1. What have you found most challenging as a CEO or executive of a large enterprise?

For me the most challenging issue has been on how to manage the different stakeholder groups I represent, as they are each looking for different things whether it be Customers, Employees, Regulators, advisors, or stakeholders. One needs to ensure that each of them sees value and growth

2. How did you become a CEO or executive of a large enterprise? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey to becoming a Senior leader has been by having a clear purpose and imbibing qualities such as being absolutely focused on the goal/s as well maintaining transparency and importantly taking accountability.
Another area is to make sure that the team is treated with respect and dignity. In today’s world where everyone is running after Growth and Bottom line, we forget that the most important element is the people.
To me a leader is only as good as his team. You need to motivate and drive them by leading from the front. Your team should see value in you.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Ideally my day starts quite early and ends quite late. Especially in today's environment of working from home, we all have learnt to manage our work and personal life.

I don't have a routine work schedule as things vary from day to day depending on the urgency of the matter in hand and the immediate action that needs to be taken. Since I manage a large region (Asia) covering Business development, Client relationships, Partner/Advisor engagement, executing short and long-term projects each day brings with it interesting situations and challenges.
However I do ensure that I keep at least 2 hours of family time and avoid responding to mails on weekends unless of course it is urgent and Client related.

4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?

To have empathy and empower people.
We as leaders' are constantly engaging & dealing with people who come from different backgrounds and we need to be able to see things as the other person does and come up with a solution . Team should see value in you.
As a leader one must have the passion and invest time in developing the strengths and talents of your team.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

From Third World to First: The Singapore Story: 1965-2000
by Lee Kuan Yew

In this book Singapore’s miraculous history is dramatically recounted by this great leader who not only lived through it all but fearlessly forged ahead and brought about most of the changes.
His single minded focus and passion to build a country from nothing. His dedication and conviction is absolutely awesome.

6. How do you build leadership capacity in a large enterprise?

One can build the Leadership capacity by ensuring that there is a proper succession plan and the select members of your team are trained and groomed to take over

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a CEO or executive of a large enterprise so far?

Ajay Banga - Executive chairman of the board of directors of Mastercard.
Have seen him from his "Citi" days in India. What a visionary and an outstanding leader.