‘All-rounded banker’
If there is anyone to seek advice from on hitting
the ground running when assigned overseas, that would definitely be Aftab Ahmed, country head and Citi country officer of Citi Philippines. His extensive career with the global financial institution spans four continents and 11 countries. He has also been involved with Citi franchises in several other countries through cluster management leadership positions.
“Every role has been a learning opportunity, as well as an opportunity to contribute and make a difference,” Ahmed tells Boardroom Watch. “The multicultural exposure has enriched my experience and led me to become a more all-rounded banker. The amalgamation of these roles has enabled me to hone my general management skills.”
“My CEO roles are the ones that stand out in terms of personal and professional impact. This role places a premium on business acumen, passion, accountability, broad involvement and the ability to lead,” the executive says.
“You need to think like an entrepreneur and act like an owner. The role is exciting because it allows you to get involved in and positively impact every facet of the business,” he adds.
To get acclimatized to the new corporate environment, Ahmed shares a helpful six-step action plan. This involves making high engagement and remains an integral part of his first 90 days and maintaining this for the rest of his tenure; investing in truly getting to know the team; understanding and appreciating the cultural nuances; meeting with clients and regulators, and reaching out to other key constituents; leveraging past learnings, but avoiding making comparisons with prior roles and locations; and being open to and fully embracing new learnings and experiences.
Ahmed — whose experience covers the gamut of business banking, corporate banking, correspondent banking, consumer banking, consumer finance, distribution, operations and technology, treasury and country management — defines leadership this way: “Successful leaders have an entrepreneurial mindset. They are agile, versatile and flexible, and display the willingness and ability to handle a broad range of situations. Passion, drive, focus and commitment are integral to their success.”
“Their positivity, emotional and curiosity quotients are high. Caring, developing and mentoring are key traits. Being a lifelong learner and staying relevant is important to them. They fully appreciate that there is no ‘on/off’ switch for a leader and that you are always leading. The biggest compliment to a leader is when people follow them for what they stand for and for their values. Helping, guiding and motivating people to meet their goals and targets is only one part of the larger responsibility,” he adds.