Guiding with Grace: Insights from Richa Shekhar on Leadership, Growth, and Impact

Richa Shekhar is a highly accomplished strategic leader with over 22 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry, particularly in Investment Management, Asset Servicing, Treasury Operations, and Retirement Solutions. Richa has successfully navigated her career by leading cross-functional and cross-cultural teams, managing complex global transitions, and driving process re-engineering projects across APAC, Europe, and the Americas.

Her career journey includes significant leadership roles such as Senior Director at Principal Global Services, where she served from October 2020 to November 2022, and Vice President - Service Delivery Leader for Investment Management at BNY Mellon from September 2014 to September 2020. Richa has also made notable contributions during her tenure as Senior Manager - Investment Management Operations at AXA Business Services Pvt. Ltd., and earlier as Assistant Manager in Treasury Operations at GE Capital Services India.

Richa’s strong educational background has significantly contributed to her professional success. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) with a focus on Finance and Marketing from ICFAI Business School. To further hone her leadership and management skills, Richa completed several prestigious executive programs, including the Management Development Programs on Transformational Leadership from XLRI Jamshedpur, and Project Management from IIM Kolkata. She also completed an Executive Program on Negotiation Strategies from the Indian School of Business. Recently, she also got certified as an Independent Director from Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA).

Richa's exceptional people management skills, coupled with her strong analytical and organizational abilities, have earned her a reputation as a go-to manager. Known for her unwavering positivity and her ability to lead with a smile, Richa is someone from whom there is always much to learn. She is deeply passionate about social causes, inclusion, and diversity, making her not just a leader but an inspiration to those around her.

In this interview Dr. Anand Wadadekar delves into Richa’s professional and personal journey, which is truly inspiring and motivating for all…

1. Can you tell us about how was your life at school, college? How were you in studies, extra-curricular activities and can you tell about something which you did in school which is even today helping you as a person and a professional?

During my school and college years, I wasn’t someone who spent all my time studying. I often studied at the last moment, but still managed to get good grades. Outside of academics, I was involved in extra-curricular activities like dancing and playing badminton, which I enjoyed thoroughly. I also pursued music and learned to play the guitar, completing a 3-year course and earning a degree in it.

One experience from my school days that continues to influence me today happened in the 6th grade. Back then, I had a habit of memorizing Math rather than understanding it. To my surprise, I scored well in exams just by cramming the material, but it made me realize that this approach was not sustainable. In the 7th grade, I started working harder to grasp the underlying concepts in Math, and that shift in mindset led to a drastic improvement in my performance.

This experience taught me an important lesson: superficial efforts only provide short-term results, whether in academics or life. To achieve lasting success, one must grasp the subject well, practice, and apply the knowledge learned. This principle has guided me throughout my studies and professional journey, reinforcing the idea that deep understanding and consistent effort are crucial for long-term success. I have integrated this approach into my career, continually learning from my peers, mentors, bosses and my team members.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in the financial services industry, and how did your early roles shape your professional path?

My interest in the financial services industry started when I developed a fascination for Economics during my 12th grade. I found it intriguing that topics like inflation, interest rates, monetary policy etc. weren’t just theoretical concepts but had a direct impact on our daily lives. This connection between what I studied and real-world economic scenarios fuelled my curiosity, prompting me to pursue Economics (Hons) during my graduation.

As I delved deeper into the subject, my interest expanded into the broader world of finance, which led me to pursue a Post Graduation in Finance and Marketing. The dynamic nature of financial markets, coupled with the fact that finance is the backbone of every business, drew me in further.

My career in financial services began with a campus placement at GE Capital, a global player in the financial services sector. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to travel to the U.S. for process transition work. Stepping from college into the corporate world was a big change, but it was even more exhilarating to be exposed to a new country and a multinational corporate culture. It felt like stepping into a whole new galaxy, and that experience broadened my perspective on business and finance.

Working in Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which were relatively new in India at the time, gave me a unique advantage. Being part of this evolving sector allowed me to witness firsthand the intersection of global finance and local execution, shaping my understanding of how multinational financial services operate. These early roles taught me adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and the importance of staying agile in a constantly evolving industry.

3. You have worked in many organizations, what are some of the achievements you are most proud of?

I’ve had the privilege of achieving many milestones throughout my career, but a few stand out as particularly rewarding. In almost every organization I’ve worked with, I’ve successfully expanded my vertical—both in terms of scale and complexity. I spearheaded initiatives to add upstream and downstream processes, which significantly contributed to the business. One of my key achievements was managing multiple transitions across diverse regions, including the U.S., UK, LATAM, and Asia. These transitions allowed us to globalize operations, leading to streamlined workflows and a more cohesive global strategy.

In addition to growing my vertical, I led several process reengineering projects that enhanced efficiency across operations, resulting in up to 12% in savings. These initiatives not only improved productivity but also created more sustainable, long-term operational models.

Another area I’m particularly proud of is my involvement in Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. I had the privilege of serving as co-chair of the D&I committee in multiple organizations. Through this role, we championed initiatives that focused on supporting women in the workplace, particularly during critical phases where their personal and professional lives intersected. These efforts helped foster a more inclusive environment, encouraging diversity at all levels.

4. You have led teams throughout your career. What’s your approach to managing a creative team, and how do you ensure everyone stays motivated and on track?

My approach to managing a creative team revolves around three key principles: collaboration, empowerment, and transparent communication. I believe that when team members feel truly empowered and supported, they can tap into their full creative potential. Collaboration is essential for generating fresh ideas, and by fostering an environment where open communication is encouraged, team members are more likely to contribute their best work and feel valued.

