Bridging Innovation and Growth: My Global Journey from Analytics to Leadership

UC Davis MBA fuels my mission for societal change

Ever wondered how a passion for numbers can evolve into a mission for societal change?

Fostering a Culture of Collaborative Leadership

My academic journey flourished both within the bustling lecture halls of UC Davis and outside the classrooms. Beyond the case studies and textbooks, I took on leadership roles amongst my cohorts.

I served as the director of career development for the Associated Students of Management, the student body government. This role involved more than championing career advancement; it encompassed crafting success stories that ignited transformative change.

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Abhinav Kishore with UC Davis students on a pier in Monterey
Abhinav Kishore MBA 23 attended a three-day weekend retreat at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa as part of the Collaborative Leadership Program.

In our capstone course, the Integrated Management Projects (IMP), I led a team of five talented colleagues in a high-stakes and complex consulting project for our client GE Digital. I nurtured diversity, inclusion and innovation, amplifying the significance of cross-cultural perspectives and fostering a collaborative and dynamic team environment.

I also served as the director of diversity and inclusion for the Women in Leadership, Davis Chapter, and director of the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Association. These were opportunities to build community, leverage group knowledge and challenge the status quo.

In the classroom, I embraced the role of an instructor for 'The Art of Problem Solving', nurturing the minds of future thinkers and problem solvers.

Professional Excellence and a Global Perspective

From analyzing data patterns to leading business solutions, my journey was driven by curiosity and ambition. Born in India and having worked across the globe, including China and the U.S., my diverse experiences equipped me to navigate intricate professional landscapes.

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Abhinav Kishore and Dean H. Rao Unnava at a Diwali celebration
Abhinav Kishore MBA 23 and Dean H. Rao Unnava attend a Diwali celebration at Gallagher Hall.

My entrepreneurial and professional pursuits have been equally rewarding. I am the co-founder and mentor of Motive8, a nonprofit in India that aims to create an environment that values and supports the holistic development of people and motivates their growth. 

We have made substantial contributions to sexual and reproductive health, sustainable agriculture, and solar energy adoption, benefitting numerous students and farmers.

With my engineering degree and expertise in analytics, my transition into business development at an analytics consulting firm was a natural evolution; aligning my technical acumen with business strategy. I seamlessly blended my expertise in analytics, and stepped into the role of senior data science consultant in China, where I navigated the cultural intricacies of a diverse landscape.

Soon I was eager to take the next step: pursue my MBA.

My Transformative UC Davis MBA Experience

A key moment struck when I realized that numbers could tell stories and drive decision-making. My decision to pursue an MBA was fueled by a desire to amplify my leadership, innovation, and analytical capabilities.

At the UC Davis Graduate School of Management (GSM), my MBA experience was transformative as I delved into diverse roles that enhanced my skill set in analytics, consulting and leadership.

My ambitions stretch far beyond obtaining an MBA. They encompass long-term goals that include creating a lasting impact on both the business and social landscapes.

I aspire to become a thought leader in innovative business practices while actively involving myself in social development projects.

My focus is not only on achieving professional excellence but also on contributing positively to societal growth through education, rural development and nutrition initiatives.

UC Davis Recognition for Leadership Qualities

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to actively engage in multiple extracurricular initiatives at GSM, experiences that have collectively shaped me as a leader and broadened my understanding of leadership dynamics.

My contributions were recognized with prestigious awards from the GSM. I was awarded the
the Stephen G. and Shelley A. Newberry Distinguished Fellowship Award and GSM Student Fellowship Award, which recognize students who have CEO or COO potential.

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Abhinav Kishore holding up the the Stephen G. and Shelley A. Newberry Distinguished Fellowship Award
Abhinav Kishore MBA 23 won the Stephen G. and Shelley A. Newberry Distinguished Fellowship for Leadership and the Jerome and Helen Suran Student Fellowship Award in Spring 2023.

Being a part of the UC Davis and GSM community has been truly rewarding. Through connections with esteemed professors, I have found sustenance for my academic and professional growth, gifting me a future with infinite possibilities as a proud alumnus.

What legacy shall you aspire to create at the confluence of technology and leadership? Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.