Mohit Bhatia on Restructuring With the Think Bigger Framework

I enrolled in the Think Bigger program because I wanted to take my leadership and decision-making skills to the next level. I was drawn to the program’s structured approach to innovative thinking—something that’s incredibly valuable in today’s fast-changing business environment. The opportunity to learn directly from Professor Sheena Iyengar and to collaborate with a diverse group of global professionals made it an easy decision for me.

There were several, but a few really stood out. First, the six-step Think Bigger methodology gave me a clear, repeatable framework for tackling complex challenges. That structure has been incredibly useful—both professionally and in day-to-day life.

I also had a few “aha” moments during the program—one of the biggest being the realization that trying harder isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, stepping back and reframing the problem is what leads to better solutions.

The Choice Mapper tool was another game-changer. It helped me organize and refine ideas much more effectively. And finally, learning from Professor Iyengar and the faculty team was genuinely enriching—their insights and teaching style had a lasting impact.

 

The program’s blend of creative thinking and real-world business application really impressed me. It wasn’t just theory—it was grounded in practical tools I could apply right away. The six-step methodology stood out because of how accessible and actionable it was, and the Choice Mapper made idea generation and refinement so much more structured. That combination really helped me shift the way I approach problem-solving.

The program helped me become more strategic and thoughtful in how I lead. The six-step method gave me a framework to approach challenges with structure, while the tools we used—especially the Choice Mapper—helped bring clarity to complex decisions.

It also pushed me to think more creatively. I now approach leadership decisions with a better balance of critical thinking and innovation. It’s definitely helped me make more informed, effective decisions across the board.

I’d say—go for it, but be ready to stretch your thinking. The Think Bigger program challenges traditional approaches and equips you with practical tools to think more creatively and make better decisions.

Engage fully with the material and take advantage of learning from Professor Iyengar—her insights are powerful. And don’t overlook the value of the peer group. The diversity of perspectives in the room is something you learn from just as much as the curriculum. Also, make the most of the six-step methodology and Choice Mapper—they’ll serve you well long after the program ends.

The biggest takeaway was having a clear, structured way to generate and refine innovative ideas. It’s a methodology I can apply across different business situations—and it’s helped me be more intentional about how I think through problems. It also sparked a shift in my mindset: I now spend more time analyzing and rethinking the problem itself before jumping to a solution.

One of my biggest “aha” moments was realizing that pushing harder isn’t always the best strategy. Sometimes you need to step back, reframe the challenge, and look at it from a different angle. That shift in approach has made a big difference in how I make decisions and lead teams.

It was an incredible experience. Professor Iyengar’s style is both engaging and thought-provoking—she makes complex ideas accessible and actionable. The faculty created an environment that encouraged discussion and exploration, which made the learning experience much more dynamic. I walked away not just with knowledge but with real tools and insights I could put into practice immediately.

Choice Mapper has been a really valuable tool. It brings structure to what can otherwise be a messy process—breaking problems down, organizing ideas, and then combining them into something stronger. It’s helped make my decision-making process more deliberate and effective, and I’ve already started using it in real business scenarios.

If you have questions about the program or are interested in enrolling or sponsoring someone in your organization, please don’t hesitate to contact Cristina Ordonez at cristina.ordonez@gsb.columbia.edu or +212-853-4823.