The Sheffield MBA gave me the confidence and business perspective to combine my creative passion with strategic leadership.
Building a career at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership
Since completing my MBA, I have built a career at the intersection of entrepreneurship, creative production, and leadership. I turned my long-standing passion for photography into a professional business by founding my own company, Lightbend Studios. Alongside photography, exploring artist management gave me valuable experience in managing talent, clients, and creative teams. Today, I work as Head of Production at Rekard, a video production company, where I lead end-to-end production for global corporate clients like ABB, Bosch, and IKEA across their video, content, and broadcast requirements. I act as the primary point of contact from the initial brief through to final delivery, managing a team of around 20 people and coordinating multiple stakeholders. I also continue to work hands-on as a photographer and filmmaker, which allows me to blend my creative practice with executive leadership.
Living a childhood dream and making the most of student life
Living and studying in the UK was deeply meaningful to me because, as a child, I had always dreamt of visiting London and living in the UK. Beyond fulfilling that dream, navigating a new culture helped me become more independent, adaptable, and confident. One of the opportunities I valued most was serving as a Student Ambassador. I was able to contribute to photoshoots and marketing activities, support outreach initiatives, and represent the University at alumni events in Bangalore. Seeing myself featured in the University’s marketing materials and brochure was a particularly proud moment that made me feel deeply connected to the Sheffield community. Receiving an additional academic award, being part of a student committee, and engaging with alumni mentors enriched my journey far beyond the classroom.
Developing strategic skills for global client management
My experience at the University of Sheffield strengthened my communication, leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills. Working closely with a diverse group of international peers gave me a broader perspective on communicating effectively across different cultures and backgrounds. This has been directly applicable to my role at Lightbend Studios, where understanding client needs at a strategic level and leading cross-functional teams is essential. I was also fortunate to have approachable and supportive tutors who were genuinely invested in our learning, providing invaluable guidance during my dissertation and helping me settle into student life.
Fond memories of Sheffield and my advice to future students
Sheffield is a city that left a lasting impression on me, and I still miss its peace, cool breeze, greenery, and welcoming atmosphere. The University provided a perfect balance between a strong academic experience and a close-knit community, giving me lifelong connections, confidence, and memories. My biggest piece of advice to anyone considering a similar path is to build a career around what genuinely excites you and not feel pressured to follow a conventional route. Be curious, take calculated risks, and make the most of opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds. When you combine what you love with strong business and leadership skills, you can build a career that is both successful and meaningful.