Dulal, who grew up in east London and is based in Canary Wharf, tells us about his Eagles experience and career journey. Finding the residential at Ashridge Business School particularly impactful, he encourages potential Eagles to approach the programme with a growth mindset.
Please provide a short outline of your current role and a brief description of any other relevant career experience
I lead a dynamic global team of HR Consultants, executing high-impact, cross-functional projects that unite business and HR stakeholders. We utilise agile methodologies to develop employee-centered solutions, fostering innovation while driving measurable customer success. I am a certified Agile Coach, have extensive experience in change management and have led multiple acquisitions and divestitures.
Brought up in the heart of east London, I currently work out of Canary Wharf, but I have lived and worked in the United States.
Beyond my day-to-day responsibilities, I’ve designed, launched and led global employee networks for early careers and faith communities. I’ve also built a strategic partnership with one of the world’s most impactful youth leadership summits and represented my company in a national entrepreneurial fundraising challenge.
Tell us about your experience of the Eagles programme
The Eagles programme provided me with fundamental training, experiences and networks that were essential for succeeding in a fast-paced, dynamic corporate environment.
The residential at Ashridge Business School – which is part of the programme – was particularly impactful . It allowed me to deeply immerse myself in project management principles that I still use today. Equally valuable was the preparation I received onsite at ELBA before interviewing with corporate partners. The advice, guidance and mentorship I received truly gave me the competitive edge I needed.
Fifteen years later, I remain incredibly grateful for the opportunities the programme afforded me. It was genuinely the key that opened doors into the corporate world for me.
What have you gained from the programme?
The Eagles programme gave me far more than just technical skills – it fundamentally shaped my approach to professional development and career growth. Most importantly, it provided me with the confidence to navigate corporate environments that might have otherwise felt intimidating. The programme taught me how to build meaningful professional relationships and leverage networks effectively – skills that have been invaluable throughout my 15-year career.
The mentorship aspect was transformative, teaching me both how to receive guidance and give it back. The programme showed me the power of community and giving back, keeping me connected to ELBA and supporting inclusion and belonging initiatives.
What have you done since you finished the internship/placement?
I was determined to make an impression and leave my mark during the placement, which resulted in me securing a permanent role halfway through the programme. Since then, I’ve built a robust career at Thomson Reuters with 10 internal moves, consisting of both horizontal opportunities and vertical progression.
I’ve focused my career on building a diverse portfolio of experiences and skills, developing both breadth and depth. Over the years, I’ve taken on increasingly broader and more complex global roles – from leading cross-functional teams to building out entire teams from the ground up.
I’ve also invested significantly in my professional development, earning certifications from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and as an Agile Team Coach (ICAgile).
Tell us your top piece of advice for others considering the Eagles programme
Approach the Eagles programme with a growth mindset and genuine curiosity. Don’t just focus on completing tasks – actively seek to understand the “why” behind everything you’re doing and how it connects to the bigger picture.
Be bold in building relationships, not just with your immediate team, but across the organisation. Some of my most valuable connections came from conversations with people I met in the lift or during a coffee break.
Most importantly, remember that this isn’t just an internship – it’s the foundation for your entire career. The habits you build, the networks you create and the confidence you develop during the programme will serve you for decades to come. Invest in yourself fully, because the programme is investing in you.
