We were lucky to catch up with Debjit Mukherjee recently and have shared our conversation below.
Debjit, appreciate you joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
Switching from Engineering to Management was a significant career shift, and there were several unexpected challenges that I faced during the transition. One of the most surprising problems I encountered was the need to shift my mindset from a technical, problem-solving focus to a broader, strategic thinking approach.
**Backstory:**
As an engineer, I was deeply involved in the nitty-gritty details of systems, designs, and troubleshooting. I thrived on solving specific, often complex problems—whether it was debugging a piece of software or optimizing a production process. When I transitioned into a management role, I thought my technical expertise would be enough to lead effectively, but I soon realized that it wasn’t.
One of the first big problems I faced was a project I inherited. The team was struggling to meet deadlines, and I was tasked with stepping in to get things back on track. I was initially inclined to roll up my sleeves and dive into the technical details, solving the issues myself as I would have done in an engineering role. However, I quickly realized that doing this was only exacerbating the situation.
The team was demotivated because they felt micromanaged, and the real problem wasn’t the technical work itself, but rather the lack of communication, clear direction, and alignment within the team. I was so focused on solving individual problems that I missed the bigger picture of team dynamics and leadership.
**The Moment of Realization:**
There was a pivotal moment during a weekly meeting where the team, frustrated by missed deadlines, openly expressed their concerns. I could see their frustration and how my actions had inadvertently contributed to it. This was the moment when I realized the core issue wasn’t technical—it was management. I was not creating an environment where the team felt empowered to solve the problems themselves.
The shift in perspective was jarring. I had to let go of the urge to solve everything and instead focus on guiding the team, removing obstacles, and enabling them to find solutions. The emotional weight of this realization was heavy. It felt like I had failed them as a manager, even though I was used to succeeding by solving problems on my own in the engineering world.
**Resolution:**
To address this, I first took a step back and focused on understanding the team’s needs and the underlying causes of their frustration. I initiated one-on-one conversations with each team member, actively listening to their concerns. I also started holding more frequent check-ins, not just to discuss project status, but to ensure everyone felt supported and heard.
I implemented a clearer communication structure, where the team had more autonomy to manage their tasks while still being aligned with the broader goals. I learned to trust the team’s abilities more and focused on providing guidance rather than micromanaging.
The change didn’t happen overnight, but gradually, the team started to take ownership of their work. The project regained momentum, and the overall morale improved.
**What it Felt Like:**
At that moment, transitioning from an engineer who solved problems directly to a manager who facilitated problem-solving felt like a huge leap into the unknown. It was both humbling and frustrating, as it required me to confront my own biases and habits. But ultimately, it was a profound learning experience. I realized that success in management wasn’t about knowing all the technical answers—it was about empowering others to come to those solutions on their own, guiding the team with a focus on collaboration and growth.
The most unexpected challenge wasn’t the lack of technical knowledge, but the emotional and psychological shift required to lead effectively. This experience shaped how I approached leadership, making me more empathetic and strategic in my management style.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m currently working at Deloitte, where I focus on leadership, strategy, and business transformation, but my journey to this role has been both deliberate and dynamic. My background initially started in engineering, where I developed a strong technical foundation that helped me solve complex problems. However, as I progressed in my career, I realized that to make a more significant impact, I needed to broaden my skill set to include leadership, business strategy, and management.
This led me to pursue an MBA, which became a transformative experience for me. It wasn’t just about gaining business acumen—it was also about developing a more holistic understanding of how businesses operate, how strategy drives success, and how effective leadership can shape organizations. During my time in the MBA program, I became actively involved in several leadership clubs and organizations, which gave me opportunities to network with industry leaders, fellow students, and professors. These connections were invaluable and have played a key role in shaping my career. The networks I built during my MBA were pivotal, offering both support and learning opportunities that I’ve continued to leverage throughout my career.
A key highlight of my professional growth has been my involvement in the Harvard Business Online Community, where I’ve been able to interact with like-minded professionals and engage in high-level discussions about business trends, leadership, and innovation. This has not only enriched my knowledge but also expanded my global perspective, which has been crucial in my role at Deloitte.
At Deloitte, I work on helping clients navigate complex data driven challenges, particularly around business intelligence and artificial intelligence. We create reports to deliver insightful data to clients based on their requirements. Every time, there are scopes for a change, enhancement, different approaches.
