Shanker N Choodamani: Driving Strategic Asset Management And Eco-Impact Through Innovation And Sustainability
Shanker N Chooda - mani
Chief Investment Officer
In a candid interview, Shanker discussed his vision, plans, and the journey that has shaped his career.
Given your extensive professional background in the financial services indus - try and experience in leadership roles, how do you reflect on your journey today?
My journey began during college, driven by a passion for capital markets. I conducted research and spent nearly 20 to 23 years working in various financial services companies in key roles. In 2020, I realized the importance of deeper research in the capital markets and its value in providing high-quality investment analysis to clients. This led to the founding of our company Athachi Finserve. We assembled a team of experts who conduct thorough research across industries, economies, and companies. By identifying key triggers and selecting promising stocks and sectors, we have gained a significant advantage in our investment journey, benefiting both our clients and ourselves.
How do you find these experiences valuable in shaping investment strategies for the company?
Effective investment strategies are built on innovation and technology, which are central to our approach. We adhere to principles that integrate tec - hnological advancements into
our research, particularly focusing on the information technology (IT) sector. This involves a thorough analysis of various companies and their market positions, emphasizing the industry's dependency on North America, which drives global demand and sets technological trends. We identify promising investment oppo - rtunities using six key triggers: technological inno - vation, market leadership, market dependency, scalability, financial stability, and adapt - ability to regulatory changes. These triggers guide our decisions, focusing on investments with the highest growth and profitability potential.
How would you characterize your current leadership style? What principles or methods do you follow as a leader?
My leadership style is deeply rooted in recognizing and leveraging the core strengths of my team members, as I believe that each individual's unique talents contribute significantly to our collective success. Integrity is a cornerstone of my approach, as I prioritize upholding strong morals and principles in every decision I make and expect the same from my team. I see my role as a leader as not just guiding my team toward the company’s vision and mission but also inspiring them to align their personal goals with our organizational objectives. I emphasize clear and trans-parent communication, which is vital for aligning everyone, conveying strategic ideas, setting expectations, and holding team members accountable. By fostering trust, respect, and open dialogue,I aim to create a collaborative and motivated team driven to achieve excellence.
Can you describe your approach to risk mana - gement? How do you identify potential risks and develop strategies to miti - gate them?
We have a core team dedicated to thoroughly analyzing every aspect of the company for risk management. This involves identifying potential risks and assessing them through SWOT analysis before embarking on any projects or investments. We evaluate the strengths and weaknesses related to a project, identify future opportunities, and recognize potential threats. Additionally, we have a dedicated risk committee that provides guidance and alerts us to emerging risks, ensuring comprehensive risk mitigation.
I focus on fostering innovation and trust within the team, enco-uraging creativity and the development of new approaches
How would you characterize your current leadership style? What principles or methods do you follow as a leader?
My leadership style is deeply rooted in recognizing and leveraging the core strengths of my team members, as I believe that each individual's unique talents contribute significantly to our collective success. Integrity is a cornerstone of my approach, as I prioritize upholding strong morals and principles in every decision I make and expect the same from my team. I see my role as a leader as not just guiding my team toward the company’s vision and mission but also inspiring them to align their personal goals with our organizational objectives. I emphasize clear and trans-parent communication, which is vital for aligning everyone, conveying strategic ideas, setting expectations, and holding team members accountable. By fostering trust, respect, and open dialogue,I aim to create a collaborative and motivated team driven to achieve excellence.
Can you describe your approach to risk mana - gement? How do you identify potential risks and develop strategies to miti - gate them?
We have a core team dedicated to thoroughly analyzing every aspect of the company for risk management. This involves identifying potential risks and assessing them through SWOT analysis before embarking on any projects or investments. We evaluate the strengths and weaknesses related to a project, identify future opportunities, and recognize potential threats. Additionally, we have a dedicated risk committee that provides guidance and alerts us to emerging risks, ensuring comprehensive risk mitigation.
What challenges or hardships have you encountered, and what success mantra has consistently guided you toward positive outcomes?
Our success is driven by seeing others as motivation rather than competition. In 2016, our business conglomerate, originally from the Middle East, acquired a barren piece of land in Palakkad, Kerala. Despite its dry and uncultivated state, we recognized its potential due to its nutrient-rich soil and favourable climate. By adopting a mixed model of sustainability and Vedic farming practices, we transformed the land into a thriving ecosystem, restoring its fertility and encouraging biodiversity. This success inspired us to implement our "Trust Nature" philosophy across all our ventures, including Athachi Finserv, our integrated marcom firm A-MARC, and our ultra-luxury skincare brand, which emphasizes natural and sustainable ingredients. Our commitment to ESG principles and sustainability reflects our broader goal of making a positive environmental impact.
What is the future roadmap you have planned for your journey?
We are fortunate to be at a pivotal moment in India’s investment landscape. India offers a significant opportunity due to its large and growing investor population, rising middle class, and increasing disposable income. The country also benefits from a potential skilled workforce and the ongoing China+1 strategy, which highlights India's role in global economic shifts. With strong GDP growth and government initiatives like Make in India and Digital India, India is positioned for continued economic strength. Historically, we've seen economic surges from Japan to the US and China. Now, in the early 21st century, India is poised for substantial growth due to its demographic dividend, digital revolution, and economic reforms. The rise in domestic and foreign investments, coupled with increased retail participation in capital markets, indicates India's potential for future economic dominance. This positive outlook is central to our investment strategy.
Shanker N Choodamani, Chief Investment Officer, Athachi Group
With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and a management degree, Shanker previously has been instrumental in driving business, sales, service, and the distribution of financial products. His extensive experience includes managing end-to-end operations and expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and information technology.
Our success is driven by seeing others as motivation rather than competition. In 2016, our business conglomerate, originally from the Middle East, acquired a barren piece of land in Palakkad, Kerala. Despite its dry and uncultivated state, we recognized its potential due to its nutrient-rich soil and favourable climate. By adopting a mixed model of sustainability and Vedic farming practices, we transformed the land into a thriving ecosystem, restoring its fertility and encouraging biodiversity. This success inspired us to implement our "Trust Nature" philosophy across all our ventures, including Athachi Finserv, our integrated marcom firm A-MARC, and our ultra-luxury skincare brand, which emphasizes natural and sustainable ingredients. Our commitment to ESG principles and sustainability reflects our broader goal of making a positive environmental impact.
What is the future roadmap you have planned for your journey?
We are fortunate to be at a pivotal moment in India’s investment landscape. India offers a significant opportunity due to its large and growing investor population, rising middle class, and increasing disposable income. The country also benefits from a potential skilled workforce and the ongoing China+1 strategy, which highlights India's role in global economic shifts. With strong GDP growth and government initiatives like Make in India and Digital India, India is positioned for continued economic strength. Historically, we've seen economic surges from Japan to the US and China. Now, in the early 21st century, India is poised for substantial growth due to its demographic dividend, digital revolution, and economic reforms. The rise in domestic and foreign investments, coupled with increased retail participation in capital markets, indicates India's potential for future economic dominance. This positive outlook is central to our investment strategy.
Shanker N Choodamani, Chief Investment Officer, Athachi Group
With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and a management degree, Shanker previously has been instrumental in driving business, sales, service, and the distribution of financial products. His extensive experience includes managing end-to-end operations and expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and information technology.