Dr. Shashank Agarwal: Setting Benchmarks In Leadership With Integrity, Transparency & Resilience
Dr. Shashank Agarwal
CFO
They manage endowment growth, navigate market volatility, optimize operational budgets, and more. In fact, a survey conducted by Deloitte found that the role of CFOs is becoming more strategic and influential beyond finance.
Holding a track record of implementing forward-thinking financial strategies and fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility, Dr. Shashank Agarwal, CFO of Kasiga School, has set the bar high for his peers. His visionary leadership has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a top leader among CFOs in educational institutions.
CEO Insights is privileged to honor Dr. Shashank Agarwal for his contributions to the organization and the education sector. Let’s hear more from him in this one-on-one interaction.
What motivates you in your work every day?
What drives me daily is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through my work. Over the past five years, we've implemented numerous process improvements and achieved remarkable successes. Being an instrumental part of these initiatives has been immensely gratifying.
As a senior management team member, I play a focal role in representing the organization in financial matters. The blend of these opportunities and the positive transformations we bring about fuels my passion and drive every day. Of course, my journey has been a rewarding one, filled with learning and execution. The ability to influence and drive change in such a prestigious institution continually inspires me to strive for excellence.
How do you plan to leverage your experience to enhance the organization’s profile?
My primary focus is ensuring the financial sustainability and stability of Kasiga School. I prioritize strong discipline and maintaining robust financial health as the cornerstone of my approach. My Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) degree, the highest credential in fraud examination and risk management, allows me to implement stringent internal financial controls that safeguard the school against any discrepancies that might have an element of risk.
Optimal resource allocation is another key aspect of my strategy, ensuring that our financial resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to support the school’s goals. Additionally, I am committed to continually improving our financial practices by incorporating advanced tools and technologies, which we have already started implementing to streamline operations. By focusing on these critical areas, I am confident that my experience and skills will significantly contribute to the growth and enhanced reputation of Kasiga School.
Could you tell me about the unique traits of your leadership?
Leadership, in my view, is deeply personal and unique to each individual. For me, open communication is paramount—I ensure that my team and I engage in transparent dialogue when setting goals, processes, and models. This openness extends beyond professional matters; I also make it a point to offer support with personal issues because I believe that a happy home life contributes to a happy work life. I strive to create a transparent environment where team members feel informed and valued. Additionally, I see it as my duty to stand by my team in all circumstances, acting as a buffer between them and higher management.
"The ability to withstand challenges & bounce back stronger is what sets successful leaders apart"
I also involve my team in decision-making, valuing their input and fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration. Resilience is something I emphasize continuously, encouraging my team to remain steadfast and adaptable in the face of challenges.
What financial roadmap have you planned for Kasiga School?
I have seen Kasiga School grow to the point where it has become a hallmark amongst the parent community who plan to opt for a holistic education for their children. Yes, the COVID times were arduous, but we recovered from it through our commitment to excellence.
My primary focus is ensuring the financial sustainability and stability of Kasiga School. I prioritize strong discipline and maintaining robust financial health as the cornerstone of my approach. My Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) degree, the highest credential in fraud examination and risk management, allows me to implement stringent internal financial controls that safeguard the school against any discrepancies that might have an element of risk.
Optimal resource allocation is another key aspect of my strategy, ensuring that our financial resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to support the school’s goals. Additionally, I am committed to continually improving our financial practices by incorporating advanced tools and technologies, which we have already started implementing to streamline operations. By focusing on these critical areas, I am confident that my experience and skills will significantly contribute to the growth and enhanced reputation of Kasiga School.
Could you tell me about the unique traits of your leadership?
Leadership, in my view, is deeply personal and unique to each individual. For me, open communication is paramount—I ensure that my team and I engage in transparent dialogue when setting goals, processes, and models. This openness extends beyond professional matters; I also make it a point to offer support with personal issues because I believe that a happy home life contributes to a happy work life. I strive to create a transparent environment where team members feel informed and valued. Additionally, I see it as my duty to stand by my team in all circumstances, acting as a buffer between them and higher management.