At the same time, it’s critical that the team is aligned with the bigger picture. I make sure that every team member understands the broader business goals and how their individual contributions tie into those objectives. When people see how their work impacts the larger mission, they feel a greater sense of purpose, which drives both motivation and creativity.

To maintain high levels of motivation, I focus on creating a positive and supportive work culture. Ensuring the well-being of each team member is a priority, and I encourage collaboration and mutual support among them. By fostering a sense of belonging and trust, the team becomes self-driven, often surpassing expectations.

Lastly, I emphasize that teamwork is like a relay race, not a sprint. Each person’s contribution is vital to the collective success, and together, we can achieve far more than any one person could on their own. This mindset encourages a balance of independence and interdependence, which I believe is essential for maintaining both productivity and creativity.

5. You have demonstrated strong analytical and organizational skills throughout your career. In your opinion, what are the most important qualities or skills that the next generation of leaders should cultivate?

We are currently navigating a highly dynamic world where rapid changes are the norm. For instance, technological advancements are accelerating, there is increased emphasis on climate change and sustainability, and compliance and governance have become focal points. These factors are significantly influencing organizational decisions today and will continue to shape the future. As leaders, we can truly add value only if we are aware of such dynamic changes and understand their implications for our business.

Therefore, my advice to emerging leaders is:

1. Stay Informed: It is crucial to remain updated on new trends and continuously develop new skills.

2. Embrace Agility: Be adaptable and open to the changes happening around you.

3. Foster Collaboration: Strong teamwork and collaboration across different functions and verticals are essential.

4. Invest in Your Team: Focus on building your team's capabilities through skill development and empowerment.

5. Encourage Creativity: Approach challenges with creativity and prioritize solutions over problems.

6. Prioritize Well-Being: Pay attention to both your own well-being and that of your team.

6. Can you share some of your strategies for managing stress and the activities you engage in to de-stress and recharge?

I strongly believe that prioritizing both physical and mental well-being is vital for leading a balanced life. As a passionate advocate for yoga and meditation, I have experienced firsthand the transformative effects these practices can have. Each morning, I dedicate time to engage in yoga and meditation, allowing me to cultivate a sense of inner peace and positivity that sets a positive tone for the day ahead. This routine not only helps me manage stress effectively but also keeps me motivated and focused. Moreover, it enables me to maintain composure and clarity, even when faced with challenging situations.

7. What are your future professional plans?

At the moment, I am on a sabbatical, taking some much-needed personal time for myself and my daughter. This break has also allowed me to explore my interests and acquire new skills. Now that I feel reenergized and refreshed, I am ready to re-enter the corporate world, starting where I left off in the GCC industry. I recently completed my certification from IICA and am currently pursuing a course in ESG. Sometime in future, I aspire to pivot my career toward a role that emphasizes corporate governance and ESG, as these areas resonate deeply with me.

8. Being a mother, spouse, how has been your daily routine and how do you manage it in terms of family time and personal time? What advice do you give your child about life, career and success?

As a mother and spouse, I believe that achieving balance in life is essential for overall well-being. When we tilt too far in one direction, we can find ourselves overflowing in certain areas while neglecting others. To counter this, I make it a priority to thoughtfully allocate my time between work and family. During my work hours, I focus entirely on my tasks, typically dedicating 8 to 9 hours to my responsibilities, unless urgent matters require extra attention.

My weekends are fully devoted to personal time and family activities. I also make it a point to take short vacations every couple of months, which gives my family and me the opportunity to recharge and enjoy quality time together.

Additionally, I have cultivated a robust support system that includes friends, family, and household helpers (after all, I’m no superwoman 😊). Most importantly, I have a wonderfully supportive husband, whose presence significantly eases the challenges of managing our personal life.

In terms of life, career, and success, I propose several key principles to my daughter:

1. Follow Your Passion: Pursue what excites and inspires you. When you engage in work that you love, you're more likely to excel and find fulfilment. Embrace creativity and remain open to new ideas, as this will help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

2. Emphasize Lifelong Learning: Life is a continuous journey of growth and learning. Stay curious and always seek to expand your knowledge and skills. This adaptability will empower you to thrive in an ever-changing world.

3. Be Financially Independent: Cultivating financial literacy and independence is crucial. Having the ability to support yourself instills confidence and resilience, enabling you to face life's challenges with assurance.

4. Prioritize Well-Being: Success isn't just about professional achievements; it's also about maintaining your physical and mental health. Find a balance between work, personal time, and self-care to ensure a fulfilling life.

5. Stay True to Your Values: In both your personal and professional life, always align your actions with your core values. Integrity and authenticity will earn you respect and trust from others.

6. Choose Your Partner Wisely: It's essential to select a life partner who is understanding and respectful, someone who supports your aspirations and shares responsibilities equally. A strong partnership can provide a solid foundation for both personal and professional growth.

By instilling these principles, I hope to empower my daughter to navigate her path with confidence and purpose, ultimately leading her to a fulfilling and successful life.

9. If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and how would you use it?

If I could have a superpower for a day, I would choose the ability to connect with every individual on Earth. With this power, I would share a universal message about the importance of well-being. I would emphasize that our mental, physical, and emotional health is within our control, and by nurturing it, we can create a ripple effect of positive change—not just for ourselves but for the entire world. This collective awareness could inspire individuals to prioritize their well-being, fostering a healthier and more compassionate global community.

(C) Dr Anand Wadadekar