Dynamic Leaders from defense forces Transition from the Battlefield to the Boardroom

DGMP-7 Batch at IIM Mumbai Ready to Redefine Corporate Leadership

National , January , 2025:

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai, proudly hosted its flagship business conclave, Shaurya-2025, an event that showcased the remarkable journey of 51 defense officers transitioning from military service to the corporate realm. The DGMP-7 batch (Defence General Management Program -07), comprising 41 men and 10 women, demonstrated their prowess in engaging with some of the most accomplished corporate leaders while exploring the convergence of military excellence and business innovation.

Under the theme “Embracing Advancements in the Technological Domain: The New Normal of Business,” Shaurya-2025 brought to the forefront the transformative potential of military-acquired skills in leadership, innovation, and resilience. Through panel discussions and keynote sessions, participants delved into the ways these skills can drive success across industries in a business environment that is both dynamic and technology-driven.

Prof. Manoj Tiwari, Director of IIM Mumbai, highlighted the immense value that veterans bring to corporate leadership. He remarked, “Our veterans possess unparalleled professionalism and discipline, cultivated in environments demanding strategic vision and unwavering commitment. Events like Shaurya-2025 bridge the gap between defense expertise and corporate leadership, enabling participants to thrive in business settings while delivering value aligned with organizational missions.”

The DGMP-7 batch represents a diverse group of defense officers aged between 30 and 56, with collective experience spanning over three decades. Their expertise includes operations, project management, engineering, supply chain management, cybersecurity, data analytics, legal functions, and administration. Several of these professionals have earned prestigious accolades, including Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Service Medals, while others have excelled in global assignments, research, and community service. This cohort exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a mission-driven approach, setting them apart as exceptional leaders for corporate roles.

The event featured insightful contributions from industry leaders who shared their perspectives on the future of business and the role of military-trained professionals in shaping it. Mr. Abhijit Parab, Partner for Cybersecurity at EY, delivered an engaging session on the significance of cybersecurity in today’s business landscape. Ms. Mahuya Chaturvedi, Marketing Head at Century (Aditya Birla Group), discussed the impact of end-to-end digital enablement on customer value creation. Mridul Rajdeva Mahan, Head – Investment Banking Technology along with Lt Col Narayan Kurup, SM* (Retd), Chief Security Officer, Deutsche Bank, shared their views on ‘Tech transformation of BFSI: Leveraging disruptive technologies’. Sudipta Ghosh, Partner Cloud & Data Analytics, PwC cleared most of the queries related to ‘Driving Business Transformation using AI’. Prutha Harshajith, CHRO Cohizon Life Sciences gave her perspectives on ‘Thriving in the BANI reality’. Ms Swati Dogra, Head of HR – South Asia, Omya shared her experience on ‘Leadership Challenges in disruptive technology paradigm’.

Panel discussions included leaders from L&T Infotech, Accenture Technology India, CTO Bridge Solutions and Prof Debabrata Das from IIM Mumbai, who explored advancements in IT and cyber technologies as part of the new normal in business. Followed by leaders from JSW Steel, Viasat Inc, eClerx, CHRO Leadership Forum and Sonali Majumdar, CHRO Safari Industries India Ltd, who moderated the discussion on ‘Contemporary HR paradigm and leveraging veterans for business advantage’.

Another standout session, ‘From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Redefining Leadership,’presented by AntWalk co-founders Joybroto Ganguly and Sriramkumar Sundararaman, emphasized how military principles of integrity, innovation under pressure, and disciplined execution translate into transformative leadership within the corporate sector.

The conclave also highlighted the unique strengths veterans bring to the business world. Strategic thinking, operational excellence, and the ability to manage complex, high-pressure situations make defense personnel ideal candidates for roles in project management, supply chain operations, cybersecurity, and risk management. Their ethical leadership, teamwork, and focus on results align perfectly with the demands of today’s competitive business environment.

The event concluded with a resounding call to action for corporate leaders to harness the potential of veterans transitioning into the corporate sphere. One industry participant noted, “Defense officers embody leadership, strategic thinking, and resilience. The DGMP-7 batch exemplifies the very best of these qualities, poised to lead organizations with discipline and adaptability in a rapidly evolving world.”

Organizations seeking dynamic and mission-driven leaders are encouraged to collaborate with the DGMP-7 cohort at IIM Mumbai. These veterans stand ready to redefine corporate leadership, bringing the ethos of military discipline, strategic foresight, and operational excellence to businesses worldwide.