Embracing the challenge
My first term at Saïd Business School has been whirlwind-intense, demanding, and exhilarating. Balancing a full-time Oxford MBA while running two companies felt like a high-wire act without a safety net. Exhausting? Absolutely. Worth it? Without a doubt.
Entrepreneurship is about juggling chaos, but this journey has pushed my limits, redefined my priorities, and strengthened my belief that the toughest roads lead to the greatest rewards. This blog is a reflection on the madness, the lessons, and the relentless drive that keeps me moving forward.
From small town to global stage
Growing up in a small town with limited resources, I relied on borrowed books and a slow internet connection to explore entrepreneurship. With no mentors, curiosity and persistence became my greatest assets, shaping my problem-solving mindset.
Leaving a secure job to build my own company and move to a metro city was tough-sleepless nights, relentless rejections, and constant uncertainty. But purpose kept me going.
Now, at Oxford, I carry the weight of this journey - the risks, struggles, and unwavering belief that got me here. As the first in my family to reach this milestone, I embrace it with gratitude and responsibility.
The Oxford experience: a world of perspectives
Oxford is an unparalleled platform to engage with some of the most brilliant minds. Interacting with over 100 people daily is an incredible experience. One of the most unforgettable moments was my matriculation at the Sheldonian Theatre, an experience that felt like both a first and a last, as it marked the beginning of a lifelong connection to Oxford.
Participating in the marketing class and discussing Customer Lifetime Value with Alex Connock, our marketing professor, was an intellectually stimulating experience. Similarly, my conversation with Tim Galpin, our strategy professor, on the true definition of strategy shifted my perspective. He emphasised that strategy is only as powerful as its execution-a lesson that resonates deeply with both my entrepreneurial and academic journey.
People often say you don’t make lifelong friends in a master’s programme disagree. My MBA experience has introduced me to friendships that will last a lifetime.
Leadership beyond the classroom
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my first term was co-chairing the Real Estate Club. Collaborating with a diverse team from different continents has been a phenomenal experience. During our club elections, we committed to leave a legacy and we are well on our way.
Recently, we hosted the Cambridge Real Estate Club at Oxford. The day started with an elegant afternoon tea at the Ashmolean Museum, followed by visits to the Sheldonian Theatre and New College. It was more than just a networking event, it was a steppingstone toward building a stronger, more collaborative real estate community across leading institutions. The discussions on emerging market trends, cross-border investments, and technological advancements in PropTech provided invaluable insights that directly align with my work at Urban Tap. The event also reinforced Oxford’s position as a hub for real estate thought leadership, and we are now exploring long-term partnerships, including joint conferences and a structured knowledge-sharing platform.
Conversations that shape the future
Entrepreneurship is about learning from those who’ve been there before. At Oxford, I’ve been fortunate to engage with some of the most brilliant minds in business, and these conversations have fundamentally shaped how I think about building, scaling, and sustaining a company.
Michael Baum - Splunk
Sitting down with Michael Baum, the visionary behind Splunk, wasn’t just an inspiring moment, it was a masterclass in resilience. We met at an entrepreneurship roundtable, where he spoke candidly about the chaos of scaling a business in volatile markets. His words hit home. As I navigate the complexities of growing Urban Tap, his insights on adaptability and execution reinforced a hard truth: success isn’t about having the best idea; it’s about having the grit to push through uncertainty and iterate relentlessly.
Bartolomeo Rongone - Bottega Veneta
My conversation with Bartolomeo Rongone of Bottega Veneta, took me into the world of legacy brands. We explored the delicate balance between heritage and reinvention, and how companies can evolve without losing their essence. It made me reflect on my journey-how to build a business that lasts while staying true to its core
These conversations were facilitated through Oxford’s strong entrepreneurial network and events organised by the Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre. Both conversations reinforced a key lesson, great companies aren’t just built on ideas; they thrive on execution, customer obsession, and relentless iteration. These lessons will guide me not just through the MBA but well into my entrepreneurial journey ahead.
A life beyond academics
People often say you don’t make lifelong friends in a master’s programme; I disagree, my MBA experience has introduced me to friendships that will last a lifetime. After wrapping up assignments, a few friends and I spontaneously booked a weekend trip to Turkey. It was an outrageous adventure, proving that while MBAs work hard, we also know how to live fully.
Later that month, I and my friend Tanuj organised a grand Diwali celebration for the MBA cohort. Over 150 attendees from over 35 nationalities joined in the festivities. We hosted an evening filled with Indian starters, sweets, Bollywood music, and the warm glow of sparkling candles-an unforgettable cultural experience.
On another personal milestone, I fulfilled a long-standing ambition by earning my professional flying license through the Oxford Flying Club. The experience of soaring above the city was both exhilarating and symbolic of the heights I aspire to reach in life and business.
Making an impact
Through this MBA, I want to build more meaningful relationships, support fellow founders, and inspire others from small towns to aim high. If you’re navigating a similar journey, feel free to reach out I'd love to help. Let’s make those big dreams a reality!
Find out more about the Oxford MBA
