In this candid reflection, ILSS alum Chetan Bhangdia, CEO-Director at the Centre for Learning Resources (CLR), shares his journey of transitioning from the corporate world to the social sector. From building a perspective to embracing continuous learning, he outlines the steps, mindsets, and values that shaped his path, while offering grounded insights for others considering a similar move.
Is there a particular defining moment that inspired your transition to the social sector?
Rather than a single defining moment, my transition was shaped by a process involving two key steps – developing perspective and exploring possibilities. The first step was identifying social problems that deeply resonated with me, followed by analysing existing solutions and the underlying theories of change. Next, I sought to understand the possibilities and potential pathways for a corporate professional like myself to meaningfully contribute to social sector organisations.
The ILSS Leadership Program played a pivotal role by providing exposure to the individual and organisational journeys within the social sector. Ultimately, the rich legacy of CLR’s social work, the alignment of the role with my objectives, and its compatibility with my perspective made me confident in taking the leap.
How did you integrate into your new organisation after taking over the role?
A structured induction plan initially facilitated my seamless integration into the organisation and enabled me to assume my assigned role. Subsequently, a detailed and collaboratively created transition plan for the expanded role ensured a strong foundation to build upon. Regular check-ins and progress reviews allowed me to stay on course while making necessary adjustments when required. I was fortunate to receive excellent support from the leadership team, program teams, and the governing council of CLR.
Field visits, engagements with government stakeholders and funders, discussions with internal committees, and feedback from the staff gave me a good understanding of CLR’s work, stakeholder expectations, and the priorities I needed to focus on in the next 6-12 months.
Which skills from your corporate career have been most valuable in your social impact work?
I would say that the ability to see the big picture, take a systems view, collaborate with a diverse set of stakeholders, navigate organisational dynamics, and data-driven decision-making have been the most valuable skills so far.
What were some of the misconceptions you had about the social sector before making the switch?
Each sector is uniquely shaped by its history and the forces influencing it over time. While I made a conscious effort to avoid harbouring misconceptions before making the switch, I have been truly amazed by the resilience and innovative approaches embraced by the social sector to tackle longstanding challenges, despite operating in a highly resource-constrained and demanding environment.
What issues or challenges are you most passionate about addressing in the social sector?
Prior to the transition, I identified education and employability as the areas that resonate deeply with my passion. Advancement in these two areas is vital for India to ensure that the benefits of the nation’s rapid economic progress over recent decades reach disadvantaged sections of society swiftly and equitably. Through CLR, I have the opportunity to contribute to one of these areas close to my heart—providing quality education to underprivileged children and the youth.
What has been your biggest learning since making the switch?
Since making the switch, I have encountered new learning opportunities every week. My major takeaway has been that good management practices and professional approaches are universally applicable across sectors. However, it is important to contextualise these practices based on initial observations and adapt them as new evidence emerges. Additionally, embracing a mindset of continuous learning and proactively seeking advice from experts has proven instrumental during the transition and in taking up additional responsibilities at CLR.
What advice would you give to others who are considering a similar transition?
Cross-sector transitions, particularly from the corporate to the social sector, can be overwhelming. To navigate this journey, start by developing a thorough understanding of the social sector landscape and exploring opportunities within subsectors that align with your interests. Then, conduct an objective self-assessment, considering factors such as your personal circumstances, family responsibilities, financial stability, health, and overall long-term aspirations. An informed and honest evaluation provides clarity on whether — and when — to pursue such a transition.
Conclusion
‘Meaningful transitions are not sparked by a single moment, but by a thoughtful process of reflection, exploration, and alignment.’
– Chetan Bhangdia
Chetan’s journey is a powerful reminder that meaningful transitions are not sparked by a single moment but by a thoughtful process of reflection, exploration, and alignment. His story highlights how strategic thinking, humility, and a learner’s mindset can bridge the worlds of corporate and social impact. For professionals standing at a similar crossroads, his advice offers both practical guidance and the reassurance that such a path, when taken with intention, can lead to deeply fulfilling work.
About the Alumni
