Sagar Kaushik: Advancing human rights through ethical business

What led you to take the Cambridge MBA?

My decision to pursue the Cambridge MBA was driven by my background in the entertainment industry and my desire to further specialise in this field. I was seeking a top-ranked MBA programme that offers a focus on media and entertainment, enabling me to deepen my expertise. Cambridge Judge Business School stood out, not only for its academic reputation but also for its connection to the broader University of Cambridge network – a crucial asset in an industry where professional advancement is often driven by interpersonal relationships and networking. 

The specialised Concentration in Culture, Arts, and Media Management at Cambridge aligns perfectly with my career goals. I believe this programme will provide me with the unique blend of knowledge, skills, and connections needed to navigate and succeed in the complex intersection of business and creativity within the entertainment industry. 

Describe the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

The most significant and tangible accomplishment in my career, so far, has been receiving an award from the Prime Minister of India for my work on a 3D Laser and Projection Mapping Project. This recognition was a monumental moment for me, as it highlighted my technical expertise and creative vision on a national stage. The project itself was a complex and innovative endeavour, pushing the boundaries of technology and art to create an immersive experience that captivated audiences. The award validated the countless hours of hard work, problem-solving, and collaboration involved, marking a pinnacle of achievement in my professional journey. 

However, beyond this prestigious recognition, what has truly left a lasting impact on me is seeing an audience laugh, cheer, and connect emotionally while watching a movie that I contributed to. There’s something profoundly fulfilling about knowing that my work played a role in creating moments of joy and connection for others. It’s these human reactions – those genuine, unfiltered responses – that remind me why I chose this career in the first place. While awards and accolades are incredibly meaningful, the true essence of my work lies in its ability to touch people’s lives, even if just for a moment. That, to me, is the most rewarding and enduring accomplishment of my career. 

How do you feel about being awarded your scholarship?

I feel deeply honoured and privileged to have been awarded this scholarship. It’s an immense recognition of my hard work, dedication, and potential, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity it provides. 

Being able to study at such a historically significant and academically prestigious university is a dream come true, and the scholarship makes this possible in a way that I couldn’t have imagined. 

What do you want to get out of the MBA most of all in the next year?

In the next year, what I want to gain most from the MBA is a comprehensive understanding of the business of entertainment and the media industry. I aim to develop a solid foundation in key areas such as strategic thinking, financial analysis, marketing, and operations. By mastering these skills, I hope to become a more versatile and effective leader, capable of making informed decisions and driving success in any creative field focused on storytelling. 

Additionally, I’m eager to learn from my classmates, who come from a diverse array of industries and backgrounds. Engaging with them will give me valuable insights into how different sectors operate, the challenges they face, and the innovative solutions they employ. This cross-industry learning will not only broaden my perspective but also inspire new ways of thinking that I can apply to my own career. 

Where do you see your MBA journey taking you in your future career?

I envision my MBA journey as a pivotal step in advancing my career within the entertainment industry, but in a role that uniquely bridges the gap between creativity and business strategy. 

My goal is to move into a leadership position where I can influence not only the creative direction of projects but also the business decisions that sustain and drive that creativity and storytelling forward. 

What does Cambridge mean to you?

To me, Cambridge represents far more than just an academic institution; it embodies a tradition of excellence, intellectual rigour, and innovation that has shaped the course of history and continues to influence the future. 

It offers a unique environment where students are encouraged to push the boundaries of their understanding, challenge established norms and explore new ideas with the guidance of some of the world’s most esteemed scholars. 

Something that few people may know about you…

Something that few people may know about me is that I have an absolute obsession with football tactics. This passion goes far beyond just watching matches; I dive deep into the strategic nuances of the game, analysing formations, player roles, and how different tactical approaches can influence the outcome of a match. 

I spend hours meticulously crafting and tweaking tactics in a video game, Football Manager, studying how different variables, such as player attributes and team dynamics, affect performance on the virtual pitch.