"A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for." – John A. Shedd
My journey began not in a classroom, but amidst roaring oceans, towering waves, and humming engines. As a marine engineer in the merchant navy, I learned the value of discipline, resilience, and responsibility early in my life. Days at sea—isolated from the familiar—taught me how to manage crises, team coordination under pressure, and operate in complex, multicultural environments. I often perceive the engine room of a vessel is not unlike a business system running in harmony, each cog playing a critical role, requiring both foresight and precision.
But somewhere along the journey, I started asking deeper questions—not about the ship, but about the shore. I became curious about strategy, leadership, and decision-making at an organisational level. What made a business efficient? How did leaders create long-term value? These questions sparked a fire in me to look beyond the technical and operational and venture into the world of business.
My training for the sea was an intense and immersive experience that laid the foundation for the discipline and consistency I carry today. From the very beginning, it demanded unwavering focus, physical endurance, and mental resilience. Whether it was mastering complex engine systems, adhering to strict safety protocols, or tackling emergencies in high-pressure environments, there was no room for complaints. The nature of life at sea—where every decision could impact lives and machinery alike—instilled in me a deep respect for procedures, time management, and accountability. Discipline wasn’t just a virtue; it was a necessity, reinforced daily through strict routines and rigorous schedules. Consistency became second nature— whether in daily maintenance tasks or long shifts with minimal rest—shaping a mindset that thrives on reliability and precision. These fundamentals of responsibility and routine prepared me not just for a career onboard, but for the broader challenges of leadership and management onshore.
"Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.”
Transitioning from sea to campus was more than just a career shift—it was a metamorphosis. IIM Nagpur became my new vessel, and the MBA, my compass. Surrounded by brilliant minds and challenges, I realised that leadership isn't about control— it’s about collaboration, empathy, and vision. I brought along a unique perspective—the ability to stay calm in chaos, the instinct to act decisively, and the humility to learn.
Serving as a member of the Placement Committee further shaped my understanding of teamwork and the greater good. It was here that I connected the dots between students and opportunities, corporate needs and campus capabilities. It wasn't just about numbers and logistics; it was about building trust, representing a collective vision, and ensuring every student gets a fair wind behind their sails.
Looking ahead, I see myself at the intersection of operations, leadership, and strategy—driving impact not just through efficiency, but through purpose. I want to be part of organisations that build more than profits: that build people, ecosystems, and futures. I carry with me the grit of the sea and the polish of management—two worlds that may seem apart, but in my life, they converge. Because ultimately, we are not defined by where we started, but by how boldly we chose to change our course.
Ajay Kumar, a first-year MBA student at IIM Nagpur from Dehradun, transitioned from a disciplined career as a marine engineer in the merchant navy to explore leadership, strategy, and purposeful impact in the business world.
