Category: Leaders

In 2006, Mr. Anubhav Agarwal embarked on his journey within the family business, dedicating himself to growth and innovation. Recognising the significance of the food industry, he passionately delved into mastering the intricacies of his ancestral business.

Driven by innovation and a commitment to his family’s legacy, Mr. Agarwal founded BN Agritech in 2011. This visionary move marked a significant milestone in India’s edible oil industry. Over the past decade, BN Agritech has emerged as a prominent B2B edible oil manufacturer, making substantial contributions to our nation’s economic growth. His stewardship has transformed the company into a leading player in the industry.

In 2013, Mr. Agarwal pioneered the launch of the group’s flagship edible oil brand, ‘Simply Fresh,’ with the aim of catering to institutional buyers seeking affordable, healthy options. The brand quickly gained prominence for its high quality among consumers. Later, to meet the escalating demand, he strategically expanded oil production by establishing facilities in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat in 2015 and 2016, respectively. In 2018, a state-of-the-art refinery near Kandla Port further solidified the group’s industry standing, cementing its reputation for quality and innovation.

COMMITMENT TO NATION BUILDING

Under his unwavering commitment to nation building, BN Group transcended boundaries, extending its reputation through retail brands and venturing into international markets with the inauguration of an overseas office in Singapore. Today, the BN Group embodies not just a legacy but also the philosophy of “Building Nation,” thanks to Mr. Agarwal’s resolute commitment.

A HUMBLE LEADER

Humility is a guiding principle for Mr. Agarwal. He goes to great lengths to empower others, enabling their autonomy and fostering their growth. Being a perpetual learner himself, he consistently seeks innovative methods to keep his team motivated, ensuring they have a solid and dependable footing in the constantly evolving business environment.

The leader’s talent for effective delegation not only empowers his team, but also drives their personal growth. With a people-centric approach, he champions open communication and collaboration, while encouraging a harmonious work environment where every idea is embraced with open arms.

Mr. Agarwal seamlessly blends participative and delegative approaches to steer his team. He values diverse perspectives within his team to harness the collective wisdom of the group and create a sense of ownership and commitment among team members. He firmly holds that true leadership is not just about giving orders but empowering others to take ownership. Through delegative leadership paired with accountability, he instils a sense of responsibility in the team.

CAREER MILESTONES

Mr. Agarwal has taken BN Group on an extraordinary journey from its humble beginnings in Agra’s timber industry to a dynamic powerhouse in the edible oil sector. His visionary leadership has led to significant milestones, including the establishment of cutting-edge facilities and expansive market reach. A defining moment in his tenure was the establishment of a state-of-the-art refinery near Kandla Port, which solidified his position as a leading edible oil manufacturer. Another notable milestone in his career was the creation of a cutting-edge facility situated just beyond the borders of Agra.

DRIVEN BY GOALS

Mr. Agarwal envisions expanding his group’s footprint across a spectrum of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) categories, spanning both B2B and B2C markets, while concurrently fortifying its global presence. Additionally, he contemplates diversifying the BN Group into a multifaceted conglomerate.

With a forward-looking perspective, Mr. Agarwal is poised to explore emerging sectors like renewable energy. Leveraging his extensive knowledge, he is steadfastly committed to making significant strides in sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, thereby paving the path for a more environmentally conscious and prosperous future.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

With an unwavering commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility, he has steered the company towards becoming the epitome of ethical business practices. Under his stellar leadership, BN Group has seamlessly woven sustainability into its DNA, making it an integral part of every facet of its operations. From developing responsible supply chains to embracing eco-conscious production processes and sustainable packaging, Mr. Agarwal’s vision transcends mere profit-making. He aims to create a positive influence on the environment as well as the communities he engages with.

The strong-minded leader tirelessly continues his journey, advocating for environmental stewardship, the conservation of resources, and innovation, all while working diligently to offer consumers nutritious and high quality products.

A REMARKABLE PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY

Mr. Ashish Aggarwal’s academic sojourn began at the prestigious Delhi University, where he attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. He then set his sights on the Ivy League, embarking on an executive management degree at the revered Harvard Business School. Following this, he cut his teeth on numerous international projects at HCL Technologies before briefly joining Intel Corporation’s ranks in Bangalore. After a brief stint with Intel Corporation, he spent six years in the US working for several bigwigs in the corporate world.

