Having established himself as a subject matter expert among the ranks of middle management at Ooredoo Qatar, Cyril Anand was looking toward the next step in his career. He wasn't certain what that step would look like, but he knew it would require him to lead cross-functional teams. With this challenge in mind, he applied to attend the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School Executive Education. He shares some of the key takeaways from his learning experience.
Why did you want to attend this program?
As I set out to help my company set up New Lines of Business and transform itself in order to compete in the world of hi-tech start-ups, I had to help a legacy organization unlearn what made it successful in the past and learn what would drive it forward in the digital world of the future. An executive MBA seemed the obvious choice, but PLD caught my attention because the unique on- and off-campus modules offered the best of both worlds. Ultimately, I chose PLD because the six-month time frame offered an accelerated yet balanced approach to learning in the digital era, along with the added option of earning alumni status by choosing elective courses that complement my career aspirations.
Looking back on your PLD experience, which aspects stand out for you?
One aspect that stood out for me was learning through case studies—as an individual, in the classroom, and with my living group. The living group and Alumni Challenge were both experiences of a lifetime. In the classroom, having a professor facilitate the discussions provided insight into multi-dimensional aspects of organizational challenges across the globe. Also, meeting some of the case study protagonists offered an enriching opportunity to discover and learn from their experiences.
How did your participation in PLD change you?
This experience changed me in several ways. I learned to create new opportunities and new ways to handle challenges by being exposed to diverse, conflicting views from team members. I developed the ability to see beyond the setbacks and pushbacks I experience as an individual and as part of a team. And I became the change agent who helped my organization transform itself and tap into the opportunities unfolding in the digital era.
How did your organization benefit from your participation in PLD?
My role in my organization is to explore and set up new business lines, and I would say that PLD was the single biggest contributor to the success of Ooredoo Qatar. As a result of my participation, I led the team that successfully established new business lines that have added $100 million in revenue over the past three years and have set the stage for another $1 billion of revenue contributions over the next five years.
Has the program inspired you to take on any new challenges?
Definitely. While I was attending PLD, I collaborated with other participants to conceive and raise money for a new organization, called charity: water that provides access to clean water for those in need. This organization was the foundation for another nonprofit named Abundance, which I co-founded with two other global leaders, after we were brought together by a fellow PLD participant, to create better lives for people and care for nature. Together, these initiatives show what can come from the connections and insights that PLD helps to foster among leaders who want to change the world. In addition, I was recently selected as one of the 50 most impactful Smart Cities Leaders, and I credit PLD for providing me with the tools to earn this great honor. Among the many skills I acquired at PLD are abstract thinking, design thinking for problem solving, the ability to guide people through the challenges that come in the wake of failure, and the leadership skills required to work and perform due diligence in establishing new business practices.
What would you say to someone who is considering applying to PLD?
First and foremost, be clear about your objective. Unless you have clarity about what you want to achieve in the program, you won't be able to derive the utmost value from it. PLD is not merely a knowledge-enriching program—it also gives you the opportunity to apply what you learn through the Alumni Challenge. This program is a great platform for interacting with peers from across the globe and understanding the nuances of business challenges based on regional cultural dimensions.