Unlocking potential: A story of Nagarro’s growth-driven culture in empowering learning

In this new article of our NagarroInspiresU series, we bring to you Nainy Katyal, part of Nagarro’s Central Marketing team, who paused her career to embark on a learning journey.              

After a flourishing career, Nainy enrolled in an MBA program in Business Management at the prestigious University of Exeter in the UK. She took a sabbatical for one year and recently rejoined her role as a go-to-market and product marketer. Through a continuous learning mindset, Nainy has redefined her career path and reinforced Nagarro’s commitment to empowering individuals who aspire to grow in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape. Join us as we dive into her inspiring learning and career journey. 

Motivation for continuous learning

Pursuing an MBA in Business Management was a pivotal decision in my journey toward becoming an effective leader in the corporate world. The exposure shaped my understanding of leadership and impact but also highlighted the need to deepen my business acumen. I realized that I need to keep growing in the tech industry and contribute not just as an employee but also as a visionary. It was crucial to master the nuances of business strategy. The MBA felt like the right step at this stage of my career—a chance to learn from the best, develop my skills as a marketer, and ultimately create a more sustainable impact in everything I undertake.

At the University of Exeter

The decision to take a career break

Taking a sabbatical for my MBA was something I have been working towards for a couple of years now. It was rooted in both my career aspirations and personal growth. After years of navigating diverse sectors—from working hands-on in the development field to leading impactful marketing initiatives in the corporate world, I reached a point where I needed to pause, reflect, and elevate my skills to the next level. By investing this time in my education, I positioned myself to not only grow professionally but also to emerge with a renewed sense of purpose.

“The fast-evolving tech landscape, coupled with my ambition to lead and drive change, required a deeper understanding of business dynamics. The MBA provided the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in learning, and focus on honing my leadership capabilities.”

A radical change

Shifting from India to the UK was one of the most significant transitions I’ve faced in my life. I had just gotten married, and the decision to pursue an MBA abroad immediately afterward wasn’t easy. As someone who grew up in a conservative society, I was determined from an early age to break the mold and challenge the status quo—not just for myself but as an example for others who dream of rewriting the narrative. This ambition fueled my drive to keep pushing boundaries, but with so many personal changes at the time, applying to the right universities and securing the right scholarships was a real challenge.

With the support of the right people in my ecosystem, I managed to overcome these obstacles. The timing feels perfect in hindsight, as this journey has strengthened not just my professional capabilities but also my belief in the power of perseverance and personal growth.

Nainy with her batchmates

The lessons I learned through the program

The most valuable lessons or insights I gained from the MBA program:

• Global collaboration: Working with people from over 19 different nationalities provided me with great experience in navigating cultural diversity. I learned how to approach challenges from various cultural perspectives, foster effective communication, and build strong collaborative relationships. At Nagarro, I work with a cross-cultural global team, and the exposure I have gained from my program has significantly enhanced my ability to interact with teams across geos and tackle challenges in today’s interconnected business environment.
• Comprehensive business knowledge: The MBA program offered a well-rounded education across both quantitative and qualitative business areas; from understanding the intricacies of strategy, operations, and marketing to exploring complex topics like ethics, leadership, and behavioral economics, I gained valuable insights into the full spectrum of business management.
• Strategic and detailed thinking: One of the most impactful lessons was mastering the ability to balance different perspectives. Whether envisioning a project’s high-level strategy or delving into the nitty-gritty details of execution, I learned to approach problems with a comprehensive mindset. This skill has enabled me to effectively analyze both the overarching vision and the finer operational details in my marketing projects.

Navigating the dynamics of the tech industry

One of the most impactful aspects of my MBA program was the focus on emerging technologies in today’s ever-changing dynamic market.

For example, in one of our hands-on projects, we built a digital twin for different sectors and managed the product lifecycle from ideation to execution. This practical experience allowed me to apply theoretical concepts in a real-world context, deepening my understanding of agile methodologies, product lifecycle management, and the overall impact of digital transformation on business sectors.

Parts of the program also emphasized strategic decision-making through a ‘go-no-go’ phase, where we critically evaluated the feasibility and scalability of our digital service ideas.

These experiences not only honed my ability to assess digital solutions but also equipped me with the confidence to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape with agility and foresight.

On Nagarro’s culture of continuous learning

Nagarro has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey, offering encouragement and flexibility. My marketing leaders at Nagarro played a pivotal role in helping me envision and pursue my learning path. Their mentorship provided not only the required guidance but also the belief that I could continuously push boundaries in my career. I deeply value their contribution, as it has been instrumental in shaping my professional path. The company’s non-hierarchical and open culture allowed me to have candid discussions about my aspirations for further education, and the encouragement I received from both my managers and peers helped me solidify my decision. This support was crucial in giving me the confidence to take such a significant step in my career.

