An innovative initiative at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is transforming how MBA students learn about leadership. The 'Shadow a Leader' program allows a select group of students to spend a day observing top business executives (CXOs) in their daily roles, providing unparalleled real-time insights into decision-making and organizational culture.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Conceptualized two years ago, the program aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and the complexities of real-world leadership. Professor Manaswini Bhalla, Chairperson, PGP & PGPBA at IIMB, highlights that while traditional MBA pedagogy excels in theory and case studies, it often lacks direct exposure to unscripted leadership in action.
Students like Aryan Sharma, a PGP 2026 student, found his expectations challenged. He anticipated a highly hierarchical environment at the Aditya Birla Group office but observed Group Chief Data and Analytics Officer Pankaj Raj working in a common area, not a secluded cabin. Sharma noted, “Seeing a leader prioritise ‘being present’ over ‘being prestigious’ taught me that real culture is built through accessibility and human connection, not just top-down mandates.” This experience shifted his focus from “process” to “purpose,” realizing that leadership involves rethinking business from the ground up, using processes as enablers for a higher purpose.
Insights from Diverse Leadership Roles
The program leverages IIMB's extensive alumni and industry networks, connecting students with experienced practitioners across various sectors. Rajit Punhani, a PGP ’90 alumnus and CEO of FSSAI, found the experience refreshing, offering an opportunity to present a real-world view of leadership in public service. He emphasized how decision-making in his role involves balancing public health, scientific evidence, regulatory frameworks, and ease of doing business.
Another PGP 2026 student, Riddhi Dugar, shadowed Bert Mueller of California Burrito. She was particularly struck by the sheer range and pace of decisions leaders manage daily, from marketing and brand discussions to supply chain, technology, and financial reviews. Dugar also observed the inclusive nature of the discussions, where team members at all levels were encouraged to question ideas and contribute perspectives before decisions were finalized. “Leadership at the top is not about having every answer immediately, but about asking the right questions and bringing together diverse viewpoints to arrive at better decisions,” she concluded.
Culture, Connection, and Accountability
The initiative allows for post-observation debriefs, where students can ask leaders about their reasoning, transforming observation into deeper learning. Students gain a profound appreciation for how culture is forged through everyday interactions, the openness to new ideas, and the trust leaders build with their teams.
These first-hand exposures are crucial for young managers, providing insights into the nuances of decision-making, navigating competing priorities, and understanding accountability at scale. The 'Shadow a Leader' initiative is proving to be an invaluable component of IIMB’s MBA program, equipping future leaders with practical wisdom that transcends classroom boundaries.