"The ability to withstand challenges & bounce back stronger is what sets successful leaders apart"
I also involve my team in decision-making, valuing their input and fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration. Resilience is something I emphasize continuously, encouraging my team to remain steadfast and adaptable in the face of challenges.
What financial roadmap have you planned for Kasiga School?
I have seen Kasiga School grow to the point where it has become a hallmark amongst the parent community who plan to opt for a holistic education for their children. Yes, the COVID times were arduous, but we recovered from it through our commitment to excellence.
It was a turbulent time, but a comprehensive long-term plan is one of the significant changes we've implemented post-COVID. For example, now we have a five year roadmap. This plan outlines our projected position at the end of each year, not only in terms of revenue but also in terms of infrastructure development, student strength, and the facilities we offer.
We've also begun implementing robust risk management practices. Initially, we lacked a formal approach to risk management. Now, we actively identify areas that need improvement and potential risks, whether they relate to revenue loss or other threats. This involves adopting benchmarking practices to measure and mitigate these risks effectively. Another key strategy we've embraced is sustainable and optimal investment. We have since learned how to properly utilize our investments to ensure they contribute positively to our school's growth and stability.
As a leader in the industry, what advice would you give upcoming leaders?
I don’t find myself suitable to answer this question. However, at your insistence, I have a few suggestions I can share with those entering the field. First and foremost, be open to continuous learning. Our industry is evolving rapidly, and staying updated is crucial. Developing strong financial analytical skills is essential. You must learn to keep all your ducks in a row. Being observant and analytical allows you to identify potential red flags and address issues proactively.
Adaptability is another critical trait. Transitioning from traditional practices to strategic and technological advancements is necessary to stay competitive. Ethics are the cornerstone of a successful career; ethics ensure long-term success and credibility. Communicate effectively and be resilient. Follow these principles, and you'll be well-equipped to sail through the complexities of our industry.
Dr. Shashank Agarwal, CFO, Kasiga School
Earning the prestigious Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential, Postgraduate in finance and AI/ ML from top national and international institutes, completing a doctorate from the SSBM in Geneva, and transitioning from core finance to risk management are just a few of the remarkable achievements that shaped Dr. Agarwal’s career. His contributions to the field include authoring two books on the psychology of fraudsters and contemporary fraud issues. These books are being published and will soon be available for its readers.
We've also begun implementing robust risk management practices. Initially, we lacked a formal approach to risk management. Now, we actively identify areas that need improvement and potential risks, whether they relate to revenue loss or other threats. This involves adopting benchmarking practices to measure and mitigate these risks effectively. Another key strategy we've embraced is sustainable and optimal investment. We have since learned how to properly utilize our investments to ensure they contribute positively to our school's growth and stability.
As a leader in the industry, what advice would you give upcoming leaders?
I don’t find myself suitable to answer this question. However, at your insistence, I have a few suggestions I can share with those entering the field. First and foremost, be open to continuous learning. Our industry is evolving rapidly, and staying updated is crucial. Developing strong financial analytical skills is essential. You must learn to keep all your ducks in a row. Being observant and analytical allows you to identify potential red flags and address issues proactively.
Adaptability is another critical trait. Transitioning from traditional practices to strategic and technological advancements is necessary to stay competitive. Ethics are the cornerstone of a successful career; ethics ensure long-term success and credibility. Communicate effectively and be resilient. Follow these principles, and you'll be well-equipped to sail through the complexities of our industry.
Dr. Shashank Agarwal, CFO, Kasiga School
Earning the prestigious Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential, Postgraduate in finance and AI/ ML from top national and international institutes, completing a doctorate from the SSBM in Geneva, and transitioning from core finance to risk management are just a few of the remarkable achievements that shaped Dr. Agarwal’s career. His contributions to the field include authoring two books on the psychology of fraudsters and contemporary fraud issues. These books are being published and will soon be available for its readers.