Arun Poddar, Chief Executive Director at Choice International, share his personal perspectives on leadership:
Ravi Lalwani: What are the top 3 areas where you will personally focus upon in the days ahead?
Arun Poddar: I am committed to ensure that Choice International continues to thrive and adapt in our ever-evolving business landscape. To make this happen I will personally focus on the following aspects.
1. Client Needs: Our clients are at the core of our business and meeting their expectations is of utmost importance. I will focus on gaining an understanding of our clients, their challenges and evolving requirements.
2. Team Development: Our team is the driving force behind our achievements. Therefore, I intend to invest in their development to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation and provide them with training and mentorship opportunities.
3. Innovations in Technology: In today’s fast-paced world driven by technology, it is crucial to remain at the forefront of advancements in our industry. To achieve this goal, we are committed to encouraging research and development among our team members to help them stay ahead in this competitive landscape.
These focus areas align perfectly with our dedication to excellence and serve as guiding principles for our upcoming initiatives.
Name 3 areas in which you confidently consider yourself as an expert. How did you gain that expertise?
In my professional journey, I have found that my expertise is deeply rooted in 3 key domains:
1. Financial Services: Throughout my career, I have been actively working in the financial services space, that has enabled me to possess invaluable insights and a have deep understanding of the financial landscape. This experience has allowed me to comprehend the intricate mindset of retail customers in financial services, which, in turn, has been instrumental in shaping our strategies.
2. Team Building: Building and nurturing a skilled and cohesive team is fundamental to the success of any business. At Choice, we have successfully built a high-performing team. My expertise in this realm has been honed through years of dedicated hands-on experience encompassing everything from the art of recruitment to the science of training and mentorship.
3. Marketing: Marketing, to me, is both an art and a science. My expertise in marketing is not just theoretical; it is grounded in real-world experience, innovation, and an acute understanding of ever-evolving market trends. It involves the craft of strategic planning, the precision of executing campaigns, and the agility to leverage cutting-edge marketing techniques. It’s all about positioning our services effectively in the market. My proficiency in marketing stems from a relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring our strategies remain adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of our audience. My expertise has been nurtured by an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and a passionate dedication to deliver excellence.
What 3 areas would you be looking to develop yourself in the years ahead?
I firmly believe that technology holds the key to bridging the reachability and penetration gap in our nation’s financial literacy landscape. Technology acts as a great equalizer, serving as a catalyst to drive forward our vision. Furthermore, as we set our sights on achieving a high growth rate in the upcoming 2-3 years, I recognize the importance of honing my skills in establishing a robust operational structure to ensure seamless operations across our branches. Additionally, in the dynamic field of finance, being foresighted goes a long way. I aim to capitalize on developing data-driven systems in order to predict and deliver client needs better using well-researched insights to stand out against the competition.
Name some of the business leaders, non-business leaders and leadership gurus who you really admire.
Swami Vivekananda, the revered spiritual leader and philosopher, has been a profound source of inspiration for me. His unwavering commitment to the betterment of humanity and his profound wisdom continue to guide my personal philosophy and my approach to leadership. His teachings on self-realization, resilience, and service to society have left an indelible mark on my leadership journey. His message of harnessing one’s inner strength and channeling it for the greater good resonates deeply with me, and I draw immense inspiration from his life and principles.
As a leader, what business milestones would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?
In the next 12 months, our team’s primary objective is to achieve substantial qoq growth of 20-25% across all our key business verticals – Stock Broking, NBFC, Insurance, and Advisory Services – in order to demonstrate our capability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic market and solidify our leadership position in our industry. Additionally, we’re dedicated to elevating customer satisfaction and fortifying market presence through strategic partnerships and innovative products to lay the foundation for our long-term success.
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