Why Pratheeksha JV Says Learning to See Differently is the MBA’s Greatest Gift 

Editor’s Note: In this edition of ThinkMBA Real Stories, we feature Pratheeksha JV, an International MBA candidate at KEDGE Business School whose journey spans advertising, fintech, e-commerce, and entertainment. In this reflective Q&A, Pratheeksha shares how early setbacks shaped her leadership, how creativity fuels her entrepreneurial drive, and how the IMBA experience is transforming her perspective on growth, purpose, and the future she hopes to build.

I was full of energy and excitement as the project took off, and everything seemed to be moving forward. But somewhere along the way, the movie got stuck in the process and is still waiting for release.

“Rather than getting stuck waiting for a single outcome, I learned to focus on the bigger picture: the ongoing process of learning, creating, and improving.”

That experience taught me a powerful lesson about patience and resilience. I realized that leadership and entrepreneurship aren’t just about launching something successfully—they’re about navigating uncertainty, continuing to grow, and staying committed even when results are delayed.

Rather than getting stuck waiting for a single outcome, I learned to focus on the bigger picture: the ongoing process of learning, creating, and improving. This mindset has strengthened my ability to lead with positivity, perseverance, and a long-term vision, while staying motivated through the ups and downs of building something I believe passionately in.

TA: What keeps you motivated and inspired as a co-founder in the fast-moving entertainment industry, especially when challenges arise?

PJ: I’ve been fortunate to work across industries—advertising, fintech, e-commerce, and now entertainment. But what drives me, no matter the field, is this quiet, persistent belief: I am here to create something that lives far beyond me.

Challenges, delays, setbacks—they are inevitable. But I remind myself that life is fleeting, and yet ideas, creations, and stories can ripple far across time. That thought brings me peace and excitement at the same time. It’s the idea that the work I do today could inspire someone years from now, spark a thought, or move a heart—that is what keeps me going when the path is uncertain.

In a way, challenges aren’t obstacles—they are the very soil in which these ideas grow. And patience, persistence, and faith in the unseen future become my companions along the journey.

TA: Based on your experience so far, how would you describe the value of pursuing an MBA today? Would you recommend it to someone considering it?

PJ: An MBA isn’t just another master’s degree—it’s a life-changing journey that looks nothing like traditional studies. Where other programs teach you a skill, an MBA teaches you how to see differently. It teaches you to question your assumptions, to unlearn what you thought was certain, and to rebuild your worldview from a larger, richer perspective. You start noticing how you approach ideas, how you judge people, how you define growth. Everything feels bigger, more interconnected, and more alive!

One of my favorite reflections from this journey is: “The greatest thing you can learn is how to see the world with new eyes.” That’s exactly what an MBA does—it forces you to think beyond your comfort, beyond your limits, and in doing so, it changes how you lead, how you dream, and how you live.

“One of my favorite reflections from this journey is: “The greatest thing you can learn is how to see the world with new eyes.”

If someone is looking for a credential, an MBA is not for them. But if someone wants to transform the way they see the world and step closer to the best version of themselves, it is unlike any other journey they will ever take.

TA: Have you already seen tangible benefits from your MBA, such as career growth, personal development, or networking, and did it meet your expectations?

PJ: The benefits of an MBA start from day one. It immerses you in a world that mirrors real life, pushing you to experiment, reflect, and grow. At KEDGE, with professors and peers from around the world, learning feels like an experience, not just a degree—a journey of personal transformation across ideas and disciplines.

Networking has become a natural extension of this growth. The alumni, the events, and the guidance here have taught me to walk into any room with calm confidence, spark meaningful conversations, and create connections that matter.

“Open your mind, dive completely into the journey, and give it your 100%. Don’t get caught up in chasing results—focus on the process.”

Career-wise, an MBA opens doors that once felt distant. It equips you not just with knowledge, but with the perspective and courage to seize opportunities worldwide. More than a degree, it’s a journey that reshapes you, your mindset, and the way you move through the world.

TA: When you think about your MBA journey, what has been the most rewarding aspect so far, whether developing leadership skills, expanding your network, or something else?

PJ: The most rewarding part of my MBA has been learning about myself. It’s been a brutally honest reflection of my flaws, my assumptions, and my patterns—forcing deep introspection.

At the same time, it’s refined my leadership in nuanced ways. Working with people from diverse cultures, personalities, and mindsets has taught me how to navigate differences with respect, empathy, and clarity. Whether someone is dominating, hesitant, introverted, or brimming with energy, the MBA has shown me how to lead in a way that brings out the best in everyone.

Ultimately, it’s not just leadership in theory—it’s leadership in the real, messy, human world. And that has been priceless.

TA: If someone wanted to get the absolute most out of their MBA, what practical advice would you share with them?

PJ: My advice is simple: open your mind, dive completely into the journey, and give it your 100%. Don’t get caught up in chasing results—focus on the process.

An MBA is not just about learning frameworks or strategies; it’s about transformation. When you immerse yourself, challenge yourself, and embrace every experience, the process itself shapes you. You come out not just smarter, but more resilient, more empathetic, and more capable of creating meaningful change in the world of business.

Believe in the journey, surrender to the growth it offers, and the results will naturally follow.

TA: What inspired you to pursue an International MBA at KEDGE Business School, and how have you managed to balance your studies with your professional responsibilities?

KEDGE was a natural choice for me. Its Executive MBA ranks among the top five in Europe – so this legacy is promising. By offering world-class faculty, the IMBA (the one I’m pursuing) is a one-year intensive program with an incredible global perspective. The program promised not just learning, but cultural exchange and experiences that broaden your mind—like our study trip to Porto, where we explored wines and connected with students from diverse fields and backgrounds.

I decided to pause my professional work to fully immerse myself in this journey. By giving myself 100% to the MBA, I could embrace every challenge, every interaction, and every learning opportunity. It’s been a conscious choice to live this experience fully, knowing that complete dedication would allow me to grow not just professionally, but personally.

TA: As you approach graduation in January 2026, is there a particular experience or lesson from your MBA that has already influenced your leadership style or approach to decision-making?

PJ: It’s not just one lesson, but many small experiences that have shaped me. From leading projects to being a team member, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t always about taking charge—it’s about knowing when to listen, when to admit you’re wrong, and when to make space for others’ ideas.

These experiences have deepened my empathy, making me more aware of the value every person brings to the table. At the same time, I’ve learned to balance my creativity with sharper analytical thinking, combining imagination with strategy. The MBA has taught me that the best leaders are not just visionaries, but also thoughtful, perceptive, and empathetic collaborators.

TA: When you think long term, what broader aspirations or milestones do you hope to achieve, both personally and professionally, as your career continues to evolve?

PJ: After completing my MBA, I hope to lead the marketing strategy of an ambitious start-up whose vision resonates with mine. Over the next five to ten years, my dream is to create a brand—ideally in beauty or fashion—that leaves a lasting legacy.

Personally, living in Europe has taught me the art of balance, and I want to carry that forward. I hope to dedicate time to myself, my family, my dog, and the skills I continue to develop. Beyond personal fulfillment, I want to contribute to the world in meaningful ways—supporting causes like animal welfare, education, and poverty alleviation, and giving back to my country (which is a developing one with immense potential) in ways that make a tangible difference. For me, true success is measured not just in achievements and milestones, but in the positive impact you leave behind. Some things are equally or far more valuable than money, after all. But hey, don’t get me wrong — Money is extremely important too!

“True success is measured not just in achievements and milestones, but in the positive impact you leave behind.”