EPISODES Chapter 2.0: Lessons on Leadership, Purpose and Reinvention
EPISODES Chapter 2.0, the flagship annual speaker series organized by EPIC, the Entrepreneurship Cell of IIM Visakhapatnam, in collaboration with AIC IIMV FIELD and EpiFunds, welcomed Mr. Vishal Malik, Chief Operating Officer at Kearney PERLab and former Director at McKinsey & Company, for an inspiring and interactive session that marked the first flagship event of the academic year for the incoming PGP 2026-28 batch.
Built on the belief that one extraordinary journey can inspire many others; EPISODES brings a single distinguished speaker to campus each year for an in-depth conversation that goes beyond achievements to explore the decisions, challenges and experiences that shape meaningful careers.
Addressing a packed auditorium of students and faculty, Mr. Malik shared his remarkable journey spanning consulting, entrepreneurship, writing and music. Reflecting on his career, he spoke about stepping away from a successful corporate role to explore entrepreneurship, co-authoring the book Embrace Your Genius, founding the corporate music community Addicted to Music, and continuing to pursue his passion for music alongside leadership responsibilities at Kearney. His stories demonstrated that professional excellence and personal passions need not exist in isolation.
Throughout the session, Mr. Malik encouraged students to build careers with clarity and conviction rather than chasing immediate success. One of his key messages, "Start somewhere, as long as it is directionally correct," resonated strongly with the audience as he narrated how several small but deliberate career decisions eventually led him to management consulting. He also reminded students that choosing the right environment is often more important than simply excelling, noting that "Where you play matters more than how you play."
Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasized that attitude, adaptability and continuous learning remain the strongest foundations of long-term success. Encouraging students to embrace change, he remarked that the ability to learn, unlearn and relearn will define successful professionals in an evolving world. He also urged students to discover their unique strengths and build careers around their individual advantages instead of following conventional paths.
The session stood out for its highly interactive format, blending storytelling, humour, music and audience participation. Students reflected on their own aspirations, discussed mentorship and career choices, and engaged directly with Mr. Malik through thought provoking conversations, making the experience both insightful and memorable.
The event also reflected the broader vision of EPIC in fostering entrepreneurial thinking and leadership among students through meaningful industry interactions. Presented in association with EpiFunds, India's first student led angel network incubated at IIMV FIELD, the initiative continues to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting students, founders, investors and mentors through collaborative platforms.
As the first major event for the new PGP batch, EPISODES Chapter 2.0 set the tone for the academic year by encouraging students to think beyond conventional career paths and embrace purpose, creativity and lifelong learning. Through Mr. Vishal Malik's inspiring journey, the session left students with a powerful reminder that meaningful careers are built not merely through ambition, but through authenticity, resilience and the courage to continually reinvent oneself.
