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Driven by a deep-rooted sense of purpose, Gaurav Kohli has emerged as a leader committed to enhancing the safety and persistence of the financial system. His career mission took shape after witnessing the harsh realities of the 2008 financial crisis firsthand, an experience that left an indelible mark. <br>
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Leadership is not about titles, positions, or owcharts. It is about one life inuencing another. J O H N C . M A X W E L L www.insightssuccess.com
Editor’s VIEW What Makes Today's Most In?luential Leaders So Powerful? Narratives that strike a chord and steer with an inspiring hand delineate the line between ordinary and exceptional leadership. hile competence in management is common, the gift of inspiration is rare, separating exceptional leaders from the rest. At the core of this W exceptional trait lies a potent blend of vision, mission and integrity that drives leaders to make a positive impact on the world around them. Inspirational leaders possess a deep-seated sense of purpose, viewing their role not merely as a job but as a calling to effect meaningful change. They stand firm in their values, refusing to compromise even in the face of adversity. This commitment, though it may not always win them popularity, earns them something far more valuable: the trust and respect of their team. Central to the ethos of inspirational leadership is the adherence to integrity. These leaders understand that every action they take is being scrutinized by those they lead. As such, they conduct themselves with honor and authenticity, ensuring that their behaviour aligns with their core values. This consistency breeds trust and fosters a culture of accountability within their teams. Successful teams under inspirational leadership are fueled by a shared sense of purpose and camaraderie. They come together to collaborate, share knowledge, and leverage each other's strengths to achieve common goals. This collaborative spirit fosters a sense of belonging and unity, driving greater engagement and productivity across the organization. In its latest edition, “Most Admired Leader to Watch in 2024”Insights Success showcases the story of a visionary leader who is driving innovation and shaping the future of the modern industry with their exceptional leadership traits. As you flip through the pages of this edition, you'll encounter a tale of resilience, determination, and boldness in the face of adversity. You'll learn how this leader overcame challenges, seized opportunities, and ultimately transformed his organizations and industries for the better. So, dive in and let yourself be inspired by the story of this remarkable leader who is making waves in the world of business. His journey and his commitment to excellence and passion for innovation is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Creds Editor-in-Chief Merry D'Souza Managing Editor Preston Bannister Executive Editor Eva Miller Visualizer Michael Warner Art & Design Head Donna Claus Co-designer Yasmin Nasser Business Development Manager Sherin Rodricks Marketing Manager Jenny Jordan Business Development Executives Reem Almasoud, Sheldon Miller Digital Marketing Manager Isabel Barnes Technical Head Phil Simon Research Analyst Helena Smith Circulation Manager Finn Wilson sales@insightssuccess.com June, 2024 Corporate Ofce Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - (614)-859-2600 Email: info@insightssuccess.com For Subscription: www.insightssuccess.com www.twitter.com/insightssuccess Follow us on : www.facebook.com/insightssuccess/ We are also available on : RNI No.: MAHENG/2018/75953 Copyright © 2024 Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd., All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights Success. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success.
