Bala Kadirvel

Career background

I graduated as a production engineer but chose software engineering as my career path. I am a technology leader and a quality ambassador with broad industry experience across media broadcasting, big data, financial services, and retail. I am currently leading a global team of cross-functional engineers in delivering augmented intelligence for technology durable goods and media consumption currency for a global data analytics company, GfK. 

Choosing the Executive MBA at Imperial

My main motivation for studying the Executive MBA is to equip myself with a toolkit to drive digital and cultural transformation. I have always been very comfortable with hands-on technology aspects of my role but when it comes to cultural transformation I want to develop my skills in understanding the intrinsic motivation of the workforce, creating a culture of learning and innovation, rolling out cultural manifesto, dealing with inertia and managing the change.  

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and with my background in engineering and technology, Imperial was the only business school I had in my mind when I decided to do my Executive MBA.  

Funding the programme

I am self-funded, so I am financing the Executive MBA from my savings – treating it as a reinvestment in myself. 

Learning to manage stakeholders at work

So far, the most rewarding part of the programme it is how it’s helped me to become more confident when interacting with stakeholders outside of technology such as product, finance, and commercial teams. The programme's unique focus on developing ourselves as leaders through the Executive Leadership Journey and executive coaching sessions have played a major part in my personal development over the first six months of the programme.  

"So far, the most rewarding part of the programme it is how it’s helped me to become more confident when interacting with stakeholders outside of technology such as product, finance, and commercial teams."

Key learnings from the Organisational Behaviour module

My key takeaway from the programme so far has been the learnings from Organisational Behaviour. This module made me realise that great companies should not only have a compelling vision, but to create a competitive advantage they need to maximise the alignment between the needs of the individuals and the company. 

A close-knit cohort

I would describe my cohort as a close-knit family with the most diverse industry experience and cultural backgrounds. We are all fantastically supportive of one another and we enrich our learning experience by bringing various perspectives on the topics discussed inside and outside of the lecture theatre.  

A life changing experience 

I see the Executive MBA as an exciting, life changing experience. It is one of the best decisions I have made to invest in myself. It is a massive yet rewarding commitment, and warrants self-discipline and time management to get the most out of it. I would highly recommend that prospective students visit the campus where possible, attend sample lectures, speak to current students, alumni, and faculty members to get an understanding of the programme and the commitment needed.