‘God helps those who help themselves’
Bimal Sudhakar, Fiji Development Bank, general manager business risk services. I get messages that my routine exhausts some and that how I manage to do it all. If I won’t do it, who will do it for me. So, until I have the ability, I will continue to striv
While working in a garment factory as a helper, one of Bimal Sudhakar’s role was banking. At the bank, he would tell himself, that one day he would become a teller.
He applied for the job and when he was called for an interview, he said: “It was the best moment of my life’ even if I don’t get the job.”
After more than 20 years of experience in various executive roles, he is now the general manager business risk services for the Fiji Development Bank.
Mr Sudhakar began his banking career at the Australia and New Zealand Bank where he became a generalist banker.
He was the general manager credit at HFC Bank for three years, and served at the National Bank of Samoa for a year.
With his family, they weathered many years of hardships and growth.
Even though certain things were not destined to last, like his marriage, the 43-year-old continued to ensure that his two sons were provided the best care possible.
“I’m very active on social media, from work/life balance to gardening, cleaning, cooking, gym workouts, my sons welfare, and care.
I get messages that my routine exhausts some. If I won’t do it, who will do it for me, until I have the ability, I will continue to strive with no complaints.
How do you manage the demands of your professional and personal commitments?
Firstly, I don’t see meeting my professional and personal commitments as demanding.
I believe that I’m accountable to manage it and at the same time deliver an output that is not for others’ satisfaction, but more so self-satisfaction. With that in mind, I take it with pure conviction that I can, and will deliver.
What were some of the highlights of your career?
In 2012, I built our family home and moved on with the opportunity to travel outside Fiji.
Travelling to nine countries fulfilled my travel hobbies.
This role was held by a predecessor who had more than 20 years banking experience, and there I was with only 10 years.
My current role is my third executive position in a span of four-and-half years.
How would you describe yourself as a leader?
I had some very good leaders in the past.
I like to lead without authority.
SUN INTERVIEW What has the experience been like?
My motto is whatever job I do, I would do it with all of my heart.
I spent years with ANZ Bank. I held approximately nine different roles which helped me to become a generalist banker. Despite the 18 years in banking, the career progression took place in the latter years of my career which has brought me to be where I am today. I make sure I know my staff so that I structure my expectations for the team based on their strengths and weaknesses.
I gave up a closed designated office space and chose to sit in an open space with my team. I want them to see what I go through, how I talk, behave or just be me, so that they map my behaviours and realise that I’m no different from them.
They need to know that I also get tired/exhausted and agitated, but at the end of the day, I focus on the outputs.
As a leader I will protect my team.
At some point I will have to wear my executive hat and make the hard decisions where it is due.
What is your philosophy about business and your vision in the work that you do?
Something I learned from my previous chief executive officer, is that there is no rocket science about things we do even in banking.
Being able to relate to what you are doing, how it needs to be done and then comparing and benchmarking is very important.
I have huge respect for people who spend years in one organisation as loyal, committed staff.
Growth in terms of career development after realising your own self worth and potential is very fulfilling and it dampens the fear of job security and failure.
You will either sink or swim, both remain in your hands.
‘I also get tired, exhausted and agitated, but at the end of the day, I focus on the outputs.’
Who is your inspiration? And why?
God.
I don’t have a common mentor, but I do seek advice from very close colleagues.
The saying that God helps those who help themselves has had an impact on me from day one.
I believe that thanking God and knowing God in whatever form for either your wrongs or rights, will ensure you remain on the right track.
Just saying ‘thank you’ God for the wonderful day is worth going to bed and waking up to another day. My great-grandmother in law was also very instrumental in my life – she supported me during my marriage.