EVENTS
MUMBAI MEET-UP EVENT
by the real finance Mentor
January 2020 | mumbai
Kick-starting 2020 with a new RFM series!
The Real Finance Mentor organized it’s first ever meet-up event at Dextrus Co-Working in Mumbai on January 11, 2020. The meet-up was a one-hour talk followed by a 40 minute Q&A session. This was a very different presentation, the kind I’ve never given before.
Just 4 slides. But deep, brutally honest stuff reflecting the essence of my views on education, qualifications, skills, family, employers, mentors, leadership, career, life etc. Views not copied from some book but crafted over 30 years in the classroom of life. Not just CFA (we spent very little time on this!), but a holistic approach because everything is connected and getting the big picture is essential.
I always say that you know the real folks by their actions, not mere words. So, thanks for turning up on a Saturday morning and for asking some really good questions. Loved the curiosity and energy of these youngsters. You’ve the fire in the belly and that my dear warriors will set you ablaze!
Success. Or nothing.
Watch my session below
MECA Financial Digitilisation Summit
by MECA CFO Academy
DECEMBER 2019 | DUBAI
Great time talking about the future of work.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has conquered the lowlands and the foothills (calculations, games, driving, image recognition, translation etc.) and now threatens the mountains of human competence. But it’s not “game over” for mankind. Because AI is still narrow, specialized, needs lots of data, can’t empathize, or collaborate or trust or lead. Etc. YET.
So, I think the future for the next 5-10 years is AI + Human Intelligence (HI). In finance AI is still COMPLEMENTARY (mobile payments, Robo advice etc.) and not disruptive and this trend will GROW rapidly. Analysts will increasingly use AI e.g. in sentiment analysis. Everyone will have access to similar tools so the winners will use AI tools to find hidden patterns, uncover lucrative ideas etc. and move faster and such people will be highly prized and well paid. Low level, routine jobs will be automated and the less skilled will be redundant. Of course, this means that inequalities may widen.
Whether you’re an accountant, private banker or fund manager, one key skill is FLUENCY in using AI. But human interaction will be more valuable. Hence, SOFT SKILLS are critical; you’ll WIN if you can connect, engage, tell a story, influence, impact etc. things most finance folk are crap at.
I met quite a few senior finance people at the conference. Fact- most of them already knew me through LinkedIn. But it was very nice of them to come up, to finally meet face to face and to hear their views. Delighted to find that most of us have similar views on a few important areas within career, finance and self-development.
Financial Talent Summit
by CFA India Society
September 2019 | BANGALORE
The hot topic? The skills gap among finance professionals (what’s missing, why the gap and how to close it). The audience was a 250 + strong crowd of mostly CA and CFA candidates and recent pass-outs. The talk was followed by a Q & A session with the suave and highly experienced Biharilal Deora and some excellent questions from the audience on career, job search, mentoring, self development etc.
The event was well structured and comprehensive - the previous speakers talked on how to differentiate yourself and the target sectors for CFA candidates in India (and how to get in). Participants walked away with quite a few valuable life and career skills. A big thumbs up to those who attended; shows the huge interest in how to develop yourself and stand out! Also, a shout out to CFA India Society, who is doing stellar work organizing the FTS.
College Matters
by Manipal University
March 2019 | DUBAI
I teamed up with Mira Raley, soft skills expert, to deliver a lively session with multiple elements (ice breaker, mock interview, presentations, Q&A) on why college matters with emphasis on work readiness. Lots of interaction and positive feedback from the big crowd (80+).
The students particularly liked the fact that you can turn yourself around, the proper way of interviewing and importance of personal branding and telling your story.
Are You Ready: Gearing Up For Your Career
by Middlesex University
December 2018 | DUBAI
When you’ve been an analyst, finance director, entrepreneur, CEO, trainer and mentor, plus nailed the CA and CFA Charter, there’s a whole shipload of stuff that you can tell youngsters to prepare them for the workplace. So I went down to Middlesex University to talk about career success and the real world.
We expanded on why mentors matter and why you need to look for a great boss (and the impact of my best bosses Jose Zachariah FCA and Sudha Pillai IAS). Plus, we spoke about why Attitude is everything and that EQ is more critical than IQ. (the difference between ability, skills and knowledge). Other topics included: What you should never do when deciding on a career; Why Steve Jobs and Elon Musk are JERKS not role models AND lots of nice guys (Nadella, Pichai, Benioff, Bastain et al) do finish at the top; and That it’s ok not to plan out every detail; life is too unpredictable.
Plus, I shared a list of books I’ve found very insightful.
Oh! I, also, discussed why I climb mountains and it’s impact on my life (student question!!).
Quite an interactive session. I really hope they took home some key lessons and don’t reinvent the wheel. Wish them the best in their career. Big thanks to Dr Rajesh Mohnot for arranging the session; he’s one very rare academic!!
Leadership Style: Compulsion or Influence
by Institute of Chartered Accountants of Kenya
October 2018 | DUBAI
My keynote speech (on Leadership; drive by compulsion or lead by influence) to an audience of CEOs, CFOs and senior Government officers at the Hilton Jumeirah.
Compulsion is all about the pacesetting and commanding styles which are demoralizing and confusing, to be used in rare situations (the toxic Travis Kalanick and Al Dunlap are some examples).
Leading by INFLUENCE, in sharp contrast, is about 5 things: Trust (give before its earned), Competence (be good at what you do), Enrol (collaborate), Culture (beats strategy any day!) and Ego. Ego is KEY; many “leaders” I’ve worked with were so f***g DELUDED and lacked self awareness they actually thought they were Gods gift to management thanks to ass kissers and lack of HONEST feedback.
Yes, many good people do get to be CEO. But no, Steve Jobs didn’t succeed because he was a jerk; he succeeded because he was Steve Jobs and a GENIUS. Don’t use him as a role model!
So, how do you change? If you want to be a Leader (and not just a manager) surround yourself with honest people. Be SELF AWARE. Listen. Old habits die hard so prepare for a difficult but very REWARDING journey.
This is not the usual textbook bullshit. It comes from a personal journey of 25+ years of being managed, mismanaging(!!), managing and finally, leading.
High Exposure: Lessons in Risk Management from Mountaineering
by STORK (an MNC)
October 2018 | DUBAI
This event focused on Risk Management, a brief talk on the thrills and hazards of living at high altitude, drawing on my intimate (and torrid!) experience of climbing a dozen odd big mountains. With a flashback to those three weeks in July 2014 in Kyrgyzstan, when hope, risk, fear, pain and tragedy came together in an unforgettable fashion.
The lesson? Be aware of the risks, prepare for them, never fight with nature (you will lose), never be blinded by ego or over confidence, know yourself (the toughest!), listen to the experts and know your risk threshold.
So take calculated risks. Because there is no adventure without danger and because you live only once.