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hat motivates a true watched revered names crumble, being of the financial industry and the leader? For some, it's a exposing deep risk management broader economy. W pursuit of power, wealth, vulnerabilities. The spark that would or status. But for the most principled ignite his career mission had been lit. Here's how his work translates to real- leaders, a larger calling drives them world impact for Gaurav: forward. In the world of finance, that Heading to the US in 2009 to pursue calling is a desire to safeguard the his MBA, he aimed to help banks • Preventing Large Bank entire financial system, keeping it fortify their practices in the crisis' Failures: Since the 2008 secure, stable, and resilient against any wake. The Dodd-Frank Act's new crisis, where giants like threat. regulations created an opportune Washington Mutual collapsed, opening. Having experienced the no major US bank exceeding This is the fire that fuels the most turmoil, he was determined to build his $300 billion in assets has impactful financial leaders. A passion career safeguarding the financial faced a similar fate. This for protecting the vital arteries through services industry by enhancing its risk resilience through challenges which capital flows. A sense of duty to management standards. Today, Gaurav like COVID-19 and the 2023 utilize financial tools and practices not oversees major client engagements at regional banking stress is a just to accumulate profits, but to EY, leveraging over 15 years of cross- testament to Gaurav's team's reinforce the foundations upon which industry experience. His focus areas efforts. global markets are built. include liquidity risk management, • Building Risk Management Frameworks: Gaurav's team payments, fund transfer pricing, and Driven by a deep-rooted sense of has been instrumental in data strategy. But his core motivation purpose, Gaurav Kohli has emerged equipping over a dozen large stems from that career-defining event as a leader committed to enhancing the just after he started his journey. banks with robust risk safety and persistence of the financial management tools. These system. His career mission took shape The Global Financial Crisis was a include liquidity stress testing, after witnessing the harsh realities of pivotal moment that highlighted how intraday liquidity the 2008 financial crisis firsthand, an quickly fortunes can change when risk management, and other experience that left an indelible mark. management practices are inadequate. capabilities. Currently serving as a Managing For Gaurav, it revealed an essential • Promoting Economic Director in EY's US Risk Consulting truth: institutions must be resilient Stability: By helping banks practice, specializing in financial enough to withstand any market identify and mitigate risks services, he has dedicated himself to conditions. Otherwise, collapse is proactively, Gaurav's team the pivotal objective of fortifying inevitable. Forged in crisis, his mission contributes significantly to Treasury and liquidity risk is to strengthen financial safeguards by financial system stability. This management practices. applying the harsh lessons he translates to economic growth witnessed firsthand. His leadership and a more resilient financial Gaurav's path was forged by an innate helps ensure those past catastrophic landscape. passion for problem-solving that took mistakes never reoccur by preparing • Ensuring Trust and Job root early on. After graduating from banks for every contingency in an Security: Gaurav recognizes the University of Delhi in 2007, the uncertain future. the connection between stable consulting field's variety of business financial institutions and a challenges proved an irresistible draw. Let us learn more about his journey: healthy economy. Strong EY provided him with an entry into an banks foster trust among industry about to be rocked by Building a More Resilient Financial consumers and businesses, upheaval. System which fuels investment and job creation. At the time, few predicted the Gaurav sees himself as a purpose- • Focus on Regional Banks: imminence of the 2008 Global driven leader with a mission to fortify While progress has been Financial Crisis. But as storied the financial system's safety net. His made, the 2023 regional institutions like Washington Mutual passion stems from the belief that his banking crisis, where and IndyMac collapsed, Gaurav team's work directly impacts the well- relatively smaller banks
• failed, highlights the ongoing need for heightened risk management across the board. Gaurav's team remains dedicated to helping regional clients navigate future challenges. Building Trusting Partnerships Gaurav recognizes the importance of fostering strong client relationships within the financial services industry. His approach emphasizes understanding client needs beyond just project specifics. By actively listening, he seeks to grasp their broader organizational goals and identify ways to support them through the broader consulting network or industry connections. Building trust is key for him. He prioritizes client relationships regardless of immediate project activity and treats all inquiries with urgency. Consistent success in solving complex problems fosters long-term trust. This trust is a two-way street.
