Pankaj Bhatt

What made you decide to take on the EMC programme at INSEAD?

In 2014 or 2015, I was looking for a course that would equip me with coaching skills. I had a discussion with my CEO, who at that time had an EMC programme leaflet with him. He recommended this programme since it appeared more in-depth than the standard certification programmes. I was largely convinced by the course content, course structure, directors’ experience and profiles, the selection process, and what possibly cemented this for me, were the discussions I had with Professor Erik over a video call.

Has the programme met or exceeded your expectations?

This programme has been a life-changing experience. I feel this every day in my life and it manifests in various forms in my every thought and action. It has clearly exceeded my expectations.

Do share with us your thoughts on the quality of the professors.

Every professor who taught us over the journey was a master in his or her area. All of them, without exception, created and nurtured a safe reflective space for open discussions. The reading material they recommended or provided has been simply excellent. I have very fond memories of every class that I attended.

What was your classroom experience like?

I have great respect for my classmates. We developed a special bond with each other in the very first module of the programme and still remain in touch. All my classmates along with the professors created a safe reflective space required to navigate through a programme this intense.

How has the programme changed your perspectives or outlook on life?

It has given me the ability to self-reflect and self-discover. It encouraged me to get into my ‘self’ which I could not relate to before I started the programme.

I must confess that initially, I had challenges in understanding some concepts, which with the help of the faculty and the peer group, came in handy. As these concepts and their practical applications got clearer in my mind, I began to understand things much better and learnt to apply the theory to a greater extent in my day-to-day interactions at home, at work, with friends and in my social eco-system.

Are there any other interesting aspects of the programme that you would like to share?

This programme celebrates diversity by design. One can see diversity in participants’ gender, age, experience, professional sectors, nationalities, work-locations etc. My small group (home group) had six members of six nationalities coming from six different locations and speaking five different native languages. This unique and beautiful attribute created many interesting and at times, hilarious moments which all of us thoroughly enjoyed in the safe space we created together.

What advice would you give to potential participants?

The EMC is a one-of-a-kind life-changing programme. I can say this from my own experience that unlike many other programmes, it is not merely one leading to an academic degree or a certificate but a significant leap of evolution in one’s life.