There’s something special about speaking to young minds who are just about to step into the corporate world. Recently, I had the privilege of addressing the bright and curious students at CMS Business School, and it took me down memory lane — back to my own days as a B-school student, full of ambition, uncertainty, and an endless to-do list for life.
My Journey: From B-School to the Boardroom
When I began my journey, the path wasn’t always clear. Like many, I had questions — about my career direction, about what skills would matter, and about how I could make my mark. Over the years, I learned that success is rarely a straight road. It’s a series of turns, detours, and sometimes unexpected U-turns — but each step is valuable if you keep moving forward with clarity and purpose.
Brewing My Own Path: The Curly Brew Chapter
One of the most defining chapters of my career began when I founded Curly Brew — a venture born out of my love for coffee, culture, and conversations. Through Curly Brew, I stepped into the world of coffee storytelling — sharing the stories of farmers, roasters, cafés, and communities that make coffee more than just a beverage. My role goes beyond running a coffee brand; I focus on building its identity, creating digital narratives, and shaping branding strategies that inspire people to connect emotionally with their cup.
Soft Skills: Your Strongest Asset
One of the key messages I shared at CMS was that soft skills aren’t optional anymore — they’re a necessity. In a world where AI and automation are advancing every day, what sets you apart is your ability to communicate, adapt, empathize, and collaborate. Your technical skills may open the door, but your soft skills will decide how long you stay in the room.
Domain Expertise and Upskilling
While soft skills form the foundation, domain expertise is the pillar that supports your career growth. Industries are evolving fast, and market demands keep shifting — which means continuous upskilling is not just an advantage; it’s a survival skill. The best professionals I know are those who treat learning as a lifelong habit.
Building Connections Over Networking
I also spoke about the difference between networking and building connections. Networking can be transactional — a handshake, a LinkedIn request, a quick exchange of business cards. But connections are deeper; they are built on trust, shared values, and mutual growth. Invest in people, not just contacts.
Career Clarity: Know Your “Why”
Before stepping into the corporate world, have clarity about what you want and why you want it. The world will offer endless opportunities and distractions. If you don’t have your own compass, you’ll find yourself moving in circles. Your “why” is the anchor that will keep you grounded and help you make aligned decisions.
Listening to the Inner Voice
Finally, I encouraged the students to listen to their inner vibe — that quiet but persistent voice inside you that tells you when something feels right (or wrong). In my journey, trusting my instincts has often been the difference between just doing a job and doing work that feels meaningful.
Closing Thoughts
Speaking at CMS B School wasn’t just an opportunity to share my learnings — it was a reminder that the future is in capable hands. These young aspirants have the potential to redefine the corporate world, and if they carry forward clarity, skills, and empathy, they will not just succeed — they will lead.
For me, whether it’s guiding a student, building a coffee brand, or telling stories that connect hearts over a cup, the goal remains the same — to create impact. After all, the journey from the classroom to the boardroom isn’t about the destination; it’s about becoming the person who is ready for it when the time comes.
If you have any questions or thoughts to share, feel free to drop me a mail at curlybreww@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you.
