How has 2020 been for you personally and professionally?
It has been a very successful year at SBI Mutual Fund. We moved up to become the largest AMC in the country, achieved our highest ever market share, crossed SIP folios of 5 million and Rs.4 lakh crore in assets under management. It makes me very happy to be part of this growth as I believe these achievements have been due to the persistence and hard work of our teams across the country. Also, what makes me proud is that we achieved these highs in a year where the world has been savaged by the pandemic and it has been tough for each one of us.
How did you keep yourself motivated during the year?
I have kept myself busy at work through the year while keeping in touch with loved ones, colleagues and our business partners to reassure them that this phase too shall pass. The year has been so dynamic and navigating and adapting to the new normal has kept me busy. When you keep yourself busy in serving the needs of your customers, a lot of distractions disappear, and you stay positive.
Which hobbies helped you stay positive during the year?
I have read a bit during my free time and watched some very good content on OTT platforms. These days there is a lot of rich information available at your fingertips across devices to keep engaged.
Which book/movie/web series kept you distracted during this phase?
Difficult to point out any specific, but I enjoyed watching good short films and some very good Indian web series on OTT platforms.
Any profound life lessons learnt in 2020?
Finding opportunities from challenges is one of the biggest learnings. If one is calm, irrespective of the situation, then things can be managed. I have also learnt that for many colleagues facing this pandemic, a reassuring presence and a few words of encouragement is all that is required to help them stay motivated.
What are your expectations from 2021 in terms of business prospects and personal growth?
Firstly, I hope to see a stable 2021 and we see the back of this global pandemic at the earliest. Also, I am sure that most of us will adopt the learnings during pre-Covid and post-Covid times in our daily lives in 2021. In the next year, we will continue to serve the needs of our investors and distribution partners with solutions-oriented offerings and enhancing our presence ‘phygitally’. Personal growth is a mindset. When you are serving a large number of partners and customers you always feel that personal growth is happening.
