Dedication is the Key

Mr Abhimanyu Singh, a FIIB alumnus from the PGDM batch of 2005-2007 who is currently an Associate Vice President at Kotak Mahindra Bank, talks about this journey and how FIIB has enriched his life academically and personally. He also provides us with insights into his leadership styles and what it takes to achieve career success.  

My FIIB Journey

I knew that studying at FIIB would be an academically demanding path that would bring me to my aspirations of working in the banking space. One of the reasons I was delighted to come to FIIB was the sense of freedom I got and the control over how, when, and where I accomplished what I wanted to do. My time at FIIB enriched me with friendships that grew with time and gave me some of the best memories in life. I also thank FIIB for my first-ever job, which is always special for everyone. Mine was at HDFC Bank Ltd and from there, my journey started.

The most difficult aspect of my education has been balancing my projects, assignments, and tests. As a result, I was frequently weary, but setting weekly and monthly goals rather than daily goals helped me stay on track. It has been an enjoyable experience serving on the FIIB Alumni Committee for many years.

My Leadership Style

I have always been an advocate of trusting one’s team. My leadership style has revolved around the delegation of tasks. By using this style, I was able to build trust and promote teamwork among my employees. 

Everyone needs to understand that any team requires trust as it is the base for them to function. That is why delegation is important and I consider it as my ‘Leadership Style’. It has helped me to get through a lot of situations that were difficult to handle, but the right team efforts and delegation helped me get through it.

Impact of PGDM on my career success

I consider my PGDM from FIIB as a stepping stone to the corporate world that helped me move up the ladder in all aspects. Most people believe that if you are well compensated and have a career that others aspire to, you will be happy, content, and prosperous. For me, job success is not measured by money, corporations, or titles, but by the level of effort you put in and the amount of happiness you achieve.

The most gratifying aspect of my schooling was networking with FIIBains. My instructors, seniors, juniors, and students have all been in touch with me.

My belief in FIIB’s motto of #NeverStopLearning

I continued my education in International Fashion Retail Management at NIFT, Delhi, after finishing the PGDM programme at FIIB. My professional journey led me to work with retailers in the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. As a result, I’m content, satisfied, and pleased with my job decision, which allows me to mentor students and freshmen while also contributing to society.

I have always been an ongoing learner through several add-on courses. I never stopped learning after graduating from FIIB. Through constant hard work, I have always achieved my goals. As a result of my consistent hard work and dedication to improvement, I was promoted to AVP Sales.

Job role as an AVP Sales

My role as the new AVP Sales with Kotak Mahindra Bank has been very interesting as well as full of learnings. While I always believe that there is no substitute for hard work, it is true that with proper experience, we get what we thrive for. My new role has brought me new challenges and new solutions to it.

I’m enthusiastic about my job because it allows me to tap into the possibilities of new technology to assist shops to expand their company and create jobs across borders. In addition, I can apply my market, consumer research, product management, retail, and e-commerce business experience to IT product solutions and turn company demands into new products and prospects.

Message to the FIIB Community

I’d like to use this opportunity to ask the whole FIIB family to assist in enhancing the quality of FIIB academic programs by keeping this valuable association robust and consistent. This, I believe, will go a long way toward assuring continuous improvements to the FIIB institution – our Alma Mater – and will culminate in excellent educational services to our current and former student community.

I believe there is no shortcut to success. Positive thinking and keeping a check on one’s mental health are crucial. Prioritize your life by putting health first, then your family, then your job. This allows us to grow as individuals. Happy health and happiness to all.