“Inspiration unlocks new possibilities by enabling individuals to move beyond their ordinary experiences and limitations. It transforms apathy into a sense of opportunity, reshaping how one views their potential.” These words, spoken by Dr. Thomas George, the visionary behind LEAD College of Management, resonate deeply with the institution’s founding philosophy. Established in 2011 in a tier-three city, the college emerged as an innovative response to the need for business education that goes beyond traditional approaches. Drawing on Dr. Thomas’ extensive experience as a professional life-skill trainer for Engineering and MBA students across Kerala, LEAD College of Management was created with the aim of nurturing not only competent managers but also socially responsible entrepreneurs. The foundation of this vision lies in equipping students with the ability to excel in a talent-driven culture while emphasizing values and social responsibility. This unique approach has been a key factor in the school’s consistent rise in reputation, earning recognition year after year as one of the top business schools in India.
Aligning with Emerging Trends in Management
Following the conferment of autonomy by the UGC in 2024, LEAD College of Management now demonstrates a stronger alignment with the evolving demands of management education in India and beyond. The establishment of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) in 2024 consolidates LEAD’s ongoing efforts to nurture entrepreneurship and leadership. Additionally, LEAD’s decision to divide its semesters into equal halves of classwork and internships further emphasizes this focus, enabling students to gain real-world experience alongside academic learning.
LEAD College has established impactful partnerships to enhance its academic offerings. Notably, it has introduced tools like Zoho Book and subscribed to the Wadhwani Foundation package, which supports the development of the “Watch-Think-Do-Explore-Collaborate” pedagogy. This innovative approach fosters entrepreneurial thinking and hands-on learning through interactive concept videos, reflective exercises, and collaborative platforms.
In addition, the college employs a case-based learning model, giving students access to the Emerald Case Database—a rich repository of peer-reviewed case studies that promote critical analysis and strategic thinking. Collaborations with industry leaders such as KPMG provide students with certifications in key areas like financial valuation, marketing analytics, and Lean Six Sigma. Regular guest lectures by industry professionals further enrich the learning experience by offering real-world perspectives and aligning academic knowledge with industry demands.
Raising the Bar
To gain deeper insight into what sets LEAD College apart in today’s competitive landscape, we spoke with Dr. Thomas, the esteemed Chairman of the institution. When asked about the recent placement achievements of the B-school, Dr. Thomas proudly stated, “The 2022–24 batch was a tremendous success for us. Out of 254 eligible candidates, 243 secured placements, reflecting an impressive placement rate of 95.67%.”
Affectionately known as “Thomma” by his peers and students, he further elaborated, “The median salary for the batch stood at ₹4.2 LPA, with the average salary slightly higher at ₹4.53 LPA. A standout moment for us was the highest package of ₹14.13 LPA, offered by Federal Bank.”
The discussion also revealed that 242 companies participated in the placement process—an impressive indicator of LEAD College’s robust industry partnerships and its strong commitment to ensuring successful career outcomes for its students.
Empowering Knowledge Creation
LEAD College of Management is deeply committed to fostering research, faculty development, and knowledge creation in the field of management studies. The institution implements a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing academic and professional excellence. It regularly conducts Management Development Programmes (MDPs), Trainers’ Training Programmes (TTPs), and Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) to strengthen the intellectual capabilities and skillsets of both students and faculty members.
A major step in strengthening its research ecosystem is the establishment of the Centre for Research, Consultancy and Publication (CRCP). This center plays a pivotal role in facilitating research initiatives, consultancy projects, and academic publications.
In addition, LEAD College organizes dedicated Faculty Development Programmes, such as the Guru-Shishya Series FDP on ‘Nurturing the Modern Teacher’, aimed at refining teaching methodologies and pedagogical approaches. The college also publishes the LEADER Journal, which serves as an academic platform for sharing research findings and scholarly work in management studies.
Paving the Way Forward
LEAD College of Management is charting a bold trajectory for the future with strategic initiatives aimed at amplifying its academic excellence and industry relevance. Central to its vision is the transition into a private university, granting the institution greater autonomy in curriculum innovation, research direction, and global collaborations. Reinforcing its academic credentials, the college has completed its second NAAC accreditation cycle and is gearing up for NBA re-accreditation in 2025.
In a move to broaden its educational footprint, LEAD has acquired four colleges across Kerala and Coimbatore, alongside signing a decade-long MoU with Sarabhai Institute of Technology, Trivandrum—marking its foray into engineering education.
Nestled in a serene setting and home to a diverse student community, the college fosters a culture of critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning—solidifying its position as a progressive institution shaping the next generation of leaders.