Mr. Aggarwal’s stay in the USA proved to be a pivotal phase in his professional journey, for it offered him a plethora of opportunities to forge valuable connections, hone his technical acumen, and master the nuances of emerging technologies. He returned to India in 2011 and joined Tata Communications, the erstwhile Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited. As the head of Business Process Management and Integration, he led his team with aplomb and steered the organisation towards uncharted territories of success.

In 2015, the leader charted his course towards entrepreneurial glory after bidding adieu to Tata Communications. His visionary spirit culminated in the establishment of ANDD Techservices Private Limited, a company aimed at empowering organisations worldwide with right technology and processes to achieve digital transformation and automation.

Under his stewardship, the company stands unwavering in its commitment to delivering maximum value to clients and employing avant-garde technologies. Also, the team’s 120-plus project completions reflect its devotion to excellence.

A TECH-SAVVY ENTREPRENEUR

Mr. Aggarwal has carved a niche for himself in the corporate world, with a specialisation in security and digital transformation programs. His extensive experience in the industry prompted him to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where he could utilise his acquired knowledge to establish a unique and independent venture. His vision to expand his company both in terms of employees and customers is a testament to his entrepreneurial prowess. Born and raised in humble beginnings, he learned the value of hard work and perseverance, which has been instrumental in managing his two businesses in California, USA, and India.

GARNERING ACCOLADES

Mr. Aggarwal’s remarkable career has been adorned with numerous accolades, marking him as an outstanding professional in his field. As a member of the Merger and Acquisition team at Tata Communications, he was recognised for his exceptional collaborative skills, receiving the prestigious ‘Collaboration Award’ from the CIO and Legal team. Additionally, his ingenuity and creativity were on full display when he was named a semi-finalist in Tata Communications’ Shape the Future competition, where he presented an innovative vision for the organisation’s future.

The determined leader’s exceptional business acumen and his ability to identify areas for improvement have resulted in significant savings, such as the $600,000 reduction in software licences achieved through his thoughtful efforts.

Mr. Aggarwal’s contribution to the latest addition to the digital transformation literature, the book – Digital Transformation and Modernization with IBM API Connect on API Administration – co-authored in 2021, has earned him further recognition as an authority in the sector.

Currently, Mr. Ashish Aggarwal leads a business program for a prominent financial institution in the United States, marking another milestone in his illustrious career.

Born and brought up in Patna, India, Mr. Rahman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi. ORO24 is his brainchild and he is highly passionate about the brand. Founded in the year 2021, ORO24 is a forward integrated real estate firm specializing in Developments, FacilitiesManagement and Investments, offering a unique combination of convenience and lifestyle at attractive prices, thereby catering to the needs of 21st-century home buyers.

ORO24’s headquarters is located on the popular Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. The avant-garde facility is uniquely designed to add experience, comfort and convenience for its employees’ and visitors. The name ‘ORO’ is inspired by the Italian word forgold and ‘24’ indicates the purest form of it. True to the inspiration, the brand is a seamless amalgamation of financial value engineering and innovative real estate solutions, presented with top-notch quality and service across its different business verticals of affordable housing, premium luxury, business parks, hospitality, and cohabitation assets.

AN OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEUR

Mr. Rahman is known for his brilliant entrepreneurial skills. In his view, every business is a combination of vision, intention, courage and execution. Hisadvise to upcoming entrepreneurs is to remain focused and follow their hearts while establishing a system of transparency in their corporate affairs, forboth customers and employees. Through ORO24 Developments, he aspires to fulfil his dreams of building and delivering structures that will be cherished for a lifetime.

An avid learner, Mr. Rahman takes each day as a challenge to be able to progress and conquer. His goal is to utilize his expertiseof over two decades within the industry to make a noticeable difference in Dubai’s real estate market by leveraging modern technology through ORO24’s diversified platform.

The entrepreneur says, “We are positioned as a next gen tech-driven real estate business and have included technology in every possible avenue of our dealings. From incorporating BIM data into our designing process, we have also invested heavily in cyber security and ERP systems to create seamless and secured transaction module for our customers. Our headquarters is loaded with tech infrastructurefurther infused with Artificial intelligence (AI) to create unmatched consumer experience.”

