Name: Jasleen Saini

Title: Business Analyst

Organisation: ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company

Meet Jasleen Saini, a seasoned Strategic Business Analyst dedicated to driving financial excellence for business growth. With a Certified Business Analyst credential and an MBA featuring dual majors in Finance and Marketing, Jasleen brings a unique blend of analytical prowess and strategic vision to the corporate landscape.

Over her 5-year journey, she has made a significant impact in the dynamic realms of investment banking and wealth management. Jasleen's expertise extends across specialized domains, including capital markets, mutual funds, private equity, and debt markets. Her leadership shines through in her ability to transform complex problems into streamlined and effective solutions.

Jasleen is not merely a numbers expert; she is a forward-thinking strategist who understands the pivotal role that financial acumen plays in organizational success. Her commitment to financial excellence is evident in her proactive approach to problem-solving and her keen ability to navigate the intricacies of the financial landscape.

In addition to her technical skills, Jasleen is a polyglot with a love of 5 languages, English, French, German, Hindi, and Punjabi, and is recognized for her leadership acumen, fostering collaborative environments where teams thrive. Her strategic mindset has not only contributed to financial success but has also cultivated a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

With a passion for unraveling the complexities of financial markets, Jasleen Saini stands at the intersection of business acumen and analytical finesse, ready to spearhead transformative initiatives and elevate organizations to new heights of financial success.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

As a leader, one of the most invigorating challenges is navigating the dynamic landscape of rapid change with unwavering optimism while consistently meeting expectations. Embracing uncertainty becomes an opportunity for growth, allowing leaders to inspire and guide their teams through transformative times with a positive and resilient mindset.

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

I had the privilege of having a pivotal role at ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company, where I successfully managed three regions and led a team of over 150 individuals. Throughout my tenure, I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in diverse perspectives, fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth. This experience empowered me to bring the best to the table, contributing to both personal and professional development.

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

I am an early riser, greeting each day at 7 am with a heart full of gratitude. My morning routine involves meditation and yoga, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. A wholesome breakfast and a cup of coffee fuel my energy as I kickstart my day at 9 am, armed with a meticulously planned schedule outlined in my trusty planner.

Recognizing the first half of the day as the most productive, I engage in activities and meetings, leveraging this time for efficient and effective work. A mindful lunch break around 1 pm rejuvenates me for the afternoon tasks.

Post work, I prioritize my well-being with a workout. As the night approaches, I delve into the world of literature, finding solace in reading and occasionally indulging in journaling. With a commitment to staying organized and balanced, I retire for the night at 11:30 pm, ready to embrace the next day with the same enthusiasm and gratitude.

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

In a recent experience, I encountered a valuable lesson when one of my regions faced underperformance a few months ago. Despite my earnest efforts to improve numbers and implement strategies with my team, there were challenges at the ground level that were not fully communicated to me. The information provided was somewhat superficial, contributing to the region's underwhelming performance for that particular month.

In response, I took proactive measures by personally visiting the branches and engaging with individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the ground reality. This hands-on approach allowed me to identify the root causes of the challenges. Armed with this newfound insight, I made strategic adjustments to my planning and implemented decisions that played a pivotal role in turning the situation around. The subsequent month witnessed a notable performance improvement.

This experience reinforced the importance of leaders immersing themselves in the core of a problem to comprehend the ground reality fully. Sometimes, taking that extra step to personally investigate challenges can lead to more informed decisions and foster a better-performing environment.

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?

I had the opportunity to explore "The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership" by Tim Elmore. This insightful book provides valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of today's marketplace. By delving into the paradoxes of leadership, such as balancing humility and confidence, vision and blind spots, as well as maintaining high standards while embracing forgiveness, the book offers a nuanced approach to effective leadership. The book has expanded my horizons and provided valuable insights that can contribute to personal and professional growth in the dynamic landscape of leadership.

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

I would like to say that stay humble and grounded. There would be many challenges and obstacles that would come your way, but remember that you are the best and you are a go-getter. Be the voice that you want to be cause in today's world we need that more especially in a competitive marketplace.

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

I'm fortunate to recall a meaningful story from my journey, featuring an exceptional mentor whose impact has been transformative. The guidance and encouragement received from her played a pivotal role in propelling me beyond my comfort zone, fostering growth and development in the realm of leadership.

During our interactions, my mentor not only shared valuable insights but also instilled in me the courage to navigate the complexities of the leadership landscape. Her powerful words and unwavering positivity served as a driving force, influencing my trajectory to where I stand today. I am profoundly grateful for the lessons learned and the personal and professional growth experienced under her mentorship.

This story underscores the importance of humility, acknowledging that each of us can contribute to each other's flourishing. It highlights the courage needed to step into the unknown and the profound impact that positive mentorship can have on shaping the leaders of today and the change-makers of tomorrow.