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Dr. Om Kumar Shukla is a senior business leader with nearly two decades of experience in the FMCG sector. He has worked with global companies and currently serves as the India Business Leader at CTR Household Technologies India, where he drives strategic growth and transformation. He is an Executive MBA graduate, and he chose to further strengthen his academic foundation by earning a DBA from SSBM Geneva, focusing on Industry 4.0 and global business dynamics.
After nearly two decades in the FMCG industry with leading companies like Unilever, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola, and currently serving as India Business Leader at CTR Household Technologies India, I recognized the need to deepen my understanding of Industry 4.0 and global business dynamics. While my EMBA from IIM Bangalore in 2018 provided excellent management foundations, I felt compelled to explore the theoretical underpinnings and emerging paradigms shaping international business landscapes.
SSBM Geneva’s DBA program perfectly aligned with my professional aspirations by offering a rigorous academic framework that could be seamlessly integrated with my executive responsibilities. The program’s focus on applied research and its international perspective resonated with my goal to understand not just the ‘how’ but the ‘why’ behind global business transformations, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0 technologies that are reshaping consumer goods industries.
Balancing executive leadership at CTR India with doctoral studies required meticulous time management and unwavering commitment. I maintained a clear boundary by dedicating my complete professional focus to my day-to-day responsibilities, ensuring zero impact on my official accountabilities. My academic pursuits were scheduled around early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
The key was treating my DBA as a strategic investment rather than an additional burden. I leveraged my 20 years of industry experience as a rich source of practical insights for my research, creating synergies between my professional challenges and academic exploration. This approach not only made my studies more relevant but also enhanced my strategic thinking in my leadership role.
The most challenging aspect was maintaining research momentum while managing high-pressure business situations. During such moments, I reminded myself that this doctoral journey was about long-term capability building, not just degree completion. I developed a mindset of viewing every professional challenge as potential research material, which helped maintain intellectual curiosity even during stressful periods.
Breaking down the dissertation into smaller, manageable milestones proved crucial. Rather than being overwhelmed by the enormity of doctoral research, I focused on consistent daily progress. Additionally, connecting my research to real-world business problems I was solving kept the work meaningful and engaging.
The most memorable and impactful experience was the exceptional guidance from my supervisor, whose support was truly transformational. Their meticulous attention to detail was remarkable – they read every single page of my work and provided feedback that was precise, detailed, and innovative. This level of academic mentorship was unprecedented in my educational journey.
What made this relationship particularly valuable was the supervisor’s ability to challenge my thinking while remaining consistently supportive. Their feedback never felt burdensome; instead, it was intellectually stimulating and pushed me to achieve academic rigor I didn’t know I was capable of. This mentorship experience alone justified the entire doctoral journey and fundamentally changed how I approach complex problem-solving in my professional role.
For experienced professionals considering a DBA, my foremost advice is to ensure genuine intellectual curiosity about your field. This isn’t merely about career advancement – it’s about developing deeper analytical capabilities that will enhance your strategic thinking for decades to come.
Secondly, be prepared for rigorous time management. The program demands discipline, but it’s absolutely manageable if you maintain clear boundaries between professional and academic responsibilities. Your extensive industry experience will be your greatest asset in making research relevant and meaningful.
Finally, choose your institution and supervisor carefully. The quality of mentorship can make or break your doctoral experience. SSBM Geneva’s commitment to academic excellence, combined with their understanding of working professionals’ needs, creates an environment where you can thrive academically without compromising professional obligations.
The DBA journey has fundamentally enhanced my ability to think strategically about global business challenges, and the insights gained continue to benefit both my leadership effectiveness and our organization’s strategic direction.