DESIGNED TO SUCCEED

Innovation is the hallmark of ORO24 Real Estate Developments. Mr. Rahman has developed an in-house design strategy as part of his efforts to stay ahead of the competition. The company’s engineering department regularly updates its strategy for every project to ensure originality, hence creating new benchmarks. It is the leader’s core business objective to deliver quality and value to everyone associated with the company. Because of his robust commitment and goodwill garnered over the years, the brand ‘ORO24’ has been received exceptionally well by the consumers and market, which gives his team that extra motivation to continue growing in line with the company’s vision.

Mr. Rahman’s love for the industry and his motivation to serve the society by pursuing excellence, delivering a sustainable real estate ecosystem, and creating admirable livelihood opportunities has been inheritedas a part of his familylineage. He spent his growing up years learning under the mentorship of his grandfather, Mr. Mohammed Ataur Rahman, a Gold Medalist in Civil Engineering. He credits his beloved grandfather for inculcating in him the qualities of a well-rounded human being, besides passing on a formidable legacy and drive to explore the realty and construction industry. He fondly narrates that real estate plays a pivotal role in every human’s life, right from the time of their birth. The dynamics of combining boundless imagination and giving it a consistent contour captivates Mr. Rahman.

MILESTONES ACHIEVED

In his two plus decades of successful real estate and construction tenure,Mr. Rahman has efficaciously launched 27 diverse projects, delivering over AED 7.6 billion worth of sales, with approximately 10,100 unitssuccessfully soldto more than 150 nationalities. By developing ‘customer friendly’ payment plans, the dynamic leader revolutionized the concept of affordable housing with enhanced functionalities in the UAE market.

From the construction perspective, his aim is to build ‘practical, smart and sustainable’ homes for families. His business is built around Products, Associated Services, Financial Engineering and Relationships. It’s a futuristic and resilient business model built with the capability of facilitating diversified and innovative real estate solutions, locally and globally. ORO24 is built with the motto of being people-sensitive and governed by maintaining transparency and risk management policies. The company follows a decentralized organizational structure, delegating power to respective department heads, thus creating transformational leaders.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

Mr. Rahman is a firm believer of giving back to society in every way possible. With a solitary thought of bringing a ‘positive’ change in the surroundings, the organization regularly conducts and supports CSR drives across the country.‘OROCares’ the CSR wing of the company works with different non-profit organizations within the UAE to support the under privileged.

This year during Ramadan, OROCares led ‘Smile in Ramadan’ campaign that supported the blue-collared workers employed in the region. On each day of the holy month, the initiative provided the workers a chance to connect with their loved ones back home and send Eid gifts, thus bringing a smile to their families.

Mr. Rahman is a cricket enthusiastand despite his busy schedulehe follows the game very closely.He often supports sports academies for better training and upliftment of the budding talent in the region

TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

ORO24 is growing at a fast pace and in less than a year, the brand has already announced its infrastructure expansion with a second facility to provide an accelerating experience for the customers.

The future is promising for ORO24 Developments. The real estate industry is growing, and immense love is pouring in for the brand. In fact, the team is already working towards announcing the next project before the year end.The intent is to deliver a product having glocal outreach, therefore promising some unique, fresh and revolutionary offerings to the customers. Moving forward, ORO24 also plans to bring premium facility management options to its customers while tapping into its local experience with advanced tech incorporation into the design, construction, sale, and maintenance cycle

STELLAR CAREER TRAJECTORY

Born in Oslo, Mr. Solheim is a Norwegian diplomat well-known in the circles of international environment and development programmes. An active member of Norway’s Green Party, he has served parties, governments and international-level organisations.

Mr. Solheim was Norway’s Minister of the Environment and the Minister of International Development from 2005 to 2012. His commendable work during this period helped raise his name to the international level.

Seeing Mr. Solheim’s work as the Norwegian Minister of Environment, the United Nations chose him to lead its Environment Programme. From June 2016 to November 2018, the diplomat and former politician served as the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme-UNEP. He has led many campaigns focusing on the environment and sustainable development. The vast experience gained over decades makes him perfect as a leader with a primary focus on execution.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

Mr. Solheim’s story as an advocate for ecological causes started at his college, where he studied history, sociology and political science. During his college years at the University of Oslo, he became the leader of the Socialist Youth. After serving for three years as the youth wing leader, he became the party secretary of the Socialist Left Party.

