Name:  Dhriti Gupta

Title: Senior Manager-Intra group sourcing DVMO - Technology Data and Innovation

Organisation: Deutsche Bank

A risk management professional with experience in global program design and implementation, governance, risk and control management, Cyber Security Risk, Proven ability of strategic initiatives spanning business and technology processes in vendor management and Third party risk management.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Dhriti's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

A leader’s job is not only to lead the team but build it from ground up. One of the most challenging tasks for me, as a leader, has been to navigate through the myriad of human resources in every workplace and consolidate their focus on organisational goals. Owing to an increasing talent pool across organisations, it becomes a tough task for leaders to manoeuvre through all available channels to extract the correct talent for each given task.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey to become a leader started a decade ago while I was working as an executive in one of the leading financial institutions of the country. I was extremely inspired by my manager, who was fearless and compassionate for his team. He taught me the main tenets of being a good leader and what distinguishes them. I have continuously followed his path while combining my own experiences developed profusely from the intricate association with others that not only aided me in becoming a leader but also developed life-changing skills.

I was always keen to learn and explore different arenas and wanted to reach a certain level despite the hardships. I belong from a very small town where opportunities were very less and I knew that the only way to grow is by gaining more knowledge. I was opportune when my manager gave me the option to lead the audit and regular accounts team of 3 people, which laid the foundation of my leadership journey.

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

My work days are balanced between health, work and family. I wake up at 6 o’clock and hit the gym. I start my work from 10 am and end it at 7 pm, following which I come back to my family. However, it’s not an easy task, so I always keep my options open to learn. Following which reading helps me to grow more.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Learning to be a leader is a continuous process and I learn leadership lessons each day. In my case, the foundational stone of leadership was laid down years ago, but almost each day I perceive some lesson. Its important to have an open mind and inviting ideas as the generation is constantly changing.

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?

The Scarlet Pimpernel written by Baroness Orczy has always been a favourite. Although, it doesn’t match the literary meaning of a leader but the way the author has narrated the tales of a brave English businessman saving French aristocrats during the French Revolution unequivocally indicate that leaders aren’t born but made.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Adapt, improvise and overcome

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

During my initial days as an executive, I was restless and full of ideas. But I lacked the tendency to listen to others. So, my mentor called me one day as asked me to start listening more than speaking. Hence, the lesson was learned that leaders have a lister’s ear that helps them to become solution givers and lead the team effectively than jumping to conclusions