Harish Rao is an accomplished finance professional with a career spanning over 25 years. He began his journey in the financial sector at Shriram Transport Finance in 1998, where he gained valuable experience in truck financing. This early role provided him with a solid foundation and ignited his interest in the financial industry. After Shriram Transport Finance, Harish joined SK Finance, where his career rapidly advanced. His strategic leadership and innovative approach led to his appointment as National Business Head. In this capacity, he was instrumental in expanding the company’s vehicle finance operations across India, significantly increasing their geographic footprint and operational scale. His efforts resulted in remarkable growth in the company’s Assets Under Management (AUM) and workforce expansion. Currently, Harish is the National Head at Vastu Finserve in Mumbai, where he oversees the development of their vehicle finance business. Under his guidance, Vastu Finserve has built a robust portfolio and continues to grow in a competitive market. Harish’s role at Vastu Finserve allows him to apply his extensive expertise to drive strategic initiatives and foster organizational growth. Harish’s leadership style is characterized by a balance of decisiveness and composure. He values trust, open communication, and collaboration within his team, fostering a positive and results-driven work environment. His ability to make informed decisions and his commitment to long-term success have been key to his career achievements. Through his dedication and strategic vision, Harish Rao has made significant contributions to the financial sector, driving growth and excellence in every organization he has been a part of.
Tell us about your early career in the finance sector. What drew you to this field?
My journey in finance began in 1998 at Shriram Transport Finance, where I honed my skills in truck financing. This initial experience exposed me to the dynamic and results-oriented nature of the financial sector, which piqued my interest in pursuing a career in this field. Building on this foundation, I joined SK Finance and quickly progressed to a leadership role as National Business Head. In this capacity, I spearheaded the establishment and expansion of their vehicle finance operations across several key regions in India, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana. My leadership resulted in a significant increase in their geographic reach through the creation of over 150 new branches. Furthermore, I played a crucial role in driving substantial growth in their Assets Under Management (AUM), from ₹375 Cr to ₹3000 Cr. Additionally, I am proud to have contributed to the development of their human capital, expanding their workforce from 400 to 3,000 employees. Currently, I am leveraging my extensive experience at Vastu Finserve, a Mumbai-based company. Here, I hold the position of National Head and I am responsible for spearheading the development of their vehicle finance business. I have built a robust portfolio valued at ₹2,000 Cr. This role allows me to utilize my expertise while making a significant impact on a growing organization.
What are your core values that guide your leadership style and business decisions?
My leadership style is driven by a core set of values that prioritize both decisiveness and composure. The fast-paced nature of the finance industry, particularly in customer service and market competition, demands the ability to make prompt decisions. However, I firmly believe that these choices must be made with a cool head and a focus on long-term benefits. This ensures that our actions not only capture leads and achieve immediate goals but also contribute to sustainable success. By fostering this approach within my team, I’ve cultivated a culture that balances agility with thoughtful analysis, allowing us to navigate the market with both strategic vision and adaptability.
How do you stay informed about industry developments and adapt your strategies accordingly?
In today’s dynamic financial landscape, staying abreast of industry developments is critical for strategic adaptation. I employ a multifaceted approach to ensure I have a comprehensive understanding of current trends. This includes conducting thorough market research, utilizing a variety of information sources, and leveraging the expertise of my team. Market research forms the foundation of my approach. By actively seeking out data and insights, I gain a clear picture of customer preferences, competitor strategies, and emerging financial trends. This knowledge empowers me to make informed decisions and identify potential opportunities. Beyond traditional research methods, I prioritize staying informed through a diverse range of information sources. This includes industry publications, financial news outlets, and social media platforms. By following relevant thought leaders and engaging with industry discussions online, I gain valuable real-time perspectives on market shifts and customer sentiment. Finally, I recognize the importance of collaboration. My product team plays a vital role in conducting market research, analyzing competitor strategies, and identifying recent trends within the financial industry. By fostering a culture of open communication and shared knowledge, I ensure that our entire team is equipped to contribute to strategic decision-making.
How do you cultivate a positive and results-oriented work environment?
Fostering a positive and results-oriented work environment is a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. I believe a strong team is the backbone of any successful organization. Here, I prioritize a two-pronged approach: building a positive atmosphere and fostering a results-driven culture. On the positive side, I prioritize building trust and open communication within the team. Trust is the foundation upon which effective teams are built, and it starts with me. By being transparent, approachable, and consistent in my actions and decisions, I create an environment where team members feel safe and respected. Open communication is encouraged at all levels, allowing individuals to feel comfortable sharing ideas, offering constructive criticism, and seeking support. I actively encourage collaboration and recognize the value of diverse perspectives. When team members know their voices are heard and valued, it fosters innovation and drives better decision-making. To maintain morale, I celebrate achievements, both big and small, and express appreciation for individual and team contributions. Recognizing and celebrating successes boosts morale and reinforces a positive work culture. Regular team-building activities, both formal and informal, help strengthen interpersonal bonds and create a sense of community and belonging. To cultivate a results-oriented mindset, I set clear and achievable goals, ensuring everyone understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture. Goal clarity is essential for aligning individual efforts with organizational objectives. I break down overarching goals into manageable tasks and milestones, providing a roadmap that guides the team’s efforts. Empowering team members with ownership of their tasks fosters accountability and drives engagement. By giving them the autonomy to make decisions and solve problems, I enable them to take pride in their work and strive for excellence. I provide ongoing support and guidance, acting as a coach and mentor rather than a micromanager. Regular performance reviews with transparent feedback allow for course correction and continuous improvement. Constructive feedback is essential for growth, and I ensure it is delivered in a way that is supportive and actionable. Furthermore, I utilize a balanced approach to incentives, combining financial rewards with recognition programs that acknowledge individual and team accomplishments. Financial rewards are important, but non-monetary recognition, such as public acknowledgment, awards, and career development opportunities, also play a significant role in motivating the team. By fostering a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and shared success, I motivate my team to consistently deliver exceptional results.
Looking back on your career, what accomplishment brings you the most pride?
Reflecting on my career, a source of immense pride is the significant growth trajectory I’ve experienced at SK Finance. Starting as an executive, I consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication, and a commitment to achieving results. This commitment was recognized by my superiors, leading to progressively more challenging and impactful roles. The culmination of this journey is my current position as Business Head. This advancement signifies not only the value I bring to the organization but also the validation of my hard work and unwavering integrity. It serves as a testament to the power of dedication and continuous learning in achieving professional goals.