When clients trust Gaurav, they fostering a shared vision and nurturing Staying informed is paramount for become invested in his success, his team members' technical and Gaurav. To achieve this, he has a well- offering guidance and support to leadership skills as they work towards defined information-gathering strategy. navigate challenges. In return, he collective goals. Witnessing his team Every morning, he scans the Wall prioritizes maintaining credibility, members flourish into leadership roles Street Journal's Risk and Compliance staying informed, and proactively themselves brings him immense and CFO Journal sections for industry communicating any potential risks. satisfaction. insights. Being part of a Big 4 firm like This focus on understanding client EY grants him access to a vast network needs, genuine connection, and Technical expertise is highly valued by of professionals and internal resources consistent service establishes a strong him, and he actively coaches and on regulations and industry trends. He foundation for successful develops his team in this area. further supplements this knowledge by collaboration. However, he recognizes that leadership actively reading professional risk journals to gain the latest perspectives goes beyond technical proficiency. To from industry experts. Navigating the Evolved Landscape excel, his team needs to feel empowered, make decisions with his Gaurav's experience highlights a This comprehensive approach allows support, and effectively coach, significant transformation in how Gaurav to develop his own informed communicate, and believe in financial institutions manage treasury views on emerging trends and their themselves. and liquidity risks since the 2008 potential impact on clients. For crisis. Regulatory reforms post-crisis instance, the rise of real-time payments Gaurav provides his team with set a new baseline for risk governance, in the US has implications for liquidity leadership opportunities, such as client measurement, and reporting across presentations, technical training risk management. Recognizing this, he banks. sessions, and vendor relationship has been proactively discussing these management. These experiences boost implications with clients and advising Initially, banks focused on building their confidence, drive, and motivation them on appropriate preparations. risk frameworks and data systems to to achieve shared objectives. strengthen these areas. This was Interestingly, he finds inspiration in the Leading Transformation in Financial followed by the development of show Ted Lasso's portrayal of Risk Management advanced capabilities like cash flow transformational leadership. He highly forecasting, stress testing, and buffer recommends the show to anyone Building trust with clients and tackling management. For large institutions, interested in this leadership style. their most pressing challenges is standardized metrics like the LCR and paramount for him. These challenges NSFR became mandatory. Staying Ahead in Financial Services can range from tight regulatory deadlines to resource constraints or While core risk management principles Gaurav sees immense potential in internal misalignment within the remain constant, the way banks gather Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially client's organization. As a trusted data, report on risks, and model Generative AI (Gen AI), to transform advisor, Gaurav collaborates with potential issues has become far more Treasury and liquidity risk clients to find solutions and achieve sophisticated over the last decade. management. Gen AI, in his view, can desired outcomes. While challenges remain due to the be a powerful investigative tool for risk evolving risk landscape, Gaurav sees managers. It can analyze data patterns For instance, he once led a complex many banks are better prepared to to identify emerging risks, send alerts, engagement on fund transfer pricing, a handle future crises thanks to their and even synthesize research papers. topic known to spark internal investments in robust risk management Additionally, Gen AI can support tasks disagreements due to its financial tools. like management reporting, analysis, impact. The challenge was to achieve and document creation. He believes consensus from a diverse group of Approach to Transformational early investment in AI will lead to stakeholders within a short timeframe. Leadership significant gains in operational His team's solution was to ground their efficiency and productivity for financial recommendations in strong risk Gaurav champions a transformational services firms. management principles and objectively leadership style. He believes in analyze the client's data.
This established their credibility and By investing in training and to learn and solve in new contexts. paved the way for the successful empowering them to make more day- Additionally, witnessing his team implementation of changes to the to-day decisions, Gaurav fosters their members flourish and achieve transfer pricing framework. This development while also creating the promotions brings him immense experience exemplifies his approach: space he needs to manage his own personal fulfillment. building trust, collaborating with schedule more effectively. This clients, and achieving success through approach allows him to find Consulting, however, isn't without its objectivity and sound problem-solving. satisfaction in both his intellectual demands. Balancing multiple client pursuits and his role as a mentor, engagements, business development, Leading with Purpose creating a win-win for himself and his and people management can be a team. tightrope walk. While achieving a Gaurav's passion for consulting stems work-life balance can be challenging, from two core aspects: the intellectual he believes it's attainable over time. challenge and the opportunity for His strategy hinges on effective continuous learning. He thrives on the communication with his teams. variety of complex problems clients present, viewing each day as a chance
eadership is a multifaceted art. It's about inspiring and L motivating individuals, fostering collaboration, and navigating challenges to achieve a shared vision. But with such a complex responsibility comes the question: what leadership style is best? The truth is, there's no single "one size fits all" approach. Effective leaders adapt their style based on the situation, the team they lead, and their strengths. However, understanding several key leadership styles and frameworks can equip you to choose the most effective approach for any given circumstance. This article delves into six prominent leadership styles and frameworks, providing you with a valuable toolkit for navigating the progressive landscape of leadership. 1. Situational Leadership (SL) Developed by Hersey and Blanchard, Situational Leadership (SL) emphasizes the importance of adapting your leadership style based on the maturity level (competence and commitment) of your team members. This framework outlines four leadership styles:
• Directing (High Directive, Low Supportive): Ideal for situations where team members lack the skills or confidence to complete tasks independently. This style involves clear instructions, close supervision, and high task focus. • Coaching (High Directive, High Supportive): Effective for team members who possess some skills but still require guidance. The leader provides instruction and support, encouraging questions and participation. • Supporting (Low Directive, High Supportive): Suitable for team members with the skills and motivation to handle tasks but may benefit from encouragement and feedback. The leader offers support and facilitates collaboration.
