New Delhi: In a world where personal and professional ambitions often collide, my journey has been one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of persistence. I am Dr. Bhavika Bali, an Assistant Professor at Delhi University, a case writer, and a PhD graduate from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). From navigating the challenges of being a mother to a COVID-era baby to successfully completing my PhD and contributing to business education through case writing, my story is a testament to the spirit of perseverance.
The Case Writer’s Journey
As a case writer with the prestigious Ivey Business School, my work is dedicated to crafting real-world business cases that challenge students and executives to think critically and make informed decisions. It has been an exhilarating experience to see my cases being published by Harvard Business Review (HBR), an achievement that underscores the global relevance of my research and writing.
One of my most notable cases, “Nirula’s: Revitalizing a Made-in-India Legacy Brand,” examines how an iconic Indian food brand reinvented itself amid changing consumer preferences. Seeing this work reach a global audience has been both humbling and empowering, reaffirming my belief in the power of storytelling to shape business thought leadership. You can explore this case at HBR Store.
Motherhood in a Pandemic
Motherhood itself is a profound transformation, but becoming a mother in the midst of a global pandemic was an entirely unique challenge. The uncertainty of the times, coupled with the responsibility of nurturing a newborn, demanded a level of resilience I had never known before. Sleepless nights and endless worries about my child’s health, development, and future became my new reality, yet they also became the catalyst for my greatest professional triumphs.
In many ways, motherhood made me more efficient, focused, and determined. Every moment became an opportunity to push myself further, proving that one’s ambitions need not be sidelined by personal responsibilities. Instead, they can be fueled by them.
A PhD Amidst Chaos
Completing a PhD is an arduous journey under normal circumstances, but doing so with an infant in tow during a global crisis was an entirely different battle. The late-night research sessions, countless revisions, and the pressure to contribute meaningful knowledge to academia all came with an added layer of complexity.
Yet, despite the odds, I managed to clear my PhD successfully from IIFT, a premier institute known for its rigorous academic environment and contributions to international business education. The experience taught me invaluable lessons about time management, prioritization, and the immense strength that comes from pursuing one’s passion relentlessly. I emerged from the process not only as a doctor of my discipline but as a stronger, more resilient version of myself.
Breaking Stereotypes and Inspiring Change
My journey is more than just a personal success story; it is a testament to the evolving role of women in academia, research, and professional writing. It challenges the notion that women must choose between personal fulfillment and professional achievement. I hope that my experience can inspire other women to break barriers, defy expectations, and carve their own paths, regardless of societal constraints.
To all the aspiring professionals, mothers, and scholars out there—your dreams are valid, your ambitions are achievable, and your resilience will carry you through even the toughest of times. As I continue on this path, I look forward to contributing further to the world of business education, mentoring future leaders, and proving that passion and perseverance can make anything possible.
The journey continues, and the best is yet to come.
Dr. Bhavika Bali
Assistant Professor, Delhi University
PhD, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
For more information please visit: https://store.hbr.org/product/nirula-s-revitalizing-a-made-in-india-legacy-brand/W39084?srsltid=AfmBOooBTq-fMRex5h0K0IAiHqABkNajnD0IM0KGDZD9kyjxPDI_8GyJ
