Singapore's 10 Most Influential Business Leaders to Watch, 2024

VOL 08 ISSUE 07 2024 10 Most Influential Leaders to Watch, Roy Toh Group CEO Terra International 2024 Mastering the Intersection of Technology and Finance

teams, and to lead by example., , , , Successful CEOs are those who have the ability to inspire and motivate others, to build strong - Cyril Ramaphosa

eadership is a complex and nuanced role that Finally, humor can lighten the mood and build camaraderie, requires a delicate balance of various qualities. As but it should be used wisely. A leader who can navigate L Jim Rohn famously stated, "The challenge of these complexities effectively is more likely to inspire their leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not team and achieve lasting success. weak; be bold, but not a bully; be humble, but not timid; be Humor as a proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly." Highlighting such leaders, CIOLook, in its latest edition titled "Singapore's 10 Most Influential Business Leaders to To be strong yet not rude means asserting authority while Watch, 2024," features individuals who exemplify the Leadership respecting others. A study by the Center for Creative qualities of effective leadership. These leaders have Leadership found that 75% of leaders fail due to demonstrated strength without rudeness, kindness without interpersonal issues, highlighting the need for emotional weakness, and boldness without bullying, making intelligence in leadership. Similarly, kindness should not be significant impacts in their respective industries. Tool mistaken for weakness; leaders who show empathy can foster trust and loyalty among their teams. According to a Have a great read ahead! Gallup poll, organizations with high employee engagement see 21% greater profitability, underscoring the value of a supportive leadership style. -Alaya Brown Being bold is essential for driving innovation, but it should Managing Editor never cross the line into bullying. A survey indicated that 60% of employees would leave a job due to a toxic work environment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful atmosphere. Humility allows leaders to connect with their teams, while pride can motivate and inspire. However, it's crucial to avoid arrogance, which can alienate others.

Contents PROFILES Dr. Dorcas Tan A Passionate Leader Rede?ning the Recruitment Industry Roy Toh Mastering the Kelvin Tan The Visionary Rewriting the Intersection Rules of Fintech of Technology and Finance Matthias Yeo Leading Cybersecurity Excellence Vikram Lodha The Trade Transformer: Vikram Lodha's 360-Degree Vision S T O R Y ARTICLES C O V E R Looking Up: The Nation's Need for Leaders Who Inspire, Not Just Listen Too Many Meetings, Too Little Leadership: A Cautionary Tale

Featured Company Brief Alexander Friedhoff is the founder and CEO of Etaily, etaily Alexander Friedhoff where he drives e-commerce solutions and innovations. www.etaily.com Founder and CEO Christian Schneider Christian Schneider is the CEO and founder of Bluesheets Pooja M Bansal Bluesheets, focusing on automating financial processes Chief Executive www.bluesheets.ai for businesses. Editor-in-Chief Officer CONTENT FOLLOW US ON Dennis Breckenridge heads Elevate Broadcast Pte Ltd, Dennis Breckenridge Elevate Broadcast Pte Ltd Deputy Editor Anish Miller focusing on innovative broadcasting solutions. www.facebook.com/ciolook CEO elevatebroadcast.com Managing EditorAlaya Brown www.twitter.com/ciolook WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON Dr. Dorcas Tan leads Recruit Inc Pte Ltd, focusing on Dr. Dorcas Tan Recruit Inc Pte Ltd DESIGN recruitment solutions that align talent with organizational Chief Executive Officer www.recruit-inc.com needs. Visualizer Dave Bates Art & Design Director Davis Martin Funhua Cheong leads Conversant Solutions Pte Ltd, CONTACT US ON Conversant Solutions Funhua Cheong Associate Designer Jameson Carl specializing in technology solutions for businesses. CEO www.conversant.tv Email info@ciolook.com SALES Kelvin Tan For Subscription Kelvin Tan is the CEO and founder of Audax, where he audax Senior Sales Managers Wilson T., Hunter D. Chief Executive Officer, drives the company's vision and strategic direction, focusing www.ciolook.com Founder and www.audax.io on innovative solutions and business growth. Customer Success Manager Elvis S. Board Director Copyright © 2024 CIOLOOK, All Sales Executives Tim, Smith rights reserved. The content and images used in this Loke Kheng Tham is the CEO of Mediacorp Pte Ltd, Mediacorp Pte Ltd Loke Kheng Tham magazine should not be overseeing Singapore's largest media company and its TECHNICAL CEO www.mediacorp.sg reproduced or transmitted in various platforms. any form or by any means, Technical Head Peter Hayden electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or Technical Consultant Victor Collins Matthias Yeo otherwise, without prior Matthias Yeo is the CEO of CyberXCenter, leading efforts CyberXCenter Chief Executive permission from CIOLOOK. in cybersecurity solutions and services. www.cyberxcenter.com SME-SMO Officer Reprint rights remain solely with CIOLOOK. Research Analyst Eric Smith Roy Toh is an accomplished leader in the IT and SEO Executive Alen Spencer cybersecurity sectors, steering Terra International towards Roy Toh Terra International innovative solutions that meet market demands. With Group Chief over 20 years of experience, he emphasizes www.terra.international Executive Officer environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in technology practices. sales@ciolook.com August, 2024 Vikram Lodha is the co-founder and CEO of 360tf, where 360tf Vikram Lodha he oversees operations and strategic initiatives in the www.360tf.trade Co-founder & CEO trading sector.