Seven years after graduating, he became the leader of the Socialist Left Party. It is rare to see a rise of a young leader becoming a political figure at a national level so quickly. In 1989, he was chosen by the people of Sør-Trøndelag and sent to the Parliament of Norway.

As time passed, Mr. Solheim kept gaining popularity in the politics of Norway. After the 1989 election, he was elected to the Parliament of Norway again in 1993 and 1997. The leader has been known for his fact-based solid opinions, even if they lead to criticism.

On 17 October 2005, Mr. Solheim was appointed as the Minister of International Development as part of Stoltenberg’s Second Cabinet. Impressed by his work as the International Development Minister, the leadership of the national government appointed him as the environment minister on 18 October 2007.

AN INTERNATIONAL PEACE MAKER

The leadership skills of Mr. Solheim touched the lives of not only Norwegian citizens, but also the people of Sri Lanka. In 2000, he was granted a leave of absence from the Norwegian Parliament to become a special advisor to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka.

In the upcoming few years, he emerged as one of the most well-known peacemaking figures in the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers.

LEAVING A MARK

No matter what political party, government or organisation he served, Mr. Solheim left his mark wherever he went. An active political figure, organisations worldwide seek his advice on the matters of environment and sustainable development for his valuable thoughts.

Mr. Solheim has also written three critically acclaimed books: PolitikkErA Ville, Den Store Samtalen, and Naermere. Due to his extensive work for the environment and climate, he has been awarded with many prestigious awards.

The list of awards include TIME Magazine’s Hero of the Environment and the United Nations’ Environment Champions of the Earth Award. In October 2022, he returned to Sri Lanka after being appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe as his International Climate Advisor.

DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF THE REAL ESTATE SECTOR

With an untiring zest for excellence, Dr. Joshi thrives to create history in India’s real estate sector. He has vast experience in a rapidly growing and extremely competitive industry. Building new businesses and customer-focused dynamic sales strategies are his forte. Since the establishment of his company, each project is undertaken by including the combined vision of J Joshi Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. and its clients. Dr. Joshi’s mission as a leader is to identify and capitalize on emerging business ventures that will propel his organization to the top tier of the industry. He plays an active role in reducing costs and enhancing service quality while reinforcing the crux of the company. He has a proven history of building, guiding, and retaining high-performance teams to develop and implement policies for enhanced growth. In the business of offering attractive investment opportunities, Dr. Joshi is determined to maintain quality and deliver unrivalled architectural designs.

He impels market enthusiasm with seminars, trade shows and industry events through the news media, online marketing, and social media. Further, he devises approaches to not only enhance client retention but also revamp the customer service department by introducing a call centre with properly trained employees to cater to customers.

AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Dr. Joshi has been honored with several awards and achievements like the ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award 2020’, ‘Mid-day Young Achiever Icons Award 2018’ for his outstanding contribution to the real estate sector. Also, in 2018, he was a part of Indian delegation at the World Economic Forum and BRICS-Business Economic Forum, South Africa.

Born on 6 January 1950 in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. P. Shyama Raju began his journey from humble beginnings. After obtaining a degree in Commerce from SGS Arts College, Tirupati, AP, he took the reins and founded Shyama Raju & Company Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore, with a vision to undertake public projects. Demonstrating his tenacity and perseverance, he approached the Bengaluru City Corporation and was entrusted with two of the most challenging developments under its purview. This marked a turning point in his career, and he rose to the occasion with aplomb.

With the inception of DivyaSree Developers in 1997, a real estate development company, Dr. Raju embarked on a journey that established him as a stalwart in the field. His entrepreneurial spirit was instrumental in propelling the company to great heights, and it continues to flourish under his able guidance.

DRIVEN BY A VISION

REVA (Rukmini Educational Vision Academy) University, a unit of DivyaSree Group is the result of Dr. Raju’s unwavering determination to fulfil his late wife, Mrs. Rukmini Shyama Raju’s cherished dream of establishing world class educational institutions. With years of relentless toil, resilience and commitment, REVA University has become a paragon of excellence and quality. Under the aegis of the REVA Group of Educational Institutions, which was initiated by the Rukmini Educational Charitable Trust, the university is firm in its resolve to provide world-class education to the Indian youth. Under Dr. Raju’s stewardship, the university has evolved from 150 students to over 15,000 students enrolled annually. “The transformation of REVA from a recognised college to a distinguished university has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. It was a moment of immense pride and admiration when the Government of Karnataka extended an invitation to bestow the University status upon REVA,” expresses Dr. Raju.