• Delegating (Low Directive, Low • Contingency Reward: Leaders 6. Autocratic Leadership (Authoritarian Supportive): Best suited for highly offer rewards or incentives in Leadership) skilled and motivated team exchange for achieving specific members. The leader assigns tasks, goals. Autocratic leaders make decisions sets clear expectations, and trusts • Management by Exception: unilaterally, with minimal or no input the team members to take Leaders intervene only when from team members. This style ownership. performance falls below emphasizes control and adherence to established standards. instructions. 2. Transformational Leadership 4. Servant Leadership While autocratic leadership can be Transformational leaders inspire and effective in situations requiring motivate their teams to excel beyond Servant leaders prioritize the needs and decisive action or strict adherence to expectations. They possess a clear well-being of their team members protocols, it can stifle creativity, vision for the future, communicate it before their own. They foster a demotivate team members, and hinder effectively, and empower team collaborative environment focused on innovation. members to contribute their talents growth and development for all. toward achieving that vision. Choosing the Right Style Key aspects of servant leadership Key characteristics of transformational include: There's no single "best" leadership leaders include: style. The optimal approach depends • Putting Others First: Servant on various factors, including: • Idealized Influence: They serve as leaders prioritize the needs of their role models, inspiring trust and team members and create an • The Situation: Consider the admiration through their actions environment where everyone feels urgency of the task, the and values. valued and supported. complexity of the problem, and • Inspirational Motivation: They • Empowerment: They delegate the maturity level of your team. articulate a compelling vision that tasks, provide resources, and • The Team: Evaluate the skills, ignites passion and commitment experience, and motivation level encourage team members to take within the team. of your team members. ownership. • Intellectual Stimulation: They • Development Focus: They invest • Your Strengths: Identify your encourage creativity and in their team's growth by leadership strengths and innovation by challenging the providing opportunities for preferences to determine the style status quo and fostering critical learning and skill development. you can naturally and effectively thinking. • Building Community: Servant embody. • Individualized Consideration: leaders foster a sense of belonging They treat each team member as and collaboration within the team. Ultimately, the most successful leaders an individual, recognizing their are those who can inspire, motivate, strengths and development needs. 5. Democratic Leadership and empower their teams to achieve (Participative Leadership) their full potential. By understanding 3. Transactional Leadership and utilizing the various leadership Democratic leaders involve their team styles and frameworks presented, you Transactional leaders focus on members in decision-making can become a more effective leader, establishing clear expectations, processes. They value input, encourage guiding your team and your exchanging rewards for performance, participation, and leverage the organization toward success. and maintaining a structured work collective wisdom of the team. This environment. This style is effective in style can foster ownership, creativity, situations requiring clear direction and and buy-in to decisions. task completion. However, democratic leadership can be Transactional leadership can be time-consuming and may not always further broken down into two be suitable for urgent situations subcategories: requiring quick decisions.
www.insightssuccess.com A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus - Martin Luther King Jr.
How Can You Measure the Impact of Your Leadership Style on Business Performance?
