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Afterhour Passions

Professional success is often shaped by what a person does afterhours. Let us look at a few such people and what hobbies recharge their body, mind and spirit:

Venkatesh N, MD, IIFL Samasta Finance; Sasidhar Thumuluri, MD & CEO, Sub-K IMPACT Solutions; Tanmay Chetan, Group CEO of Agora Microfinance Group; Unnikrishnan Janardanan, CEO, Navachetana MicroFin Services; Rahul Johri, Founder & Chairman, Vector Finance; Kamal Dang, MD, Ajivika Finance; Dr. Aqueel Khan, MD, Mitrata Inclusive Financial Services; and Vivek Tiwari, MD, SATYA MicroCapital, not only bring their expertise and leadership to the forefront but also share their personal passions and hobbies that keep them inspired and balanced. These industry stalwarts have notably enriched our October issue cover story, “MFIs: Big Changes, Big Impact,” opened up about the interests and hobbies that enrich their lives.

Travel Enthusiasts

Venkatesh N prioritizes staying informed about industry specifics and dedicates time to understanding the latest trends and innovations within the financial and business sectors. This commitment not only sharpens his professional acumen but also informs the company’s strategic direction.

In his personal time, travelling provides him with opportunities to explore diverse cultures and perspectives, enriching his worldview and helping him lead with empathy. These experiences play a vital role in his ability to make well-rounded and informed decisions, both professionally and personally.

Sasidhar shares a similar passion for travel. His role provides him with ample opportunities to visit various parts of India, interact with his staff, and engage with customers. Through these travels, he gains invaluable insights into local cultures, which he thoughtfully integrates into the company’s HR policies and product offerings.

Avid Readers

While Tanmay enjoys reading and cooking, he also finds joy in playing tennis and gardening. These activities not only provide relaxation but also inspire creativity in his leadership approach.

In addition to travelling, Sasidhar is also a voracious reader of non-fiction, particularly biographies and leadership literature. He continually enrolls in online courses to stay updated on digital technologies, ensuring his personal and professional development aligns seamlessly.

Unnikrishnan enjoys reading spiritual books like ‘The Power of Now,’ ‘The Untethered Soul,’ and ‘Autobiography of a Yogi.’ This interest in spirituality helps him stay grounded and live in the present moment, which brings peace and clarity to his life.

Rahul, too, is also an avid reader who focuses on non-fiction, especially personal finance and self-improvement books. His dedication to continual learning helps him navigate both his personal and professional challenges with greater ease.

Collector & Pet Enthusiast

Rahul enjoys collecting artifacts from across the world. In addition to his love for reading, Rahul has been a dedicated collector of stamps and coins for over 45 years, with a collection spanning more than 40 countries. He also enjoys caring for his pets, which include two Shih Tzu dogs and over 30 birds, such as Cockatiels and Australian Budgies. His diverse interests reflect a well-rounded personality that finds joy in both intellectual and nurturing pursuits.

Music Lover & Parenting

For Kamal, parenting is his most significant hobby, reflected in his actions at home and within his company. In addition, he finds solace in listening to old songs after a long day at work, which helps him relax and de-stress. These interests help Kamal maintain a balanced lifestyle and nurture meaningful personal and professional relationships.

Horse Riding & Physical Fitness

Aqueel finds great joy in horse riding, a hobby that keeps him physically fit and mentally sharp. Over the years, it has not only been a source of happiness but has also taught him valuable lessons in patience and perseverance, which he applies to his leadership style.

Spiritual Seeker

Unnikrishnan’s commitment to spiritual practices, including meditation, has helped him achieve a state of bliss and happiness. This spiritual grounding enables him to lead with clarity and focus, living in the present moment and maintaining a sense of peace amid the fast-paced demands of his role.

Socially Committed Leader

Vivek believes in the transformative power of microfinance and strives to provide access to financial services for individuals traditionally excluded from the banking system. He is also deeply committed to social causes. His philanthropic work focuses on financial inclusion, education, and sustainable development, especially for underprivileged communities.

His dedication extends beyond financial services, as he actively participates in outreach programs that promote health awareness and women’s empowerment, reflecting his holistic approach to leadership and social responsibility.

Murari Lal, Head of Digital Initiatives at Shivalik Small Finance Bank; Ajay Thomas John, CDO of Shriram Capital and Vishal Bhatia, CDO at Canara Bank, not only excel in their respective fields but also embrace personal pursuits that keep them energized and grounded. These digital leaders have contributed significantly to our cover story in the December issue. They have graciously shared the passions, hobbies, and activities that inspire and balance their lives.

Let’s delve into their journeys and discover how they integrate these pursuits into their demanding careers, adding richness to both their personal and professional lives.

Physical Fitness Advocate

Murari is keenly aware of the unhealthy lifestyle that often accompanies a fast-paced professional life. His hobbies reflect a commitment to health and balance, incorporating physical exercise into his routine. He prioritizes working out at least 3 times a week to stay fit and focused. Alongside exercise, Murari pays close attention to his diet, including foods like oats, millet, chia seeds, and vegetables for sustained energy. Unwinding with his daughter adds joy and renewal to his life, fueling his enthusiasm for both personal and professional pursuits.

Cycling Enthusiast

Ajay, an avid cyclist for over a decade, deepened his passion after working at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Ajay effortlessly balances his professional achievements with his love for cycling. For him, cycling is more than just a physical activity; it’s a lifestyle that fosters discipline, focus, and resilience. “There’s something magical about starting the day with a morning ride, feeling the crisp air, and catching the sunrise,” he shares. Over the years, he has built strong friendships and established a cycling club, where camaraderie and shared goals play a pivotal role in their collective and individual growth.

Mindfulness & Nature Enthusiast

For Vishal, the day begins with a sense of mindfulness. Early morning meditation and a walk are central to his routine, providing him with the energy and clarity needed for his demanding role. Vishal values spending time in nature, travelling to new places with his family, and connecting with the beauty and serenity of the outdoors. These experiences help him maintain a sense of gratitude and balance in his spiritual, personal, and professional life.

He also prioritizes family time, consciously minimizing device use to foster deeper connections. Vishal takes pride in his culinary skills, enjoying home-cooked meals and mastering a few signature dishes. His hobbies reflect his philosophy: “Bring a change every day and try not to repeat the same thing the next day.” This principle drives his ability to innovate, avoid procrastination, and manage tasks with efficiency.

Weekend Explorer & Foodie

Girish Kousgi, MD & CEO of PNB Housing Finance, another contributor to Banking Frontiers, begins his day early, reaching the office by 9 a.m. He prioritizes planning and organizing, ensuring a balance between work, family, and personal interests. Weekends are his time for rejuvenation, often spent on long drives that allow him to explore new places and gain fresh perspectives.

A self-professed foodie, Girish enjoys experimenting with cuisines, with a particular love for South Indian food. Movie nights are another cherished ritual, where patriotic films, horror movies, and inspirational biopics take center stage. A fan of Mahesh Babu, he never misses his movies. While not a tech enthusiast, Girish considers his phone an indispensable tool for staying connected and productive. These pursuits keep him energized and motivated, allowing him to bring his best self to both his personal and professional life.

In the fast-paced BFSI sector, these leaders exemplify the power of balance. Their personal passions – travel, reading, fitness, philanthropy, etc – not only enrich their lives but also enhance their leadership. By integrating hobbies into their demanding careers, they inspire holistic growth, proving that true success stems from harmony between personal fulfilment and professional excellence.


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