EMPHASISES PERSONAL ATTENTION

REVA University diligently fosters a culture of discipline, where regular attendance in classes and active engagement in the academic pursuits within the campus are consistently encouraged. The edupreneur ensures that the programs offered by University are meticulously designed and developed by eminent professors and industry experts. With a keen understanding of their social relevance and the demands of the job market, these programs are crafted to equip students with the necessary skills for success. He says, “REVA University is not just an institution, but a melting pot of creativity, innovation, and excellence, where students are encouraged to dream big and unleash their potential to make a positive impact on society.”

A TECH-SAVVY LEADER

Dr. Raju is a firm believer in the power of technology and is driven by the principle of “Learning Unlimited.” He emphasises that technology is not just an enabler but a necessary medium in today’s rapidly changing world. With a research-driven mindset, he aims to transform the university into a globally acknowledged hub of research and innovation.

He also ensures that the institution’s ecosystem is not only technology centred, but also designed to foster students’ overall development. Its exclusive executive programme RACE (REVA Academy for Corporate Excellence) has been ranked 2nd in India for MBA in Business Analytics, and initiatives like REVA NEST, the Start-Up Incubator, are aimed at making students corporate-ready.

PROMOTES LIFELONG LEARNING

Dr. Raju believes that the true essence of education lies in fostering innovative ideas that hold value for society and equip the youth to confront challenges head-on. His priority is to prepare the youth with value-based and skill-centric education to deliver to the world’s dynamic demands. Through SDGs and other University Social Responsibility activities, he ensures students evolve as emerging global citizens.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

As a distinguished humanitarian and philanthropist, Dr. Raju has spearheaded numerous initiatives for the betterment of society. He has ran various rural projects in Karnataka through REVA, and played an active role in ‘Jagruti’, a voting awareness campaign executed by REVA students and faculty members. He has also championed environmental sustainability at REVA by fostering a culture of conscientiousness, resulting in the mass movement and participation of students in Vanamahotsava.

REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Dr Raju has been the recipient of the Education Leaders’ Award for 2023, conferred by the Commonwealth Education Conference. He is also the proud recipient of the ‘Global Sustainability Awards 2022 for his professional commitment towards Global Sustainability by the GCPIT (Global Council for the Promotion of International Trade). Apart from this, he has been recognised as the ‘Edupreneur of the year’ by R-World Institutional Ranking 2022 and as ‘Edupreneur of the Year’ by ET Now.

The daughter of business tycoon, Mr. Srinivasa Rao Veluvolu, Ms. Nikhila Veluvolu has brought a lot of process to the company. While pursuing her Masters in the USA, she decided to take her family business forward. When she saw the immense trust and regard that Nikhila Constructions and Developers (NCD) enjoyed among home buyers, she decided to widen the customer base and profile. So, a year after her Masters in the US, she took the brand to overseas customers to make it a preferred choice among the Indian diaspora. She achieved success in her endeavour with the U.S contributing 20% of the sales of the firm.

It was in 2022 when Ms. Veluvolu realised the enormous potential for growth in the Housing Market in India, and decided to come back to India to take her company to greater heights. Today, she drives operations at the company and oversees the HR vertical. The firm has been growing at a good pace over the past 3 years and from the day she took over these functions. She has carved a niche for herself with her innovative ideas and focus, to deliver nothing short of excellence in every project.

A NEW APPROACH TO BUSINESS

Being passionate about technology, Ms. Veluvolu firmly believes that in today’s time, technology is of utmost importance for any business to succeed and grow. Hence, Nikhila Constructions and Developers drive towards embracing advanced technology to make home units the most living-friendly. She aims to provide the New Indian Quality Homes with a good mix of both amenities and affordability at prime locations.

Ms. Veluvolu launched a new business vertical towards providing Home Interiors solutions to the Home Buyers, both in NCDs as well as in external projects during mid-2022. This vertical has executed over 25 projects since its inception. She gives due importance to the people she works with, ensures business transparency, and keeps hiring good talent as people are there a backbone of a successful business. Her current focus is to build 5,000 houses over the next decade and make the organization the first choice of the home buyers in Hyderabad.

