CEO Insights Magazine

Great leaders are those who inspire, motivate, and lead by example. They are visionaries who have a clear sense of purpose, a strong work ethic, and a passion for what they do. They are calculated risk-takers, great communicators, and strategic decision-makers, there is a lot to learn from each one of them. One such inspiring leader is Shrikant Govil, Founder - Partner, Shubhshree Educonsul. With a strong academic background in finance and a wealth of experience in the banking and technology sectors, he has established himself as a successful leader in his field.

Shrikant realized his passion for technology and transitioned to the tech space. He has managed large delivery teams of over 400 people and has been instru-mental in managing complex transformation programs within large banks in India. He has also worked with Royal Bank of Scotland and was part of the team that sold the wealth management division in India. He was responsible for setting up the IT technology program management office for IDFC Bank, and thereafter, moved to J.P. Morgan where he was running large regulatory programs for their European geography. In his last assignment, he was running the Enterprise PMO at Mindgate Solutions and is preparing to set up his entrepreneurial venture. CEO Insights is excited to interview Shrikant.

What motivates you every day to work with passion?

Motivation to me comes from the uncer-tainty of the world. While most people seek certainty, I thrive in uncertainty because that's when I believe I can make a difference. My motto is to explore my entrepreneurial journey and make a positive impact on people's lives, in any way possible through Shubhshree Educonsul.

Can you tell us about your journey over the past 27 years and what led you to entrepreneurship?

Like many, I pursued an MBA to become employable in the market and started my career in a corporate job. I worked in that field for several years, balancing work and family obligations. However, I reached a point where I felt that I could deliver more value to people in a way that was restricted in a job environment. I had acquired a lot of experience and knowledge that I wanted to use to help others, so I decided to take a slight risk and start my own business.

By doing so, I can deliver value in a way that is more aligned with my values and principles. One thing that I've learned over the past 27 years is that there is no shortcut to success. Hard work is important, but it's equally important to work smartly in a way that maximizes efficiency and delivers better outcomes. By doing things ethically and morally, I believe that I can deliver value to others while achieving my own goals and aspirations.

Can you describe your leadership approach and the guidelines you follow as a leader?

My leadership style is largely influenced by the leaders I worked with early on in my career, who gave me the freedom to express myself and share my diverse views. As a result, I follow a laissez-faire leadership style, which means that I allow them to do and give a lot of weight to what my team brings to the table. I listen to their different perspectives, ask relevant questions, and work with them to make informed decisions. I believe that my role as a leader is not to tell people what to do, but to enable and guide them to give their best in every situation. I strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. In my opinion, leadership is about understanding your team and guiding them to deliver their best work every day. Building confidence and trust among the team is crucial to achieving this goal.

What’s your plan for the near future? Can you tell us more about your strategies for setting up your own firm and some key insights about your new business?

My plan for entrepreneurship is to use artificial intelligence to make a difference in people's lives. My strategies for setting up my own firm involve careful planning and execution. One key insight is to always keep the customer's needs in mind and provide solutions that truly benefit them. Additionally, I aim to build a strong team of skilled professionals who share my vision and work towards achieving common goals.

As for my new business, I plan to leverage the power of AI to bring efficiency and compliance to the BFSI sector. I aim to help banks meet regulatory requirements and improve their overall operations. Additionally, my venture in the job application space using AI will assist job seekers in finding the right opportunities that match their skills and experience.

While there are many other ideas I have in mind, I believe in taking things step by step and making progress one day at a time. As an entrepreneur, I know there will be challenges and uncertainties, but I remain optimistic and determined to make a positive impact.

What’s your advice for young budding leaders?

I highly recommend upskilling in the areas of AI, data, digital media, and blockchain. It's essential to stay relevant and not become outdated. Additionally, developing soft skills like effective communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership can greatly enhance your professional growth and success. And lastly, taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial to remain productive and focused on your goals.

Shrikant Govil, Founder - Partner, Shubhshree Educonsul

Carrying over 27 years of extensive expertise in finance and tech, Shrikant Govil is at the forefront of transforming the BFSI sector with substantial improvements using technology. His strategic vision and leadership aim to drive innovation and positive change in the industry.