Roy Toh Group CEO Terra International

Singapore's 10 Most Inuential Business Leaders to Watch, 2024 How Roy Combined Engineering Expertise with Financial Let us explore his journey: region, with operations in 12 cities and a workforce Acumen for Success! exceeding 500 employees worldwide. Their primary areas of focus include communications technology and services, Inspiration to Embark on This Sector " AI/ML development, and cybersecurity solutions. want to create technologies that have a real impact on people's lives." This drive to make a difference is what Roy graduated from the National University of Singapore I defines Roy Toh, the visionary Group CEO of Terra Integrate ESG Principles into the Technology Practices (NUS) with a degree in engineering, specializing in International. Under his exceptional leadership, the communications engineering. This educational background company has rapidly ascended to become one of the most naturally guided him towards a career in the technology Roy remains steadfast in his life mission of protecting innovative tech firms in the Asia-Pacific region. sector, focusing on Communications Technology. Mother Earth. He was elected President of the Green We prioritize gaining Guards Club during his time at Junior College, where he “ Roy's passion for merging engineering excellence with spearheaded initiatives to promote environmental Motivated by a pursuit of excellence, Roy has consistently insight into our clients' purposeful innovation was instilled during his days awareness, focusing on the 3Rs - "Reuse, Reduce, and pursued further academic and professional achievements. individual requirements studying communications engineering at the prestigious Recycle." These initiatives included tree-planting and paper He obtained a Graduate Diploma in Taxation Law and an and providing customized National University of Singapore. He augmented his recycling campaigns, among others. MBA in Finance to complement his engineering expertise. solutions that surpass their technical prowess with an MBA in finance and a Graduate Professionally, Roy has earned certifications with leading “ Diploma in Taxation Law, giving him a unique cross- technology providers such as Cisco, AWS, Avaya, and Roy makes sure that environmental, social, and governance expectations throughout disciplinary perspective. Samsung. (ESG) concepts are integrated into every facet of the their journey with us. business's operations at Terra International. Their "The most impactful solutions come from seeing problems technological pursuits incorporate sustainability issues Roy's primary objective is to continuously evolve solutions through multiple lenses," Roy explains. "My diverse through a variety of methods. This entails applying energy- and technologies to contribute to the ongoing disruption and educational background allows me to approach challenges efficient design principles, encouraging inclusivity and advancement of society. During the challenging times of the in an integrative way." diversity in the workforce, and upholding ethical supply COVID-19 pandemic, Roy actively supported the chain and sourcing procedures. government's initiatives. His efforts were recognized when he was personally awarded the Public Service Medal That forward-thinking mindset has been the catalyst for (PBM) by the President of Singapore. many of Terra's boundary-pushing innovations. The For instance, the company actively monitors greenhouse China, Terra International manages a wide spectrum of company's smart city initiatives have redefined urban gas (GHG) emissions by prioritizing energy conservation development projects and technologies, including AI, infrastructure through the Internet of Things. Its cutting- measures. Internally, energy usage is optimized through Furthermore, Roy's company received a Commendation machine learning, blockchain, and IoT. This diversified edge 5G and communications technologies have brought measures such as regulating air conditioning settings and Letter from the President in acknowledgment of their team's approach enables the company to effectively address a lightning-fast connectivity to underserved communities. scheduling. Externally, efforts are made to minimize