Dr. Anil Rao Paila is the Senior Dean and Director at Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), Bangalore. He was a topper in Shivaji University in his B.Com, M.Com, and M.C.M degrees. He has a Ph.D. Degree in Management Information Systems (MIS). He is also a Chartered Accountant by profession and was awarded “The Chitragupta Award” for his outstanding performance. Under his leadership WeSchool, Bangalore received Bangalore Management Association’s (BMA) – Best B-School Award of the year 2015 and BMA Academic Excellence in B Schools of the Year Award in 2016.

Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), Bangalore

What has been your vision for the college?

“To establish us as one of the best B-Schools in Karnataka, South India, and nationally”

When I joined, we were in the phase of taking the first approval from AICTE for our PGDM programs. Under the leadership of our Group Director, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, we became well known in the industry. WeSchool Bengaluru campus was awarded for the best innovation practice in the Academia category in “Grassroots Exploration to Business Creation'' by the NHRD Bengaluru Chapter at its’ novel 9th – HR Showcase 2020 recently.  Our new initiatives in Executive Education are relevant and futuristic. Our customized offerings focus on developing skill sets and mindsets that vary with changing times.

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“The ability to bring about a revolutionary change in the educational system inspires me”

My decision for joining the management education space was when I was at the peak of my corporate career. The new FDI in education was at its maturity, so joining early and pursuing my passion seemed achievable. The quest for quality in education, research, and innovations in education would make our education sector embrace the new normal. This belief that this change is doable was the key factor that kept me connected with the education sector.

What is your philosophy of leadership?

“A democratic type of functioning allows us to be in sync with a common goal”

I believe that everyone is a leader by themselves. It is the exposure one gets in life which makes them better leaders. Practicing leadership styles is critical for all and needs encouragement. I am more into ensuring there is collective wisdom from all stakeholders and hence my style is democratic and delegative, which has always worked well for me.

What do you think your responsibilities to the University and the students are?

“To provide an academic environment that catalyzes the learning experience”

Student success is paramount to the success of our institute and therefore every effort to enhance the competencies of students at every stage is done by our regular interventions. These include student clubs, student competitions, mentoring process - Assessment Centre-Development Centre (AC-DC) process, etc. Also, being a residential campus, joint student projects, peer learning is high on the agenda on campus.

The institute also provides a prototype lab that acts as a safe space for students to try out their ideas and experiments and gain practical insights.

What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for WeSchool, students?

“Collaborative education with globally renowned institutes”

  • We have students going for exchange programs to Mälardalen University, Sweden, and the faculty also has participated in Linnaeus Palme International Exchange Program of Govt. of Sweden.
  • Our students have virtually interned with organizations in India and overseas in countries like Singapore, South Africa, Netherlands, Germany & Spain
  • During the six-week virtual summer internship in 2020, each student was being supported and mentored by a WeSchool faculty (in addition to the mentor from the organization).

What do you think should be the B-School’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“A focus on executive education especially leadership development and consulting projects”

Over the past 13 years of establishment, WeSchool Bangalore has focused on consolidating and pioneering in academic excellence. Our initiatives in building faculty competence in GCL pedagogy, case development, participation in executive education are valued. We are now geared up for the next leap, be it research, or internationalization. WeSchool should and shall be known in the academic circles as the campus to be learned from for the best practices.

What would you like people to know about WeSchool they may not know?

“Innovative entrepreneurship and incubation cell for the self-reliant growth of our students”

At the WeSchool Bengaluru campus, students can explore, discover, experiment, and have an immersive learning experience.

  • ‘Venture’ the entrepreneurship cell strives to create an ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship through the use of available resources.
  • The incubation cell currently has housed two businesses:
  • 'Let’s Tag On' a social business NGO. It is a pioneer of service-learning in India.
  • 'Autolligent' is a Robotic Process Automation Start-Up that has been a proud winner under the Governance Category in the Maharashtra Start-Up Week 2020.
  • Prototype Lab: WeSchool has created this lab for its campus in Bengaluru. The lab is a space for students to try out their ideas, do pottery, sculpting amongst others.
  • Academia-Industry Connect: Regular interaction with professional bodies such as NHRD, CII, and corporate leaders/organizations through roundtable discussions, seminars, conferences.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

“Always ask questions, keep on that hunger to learn, and absorb skills to succeed in the industry”

My advice to the youth and aspiring students - Go beyond the syllabus. Participate in various webinars, conferences, chat with leaders, moderate sessions, keep your research pursuit on. Adapt to the current environment and enthuse the entrepreneurial bent on mind always.