The Problems I Solve: In my role, I solve problems that revolve around aligning strategy with execution. This can include helping businesses streamline their operations, enhance their customer experiences, and ensure they have the right talent in place to drive long-term success. Another important part of my work is leadership development—helping organizations build strong, adaptable leadership teams that can navigate the rapidly changing business landscape. I’ve found that many companies struggle not just with the strategy itself but with creating the right culture and leadership mindset to bring that strategy to life. That’s where I come in—helping them bridge that gap and turn their plans into actionable, impactful results.
What Sets Me Apart: What I believe sets me apart is my ability to bridge the technical with the strategic. Coming from an engineering background, I have a unique perspective on problem-solving—one that’s rooted in analytics and precision—but I’ve also worked hard to cultivate a broader understanding of business strategy, leadership, and human dynamics through my MBA and networking efforts. I believe that leadership isn’t just about directing; it’s about empowering others to succeed, and I’ve honed this through my work on leadership clubs and mentorship initiatives.
Moreover, my experience in the Harvard Business Online Community has exposed me to cutting-edge trends in business and leadership, allowing me to stay ahead of the curve and bring fresh, innovative insights to my clients.
What I’m Most Proud Of: What I’m most proud of is my ability to bring diverse perspectives together and drive results through collaboration. Whether it’s within my team at Deloitte, with clients, or through the leadership clubs I’ve been part of, I find that fostering a culture of collaboration and learning is what truly makes a difference. I’m also proud of my personal growth over the years—from an engineer with a technical mindset to someone who can understand and solve complex business challenges with a strategic outlook.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Certainly. One of the most defining stories of resilience in my journey revolves around my experience with the **IIT JEE**—India’s most challenging entrance exam for engineering colleges. Failing to crack it the first time was a pivotal moment in my life, and it shaped how I approach challenges, setbacks, and growth in the years that followed.
### The Early Struggle: Cracking IIT JEE
I was determined to pursue a career in engineering, and like many young students in India, I set my sights on cracking the **IIT JEE**. I put in countless hours of study, gave it my all, and felt confident that I was well-prepared. But when the results came, I was devastated—I had not cleared the exam. My world came crashing down. It felt like I had failed at something that was supposed to define my future, and I lost a great deal of confidence in myself. It wasn’t just the failure itself—it was the overwhelming sense of not being good enough, despite all the hard work I had put in.
I remember the days after the results were announced. There was a strong sense of uncertainty and confusion about my future. The feeling of disappointment lingered, and for a while, I questioned whether I was cut out for a successful career in engineering or any other field.
### The Struggles Multiply: Immigrant Journey and Rejection
A few years later, after overcoming the initial failure, I decided to move to the United States to pursue my studies. The experience of immigrating was another test of resilience. As a newcomer to a different country, everything felt foreign—different systems, cultures, and even the way education was approached. To make matters harder, I faced multiple rejections while applying for jobs and internships. Each rejection was a blow to my confidence, and I began to wonder if the setbacks from my earlier days were just part of a pattern that would follow me for the rest of my life.
I also had moments where I felt like I didn’t belong in this new country, especially since many others around me seemed to have everything figured out. I remember feeling overwhelmed in certain social and professional situations, doubting my abilities compared to others. The cultural differences made it harder to find a sense of community, and there were times I doubted whether I could ever truly make it in this new environment.
### Building Resilience: Coming Back Stronger
Despite all of this, I was determined not to let these challenges define me. I chose to focus on building myself up, piece by piece. Instead of retreating or feeling defeated, I learned to embrace the failures as lessons. After the IIT JEE setback, I realized that failure wasn’t the end—it was just a stepping stone. I learned to develop new skills, focus on other areas of growth, and slowly build my confidence back.
When it came to my immigrant journey, I recognized that resilience wasn’t just about handling rejections—it was about learning to adapt and grow stronger with each setback. I focused on improving my communication skills, expanding my network, and getting more involved in leadership roles. I worked hard to not just meet the expectations of my job but to exceed them. Each rejection became an opportunity to learn something new, whether it was how to better present myself or how to approach situations with more patience and persistence.
### A New Chapter: Finding Strength in the Struggles
My MBA journey was a turning point. It was during this time that I decided to focus on networking and building relationships with others who had faced similar struggles. I became deeply involved in leadership clubs and communities like **Harvard Business Online**, where I could connect with like-minded individuals who shared their own stories of resilience. The more I learned from them, the more I realized that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about continuously bouncing back, no matter how many times you fall.
Through my involvement in these leadership clubs, I not only sharpened my leadership skills but also grew in confidence. I came to appreciate that my past failures, both academic and personal, had equipped me with unique insights and strengths. By embracing my failures, rather than shying away from them, I found my own voice and leadership style.
