Rishi Sher Singh

My Graduate Story

I’m Rishi, and I am the Founder and CEO of World of Gears, a sustainability consultancy based in India. My work focuses on helping companies and supply chains implement ESG, Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD), and ethical practices in ways that are practical, locally rooted, and aligned with global expectations.

With over 25 years of experience across sectors like automotive, electronics, FMCG, agriculture, renewables, and technology, I bring a deep understanding of both business systems and the realities on the ground. I’m passionate about bridging corporate goals with the voices of workers, farmers, and communities through participatory and culturally sensitive approaches.

A Day in My Life

In my current role as Founder and CEO of World of Gears, no two days are ever the same, but they are always purposeful. My work sits at the intersection of business strategy and human rights implementation, so a typical day might involve coaching supply chain leaders on ESG practices, facilitating workshops for factory managers, or reviewing progress on grievance mechanism projects with our field teams.

I spend a substantial amount of time on the ground; in farms, factories, and supplier locations engaging directly with workers, farmers, and local managers. This allows me to stay closely connected to the real-world challenges and ensure that our solutions are not just theoretical, but practical and respectful of local realities.

Alongside project work, I dedicate time to mentoring young professionals who are passionate about responsible business. Helping the next generation grow with clarity, compassion, and courage is one of the most meaningful parts of my role.

Amidst all this, I make space to reflect, write, and stay grounded in why this work matters,  ensuring that World of Gears doesn’t just grow, but grows with empathy and integrity.

My favourite things about studying an MBA

For me, the best thing about the MBA course at the University of Birmingham was how globally diverse and intellectually grounded it was. The classroom brought together professionals from all over the world, which meant that every discussion was rich with different perspectives.

But what really stood out was the focus on practical learning, whether through case studies, real-world projects, or deep reflection on leadership styles. It wasn’t just about management theories, it was about how to lead with purpose, how to navigate complexity, and how to think systemically.

That blend of academic depth and real-world application gave me the confidence to later build World of Gears and lead meaningful change in supply chains across India and beyond.

My Birmingham Experience

My MBA from the University of Birmingham gave me the foundation to lead with purpose and think globally while acting locally. It’s a privilege to continue applying those lessons today as I build partnerships for sustainable change across India and beyond.

The Careers Network at the University of Birmingham played a meaningful role in shaping my career path. As an international student, I appreciated how approachable and practical the team was, they helped me refine my CV to reflect both global and local relevance, and gave me confidence in how to present my experience during interviews and networking sessions.

I remember attending career workshops that weren’t just about getting a job; they helped me think more broadly about purpose, leadership, and entrepreneurship. I had the early spark of building something of my own, and the conversations with mentors and advisors gave me the foundation to pursue that path.

Importantly, the Careers Network created networking opportunities that expanded my thinking. Interacting with alumni, employers, and students from diverse sectors helped me explore possibilities beyond the obvious. That spirit of curiosity and connection continues to shape my journey as a founder today.

I also had a scholarship which allowed me to be able to self fund my MBA without any debt. 

My Biggest Achievement

My biggest achievement during the MBA was developing the clarity and confidence to lead with purpose. The course gave me space not only to build technical knowledge, but to reflect deeply on who I was becoming, as a professional and as a person.

Through modules focused on leadership development, reflective practice, and goal setting, I began to shape a vision for the kind of work I wanted to do and the impact I wanted to create. I learned to set meaningful goals, not just for career progression, but for contribution, growth, and balance.

I also took on challenging group projects and learned how to work across cultures and perspectives. But it was the inner growth, learning to think critically, lead with empathy, and stay aligned to my values, that has stayed with me the most.

That foundation became the springboard for launching World of Gears and continuing to build a values-led business

Advice for Students

• 
  Go beyond the desk - Real learning happens on the ground. Spend time in factories, farms, or wherever real lives are impacted.Choose meaning over medals.
• Don’t chase titles - chase work that feels purposeful and builds something bigger than you.
• People matter more than PowerPoints - Listening deeply, showing empathy, and understanding local realities will take you further than slides ever will.
• Stay curious and keep unlearning - The world is changing fast. Be open to new ideas—and willing to let go of old ones.
• Define success for yourself - For me, it’s impact with integrity, and time for family. You get to write your own version.