LUXURY LIVING SPACES

Ms. Veluvolu takes pride in her team that fulfills the statutory and regulatory guidelines prescribed by the authorities, including HMDA, RERA, Environment Ministry, Fire Authority, and Airport Authority. Professionals at NCD have been drawn from Top Corporates across Business domains. In addition, Team members go through a continuous process of Training towards developing gated residential communities that offer the right balance between affordability and luxury. She is committed to high integrity, transparency, and quality, making her firm a reliable name in the market.

Ms. Veluvolu truly understands buyers’ feelings, and is dedicated to providing them with a comfortable living space within the timeframe promised. She dreams of being among the best realtors in the construction industry and wishes to deliver landmark projects that cater to the unique needs of all type of Home Buyers. She believes that for any firm to excel, it is imperative to have a lasting relationship with the clients, and to meet their needs, she is guiding and working with a large workforce. Ms. Veluvolu believes in being one step ahead of her Customer’s expectations. She has set many benchmarks in providing good quality housing to her Clients making her a happy and contended Business Leader.

Mr. Saieed is a highly self-disciplined individual who obtained his degree in Computer Science from Swansea University. In his quest to become a well-rounded CEO, he fortified his knowledge base with an MBA, enhancing his skill set and expertise. A forward-thinking and visionary leader, his pursuit of continued education saw him obtain diplomas in Marketing from the esteemed American University in Cairo and Artificial Intelligence from the world-renowned Oxford University. With each day, he gains fresh insight not only on the business front, but also on a personal level.

A TECH INNOVATOR

Mr. Saieed’s firm dedication to self-learning and exploration has led him down the path of entrepreneurship, where he finds joy in being his own boss and pursuing his dreams. As a tech innovator, he understands the challenges of educating his clients on the intricacies of the industry. For him, it’s all about imparting knowledge and empowering those around him.

Under his stewardship, Potensia Systems has emerged as a leading global partner for innovative technological solutions. From data centres to security systems, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, the company offers a wide range of cutting-edge services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

With a focus on delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations, Mr. Saieed and his team at Potensia Systems are blazing a trail in the tech industry. Their commitment to innovation and excellence has earned them a reputation as trusted partners and industry leaders.

A SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR

Mr. Saieed’s entrepreneurial journey is a shining example of the resilience and determination required to achieve one’s dreams. As a serial entrepreneur, he has co-founded multiple companies–each one a testament to his steady drive and entrepreneurial spirit.

Among his various ventures, Potensia Media stands out as a particularly significant achievement. This innovative start-up is dedicated to providing media solutions, a field that Mr. Saieed is particularly passionate about. Through Potensia Media, he has been able to bring his vision to life and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Despite the challenges that come with juggling multiple businesses simultaneously, Mr. Saieed has proven to be a multitasker. He approaches each venture with the same level of dedication and enthusiasm. His entrepreneurial journey is a true inspiration to anyone who aspires to follow in his footsteps.

ADAPTABILITY, AGILITY AND ADVERSITY

For Mr. Saieed, a true gem of a leader, the well-being of his team is a priority. He treats his staff with the utmost care and respect. His team, in turn, regards him as a mentor. As the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm, his team rallied together with unyielding spirit, determined to deliver the best quality work in a safe and healthy manner. Even as the business landscape shifted, Mr. Saieed’s astute leadership kept the team afloat, and they quickly adapted to new workflows and systems that kept them at the forefront of the industry. Under Mr. Saieed’s visionary leadership, his team of empathetic and driven individuals has truly raised the bar for what it takes to be a team that can rise to the challenge in the face of adversity.

A Chartered Accountant and a driven CFA Level 3 candidate, Manish is a dynamic leader who thrives on growth and innovation. Under his astute guidance, the company has broken its own records, achieving the highest ever top line and PAT with an impressive growth rate. Furthermore, because of his unwavering commitment, the company’s balance sheet has grown by a staggering 50% in just one year, a feat that few thought possible. Also, under his stewardship, MCFL has become a preferred employer in the highly competitive BFSI sector, setting the standard for excellence in human resource management.

Manish has revolutionised the way gold loans are availed. By leveraging its cutting-edge mobile application, MCFL has introduced a hassle-free door-to-door service, bringing convenience to customers. This state-of-the-art process is fully digitised and automated, ensuring accuracy and reliability every step of the way. Customers can even keep tabs on the movement of their precious gold, as it is expertly handled by the company’s trusted employees. With this innovative approach, the company has set a new benchmark in the gold loan industry.

