‘One Step at a Time’ stands as a testament to how ICFAI grooms winners by fostering deep, intergenerational intellectual bonds. Dr. Nischita’s journey - spanning 40 years of life and two decades of navigating professional crossroads - was shaped significantly by the 20 years of mentorship she received from Prof. Rao, proving that the university’s engagement with its students is an ongoing initiative for those inclined to be mentored. As noted by IIM Kozhikode Director Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, this narrative embodies "learning as becoming," blending intellect with humility.
Dr. Nischita Muppavarapu is a prominent Indian aesthetic dermatologist, entrepreneur, and diplomat. She holds an MBA (taken in 2005) and an MBBS (obtained in 2012), and later specializing in dermatology with an M.Sc. from Cardiff University. She is an internationally renowned cosmetic dermatologist and Managing Director of Desire Aesthetics in Chennai and Hyderabad.
She was appointed as the first Honorary Consul of Costa Rica in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in May 2025. In 2019, she became the youngest person ever appointed as a member of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board. She is the author of the Telugu book "Aame Aakasam" (focused on historical women icons) and the 2025 memoir "One Step at a Time," which outlines her unique career path from an MBA to medicine.
One Step at a Time was launched recently by Mrs Sailaja Kiran, Managing Director, Margadarsi Chit Fund and Kalanjali, at the inaugural session of the “International Conference on Women 5.0: Power, Process & Possibilities” held at the ICFAI University Campus, Hyderabad on 11th December, 2025. Also the Chief Guest, Mrs Sailaja Kiran in her address lauded the authors for their commendable work of bringing out such an excellent book.
Prof Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM, Kozhikode, in his foreword stated that the book’s rare honesty is a narrative of reflection rather than achievement. He notes how Dr. Nischita’s story embodies “learning as becoming,” blending intellect with humility, and mentorship with meaning. He also suggested that students should learn some key facets of life from this book such as; critical thinking that questions assumptions, interdisciplinary wisdom that connects seemingly disparate fields, and a deeply humanistic voice that values purpose over position.
On this occasion, Dr Nischita Muppavarapu said "One Step at a Time" traces 40 years of living, 35 years of learning, and 2 decades of navigating choices and crossroads shaped by 20 years of mentorship, distilled into 12 chapters across 162 pages and 1 enduring lesson: “growth happens step by step."
Prof. Sudhakar Rao, the co- author, in his speech said “Dr. Nischita, an alumna of ICFAI University, has remained in touch with me throughout her professional journey. As a mentor, I’ve had the privilege of guiding her through some of her most defining crossroads and sharing in her moments of discovery. Collaborating on this book has been deeply fulfilling. "One Step at a Time" sees progress not as a revolution of noise, but as an evolution of purpose. True change begins within - through reflection, resilience, and renewal. It’s not about how far we move, but how deeply we grow with every step.”
Distinguished guests present at the event included, Mrs Sobha Rani Yasaswy, Chair person ICFAI Society; Prof. P. Rajalakshmi, IIT, Hyderabad; Dr. T Koti Reddy, Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) and Prof S Vijayalakshmi, Registrar, ICFAI University; and delegates from across the country .
The book opens by questioning society’s inherited definitions of success. It introduces the “Three Circles of Success” - male, female, and universal - encouraging readers to consciously define success for themselves. This becomes the framework for the journey that follows.
Set in Kakumanu’s Mandala Praja Parishad School, the second chapter revisits rural schooling, gendered privilege, and the quiet influence of her grandfather, who taught her curiosity through everyday lessons in the fields. Teacher Haneef Sir appears as her first true mentor.
Transitioning to Kakinada and later to Andhra University, she charts her academic hunger and early exposure to disciplined study. Experiences of being underestimated shaped her resilience. The third chapter marks this first conscious step toward higher education and ambition.
Then, drawing from her experiences in Thailand, she reflects on Anchali, a young masseuse whose story embodies cultural preservation as progress. Parallels are drawn to Laxmi Agarwal’s acid-attack activism and Indira Nooyi’s corporate vision at PepsiCo - illustrating that history is made in the present.
Prof. Sudhakar Rao, her mentor at ICFAI, delivers a defining truth in Chapter 5: “There will come a day when one must look in the mirror and ask what they are doing with themselves.” Through an MBA project in a telecom company, Nischita learns that reflection and rigor define real growth.
A failed project and an unvarnished evaluation transform into a turning point. She learns that failure is diagnostic, not defining. ICFAI’s structured mentorship model contrasts sharply with the chaotic internship culture elsewhere - reinforcing her respect for guided learning.
Written from her years in medicine and management, Nischita then explores the allure and anxiety of entrepreneurship. From multiple hospital consultancies to early business experiments, she frames entrepreneurship as “purpose-driven independence” - a journey, not a leap.
On Prof. Rao’s advice, she undertakes a year-long apprenticeship - a “real MBA of experience.” Working with Dr. Lakshmi in Mumbai, Dr. Maio abroad, and Dr. Obagi in the U.S., she learns the 80/20 principle: only 20% of success is technical; the rest is psychology, business, and ethics.
A deeply emotional episode traces her nomination by Prof. Rao for the WCRCINT World’s Best & Emerging Leaders 2022 award at the House of Lords. Standing in London, she recalls Hampi’s Virupaksha Temple, realizing how far persistence - not privilege - has brought her.
Dr. Nischita’s appointment as Honorary Consul for Costa Rica marks a symbolic milestone. The “Pura Vida” philosophy - simplicity, presence, and bridge-building - becomes her leadership mantra. It redefines success from personal ascent to shared human impact.
Blending her roles as doctor, entrepreneur, and diplomat, she recalls moments of exhaustion and loss during the pandemic. The ritual of “three minutes of silence” with her team becomes a metaphor for mindful leadership - staying alive to life itself, even in crisis.
Invited back to the classroom for the Mentorship Clinic at IIM Kozhikode, she almost declines - until Prof. Rao reminds her, “The moment we think we’ve learned enough is the moment we stop growing.” Returning to learn, she closes the circle - student, mentor, and learner, all at once.
The book ends as wonderfully as it began: in reflection as motion. After 35 years of professional growth and 20 years of mentorship, the lesson remains simple - life rewards consistency more than speed; progress is personal, but purpose is shared.
No comments:
Post a Comment