### The Present: Thriving Despite the Odds
Today, I look back at all the setbacks—from failing to crack IIT JEE to facing rejection as an immigrant—and I see them not as markers of failure, but as the building blocks of my growth. I realize that each obstacle pushed me to become more resilient, to build new skills, and to keep moving forward even when it felt impossible.
The setbacks taught me that **resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning, adapting, and growing stronger with each challenge**. I may have faced rejection, uncertainty, and failure, but every time I came back stronger, more determined, and better equipped for the next challenge.
That’s the story of my resilience: **not allowing failure to define me, but using it as a springboard for my growth**. Now, in my role at Deloitte, and with the opportunities I’ve had through networking, leadership clubs, and community involvement, I am able to bring this resilience to every challenge I face—leading with confidence and determination, knowing that each setback is just an opportunity for further growth.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building a reputation in any market takes time, effort, and the ability to consistently deliver value while maintaining a focus on growth and learning. For me, several key factors have played a critical role in shaping my reputation within my industry.
### 1. **Academic Excellence and Awards:**
During my academic journey, I was fortunate to receive multiple awards, which not only helped me build credibility but also motivated me to push my boundaries. These awards were a recognition of my commitment to excellence and the hard work I put into my studies. More than just accolades, they instilled in me a discipline and a drive for continuous improvement, qualities that I carry with me today.
### 2. **The “Never Giving Up” Attitude:**
One of the most significant aspects that helped me build a solid reputation was my persistence. There were several moments in my career—whether it was failing to crack IIT JEE, facing rejections as an immigrant, or the initial challenges I encountered in new roles—where the easy thing to do would have been to give up. But I embraced a mindset of never giving up. Each challenge, setback, or failure became a stepping stone for me to improve, adapt, and come back even stronger. This resilience became a hallmark of my character and helped me earn the respect of those I worked with.
### 3. **Active Involvement as a Research Scholar:**
Another key factor that contributed to my reputation was my active involvement in research. As a research scholar, I was dedicated to exploring new ideas and contributing to the academic community. My research collaborations with multiple universities allowed me to build a network of professionals and scholars, which not only broadened my knowledge but also provided me with opportunities to collaborate on impactful projects. This demonstrated my commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and continuous learning.
### 4. **Global Recognition:**
Being honored with the **Global Recognition Award** was a defining moment in my career. This award was not just a recognition of my achievements, but also an acknowledgment of my impact on a global scale. It validated the work I had done and gave me the confidence to keep striving for even greater contributions. The global recognition reinforced the importance of having a diverse perspective and reaching beyond the local or regional level to make a significant difference.
### 5. **Business Elite 30 Under 30 Award:**
Receiving the **Business Elite 30 Under 30** award was a significant milestone that further cemented my reputation. It not only recognized my achievements at an early age but also highlighted my potential to lead and drive change in the business world. This recognition helped me build my brand as someone who was forward-thinking, innovative, and capable of making a meaningful impact in business and leadership. It also opened doors for further opportunities and collaborations, which were crucial for my career growth.
### 6. **Strategic Career Choices with Leading Brands:**
Finally, one of the most important factors in building my reputation has been my decision to align myself with some of the world’s most respected brands—**General Electric, Siemens, and Deloitte**. Working with these global leaders in technology and business consulting allowed me to learn from the best in the industry, contribute to impactful projects, and build a network of industry leaders. Staying with these brands over the years helped me gain exposure to some of the most challenging and rewarding projects, which in turn, strengthened my credibility and reputation in the market.
### 7. **Commitment to Building Relationships and Networks:**
Throughout my career, I have focused on building strong professional relationships and networks. Whether it was through my MBA, leadership clubs, or professional work, I’ve always believed that success is built on relationships. Collaborating with a wide range of professionals and leaders has not only expanded my knowledge but has also given me the opportunity to build a reputation as someone who is collaborative, approachable, and always looking to contribute positively to any team or organization.
### What This All Means for My Reputation:
These elements combined—academic excellence, a relentless attitude, global recognition, leadership roles, and association with respected brands—have collectively built my reputation as someone who delivers results, leads with integrity, and continues to grow and evolve in my field. My reputation isn’t just built on the awards I’ve received or the companies I’ve worked for, but also on the values I bring to every project and relationship.
Ultimately, my reputation is grounded in my **ability to persevere**, **learn from setbacks**, and **build meaningful connections**, and it continues to evolve as I push myself further in my career and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @emporio_dm
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/debjit.mukherjee.984
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debjitmukherjeewelcomes
- Twitter: @Emporio_dm
- Other: Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=d2Whu4QAAAAJ&hl=en