Measuring the Impact! eadership style is a critical quantitative and qualitative data can • Customer Retention: Have factor in driving business provide a well-rounded picture. customer retention rates L performance. A strong leader Consider these key areas: improved? can inspire teams, foster innovation, • Net Promoter Score (NPS): Does and navigate challenges to achieve 1. Financial Performance: your NPS, a metric measuring success. But how do you, as a leader, customer loyalty, reflect a positive assess the impact of your style on the • Revenue Growth: Has your impact from your leadership? bottom line? Measuring the company seen an increase in effectiveness of your leadership is revenue since adopting your 5. Innovation and Creativity crucial for continuous improvement leadership style? and maximizing your team's potential. • Profitability: Have profit margins • Number of New Product improved under your leadership? Launches: Has your leadership This article explores various methods • Return on Investment (ROI): Are fostered an environment to quantify the influence of your initiatives spearheaded by you conducive to innovation, leading leadership style on business yielding positive returns? to new product launches or service performance. offerings? • Number of Employee Ideas 2. Employee Engagement Implemented: Do you encourage Understanding Your Leadership and implement employee ideas, Style • Employee Satisfaction Surveys: fostering a culture of innovation? Do employee satisfaction surveys reveal a positive work • Problem-solving Efficiency: Has Before measuring impact, it's essential environment under your your leadership style improved the to understand your leadership style. leadership? team's problem-solving Here are some key leadership styles: • Employee Retention: Has your capabilities? leadership resulted in lower • Authoritarian: Strong and employee turnover? Collecting Data for Measurement decisive, leaders make decisions • Employee Productivity: Have with minimal input. • Democratic: Leaders value productivity levels increased since Several methods can be employed to collaboration and involve team you took charge? gather data for these metrics: members in decision-making. • Coaching: Leaders focus on 3. Team Performance • Formal Surveys: Conduct developing people's skills and employee satisfaction surveys, empowering them. • Goal Achievement: Is your team customer satisfaction surveys, and • Affiliative: Leaders prioritize consistently achieving or pulse surveys to gather specific building relationships and exceeding goals? data points. harmony within the team. • Meeting Deadlines: Has your • Performance Reports: Analyze • Visionary: Leaders inspire and leadership improved the team's financial reports, project reports, motivate through a clear vision for ability to meet deadlines and sales data to track the future. effectively? performance changes. • Team Spirit and Collaboration: Do • Focus Groups and Interviews: These styles aren't mutually exclusive. surveys or observations highlight Facilitate discussions with Effective leaders often adapt their style strong team spirit and employees and customers to gain based on the situation and their team's collaboration under your deeper insights into their needs. However, identifying your leadership? experiences. dominant style serves as a starting • Observation: Observe team point for measuring its impact. 4. Customer Satisfaction interactions and dynamics to gauge collaboration and morale. Metrics for Measuring Leadership • Customer Satisfaction Surveys: Impact Do customer satisfaction surveys Beyond the Numbers: Qualitative indicate improvement since your Measures There's no single metric to definitively leadership took effect? measure your leadership impact. Quantitative data provides a valuable However, a combination of starting point, but don't underestimate
the power of qualitative measures. for a collaborative approach to Here are some additional indicators of improvement. your leadership impact: • Consider seeking external leadership coaching or attending • Feedback from Managers and leadership development programs Peers: Solicit honest feedback to expand your skill set. from fellow leaders and colleagues about your leadership style's Conclusion effectiveness. • Employee Recognition Programs: Measuring the impact of your Do you have a thriving employee leadership style empowers you to recognition program, highlighting understand your strengths and identify employee achievements and areas for development. By utilizing a valuing their contributions? combination of quantitative and • Company Culture: Has your qualitative data, you can gain valuable leadership fostered a positive and insights into how your leadership style motivating company culture? influences employee engagement, team • Team Morale: Observe whether performance, and ultimately, business your team exhibits high morale success. Through continuous through positive interactions and evaluation and a commitment to an energized atmosphere. learning, you can become a leader who fosters a thriving work environment Analyzing and Interpreting Data and propels your organization to new heights. Once you've collected data, analyze it to identify trends and patterns. • Look for correlations between leadership behaviors and specific performance metrics. • Identify areas where your leadership style has demonstrably impacted performance positively. • Conversely, recognize areas where adjustments might be necessary for further improvement. Continuous Improvement Measuring your leadership impact is not a one-time exercise. It's an ongoing process of self-evaluation and growth. • Use the data to identify areas for improvement and refine your leadership style. • Be open to learning and adapting your approach based on the feedback you receive. • Communicate your findings openly and transparently with your team. This fosters trust and allows
Leadership is not about being in charge, Its about taking care of those in your charge. - Simon Sinek
be our doubts of today., , The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will - Franklin D. Roosevelt