Alum-in-Residence: Leadership through influence with Sandeep Mulgund *94, MAE

We are all well-acquainted with the construct of leading through authority; within organizations, a certain job title or role confers some level of decision-making latitude. Formal authority within a hierarchy provides the basis for guiding the actions of others. Less appreciated is the concept of leadership through influence, which depends less on formal authority and more on reputation, credibility, communication skills, relationships, and the ability to inspire. It is not mutually exclusive with leadership through authority, but it is different. Leadership through influence is important at all career stages, but of particular importance early in the career when one may not be in a position of authority yet. And as it happens, those with Ph.D.s have the skills that can make them naturals for leadership through influence!

In this talk Sandeep Mulgund (*94 MAE) will provide an overview of his own journey in leadership through influence, emphasizing lessons learned along the way. He spent most of his career in various roles in national security, starting off as a hands-on engineer and later as a strategist. Most recently he was a member of the Senior Executive Service, serving as a senior advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at Headquarters United States Air Force.

Sandeep Mulgund is a 2026 Graduate Alum-in-Residence through GradFUTURES. Graduate students will have the opportunity to sign up for an in person 1:1 Office Hour with Sandeep after his talk to explore their own professional development. 

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