During the early stages of my MBA, Nagarro provided the flexibility to continue working part-time, allowing me to maintain a connection to my professional role while balancing my academic responsibilities. This level of flexibility was vital in ensuring that I could manage both without feeling overwhelmed. As the demands of the program increased, Nagarro offered me a sabbatical, giving me the peace of mind to fully focus on my studies.

After my sabbatical, Nagarro welcomed me back with open arms, offering me the space to reintegrate into my role and implement the new knowledge I had gained. Nagarro's culture of continuous learning and development has been a significant influence on my professional journey, encouraging me to seek new opportunities for growth consistently.

At Jalsa, Nagarro's annual event in India

Impact on my professional growth

The most impactful takeaway from my MBA experience has been the emphasis on sustainable business practices. We learned how to drive profitability strategically while ensuring that businesses create sustainable value for society and the environment. This mindset shift has profoundly influenced how I view business strategies and decision-making, particularly within my role in the global marketing team. The emphasis on sustainability aligns closely with Nagarro’s values, as we consistently emphasize the importance of being sustainable in all aspects of the business. The knowledge I’ve gained through my MBA has reinforced these values and equipped me with tools to drive sustainability-focused strategies that can bring positive outcomes for the revenue as well as the planet.

Also, the growth of women in workplaces is something I have always held close to my heart given my previous job roles, one of them being a mentor to 70+ girls from low-income communities. Receiving the UN-SDG 5 Women's Leadership Award from the UN in partnership with Exeter Business School was a humbling validation of my commitment to women empowerment and leadership in the tech industry. This commitment aligns closely with Nagarro’s CARING values, which continually inspire me to drive inclusion and positive change. 

Posing for a picture with a colleague during an after-office party

A broader perspective

Living and studying in another country, surrounded by peers from diverse nationalities, has also deepened my understanding of change management. Learning how to navigate challenges and adapt to different perspectives is crucial, especially in a global role. This exposure has improved my ability to manage and lead cross-cultural teams, a skill that is essential in today’s interconnected world.

Moreover, hands-on learning throughout the MBA program, from forward-looking modules and consulting projects to simulated board meetings, has enhanced my decision-making skills. For instance, in a scenario focused on business ethics, we had to make tough decisions in a simulated board meeting, ensuring that we upheld the company’s values without compromising profitability. Additionally, gaining technical skills in areas like accounting has broadened my understanding of how businesses operate and how leaders can drive impact and profitability. These examples are just part of a wider set of experiences that have given me a well-rounded, practical and theoretical foundation to contribute meaningfully to the global marketing team at Nagarro.

With other marketing team members at office

Personal reflections

In this fast-paced world, I wholeheartedly encourage specialists to consider taking time off to upskill themselves, especially if they’re looking to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Here are a few of my observations from my journey:

• Continuous learning is the key: Today, knowledge is at our fingertips—whether it's understanding the latest tech developments, sustainable business practices, or digital transformation. To stay ahead, we need to realize our goals and embark on the journey of self-growth.

• Diverse representation in leadership is essential: Increasing the representation of women and other underrepresented groups in leadership roles helps bring diverse perspectives to the table, driving innovation in organizations and creating more well-rounded solutions. Upskilling is an important stepping stone and should be encouraged by all businesses.
• Organizational learning programs should be leveraged: At Nagarro, learning is deeply ingrained in our culture through initiatives like the LSD series. I’ve personally benefited from programs like Tech Consulting & Consultanouts, which have sharpened my expertise and kept me aligned with the latest industry trends. Through these programs, learning directly from leadership has provided an invaluable perspective, helping to shape my approach to both personal growth and business impact.

Looking back

I look back at the past one years with gratitude and realize that I have gained immensely from this transformative journey. From embracing the unknown and fostering increased empathy to developing a bias-free approach, a deep commitment to giving back, and a visionary mindset, I have grown in ways I never imagined. Throughout this journey, Nagarro has been pivotal in supporting my career aspirations and providing the space to upskill myself, proving to be a truly unique organization that values continuous learning and development.

Through our NagarroInspiresU series, we showcase the incredible growth stories of Nagarrians who have flourished in their roles and are seizing continuous development opportunities within Nagarro. These articles aim to reflect their motivations and achievements and thus inspire you to embark on your professional development journey.