From spearheading Oliver Wyman’s expansion into Delhi and Mumbai, to co-founding one of India’s leading research universities, Atul Khosla’s career has been a bold blend of consulting, entrepreneurship, and education. As vice chancellor of Shoolini University, he combines academic vision with business pragmatism to deliver impact at scale.
In this alumni spotlight, Atul reflects on his journey with Oliver Wyman, shares the guiding principles behind his success, and reveals his passionate mission to transform access to world-class higher education in India.
How did your experience at Oliver Wyman shape your career path and influence your current role at Shoolini University?
Oliver Wyman’s values-driven culture had a profound effect on me. Leading the launch of the firm’s practice in India taught me how to build something from scratch — with integrity and ambition. That formative experience gave me the confidence to co-found Shoolini University, which I view as a continuation of that same spirit: building with purpose, discipline, and a clear mission.
What was your journey like building Oliver Wyman’s presence in India?
It was equal parts exhilarating and humbling. Davide Taliente and I started with a tiny office and even tinier resources, but we built a high-impact, values-driven practice. Despite challenges — like Lehman collapsing in our first year — the friendships and the freedom we had made it a special chapter in my career.
What were the most valuable lessons you took from your time at Oliver Wyman?
The power of deep specialization and intellectual rigor shaped how I approach strategy, even to this day. I also learned how to lead with purpose, communicate clearly and build high-performing teams. Most importantly, I learned that success comes from staying curious and being collaborative.
What are your fondest memories from your time at the firm?
There are so many. From the hustle of our early days working out of our shoebox-sized office, to launching new client relationships. One moment that stands out is winning the “infamous green jacket” at a regional offsite in Bangkok — awarded for the most ridiculous thing at the gathering — after jokingly asking then-CEO Scott McDonald who made him boss! It was a light-hearted reminder that the firm’s culture encouraged openness and camaraderie.
What motivated your transition from consulting to higher education?
I come from a family of teachers, and deep down I always wanted to be an academic. While I loved consulting, I knew my heart was in building something meaningful within higher education. In 2014, I made the full-time leap to co-lead Shoolini, which my family and I had been quietly building since 2008.
What is the mission of Shoolini University?
We set out to create a world-class research university that serves India’s underserved communities. Our three pillars are deep research, social impact, and ethical leadership. We've built a sustainable and frugal model that allows us to deliver high-quality education while staying true to our values.
What is your leadership focus as vice chancellor?
My focus is on driving research excellence, scaling impact, and expanding global partnerships. We're based in a rural Himalayan region, yet we're competing, and often outpacing, India’s top institutions in innovation and citations. I also spend a lot of time mentoring students and identifying global opportunities for them.
What are some of the milestones you're most proud of at Shoolini?
Despite being just 15 years old, Shoolini consistently ranks among India’s top private university in global indices like QS, Times Higher Education, and US News. Many of our students — often first-generation college-goers — are nowpursuing doctorates at Ivy League and Oxbridge institutions. We’ve also emerged as India’s leader in research citations and placed fifth in Asia, all while pioneering work in sustainability and future technologies leader.
What advice would you give to consultants thinking about their next career step?
Live your values — they’re your greatest compass. Follow your passion, even if it leads you away from consulting. And be tenacious: anything worth building takes time, but the journey is worth it.
How have Oliver Wyman connections continued to shape your work today?
I continue to keep up with former Oliver Wyman colleagues. My first hire, Aarti Nihalani, is now a respected leader at the firm. Sumit Sarawgi, the current India head, and I have known each other for years, and our paths crossed long before his current role. My former EA at the firm, Pooja Arora, now leads infrastructure at one of my new ventures.
How do you view the value of the alumni community?
The Oliver Wyman alumni community stays strong long after you leave. There’s immense potential because those shared values and mutual respect make the alumni natural collaborators. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and I’d love to see more alumni events and opportunities to connect — not just in India, but globally. There’s so much we can build together.
This page was originally published on August 8, 2025.