Name: Mr. Binit Rauniyar

Title: CFO & Acting CEO

Organisation: Mela Group Nepal

Mr. Binit Rauniyar is a seasoned business and finance professional, showcasing a proven track record in diverse industries. Currently serving as the CFO and Acting CEO of Mela Group Nepal, a prominent conglomerate business, he demonstrates exceptional business acumen. With his expertise, Mr. Rauniyar can proficiently analyze existing businesses and elevate them to new heights.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

The most challenging aspect of leadership lies in the ability to meet expectations and elevate the business to the next level, ensuring overall benefit and growth of all the users including society.

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

I became a leader through a series of experiences and opportunities. My journey started when I joined RTE Nepal as the Finance & Operations Head, where I gained valuable insights into the financial and operational aspects of a business. Later, I worked in an audit firm, which provided me with the chance to engage in conversations with top-level management from a variety of industries. These interactions instilled leadership qualities in me as I learned from their experiences and insights. Over time, I realized that my commitment to continuous improvement and personal growth played a pivotal role in shaping me as a leader. This commitment pushed me to become better with each passing day. My experience in a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) company, a Joint Venture between IJ (formerly NE) Group Nepal and Agilus (formerly SRL) Diagnostics further solidified my leadership skills. Ultimately, it was my unwavering desire to learn and evolve continuously, coupled with the blessings of Bhagwan(God) that enabled me to emerge as the leader I am today. I am thankful to everyone that has helped me in this journey.

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

I structure my work days with a disciplined routine to maximize productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance. I start my day as an early riser, engaging in exercise while catching up on global news from reputable sources like Economic Times, IMF, and World Bank. This helps me stay informed about the world economy, business markets, and relevant trends. Afterward, I have breakfast and dive into my preplanned tasks and scheduled meetings. Throughout the day, I focus on analyzing the business, collaborating closely with my team, and gathering feedback from users to identify areas for continuous improvement. I make it a point to assess our progress and strategize for enhancements. Before leaving work, I meticulously plan my tasks for the next day and brainstorm on how to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. In the evenings, I prioritize spending quality time with my family and friends. These moments of relaxation and connection serve as a recharge, allowing me to return to work with renewed focus and energy. This balanced approach to my daily routine ensures I am both productive in my professional responsibilities and present in my personal life.

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

Certainly, the recent leadership lesson I've learned, or been reminded of, is the crucial importance of effective communication and leading by example. In a recent expansion project, I witnessed firsthand how these principles significantly impacted the team's performance. By fostering open and clear communication channels, the team was well-informed about their roles, expectations, and the overall project vision. This clarity eliminated confusion and empowered team members to make informed decisions, ultimately enhancing productivity and collaboration. Additionally, leading by example played a pivotal role. When team members saw me actively involved, demonstrating dedication, and upholding high standards, it set a positive tone. This motivated them to emulate the same level of commitment and professionalism, leading to exceptional performance across the board. Furthermore, understanding the balance in delegation was key. Assigning tasks appropriately – not overwhelming individuals with too much responsibility nor underutilizing their skills – ensured everyone was engaged and contributing optimally to the project's success. In essence, this experience reaffirmed that effective communication, hands-on involvement, judicious delegation, and setting a positive example are paramount in driving a team towards outstanding results, especially during complex projects or expansions.

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?

Certainly, the impact of books on leadership can be profound and diverse. While I don't have a single favorite book, I recognize the immense value in the teachings of the "Bhagavad Gita." Its influence on my leadership journey has been transformative. The Gita's timeless wisdom, encompassing principles of duty, ethics, and leadership, has provided me with valuable insights into effective decision-making and ethical conduct. The Bhagavad Gita's emphasis on selfless action, resilience, and maintaining equanimity in challenging situations has guided my approach to leadership. It has instilled in me the importance of leading with a sense of purpose and the understanding that true leadership goes beyond mere managerial tasks; it involves inspiring and empowering others while upholding moral and ethical values. I believe that the "Bhagavad Gita" holds a unique and unparalleled place in the realm of literature. It's profound wisdom and timeless teachings indeed make it a super set of knowledge. I see it as the ultimate source of inspiration, encompassing principles that go beyond the boundaries of time and culture. In my view, every other leadership book is, in essence, a subset of the profound wisdom found within the pages of the Bhagavad Gita.

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

If I could offer one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be to "Stay humble and connected to the ground, and prioritize consistent learning and upskilling." Remaining humble keeps you open to learning from everyone around you, regardless of their position or background. It fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, where you can draw wisdom from diverse perspectives. Staying connected to your roots and understanding the experiences of others helps you empathize, relate, and lead with authenticity. Consistent learning and upskilling are vital in today's rapidly changing world. Embrace a growth mindset, always be curious, and seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Whether it's staying updated on industry trends, honing your communication abilities, or learning new technologies, continuous learning equips you to adapt, innovate, and make informed decisions as a leader. It's a key to long-term success and personal fulfillment in your leadership journey.

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

One meaningful story from my time as a leader involves achieving J-curve business growth through a collaborative team effort. In this particular instance, my role was to synchronize the efforts of diverse team members who were all working towards a common goal and objective. The project initially faced challenges and slow progress, but by fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among team members, we were able to create a highly motivated and cohesive team. Through effective communication, encouragement of innovative ideas, and recognizing and appreciating each team member’s contribution, we harnessed the collective talent and passion within the group. As the team worked harmoniously towards the shared objective, the results were remarkable. We experienced exponential growth, resembling the shape of a J-curve on our performance charts. This success story not only highlighted the power of collaboration and teamwork but also reinforced the importance of effective leadership in aligning individuals towards a common vision. It served as a testament to the potential of a motivated team working in unison, achieving outstanding results that exceeded our initial expectations.