"Embrace Greater Challenges, Upskilling & Multitasking" observes the former SBI CEO at the BCC&I Leadership Lecture Series
Category : Education | Sub Category : Posted on 2023-07-10 04:47:58
In a captivating display of leadership wisdom, the distinguished Bengal Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lecture series was graced by the illustrious presence of Ms. Arundhati Bhattacharya, the trailblazing former CEO of the State Bank of India (SBI). The JIS Group Educational Initiatives, the esteemed title sponsor of the lecture series, proudly bestowed their felicitations upon Ms. Bhattacharya in the distinguished presence of scholarly dignitaries, including the esteemed Mr. Alapan Bandopadhayay (former IAS & Chief Advisor to the govt of WB) and Mr. Tamal Bhandopadhayay (Author & Mentor, Banking & Finance Committee, BCC&I). The JIS Group of Educational Initiatives, the title sponsor of the event was honoured to felicitate Ms. Bhattacharya by presenting her the prestigious JIS Sardar Jodh Singh Award for Ignited Minds 2023 and a hand-painted self portrait—an accolade befitting her illustrious career.
Ms. Bhattacharya etched her name in the annals of history as the first woman to assume the esteemed position of Chairperson at the helm of India`s largest bank from 2013 to 2017. Her journey of ascent began in 1977 when she joined the ranks of SBI, progressively attaining senior positions, including Chief General Manager, Chief Executive of State Bank of India Capital Markets, and Deputy Managing Director. Notably, she shattered glass ceilings as the pioneering woman entrusted with leading the bank`s human resources department.
Under her visionary leadership, SBI underwent a metamorphosis of monumental proportions. Ms. Bhattacharya spearheaded the bank`s digital revolution, enabling the digitization of its operations and propelling it into the vanguard of technological innovation with the groundbreaking launch of the SBI YONO app—a revolutionary mobile banking platform. Following her retirement from SBI, she embraced new horizons, assuming the mantle of Chairperson and CEO at Salesforce India, perpetuating her legacy as an icon of innovation and resilience in the Indian banking industry. Her journey serves as a profound inspiration to aspiring women in business, embodying the transformative power of grit and determination.
During her enthralling lecture, Ms. Bhattacharya narrated the tale of her extraordinary journey, revealing the steps she undertook to ascend the arduous ladder of success, ultimately securing her place as India`s first woman banker. Her stewardship initiated a revolution within the banking industry, instigating transformative changes that reshaped the landscape. She implored the young leaders-in-the-making to embrace greater challenges, fervently advocating the pursuit of upskilling and the cultivation of multitasking abilities.
Drawing parallels to the intricate game of snakes and ladders, she attributed her success to being in the right place at the right time—an opportune intersection of preparation and opportunity. She expounded on the significance of deriving joy from one`s work, as it imbues endeavors with a fervor that propels individuals toward excellence. Recalling the unfailing support she received throughout her journey, she acknowledged the indispensable role played by mentors and sponsors who propelled her forward, providing her with the platforms to showcase her mettle.
Ms. Bhattacharya credited her parents for instilling in her the notion that a career, rather than a mere job, was paramount—an ethos that fueled her drive to attain remarkable heights. As she valiantly fought battles at the vanguard, she acknowledged the invaluable lessons learned through adversity, reinforcing the importance of embracing challenges and honing multifaceted skills. While recognizing both the advantages and disadvantages that accompany the female identity in leadership roles, she confronted questions regarding her ability to manage a workforce of 270,000 individuals. With conviction, she celebrated the innate talent of women to navigate the intricacies of multitasking. In her resolute declaration, she proclaimed, "I had it all at once."
Arundhati Bhattacharya`s journey stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of an icon in the Indian banking sector. Her extraordinary accomplishments, coupled with her exceptional leadership acumen, firmly establish her as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path for future generations.