the collective efforts. This recognition stands as a testament to range of industry needs and stay ahead of technological And its renewable energy initiatives are paving the way for carbon footprint through reduced global travel and Roy's commitment and effort, and he feels both humbled trends. a greener, more sustainable future. partnerships with logistics providers that prioritize energy and proud to have played a part in this achievement. efficiency in their operations. In the realm of cybersecurity, Terra International has What truly sets Roy apart, however, is his selfless Insight into Terra and its Inception Story witnessed significant evolution. While traditionally Roy personally engages in visits to clean energy production commitment to using Terra's capabilities to support the focusing on defensive "blue" solutions, the company has greater good, especially during times of crisis. His tireless companies to explore and assess new technologies that Roy's journey into entrepreneurship commenced on May expanded its offerings to include offensive "red" and efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic earned him the could enhance Terra International's energy sustainability 26, 2003, with the establishment of his first tech startup comprehensive "purple" solutions. This holistic approach efforts. By aligning technology initiatives with ESG prestigious Public Service Medal from the President of under Terra Systems. Motivated by a vision to revolutionize enables Terra International to provide 360-degree defense principles, the company aims to deliver lasting value for Singapore, who commended Terra for its "resolute the tech industry, Terra Systems aimed to integrate cutting- strategies, safeguarding clients' data and infrastructure clients while making positive contributions to society as a dedication to the nation." edge solutions with a strong passion to environmental and against various threats. whole. social responsibility. This included offerings such as cloud Roy remains humbled by such accolades. "I was just doing hosting and advanced software development. Initially Furthermore, Terra International has established Security Strategies Implemented to Evolving Needs of the what I thought was right to protect lives and livelihoods," centered on website development, the company later Operations Centers (SOCs) in each country of operation, he says. "Technology's purpose is to solve problems and Market and Society expanded its focus to include cloud application ensuring localized support and containment of sensitive empower people. That will always be Terra's true north development. data within respective territories. This strategic deployment star." Roy leads the charge by consistently innovating to maintain enhances the company's ability to promptly respond to a leading edge and meet the dynamic demands of both the With the formation of the group holding company, Terra threats and incidents while delivering tailored solutions to With principled leaders like Roy, Singapore's standing as a market and society. The company's subsidiaries leverage International, Roy's entrepreneurial endeavors took a clients' security needs. emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, global innovation hub has never looked brighter. As for significant leap. Terra International diversified its portfolio blockchain, and IoT to pioneer solutions that enhance what lies ahead, you can be sure his sights are set on to encompass various subsidiaries, each dedicated to Through strategic alliances, investments in R&D, and the changing the world for the better. operational efficiency, elevate productivity, and promote addressing distinct market demands and societal challenges establishment of local SOCs, Terra International remains sustainability across various sectors. through innovative technological solutions. committed to delivering innovative solutions that exceed clients' expectations and position the company at the With dedicated research and development (R&D) hubs As part of the Terra International Group, Roy's ventures forefront of technological advancement. strategically located in Singapore, Indonesia, India, and have expanded their presence across the entire APAC

