At Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai, the answer lies not only in curriculum design, but also in the people students learn from.

To strengthen the connection between classroom learning and real-world leadership, the Manipal Business School at MAHE Dubai has launched CLIMBS – Corporate Leadership Insights at Manipal Business School, a year-round speaker series that brings accomplished leaders, industry practitioners, policymakers, and decision-makers into direct conversation with MBA students.

The initiative is designed to provide students with firsthand exposure to leadership experiences, strategic decision-making, governance challenges, and industry realities that extend beyond textbooks and case studies.

The inaugural session featured Mr. Suresh Chowdhary, former Director General of Police, Rajasthan, and an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta. Mr. Chowdhary interacted with MBA Term 3 evening batch students as part of their International Law and Global Governance course delivered by Dr. Sofia Khan.

Drawing from nearly four decades of experience across public administration, governance, national security, intelligence, and public policy, Mr. Chowdhary shared valuable insights on ethics, governance, leadership, accountability, and moral decision-making in complex environments.

The session encouraged students to examine the practical dimensions of leadership and governance, particularly in situations where decisions carry significant societal and institutional consequences. Through an engaging discussion, students gained perspectives on how ethical judgment and responsible leadership influence decision-making in both public and private sectors.

Unlike traditional academic case studies, the session provided students with direct access to lived experiences and real-world challenges faced by a senior public servant who has operated at the highest levels of administration and governance.

Commenting on the initiative, faculty members noted that leadership lessons become far more impactful when students have the opportunity to engage directly with individuals who have navigated complex professional environments and translated principles into action.

CLIMBS reflects MAHE Dubai's commitment to providing industry-relevant and experience-driven education by complementing academic learning with practical insights from accomplished professionals. The initiative also aligns with the university's broader objective of preparing future leaders who are capable of navigating an increasingly dynamic and interconnected global landscape.

The inaugural session set a strong foundation for the series, with students actively participating in discussions and reflecting on the role of ethics and governance in leadership.

As CLIMBS continues throughout the year, MBA students can look forward to interacting with distinguished leaders from diverse sectors, gaining valuable perspectives that will enrich their academic journey and professional development.

Through initiatives such as CLIMBS, MAHE Dubai continues to strengthen its focus on bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world leadership, ensuring students graduate with not only academic knowledge, but also the practical insights needed to succeed in today's evolving business environment.