Kamlesh Dookayka

What is a fun fact or something unexpected about you?

Physics and metaphysics! Inspired by the mysteries of the universe, I continued my physics journey after my Oxford degree by embarking on a doctoral programme in California. It was quite an adventure to hunt down sub-atomic particles coming from other galaxies for my thesis research, and I had the privilege of also working on a NASA-funded research project located in Antarctica. 

In parallel, my quest for knowledge led me to pursue ancient philosophy and Sanskrit in a monastic setting in India for two years after my PhD, and I also advanced my yoga practice over two decades and recently completed my teacher's training.

Fun fact: And when I was studying in California, a group of physics graduate friends used to gather weekly to watch "The Big Bang Theory". One of my professor collaborators, who is the science consultant for the show, got me to attend a recording session once. It was a blast to interact with the cast and producers and share with them my first-hand stories of a physicist navigation real-life at that time!

Tell us about yourself, and how you goy to where you are today both on a professional and personal level

So far, I have chosen to spend my professional career in the public and government sector, and I have been fortunate to work as an international civil servant in the area of sustainable energy. 

My journey evolved from an academic path in physics to operating at policy and advocacy levels at national and international levels.

On a personal side, I see growth as a continuous journey as we need to transform with constant change.

Learning and unlearning are ongoing processes, and I hope my curiosity and passion keep driving me. Whether it's exploring new places and cultures, learning new skills, or challenging myself to step outside of my comfort zone, I am always looking for ways to grow and mature as a person.

What led you to decide to pursue an EMBA, and why did you choose INSEAD in particular? 

Having fulfilled my ambition of achieving advanced academic degrees, and after a decade of professional growth, I felt there is room to further explore and understand the complexities of the global world of business, economics, and politics. 

A leading MBA programme is an ideal foundation to this, and the executive dimension brings perspectives that one wouldn’t get otherwise.

As it were, my life journey brought me to the same city as the INSEAD Middle East campus. This unique opportunity of having a world-class programme at my doorstep pushed me to consider it. 

Having already navigated a British undergraduate degree and survived an American doctoral experience, I sensed that a genuinely global MBA with a pioneering European and Asia presence would nicely cap my journey. The strength and structure of INSEAD's GEMBA stood out, simply.

Could you describe your experience so far? The classes, the curriculum, your fellow participants, the professors?

My experience in the INSEAD Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) programme has been nothing short of brilliant, dare I say a ‘gem’! 

The motivation and enthusiasm of my fellow participants have been inspiring, and the classroom and group discussions have been engaging, enriching and fun.

The Middle East group is the smallest among the three batches of the cohort (which includes Fontainebleau in Europe and Singapore in Asia). The class size has made us feel like one large family. The monthly structure of the modules nicely doses the interactions. 

The professors have been patient with us and supportive, and though intense, the learning has been fun. The 'Global' in GEMBA is not just a namesake; it truly is from the diversity of the class to the classroom experience. I feel privileged to be part of such a dynamic and diverse community of learners.

What advice would you give to someone who might be interested in pursuing an INSEAD programme?

If you're genuinely interested in pursuing an INSEAD programme, my advice would be to go for it! If you feel that it's the right time and at the opportune juncture in your life, don't look back. Irrespective of your background, dive in and let the journey evolve to the next level.  

Having now sampled the programme myself, I wouldn't reconsider my decision if I went back in time. Pursuing an INSEAD programme is a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective, develop your leadership skills, and connect with a diverse community of learners and leaders.