A DETERMINED INDIVIDUAL

Despite coming from a small town with limited English language and computer skills, Manish has excelled with his determination, perseverance, ethical conduct, and a hunger to learn and grow. The positive attitude to succeed enabled him to secure his first corporate job soon after completing his CA degree, in his very first interview, in Mumbai. One of the notable highlights of his career was his successful corporate tie-up with Multi Commodity Exchange of India – the second largest commodity exchange in India and the largest in terms of bullion exchange – at the young age of 25. Additionally, his illustrious career saw him rise to the position of CEO of a listed NBFC, at the age of 38.

UNIQUE LEADERSHIP STYLE

As an effective leader, Manish recognises the importance of adapting his leadership style to suit different situations. In general, he places great emphasis on empathy, delegation, employee insights, coaching and training, and empowerment. His overarching goal is to develop the next generation of leaders and foster a culture of trust, empathy, and an ownership mindset within the company. He firmly believes in the “do more, earn more” concept, and instils a strong work ethic in his team members. These values and approaches enable him to lead his team with effectiveness and achieve sustained success.

EMPHASISES CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Manish’s introduction of a state-of-the-art, customised CRM system has revolutionised the way the company interacts with its customers. This innovative technology has enabled MCFL to minimise customer queries and complaints, an impressive feat given that the company operates in the field of lending, where interactions with people are paramount. Due to his customer-centric approach, the company has achieved a remarkable 100% reduction in customer complaints over the past 12 months, with only one complaint raised to the regulator.

Under his leadership, MCFL has garnered prestigious accolades and industry recognition. It was recognised with the “Best Lending NBFC for SME of the Year” at the 4th Annual India NBFC Summit & Awards 2022, hosted by the SYNEX Group.

Under her competent leadership, Champion’s Group is recognised as one of Asia’s fastest growing and award-winning global enterprises — with over 18 companies and 5,400 employees spread across 108 countries. A computer engineer by profession, her remarkable foresight and innovative ideas have led the organisation to become a formidable brand in the last decade, with consistent yearly revenue growth. She is a shining example of a superwoman entrepreneur with many thriving businesses to her credit. From digital marketing technology firm Champions Infometrics, business real estate infrastructure development with Champion Infratech, global nautical luxury solution offerings with Champions Yacht to textile and fashion apparel endeavours named Aaboli India and Attitude Fashion, she has proved her mettle in several business spheres.

Her dedication and will to positively contribute to the lives of her fellow citizens resulted in her starting Champ.Fit, a brand selling organic immunity supplements and wellness products, including smart diagnostics. She credits her global exposure and technical skills as the secrets to her success. For her, entrepreneurship is the way to pursue a dream. It is something that brings her happiness. For her, a perfect business leader is hungry to take up challenges and see through them, and she is a stellar example of how it is done.

ACHIEVEMENTS GALORE

Her remarkable global work and business experience in numerous fields and industries across continents have earned her international recognition. In 2021, she was recognised as India’s most promising business leader at the Economic Times Awards. For her unparalleled accomplishments, she was listed as the “Top 50 Asian Female CEOs to Watch in 2019” by The CEO Magazine. She has created a strong identity with her business endeavours and is the winner of the Dun & Bradstreet Business Eminence Award, Asia, 2019-2020. She is also the first woman promoter of the Indian National Rally Championship Motorsports (INRC) and President of INRC. She has been instrumental in bringing the Indian National Championship Finals to the Southern States. Due to her efforts, the final championship, held at Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, saw the participation of a women’s rally team for the first time in 2020. She has earned a reputation for being an enabler and mentor by supporting the growth of new entrepreneurs and start-ups in over 108 countries. Her book, The New Frontiers of Nautical World is the first book of its kind to address nautical tourism.

WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE

Hema is a benevolent woman who takes corporate social responsibility seriously. Her initiative, SWANTHANA, lends support to mentally and physically challenged female youngsters. She is associated with several women empowerment projects as she believes in fostering gender equality. Her commitment to providing women with self-defense sessions has been transformational for the organisation’s female employees.

Further, she has created new avenues for growth for women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and cultures. She actively gives back to society through multiple charities and the causes close to her heart, supporting local old-age homes or organising vaccination drives during the pandemic. She relentlessly continues to pursue her mission of transforming lives and grooming young leaders to take on new challenges.