Shakti Chaudhari: Best 50 | India's Most Promising Incoming MBA Students 2025 | TISS Mumbai
Shakti is a man of many talents who has seamlessly worn multiple hats through his journey. Coming from a military school, he imbibed discipline, resilience, and the importance of showing up when it matters most. An engineer by degree, his team secured first place in a National EV competition, fueling his passion for innovation and teamwork. He went on to clear the UPSC CDS examination thrice, placing in the top 2% of applicants. Alongside, he contributed to the Founders Office of the Jitheshraj Scholarship, driving partnerships with 20+ universities and gaining hands-on exposure across marketing, hiring, budgeting, and event management. Later, at Goodera, he grew from an intern to Consultant Program Manager, managing CSR and employee engagement projects for global clients. Known for his cheerful and approachable nature, Shakti is fueled by challenges, eager to learn, and valued for his empathy, dependability, and ability to connect with people everywhere he goes.
One of his proudest achievements was leading Team Achilles' CAE Report department, his colleges electric vehicle team, to an AIR 1 victory in a national competition. As part of the design and development team, he worked on building a sustainable, hybrid EV while coordinating with peers across mechanical, electrical, and business domains. The journey tested not only his technical skills but also his ability to collaborate, solve problems under pressure, and stay motivated through setbacks. Winning wasn't just about the trophyit was about proving that innovation, teamwork, and perseverance could turn an ambitious idea into a nationally recognized success.
He worked with Goodera, a platform enabling companies to manage CSR, ESG, and volunteering initiatives. His role involved collaborating with clients to design and execute impactful CSR projects, ensuring alignment with both regulatory frameworks and organizational goals. He was responsible for tracking project progress, coordinating with stakeholders, and analyzing outcomes to measure social and environmental impact. This experience exposed him to the intersection of business and sustainability, strengthened his ability to manage cross-functional collaboration, and deepened his interest in how organizations can integrate purpose with profitability.
What sets him apart is the blend of technical problem-solving and people-centric thinking he brings to management. As part of Team Achilles, he led the design of an award-winning electric vehicle, which taught him the value of sustainability, innovation, and teamwork under pressure. Later, at Goodera, he worked in CSR and sustainability, reinforcing his belief that business can be both profitable and purposeful. This mix of engineering rigor and social impact experience gives him a unique lens to approach HR challenges—not just as people issues, but as opportunities to build sustainable systems that benefit organizations and society alike.
He brings a combination of analytical problem-solving, people skills, and resilience (his SSB Experience) that makes him a valuable asset to any employer. His experience leading Team Achilles to design and develop an award-winning electric vehicle taught him how to manage projects under pressure, collaborate across functions, and drive innovation with limited resources. At Goodera, he deepened his understanding of CSR and sustainability, working with diverse stakeholders to create measurable impact, which strengthened his ability to align people, processes, and purpose. Currently, through his MBA-HR journey, he is honing strategic thinking, interpersonal sensitivity, and data-driven decision-making, equipping him to address both organizational and human challenges. Beyond technical and professional achievements, he takes pride in his adaptability—whether it is learning new skills quickly, navigating setbacks, or leading in unfamiliar environments. This mix of innovation, empathy, and perseverance positions him to contribute effectively to both business growth and culture-building.
A skill he is actively working on developing is structured self-reflection and long-term retention of learning. While he enjoys exploring new ideas and adapts quickly, he has realized that he often moves on too fast, limiting his ability to internalize lessons deeply. To address this, he is building the habit of revisiting concepts through note-making, flashcards, and weekly reviews. This practice not only strengthens his memory but also helps him connect theory with practice more effectively. He believes that cultivating this discipline will make him a more grounded learner and enhance his ability to contribute meaningfully in the workplace.
One of the most defining parts of his journey has been his multiple attempts at the Services Selection Board (SSB). Though he narrowly missed selection, the process shaped him in ways that extend far beyond a career path. Preparing for the SSB demanded self-awareness, mental agility, and consistent disciplinequalities he continues to nurture. He learned to think on his feet through rapid decision-making exercises, sharpened his communication and storytelling skills during group tasks and interviews, and built resilience in the face of repeated challenges. The experience also gave him clarity: while serving in uniform was his initial dream, he realized that what truly motivates him is leadership, teamwork, and contributing to a larger cause. These values translate seamlessly into his MBA journey and future career in HR, where understanding people, driving collaboration, and persevering through challenges are vital. His SSB journey, though unfinished, has been transformative.
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