliar roles and viewing every challenge as an opportunity for growth.

Finance Beyond Numbers : Brijesh Modi, Chief Financial Officer, Thomas Cook

The session featuring Brijesh Modi, Chief Financial Officer, Thomas Cook, offered students an insider’s perspective on finance, leadership and decision-making.

Drawing from his professional journey, he introduced students to the Five Cs of Finance:

• Cost Management
• Cash Management
• Controls
• Compliance
• Customers

While discussing the challenges facing industries such as tourism, he emphasised that finance is ultimately about people as much as numbers.

He also encouraged students to see AI as a partner rather than a threat.

“Use AI as an enabler, not as a competitor.”

Sharing stories from his own career, Mr. Modi spoke about standing by difficult decisions, maintaining integrity and remaining curious throughout one’s professional journey.

His advice was both practical and timeless:

“Take every opportunity that comes your way, and make it sustainable.”

Leadership Begins with Values : Rajesh Kumar Singh, Global Head – HR & Vice President, KPIT Technologies

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Global Head – HR & Vice President, KPIT Technologies, who drew on decades of experience across KPIT Technologies, Tata and the Aditya Birla Group discussed leadership, career growth and the changing world of work.

His message was simple but powerful:

“Become a value creator, not just someone who completes tasks.”

He encouraged students to build careers anchored in values, reminding them that respect is non-negotiable in the workplace. Alongside practical advice on internships, financial planning and investing one’s first salary, he also explored how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping organisations.

Discussing technologies such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Microsoft Copilot and DeepSeek, he urged students not to fear AI but to understand it.

“AI is changing every profession. The advantage will belong to those who learn to work with it.”

The session reinforced an important lesson for future managers: technical knowledge matters, but adaptability and continuous learning matter even more.

Building Businesses Around Customers : Ankur Gupta, COO, IGP & Interflora

Entrepreneurship took centre stage when Ankur Gupta, COO, IGP & Interflora, joined the Leadership Series.

Sharing stories from building one of India’s leading gifting brands, he explained how successful businesses are rarely built by chasing products—they are built by understanding customers.

Students explored how D2C brands identify unmet needs, build differentiated experiences and scale through innovation, operations and execution.

“Understand customer needs before you build a product.”

He encouraged students to think like entrepreneurs regardless of the careers they choose.

Finding market gaps, solving real problems and putting customers first, he explained, are principles that apply across industries.

Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom

Whether discussing leadership, AI, entrepreneurship, finance, recruitment or business strategy, each speaker offered students something that cannot be found in a textbook – lived experience. Across every session, one message remained consistent – The future belongs to professionals who are curious, adaptable, ethical and willing to keep learning.

These conversations helped our students connect classroom learning with industry realities, develop a broader perspective on leadership and build the confidence to navigate an increasingly dynamic world of work.

This is what distinguishes the learning experience at ATLAS ISME. Through initiatives such as the Leadership Series, students engage directly with senior leaders from global organisations, gaining first-hand insights into industry expectations, emerging trends and real business challenges from the very beginning of their journey at ATLAS ISME. Because at ATLAS ISME, learning doesn’t stop at understanding business, it begins with understanding the people who build it.