Alumni Author : Corporate Adventures – Mahesh Bhangriya, Aritra Leadership 2019

Mahesh Bhangriya, a distinguished IIM Bangalore alumnus, recently published Corporate Adventures. Inspired by his two children and the late Jack Welch, Mahesh shares how this unique combination sparked his book in this exclusive interview.

Corporate Adventures delves into seven pivotal business transactions, including acquisitions, restructuring, bidding, fundraising, regulatory challenges, government collaborations, and entrepreneurship. Through an insider’s perspective, it uncovers the intricate processes behind these complex deals, enhanced with visual aids that clarify how various business operations interconnect. With its engaging narrative, the book serves as both an informative and captivating read for professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone intrigued by the corporate world. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an aspiring entrepreneur, Corporate Adventures is a valuable resource and a thought-provoking guide.

Two things happened simultaneously. I was reading Jack Welch’s Straight from the Gut when my elder son published his book Everest Learnings, based on his expedition to Everest Base Camp, organized by IIMB’s Anveshan Adventure Club in 2022. His book was released by Lok Sabha Chairman and well received in various forums (https://parth.primecharity.in/). This triggered me to write a book with an idea of content from Mr. Welch’s book in which he shared his journey from intern to CEO at GE.

The wisdom in Welch’s book motivated me to document my own learnings, drawn from the roles as Head of Corporate Strategy and Financial Affairs for a publicly listed Indian company, an equity research professional at a global bank, and a management consultant. The thought of donating the profits from the book to a charity is also attributed to Jack Welch. The final push to complete the book came when my younger son published My Tryst with Mount Kilimanjaro, which was awarded by the state education minister on Independence Day 2024.

Thanks to my professional career as an equity research analyst and corporate strategist, I’ve always maintained a connection with writing, which has only sharpened over the years. While I write extensively and enjoy it, I never imagined authoring a book. It wasn’t until the aforementioned circumstances that I took the plunge.

While I was comfortable with the subject and content of Corporate Adventures due to my real-life experiences, the challenge was to make it valuable and intriguing for readers. My focus was on providing readers with a rewarding use of their time, which is why I selected seven distinct and impactful transactions.

I wanted to offer comprehensive coverage, from the initial stages of these deals to their final execution, while keeping readers engaged and offering valuable insights into multifaceted corporate transactions. The visuals, graphics, and annexures were carefully curated to simplify the content and add value. My goal was to give readers the same thrill I experienced while executing these corporate deals.

I’ve received many positive and motivating compliments. One of the most recent was from the head of an investment banking firm who helped with one of the deals. He said, “We’ve executed hundreds of transactions, but only Mahesh Bhangriya took the effort to document it in a book. This is a great testimonial to our service. The practical lessons of the Corporate Adventures make it a must read for anyone navigating the challenges of the corporate world, including professionals like us in the capital markets.”

The book features seven chapters, each detailing a unique transaction I worked on, so each one holds a special place in my mind. I’ve also added a bonus chapter, which is close to my heart – the concept of the ‘Moral Balance Sheet’ (MBS). MBS is a theoretical framework that I conceptualized by comparing an individual’s moral responsibilities with a corporation’s financial balance sheet, encouraging everyone to be a Good Samaritan and contribute to a better world.

My education at IIM Bangalore was instrumental in shaping my approach to the business deals covered in Corporate Adventures. It honed my strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and stakeholder management skills. The diverse perspectives I encountered—through my cohort, faculty, and case studies—enhanced my decision-making process.

My foundational education taught me to distinguish right from wrong, while higher education helped me navigate shades of what’s right. My professional career then enabled me to analyze situations from both microscopic and telescopic perspectives, all of which are reflected in the book.

One of the congratulatory messages I received said, “This is a great milestone that many fellow professionals aspire to achieve one day. You are an inspiration to many of us.” My advice to them is simple: share the knowledge in whichever way. It’s a valuable contribution to the society. The skills and insights we accumulate over the years should be used to help others succeed. So, be persistent in both reading and writing. Eventually, you’ll complete your masterpiece, and the journey itself will be incredibly exciting and rewarding.

I aim to give readers valuable insights into corporate processes and showcase the determination, passion, and grit required to execute business deals. Whether you’re an industry professional or a business leader, this book promises to be an enlightening read and comprehensive guide. If readers enjoy my infotainment style of writing, that’s an added bonus!

Firstly, I’d emphasize the importance of honesty—beyond monetary honesty, this includes being truthful in commitments, responsibilities, and relationships. Leading with integrity and empathy builds trust with peers, customers, and key stakeholders like investors and board members. Secondly, emotional intelligence is crucial. Leadership is more than problem-solving; it’s about understanding and managing emotions, both yours and others’. Lastly, commit to lifelong learning. The corporate world is always evolving, so continuous learning and self-awareness will help you navigate challenges and achieve success.

For physical fitness, I incorporate jogging and yoga into my daily routine. Whenever possible, I love trekking. In March 2024, I successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. These pursuits challenge my endurance and offer lessons in resilience and self-discovery.

For mental well-being, I practice meditation regularly and am a devoted follower of Vipassana. This helps me maintain inner calm and clarity. Additionally, I have a passion for reading, particularly autobiographies, which I find deeply inspiring.

Thank you, Mr. Mahesh Bhangriya, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. For those interested in connecting with Mr. Bhangriya or learning more about his work, may visit his LinkedIn profile here. Don’t miss out on his book “Corporate Adventures,” available for purchase on Amazon and Kindle.