Name: Mukul Jain

Title: Managing Director

Organisation: Redbrick Capital Advisors Private Limited

Mukul has experience of two decades in the financial sector domain. He has worked in various positions in equity research and investment banking. In 2008, Mukul founded Redbrick and since then has been instrumental in leading Redbrick to become a known name in the Investment banking space with a specialization on MSMEs. Mukul also visits various management institutes to conduct workshops on entrepreneurship and is an active jury member for various startup events. Mukul has a keen interest in philanthropy and is actively involved with Uplift Foundation as a Managing Trustee.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

I used to have a lot of issues initially to understand that everyone can't and will not be able to work at the same pace. Every individual has their working speed and you can't expect everyone to be the same. As a leader, one needs to understand the subordinates and be able to adapt and inspire them.

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

I started as an analyst at one of the large equity broking houses in the country, and gradually moved up the ladder over the years. Saw an opportunity to take the baton when one of the seniors had to quit due to personal reasons. During this time I realized that I needed to cater to a large gap in the market, and started Redbrick focusing on providing Investment Banking services to MSMEs in India.

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

I generally start my day early ensuring that I get ample time for myself before the regular office calls kick in. My meetings and daily schedule are planned to keep in mind the hectic nature of the industry.

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

Someone can't be a leader because of his designation, A leader is established based on how he handles his subordinates.

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 firmly believe that leadership is not something that can be taught through books, however, one of the good reads on leadership that I would recommend is 'The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker'. This is one book on leadership that I think has real-life examples and tries to explain things practically.

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

Consider your subordinates as your friends and ensure that you always remain humble.

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

I firmly believe a true leader is someone who can stand out from the crowd during difficult times and who ensures that his team performs during these times. There are many instances when as an organisation, things may not be going as planned and as a leader, I have had to stick my neck out and ensure that the whole team is motivated enough and inspired to do well. Till the time the zeal to excel is not there, the team won't be able to do well and every individual in the team should have the same passion towards their work.