Sameer Damani from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, is one of the 50 Most Employable MBA Graduates from the Class of 2025. His journey from launching his own business to achieving national recognition exemplifies resilience, entrepreneurial acumen, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
From his undergraduate days as a B.Com student specializing in taxation at BESC, Sameer demonstrated an early flair for entrepreneurship. In 2020, while still completing his studies, he launched his sole proprietorship, S.S. Enterprise, a trading firm dealing in plastics packaging materials. Balancing academics and business was no small feat, but Sameer thrived in the dual roles. Over three years, he mastered material procurement, B2B sales, financial management, compliance, and conflict resolution—skills that gave him invaluable hands-on experience in running and growing a business.
However, it was this very experience that illuminated the gaps in his knowledge. He realized that to transition from managing a sole proprietorship to navigating larger-scale business landscapes, he needed to develop deeper expertise in B2C marketing, corporate strategy, and stakeholder management. This clarity led him to pursue an MBA at NMIMS, a decision shaped by his ambition to refine his business acumen and broaden his impact.
Sameer’s time at NMIMS has been nothing short of transformative. In 2024, he was named one of Unstop’s Top 100 Unstoppable B-School Leaders, standing out from a pool of 39,900 nominees. This accolade was a culmination of his achievements across nine national-level case competitions, including five national championships at prestigious institutions like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and XLRI Jamshedpur. Through sleepless nights and tireless preparation, Sameer consistently delivered innovative solutions and strategies that impressed corporate leaders and academic judges alike.
But perhaps the most defining experience of Sameer’s journey came during his WeCare internship at the Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy (IICP). Tasked with mentoring employees on digital literacy and enhancing the institute’s CSR outreach, Sameer developed innovative tools and frameworks to simplify processes for his mentees. The impact of his work was acknowledged with a Letter of Appreciation from the COO, a recognition that deeply resonated with him. Witnessing the resilience and talent of individuals with cerebral palsy left an indelible mark on him, inspiring him to integrate social impact into his professional aspirations.
Sameer’s entrepreneurial journey has also been punctuated by moments of strategic brilliance. In 2022, when a competitor offered a lower quotation to one of his clients, Sameer skillfully leveraged his value proposition. He highlighted the superior quality and environmental compliance of his products, aligning them with the client’s sustainability goals. By employing strategic negotiation techniques and creating a sense of urgency, he secured the client’s loyalty, demonstrating his ability to navigate competitive markets with ingenuity and determination.
Sameer’s achievements are not just a testament to his capabilities but also to his resilience and adaptability. From receiving a medal for academic excellence in B.Com to leading impactful social initiatives and excelling in national competitions, his journey is one of consistent growth and learning. With a clear vision for the future and a strong foundation built through his MBA, Sameer is poised to leave a lasting mark in the corporate world.
Read the stories of all the 50 Most Employable MBA Graduates here!
