Day in the Life of Ishan Agrawal, our Group Chief Technology Officer

What is it like to lead Funding Societies | Modalku’s Engineering team across 5 countries?

1. How long have you been with the company?

I’ve been with the company for 7 years since its early days, where we used to work in a tiny office. 

2. What is your professional background?

I’ve been coding since I was 9 years old. At university, I pursued a degree in computer science and business, following which I have been employed in the fields of adtech, media tech and FinTech as a product data and technology specialist. My work usually involves managing large-scale data and technology applications.

3. What are the 2 most important skills required in your daily work?

The two most important skills I rely on are strategic thinking and effective communication. 

In the ever-evolving world of FinTech, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the industry landscape, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes. Thinking strategically enables me to make informed decisions and set long-term goals for our company’s growth and innovation. It also involves being able to identify potential challenges and opportunities, as well as to prioritise resources and initiatives effectively.  

As a leader, it is essential to communicate the company’s vision, goals, and expectations to my team and other stakeholders. This involves active listening, empathy, and the ability to articulate complex concepts in a way that is easily understood by a diverse audience. Effective communication ensures that everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.  

These two skills, combined with a strong technical background and a deep understanding of the FinTech landscape, enable me to lead our company to continued success in this dynamic and competitive industry.

4. What do you like most about your team?

What I appreciate most about my team is their unwavering passion, dedication, and innovative mindset. Each member brings their unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table, which fosters a creative and collaborative environment.

Our team’s passion for staying ahead of the curve in the FinTech space is truly inspiring. They are always eager to explore new technologies, methodologies, and ideas to improve our products and services, while staying focused on delivering the best possible experience for our customers. This drive to excel and innovate is at the core of our success as a company.

Another aspect I value highly is the dedication our team members demonstrate, not only in their work but also in their commitment to supporting one another. This strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect helps us tackle challenges and solve complex problems together, as a cohesive unit.

5. 3 words to describe your leadership style

Empathetic, Resilient, Decisive

6. How are you different inside and outside of work? Share your favourite photo of you (1) at work and (2) off work.

I maintain a balance between my professional and personal life. While there might be some overlap in my interests and values, my behaviours and priorities do differ between the two settings.

At work, I am primarily focused on driving innovation, meeting business objectives, and supporting my team. I maintain a professional demeanour, prioritising strategic thinking, decision-making, and effective communication to ensure the success of our projects and the growth of the company.

Outside of work, I am more relaxed and engage in activities that help me unwind and recharge. I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new hobbies, and staying active through sports or outdoor activities. While I still value open communication and collaboration in my personal life, I allow myself to be more spontaneous and carefree, enjoying the simple pleasures and experiences that life has to offer.

Ultimately, striking a healthy balance between my professional and personal life enables me to be more effective in my role as a leader while maintaining my well-being and personal growth.

7. What do you look forward to at work the most?

The opportunity to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact on the lives of our customers. 

I particularly enjoy collaborating with my talented team to develop cutting-edge products and services that address real-world financial needs and challenges. Witnessing the positive impact our solutions have on our customers’ lives through increased financial inclusion is truly gratifying.

8. How would you describe your time here so far in 3 words?

Transformative, Rewarding, Growth-oriented

9. What do you love about Funding Societies’ work culture?

There are 3 things I love about how we work. 

We support Continuous Learning and Growth: Our company fosters a culture of continuous learning, where employees are encouraged to expand their skill sets, explore new technologies, and stay updated on industry trends. This growth-oriented environment empowers our team members to reach their full potential and contribute positively to the company’s success.

We encourage Inclusivity and Diversity: We value and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our team members. This inclusive culture not only enriches our work environment but also drives better decision-making and fosters innovation by encouraging a wide range of ideas and viewpoints.

We have Supportive and Empathetic Leadership: Our leadership team is approachable and supportive, promoting open dialogue and providing guidance when needed. This empathetic leadership style ensures that employees feel valued, heard, and motivated to perform at their best.

10. What’s your favourite piece of career advice?

My favourite piece of career advice is to embrace lifelong learning and continuously adapt to change. In today’s rapidly evolving world, especially in industries like FinTech, it is crucial to stay current with emerging technologies, trends, and best practices. By maintaining a growth mindset and being open to learning, you position yourself to seize new opportunities and navigate challenges more effectively.

11. How would you explain what you do to a 5 year old?

My job is to help create and improve special computer programs that make it easier for small businesses, like the stores where we buy our toys or snacks, to borrow money when they need it. My team and I work together to make sure these businesses can get the money they need to grow, buy new things, or hire more people. We use computers and smart ideas to help these businesses in a fast and friendly way, so they can continue to make our community a fun and happy place.

12. Use 3 emojis to represent what you do at Funding Societies. 

💻💡🤝

13. Describe a typical work day for you, from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed.

My typical workday is a mix of strategic planning, team collaboration, and problem-solving, all while staying informed about the latest industry trends and technological advancements.

14. What is one most important career lesson you would pass down to your team or the next batch of leaders?

The most important career lesson I would pass down to my team or the next generation of leaders is to cultivate emotional intelligence and empathy alongside their technical and domain expertise. In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, being a successful leader goes beyond having extensive knowledge and skills in your field. It requires the ability to understand, connect, and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, roles, and perspectives.

Like what you read about our team? If you’re interested in a FinTech career with us, check out our careers page below!

Funding Societies Careers

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