Team Fuqua is not just a phrase you hear in passing — it’s a way of working, a mindset that everyone at Fuqua fully embraces. Before arriving, I’d heard countless stories about camaraderie and collaboration, and now that I’m here, I’d like to share my own experience.

A bit about myself: I was born and raised in Mumbai, India, and my background spans entrepreneurship, business, advertising tech, and human resources tech. On my very first day at Fuqua, I had the opportunity to meet my four incredible teammates, each bringing unique perspectives from around the world.

Teamwork: United by a Common Purpose

What I truly love about our team is our diversity. Among us, we speak seven languages, hold six different majors, pursue five distinct career goals, and represent four different countries. Yet, we share one common purpose: to support and uplift each other, no matter the challenge.

What made our team thrive was recognizing each other’s strengths early on. Alex is a natural presenter who confidently leads our presentations, Jane excels in data analysis like no one else, Jason is our go-to strategist and Steven is the creative problem-solver who brings innovative solutions and a fresh perspective to every challenge. By playing to our strengths, we’ve been able to achieve more together than we ever could alone.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Our team truly embraced this proverb. Working with a diverse team has challenged my assumptions. For instance, while I initially approached case analyses from the perspective of someone who has spent their entire life in India, my teammates from other regions introduced fresh insights that broadened my thinking. This exchange of perspectives was a major reason I chose an international business school.

Beyond academics, we’ve bonded over celebrating our cultural traditions. For Diwali, I encouraged my teammates to wear Indian attire, and we celebrated together. In return, Jane and Steven brought mooncakes for Chinese New Year, and we spent an afternoon making them ourselves. These moments, filled with family traditions and shared joy, made us feel more like family than teammates.

Putting Our Team First

I have learned quite a lot from my team, both professionally and personally. One of the most defining aspects of Team Fuqua is how we embody the spirit of “collaboration over competition.” It’s easy to get caught up in the race for academic and career success, but we constantly remind each other that individual wins are team wins too. Whether it was reviewing resumes, prepping for interviews, or helping refine a presentation, we have each other’s backs.

In every sense, Team Fuqua embodies the spirit of collaboration, empathy, and mutual growth. These are lessons I will carry forward not just throughout my master’s journey but throughout my career and life. As much as we are individuals, we are stronger together. And that is what Team Fuqua has taught me — success isn’t just about reaching the finish line; it’s about how you get there and who you bring with you. If you want to go far and grow stronger, Team Fuqua will take you there.