IGNITING A MODERN RENAISSANCE
Dr. Sharad Mehra, the Regional CEO (Asia and Australia) of GUS Global Services (GGS), is a venerated figure in the education sector. With an illustrious career spanning three decades, he epitomises a leadership style that is transparent yet resolute, consultative yet decisive. He has propelled GUS Global Services to international prominence by instilling a culture of sustainability, innovation, and empowerment. A certified leadership coach and a distinguished industry expert, Dr. Mehra has been charting a path for the leaders of tomorrow with an eye on integrity, empathy, and lateral thinking.
“FOR DR. MEHRA, LEADERSHIP IS NOT LIMITED TO ACHIEVING BUSINESS MILESTONES; IT’S ABOUT LEAVING A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT, OPPORTUNITY, AND LASTING SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION. HIS IMPACT STEMS FROM HIS COMMITTED LEADERSHIP”
True leadership is not just about building successful institutions; it is about creating a lasting impact on the world. Dr. Sharad Mehra is one such leader. At a time when disruption is rewriting the rules across industries, Dr. Mehra stands at the forefront, ensuring that education evolves not as a response to change but as a driver of it—creating not just graduates, but leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
His approach prioritises students, employees, and society, aiming to create meaningful opportunities that extend beyond conventional boundaries. A vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership, Dr. Mehra believes that true transformation comes from breaking barriers and fostering accessibility.
His impact is most evident in his role at GUS Global Services (GGS), the Indian subsidiary of GUS, where he has been instrumental in elevating partner academic institutions to global recognition. GGS provides a broad spectrum of consulting and professional services to higher education institutions, spanning academic strategy, student enrolment, research, and technology support.
Under Dr. Mehra’s guidance, the organisation has formed strategic alliances with institutions such as Pearl Academy, known for its contributions to creative education, and UPES, a multidisciplinary university with a strong research focus. He is Chairman of Hydrocarbons Education & Research Society (HERS), the sponsoring body of UPES, and President of Creative Arts Education Society (CAES), the society under which Pearl Academy is operated and managed.
His efforts have also played a pivotal role in initiatives like UPES Online and WILL (Work Integrated Learning for Leadership), which are reshaping education to be more accessible and industry-relevant. Among his notable contributions is the launch of the Pearl Academy Metacampus, an immersive and flexible digital learning ecosystem designed to meet the evolving needs of students worldwide.
More recently, he spearheaded a collaboration between GGS and the University of Surrey, a milestone in transnational education. As a strategic partner, GGS will support the establishment of the university’s new campus at GIFT City, Gujarat, offering world-class education opportunities in India.
Beyond academia, Dr. Mehra has ventured into the world of entertainment with Curious Eyes Cinema, a Mumbai-based production house dedicated to creating content that resonates with young audiences. His belief in the power of storytelling as a catalyst for education and social change is at the heart of this initiative.
“Rains Don’t Make Us Happy Anymore,” a film produced by Sharad Mehra under the banner of Curious Eyes Cinema, has been officially selected for the 56th edition of Europe’s foremost documentary festival, Visions du Réel. Besides, a soon-to-be-released feature film reinforces his broader philosophy that education is not merely about knowledge acquisition, but about cultivating critical thinkers and responsible global citizens.
A LEADERSHIP ETHOS ROOTED IN IMPACT
Dr. Mehra’s leadership philosophy is guided by a singular question: how can influence be used for the greater good? His belief in “abusing power for the good of people” reflects his commitment to leveraging authority to drive meaningful change. This ethos has informed his strategic decisions, from launching scholarship programs that remove financial barriers for students to mentoring young athletes who have gone on to represent India at state and national levels.
His leadership is characterised by structured, forward-thinking decision-making. At GGS, a network of specialized committees ensures that initiatives align with long-term goals and industry demands. The Product Committee conducts annual reviews to refine strategies, the Long-Range Planning Committee oversees the organisation’s strategic roadmap, and the Finance Committee ensures sustainable investment. These mechanisms collectively drive the company’s vision, ensuring its continued evolution in the education sector.
SETTING THE COURSE FOR THE FUTURE
For Dr. Mehra, the future of education hinges on adaptability and innovation. He is focused on integrating emerging technologies into learning platforms, equipping students with not just academic knowledge but essential skills in leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Over the long term, he envisions positioning GUS as a major player in global education, where learning becomes a force for societal progress.
A defining aspect of his leadership style is a ‘people-first’ approach. By fostering an environment that values open communication and collaboration, he has nurtured a workplace culture that thrives on mutual respect and shared success. His open-door policy ensures that ideas flow freely, enabling innovation to flourish without hierarchical constraints.
CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABILITY IN EDUCATION
Dr. Mehra is also a strong proponent of embedding sustainability into educational frameworks. Under his leadership, GUS has made substantial strides in integrating sustainability into its curriculum and operations. Initiatives such as investment in energy-efficient infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and waste reduction programs serve as practical examples for students on how sustainability can be incorporated into daily life.
One standout initiative is the water conservation program at UPES Dehradun. By replacing conventional RO systems with a sustainable UV treatment plant, the institution has significantly reduced wastewater, saving 30 million litres of water annually. This effort aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and exemplifies Dr. Mehra’s belief that educational institutions should lead by example in addressing global challenges.
RACKING UP ACCOLADES
Dr. Mehra’s contributions have earned widespread recognition. Under his stewardship, GGS has earned several accolades, including recognition as one of India’s Best Workplaces™ for Millennials (2024), a spot on India’s Best Workplaces™ in Education & Training (2024), and India’s Great Mid-Size Workplaces (2024). These honours reflect not just operational success but the deep-seated cultural transformation he has championed within the organisation. With a leadership style that balances vision with execution, and a philosophy that intertwines business with societal good, Dr. Sharad Mehra continues to shape the future of education, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the lives it touches.
