During his professional tenure in the United States, Nikhil Barshikar identified a pronounced skill gap among working professionals. He noticed that while recent graduates possessed solid theoretical foundations, they often lacked the practical competencies that employers actively sought. Conversely, experienced professionals had limited avenues for upskilling and career advancement. This observation lingered in his mind after he relocated to India in 2010, ultimately inspiring the creation of Imarticus Learning.
Bridging the Divide Between Academia and Industry
"My extensive background spanning over 18 years in investment banking and capital markets provided me with an insider's perspective on the skills that truly drive workplace success," explains Barshikar, the 46-year-old Founder and Managing Director of Mumbai-based Imarticus Learning. "I witnessed firsthand what distinguishes high performers from average ones, and it frequently extended beyond mere technical knowledge. Professionals must be job-ready from their very first day. This insight fundamentally shaped Imarticus's methodology, where we prioritize employability and real-world application over purely theoretical instruction."
Curriculum Designed for Market Relevance
Imarticus Learning's educational programs concentrate on high-demand fields such as finance, analytics, technology, marketing, and management. The curriculum is meticulously crafted based on current market needs and how students can effectively meet them. It incorporates valuable inputs from both industry veterans and academic faculty, aiming to address the persistent chasm between theoretical learning and practical implementation in Indian classrooms.
"Students may graduate with a thorough understanding of financial theories yet struggle to construct a financial model. They might grasp marketing concepts but be unable to execute a digital campaign," Barshikar notes. "Traditional education in India has historically emphasized rote learning and theoretical frameworks, which, while having their merits, often fail to prepare students for the dynamic realities of the professional world. Although this gap is gradually narrowing, it remains substantially significant."
Mentorship and Personal Philosophy
In a candid discussion, Barshikar shares his perspectives on mentorship, leadership, and personal routines. When asked about his mentors, he reflects, "While I've gained knowledge from numerous individuals throughout my career, I don't attribute my growth to a single traditional mentor. My learning has been more eclectic, drawing insights from colleagues at Lehman Brothers and Nomura, my grandfather's dedication to public service, observations of successful entrepreneurs, and continuous feedback from our learners and partners at Imarticus Learning who consistently push us to improve."
Institutionalizing Conviction for Scalable Growth
One pivotal insight Barshikar developed through collaborative learning with his leadership team revolves around transitioning personal conviction into institutional conviction. "Initially, Imarticus Learning's expansion was driven by my personal vision, relationships, and involvement in every crucial decision," he admits. "However, I recognized that this approach had inherent limitations. The company could only achieve true scalability when conviction became embedded within the organization's fabric. This realization fundamentally transformed my leadership style, shifting me from being the primary evangelist to architecting systems that cultivate collective belief."
On his role as a mentor, Barshikar emphasizes, "Being a mentor means committing to someone's holistic growth beyond their immediate responsibilities. It involves helping them envision possibilities they might overlook and offering candid feedback, even when it's challenging."
Daily Routines and Productivity Principles
Barshikar's mornings are dedicated to family time, especially with his 10-year-old daughter, before she heads to school. He also prioritizes gym sessions, viewing physical fitness as essential for mental clarity. "Some of my most effective strategic thinking occurs during workouts, where I can detach from daily distractions and approach problems from fresh angles," he shares. His early mornings are reserved for planning, reflection, reviewing key metrics, strategizing priorities, and staying updated with industry news.
To balance professional and personal life, Barshikar adheres to several productivity principles, including ruthless prioritization, optimizing time efficiency, delegating tasks effectively, integrating work with family life, and maintaining a long-term perspective. A positive routine he adopted during the pandemic involves disciplined meeting management. "I'm now very intentional about meeting agendas and outcomes—clarifying objectives, identifying necessary participants, defining expected results, and questioning whether a meeting is essential or if an email would suffice. This discipline has significantly enhanced our organizational productivity," he explains.
Continuous Learning and Future Aspirations
For mentorship and personal growth, Barshikar recommends diverse learning sources. "I stay informed about business trends through various podcasts and publications. In entrepreneurship, I value content focused on practical execution and operational challenges rather than merely inspirational narratives. I encourage people to read broadly—not just business books, but also history, biographies, and fiction," he advises.
To unwind, Barshikar cherishes family time and maintains intellectual curiosity across different sectors. He engages in angel investing, which satisfies his entrepreneurial spirit while supporting other founders. Looking ahead, he expresses interest in public service after his journey with Imarticus Learning, staying engaged with social and political issues as an observer and learner.
