My father was a banker, so I discovered a lot about the world of finance early on in life. While studying commerce as an undergraduate I noticed that many of my relatives had found great jobs after qualifying as accountants, so I had plenty of role models guiding me towards becoming an accountant myself.
I’ve worked in finance for over 20 years. It has given me the opportunity to live and work across Asia, and allowed me to gain diverse experiences working in industries including logistics, telecommunications and retail.
I am fortunate to have worked in some great companies over the years. I think it’s important to make career decisions based on our values. Before joining a company, I’ve always made a point of ensuring I can be comfortable with its culture and purpose. Beyond that, what’s non-negotiable for me is the opportunity to gain new experiences and learn.
I have invested in becoming a more inclusive leader, and this process has helped me build stronger connections and harness the collective power of teams
I’ve always wanted to take on roles or ‘stretch’ assignments. This has given me the opportunity to work in several countries and with colleagues from different parts of the world. These experiences have come with tremendous learning opportunities.
My work is exciting and fast-paced. Over the years, we have focused a lot on enhancing the control environment, driving efficiencies through automation and projects that deliver real value to the organisation.
The most satisfying aspect of my current work is playing an enterprise leadership role and developing talent. Developing the next generation of leaders helps deliver long-term value to any organisation and, at the same time, gives you a great sense of professional achievement. I have benefited from working with mentors who took an active interest in developing me and helped me reach where I am today. I feel I have a responsibility to pay it forward.
In India, we have a relatively young workforce who are excited about doing meaningful work and challenging the status quo. I am always pleasantly surprised by their initiative and drive, and the impact it has on our work routines. However, the next generation can also present challenges, as we need to continuously engage with them to keep them motivated.
Inclusion is all about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued and respected. I have invested in becoming a more inclusive leader, and this process has helped me build stronger connections and harness the collective power of teams.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. I like to read and cook Indian food, also to stay fit by running and swimming.
