From Chemistry to Strategies: How Ishpinder Kailey leverages IMBA to Amplify Its Impact in STEM

When Australian learner Ishpinder Kailey reflects on her journey, he taught Physics and Chemistry from India, led a global R&D team in Canada, and now co-founded her consulting firm with her Australian consulting firm – her path tells a story of unwavering resilience, formed by bold decisions, reinventions, profound decisions about education and personal growth.

The foundation of Ishpindind is the foundation of science and has accumulated a large amount of academic records. Most professionals might think that her PhD in Physics and Chemistry and two Masters degrees (one organic synthesis and the other in civil/environmental engineering) would be enough. However, Ishpinder took the online IMBA at the University of Illinois GIES School of Business, finishing third.

She is eager to take her R&D knowledge to the next level and make greater contributions to the business driving conversation. Ishpinder achieved this with just one of her qualifications and seamlessly blended her technical expertise with business strategies, allowing herself to be confident in science and entrepreneurship.

“I chose an MBA because I wanted to understand the strategic and financial decisions behind the work I was already doing. I know the industry – I just need to use that knowledge to do more tools.”

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Decision Gith

Ishpinder knows her goals. She recognizes that to make a wider impact, she needs to build a stronger foundation in her business.

“I looked at top courses with flexibility. UIUC has a strong academic reputation and is able to obtain such a high-quality MBA online with Coursera, which is a key difference for me. The IMBA has achieved the right balance of rigor, flexibility, affordability and global reputation. Performance-based admissions and practice focus also clarifies the program and illuminates the impact of the program building reality for reality.”

She attended the IMBA and was happy with her choice. Ishpinder points to the flexibility, accessibility, real-world applications and a strong support network of the program, thus being able to overcome the challenges of both part-time and full-time work.

When asked to describe her experience in the program, she said “It’s transformational. The professor is excellent, and peer learning from a global population is a huge asset. I particularly value the emphasis on collaboration and strategic thinking.”

Ishpinder graduated with a 3.94 GPA in August 2023 and joined Beta Gamma Sigma. But even after graduation, she imposed an education forward.

“You only need 18 courses to complete your MBA. But my list is longer than that – I still offer courses on Coursera. I love learning.”

Resilience and success

Her motivation goes beyond professional ambitions – it originates from deep personal purposes. After losing her husband, Ishpind became the solo parent of her twin daughters. Instead of retreating, she accepted the challenge, found strength in the role of mother and leader, determined to show her daughter the power of resilience.

“I come from a middle-class family in India. Whatever I accomplish, I know it’s because I really worked hard. I hope my daughter remembers I tried. I don’t want them to think I had a chance and didn’t catch it. Execution is my strength. Most people lack execution.”

In 2023, Ishpind moved from Canada to Australia after being invited to gain recognition as an outstanding global talent for its achievements, an honor received within a week of application. Today, she is applying everything she has learned in science, leadership and business as co-founder and chief consultant of Purple Spark Advisory, a professional consulting firm that supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“IMBA has helped me develop the strategic and operational capabilities to build and launch my company. The program has undoubtedly helped me turn adversity into strength and has inspired me to be a catalyst for transformation, not only in my own life, but also the clients I am now aiming to serve through the Purple Spark Advisory.”

Climb forward

When asked about the results of the degree, Ishpinder said “In this degree, I gained the confidence, knowledge and tools of my business and leading from the frontline.”

She is also passionate about volunteering and is a proud member of the 2025 PMI PMO Global Awards jury, which recognizes outstanding PMOS globally for its excellence, innovation and strategic impact. In addition, she has joined a mentoring program and is currently coaching four emerging professionals, and the work of Ishpinder Notes makes a lot of sense.

With final advice for other similar learners, Ishpindind, whether it’s a peer in STEM or a mom working in a busy life, her child tells her child:

“It’s never too late to try. If you don’t try, you’ve failed. I started my MBA in my forties and I always tell myself that it’s never too late to try.”

Her next goal? Climb Mount Kilimanjaro with her twin daughters. There is no doubt that with her perseverance, humility and unwavering commitment: she will get there, and then some.