India, UCLA-NUS EMBA (Class of 2024/2025)
Ramya Mahakali
Business Advisor
Shell
Leading with Purpose: How Ramya Mahakali Balances Engineering, Leadership, and Parenthood with the UCLA-NUS Executive MBA
For Ramya Mahakali, bringing ideas to life is what she does best. As a Project Manager at Shell, she thrives on translating vision into execution, collaborating with diverse teams, and delivering value early in projects. But her ambitions extend beyond the workplace. As a mother of two, she is determined to set an example of lifelong learning and resilience for her children.
“I pursued the UCLA-NUS Executive MBA to deepen my understanding of business operations, especially the financial and commercial aspects, and to enhance my leadership skills through exposure to different leadership styles,” she explains.
Beyond academics, she was drawn to the program’s peer-to-peer learning environment, a concept NUS EMBA Professor Emir emphasised and deeply resonated with her. Balancing career, studies, and motherhood, she wanted to show her children that continuous learning and growth are key to success. “This program perfectly aligns with my personal and professional goals,” she says.
Mastering the Art of Prioritization
Juggling an Executive MBA, a demanding career, and a family required a structured approach. Ramya quickly realised that time management and prioritisation would be critical to making the most of the experience.
“When it rains, it pours, and without preparation, it’s hard to make the most of the program,” she reflects.
Knowing that the intensity of the EMBA was temporary, she honed her ability to time-box tasks and prioritise efficiently. “The biggest lesson I learned was to say NO without feeling guilty—because I was clear on why I had to say NO,” she explains.
She credits her family and work team for their unwavering support, recognising that having the right mindset and a strong support system made all the difference. With a laugh, she says, “I think my kids would say I travel too much and have become an expert at packing!” Between work, family, and the EMBA, Ramya has traveled extensively—something her children have certainly noticed.
But beyond the humor, she hopes they see a more profound lesson in her commitment to learning and growth. “I want them to look back at this time and find inspiration in it,” she shares. “Everything we do as parents is for our children, and through this journey, I’ve realised they are more independent and adaptable than I ever imagined.”
Above all, she hopes they learn the value of resilience and see challenges as opportunities for growth.
Leading with Tough Standards and a Kind Heart
Ramya has always believed in a leadership approach that balances accountability with compassion. Early in her career, she was told that kindness and high standards couldn’t coexist—but she proved otherwise.
“I delivered results while maintaining care as a core value, and the EMBA has given me even more confidence that this approach works—even in tough business conditions beyond my industry,” she explains.
For her, leadership is about earning trust, fostering collaboration, and maintaining integrity—values she believes are essential for long-term success in any organisation.
“Results come from people, and when you lead with fairness and respect, your team will go above and beyond,” she adds.
Ramya has always been a strong advocate for safety and worker welfare, and the EMBA has reinforced her commitment to integrating these values into business strategy.
“The program broadened my understanding of business opportunities, helping me see how safety and well-being can be integrated without compromising efficiency,” she explains.
Exposure to different leadership styles has helped her develop innovative ways to balance high performance with human-centered leadership.
Applying the EMBA to Real-World Challenges
The EMBA experience has directly influenced how Ramya approaches project management, particularly prioritising and optimising outcomes. “Managing the program’s demands has honed my ability to prioritise—an invaluable skill both in life and in my role at Shell,” she says.
Exposure to various industries expanded her perspective, reinforcing how her leadership skills could extend beyond the energy sector.
She credits the entrepreneurial capstone project with helping her push past perceived limits and embrace new challenges. “It taught me to push the limits of what is doable and never shy away from challenges,” she explains.
Her perspective on project success has also evolved. “We often glorify problem solvers, but we must also recognise and appreciate those who design systems to prevent problems in the first place,” she adds.
This proactive approach has reshaped how she leads teams and delivers results in a complex, capital-driven industry.
While the academic learning was invaluable, Ramya’s most significant personal growth came from her relationships with her fellow EMBA candidates. “The selection panel did an excellent job bringing together people with shared values,” she notes. This experience’s transformative power has left her feeling inspired and motivated.
Her cohort was diverse yet like-minded, reinforcing her confidence in working with leaders from across industries and backgrounds. “Being part of a group of people I deeply respect has been transformative for me,” she says.
Shaping the Future of the Energy Sector
Ramya’s connection to the energy industry is both professional and deeply personal.
“Growing up in a middle-class family in a developing economy, I experienced firsthand the vital role of energy in driving progress,” she shares.
This background has made her highly conscious of energy conservation and sustainability, values that she brings to her work today. “Rather than seeing this as a challenge, I see it as an opportunity to lead the energy transition and shape a strong future through innovation,” she explains.
She believes the EMBA’s global exposure has given her the insights and tools to drive this change effectively.
For women considering an Executive MBA, especially those in engineering and project management, Ramya’s advice is simple: “Take charge and lead the way! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—create them.” She believes women are resilient, strong, and capable of handling uncertainty and adversity.
“Stay humble, keep calm, and never stop learning. Be a role model for others by breaking barriers and showing what’s possible.”She also highlights the importance of a strong network of female leaders, something she found in her cohort.
“If it sounds unbelievable, just look at Intake 19! I am surrounded by incredible women who ‘can do’ and constantly cheered on to do even better. #Intake19, we rock!!”
Final Thoughts: A Path of Growth and Impact
The UCLA-NUS Executive MBA has given Ramya more than just a degree. It has strengthened her leadership, broadened her perspective, and reinforced her belief in leading with care and accountability. “The program has given me the confidence, knowledge, and network to push my limits and drive meaningful change.”
So for anyone considering the UCLA-NUS EMBA, she has one message:
“You can do it. Your journey will inspire others to follow.”
Like Ramya Mahakali, are you ready to take your leadership to the next level? Learn more about the UCLA-NUS Executive MBA today.