Garima Thakur
The Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University
Age: 41
“Village girl from India with big ambitions, turning failure into strength, never doubting what’s possible.”
Hometown: Jammu, India
Family Members: Rohit Chopra(husband), Rihanna and Kabir (children)
Fun fact about yourself: I have been doing yoga for 17 years – it’s my secret weapon for staying calm and driven.
Undergraduate School and Degree: Bachelors in Science & Technology from Panjab Technical University India
Where are you currently working? Visa working as Director Business Process Consultant
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work, and Leadership Roles: School-level badminton player with a passion for sports, and team collaboration. Actively involved as President of my housing community. Proven leadership fostering teamwork, responsibility, and initiative.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of the experiences I am most proud of was during the 418 project, where I had the opportunity with a team from Santa Cruz to work to bring communities together through art. Our discussion focused on how art can build connection and inclusion, and we explored ways our business insights can support their mission. I contributed new ideas around funding models, partnership strategies, and community engagement plans to help drive their long-term success. It was meaningful to apply what I was learning in business school to a real-world initiative with social impact.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the achievements I am most proud of in my career is progressing to a leadership role at Visa, where I became part of the decision-making team shaping the future of the business. This role allowed me to collaborate closely with key stakeholders across product, strategy, and operations to define and execute strategic initiatives. Being involved at this level has been rewarding because it’s not only about driving business growth but also influencing the direction and innovation that will impact the industry long term.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? Kumar Sarangee is my favorite professor because of his deep knowledge of product management and his visionary mindset. He brings forward ideas that not only inspire, but also have a meaningful impact on students and their understanding of real-world innovation.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? The Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, which offers a unique opportunity to learn from market leaders while building a great alumni network. I wanted to do an Executive MBA that would not only sharpen my business acumen, but also help me grow into a leader who thinks strategically, inspires motivation, and brings bold ideas to life.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? One of the most valuable lessons I gained during my Leavey MBA journey was a deep understanding of the product management life cycle – from ideation and development to launch and iteration. By aligning cross-functional teams earlier in the life cycle and setting clearer milestones, we were able to reduce delays and improve time-to-market for key product features. It helped me connect academic concepts with real-world execution and drive tangible results.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? One of the most challenging yet rewarding moments during my Executive MBA was managing a critical product launch at work while judging a major assignment deadline for school. The pressure was intense: long hours, high expectations, and tight timelines on both fronts.
What helped me through was the incredible support system around me. My parents stepped in to help manage things at home, and my EMBA cohort became a source of motivation and practical support – from sharing notes to late-night calls to talk through the assignment.
That experience taught me the power of asking for help, staying focused, and learning on the strength of your community. It’s a reminder that success is not just individual – it’s built with the people who support you.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? My biggest advice is to be intentional from day one. Know why you are pursuing the program – whether it’s to grow as a leader, switch roles, or build a stronger network – and stay grounded in that purpose throughout. Second, don’t try it alone. Balancing your work, life, and school is intense, but the beauty of an EMBA lies in the support you get from your cohort, professors, and family.
What was your biggest regret in business school? My biggest regret in business school was not engaging more deeply in networking opportunities and missing out on a few chances to connect with peers outside my immediate circle.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? It was Avichal Karia because of his deep knowledge and insightful perspectives he brought to every topic. He was always open and fearless in sharing his thoughts, which made discussions more engaging and thought-provoking.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? The EMBA is designed for more experienced professionals bringing rich, practical insights to every discussion. Also, it allowed me to continue my full-time role without compromising on my education.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? I paid from my savings.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional goal is to serve as a board member for a purpose-driven organization, where I can contribute to high-impact decisions that shape the company’s future. I want to play a strategic role at the highest level – helping guide vision, governance, and growth while creating meaningful value for stakeholders.
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