Strategic Planning on Any Success Story Capitalize on New Business Opportunities achieved ISO27001 certification in March 2024, ensuring that its systems and processes adhere to the highest cybersecurity standards. An exemplary achievement highlighting Terra Terra International adopts a proactive approach to International's strategic acumen is the company's identifying and seizing new business opportunities, As a leader, I embody a “ partnership with top-tier technology providers to develop an facilitated by a comprehensive market research and analysis Continuously enhancing the workforce, refining systems, dedication to collaboration, advanced cybersecurity platform tailored specifically for framework. By closely monitoring emerging trends, and pursuing new international certifications are integral diversity, and excellence Critical Information Infrastructure (CII). By integrating consumer preferences, and industry disruptions, the components of the company's strategy, ensuring that its within my leadership style. I futuristic AI algorithms and robust communication company anticipates market demands and strategically cybersecurity posture remains at the forefront according to protocols, Terra has revolutionized cybersecurity service positions its subsidiaries to capitalize on unexplored international benchmarks. recognize the signicance of delivery across the APAC region. opportunities. teamwork and strive to This proactive stance underscores Terra International's cultivate an environment This initiative has resulted in significant revenue expansion A recent illustration of this proactive stance is Terra dedication to cybersecurity excellence, instilling confidence “ where diverse viewpoints are for the company, as demonstrated by the closure of International's collaboration with a US-based consumer in clients and reaffirming the company's passion to numerous substantial contracts with major CIIs across brand specializing in health-tech, med-tech, and wellness- upholding the utmost standards of data protection. esteemed, and ideas are Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and tech gadgets, serving as the exclusive distributor for the freely exchanged. Australia in the past six months alone. These successes APAC region. Substantial investments were made in Approach to Ensuring Customer Satisfaction serve as tangible evidence of the outcomes derived from obtaining necessary licensing approvals, establishing Terra International's strategic foresight and approach under efficient logistics and warehousing infrastructure, and Roy ensures that customer satisfaction serves as the Roy's leadership. executing comprehensive sales and marketing strategies cornerstone of operations. The company prioritizes gaining In online channels, Terra International leverages across online and offline channels. insight into clients' requirements and delivering customized partnerships with prominent influencers for live sales solutions that exceed expectations throughout their journey events, while offline distribution extends through major with Terra. retail outlets locally. Initially, Terra International implemented AI chatbots to By harnessing the power of technology, Terra International provide instant online assistance for frequently asked enhances its ability to provide solutions that promote questions. Additionally, a range of communication channels healthier lifestyles, improve overall well-being, and is offered to connect clients with human staff for technical empower individuals to achieve their fitness goals. Whether and advisory support. Furthermore, Terra International's through the development of smart devices, mobile dedication to customer-centricity was acknowledged when applications, or digital platforms, Terra International the company showcased its projects at the Contact Center remains at the forefront of leveraging technology to Association of Singapore Annual Awards, securing four positively impact the health and wellness of its customers prestigious awards. This recognition underscores Terra across the APAC region. International's commitment to excellence in serving clients. By staying abreast of the latest technological and business Moreover, Terra International tailors service level trends and taking proactive steps to leverage them, Terra agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) International demonstrates agility and adaptability in to meet the unique needs of each client separately. Through identifying and capitalizing on new avenues for growth ongoing communication, feedback mechanisms, and within its diverse focus areas. proactive customer support, the company ensures a seamless experience from project inception to completion. Culture of Creativity and Innovation Terra International's proven track record of delivering innovative solutions that generate tangible value for clients Roy uses Terra International's vast experience in attests to its dedication to excellence in customer service. cybersecurity to ensure the integrity and security of client data as well as internal systems. At Terra International, Strategies for Enhancing Terra International cybersecurity is a top priority. It employs a multifaceted strategy that combines encryption techniques, access Investments and merger and acquisition (M&A) strategies restrictions, threat monitoring, and regular audits to play a crucial role in bolstering Terra International's global strengthen defenses against cyber threats and successfully influence and market presence under Roy's leadership. The manage risks. company strategically allocates resources to invest in promising startups, technology ventures, and emerging The company has proactively embraced leading-edge markets, thereby diversifying its portfolio and expanding its technologies and established Security Operations Centers global reach. (SOCs) in each subsidiary country to further fortify systems and protect client data. Additionally, Terra International

them with ethical excellence., , , , Moreover, he acknowledges failure as a leader. When innovative ventures encounter setbacks, he takes full ownership of failures, including significant losses, rather The true test of compliance is than assigning blame. This approach fosters a culture where leaders and team members are unafraid to take risks in pursuit of innovation and creativity. not just meeting regulatory By championing inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and requirements but exceeding nurturing talent, Roy empowers individuals to unleash their full potential and contribute to collective success. Grounded in integrity, accountability, and a commitment to brilliance, his leadership guides Terra International toward ongoing growth and innovation. Overcoming Challenges in Tech-startup One memorable experience in business coaching and mentorship involved guiding a tech startup through a period of rapid growth and expansion in the cybersecurity consulting services sector, commencing in 2021. Directing the sector of a tech startup filled with exciting Terra International has made significant investments in key solutions and potential projects demanded a focus on the global markets, establishing subsidiaries equipped to fundamentals. Roy facilitated discussions centered on the provide technology services and distribute consumer tech startup's core purpose, emphasizing the importance of products. Additionally, the company forms consortia and understanding the "why" behind their business. enters into various partnerships to deliver collaborative services and solutions tailored to the specific needs of each Subsequently, they explored into strategic implementation market. strategies, aiming for excellence in execution and value creation that resonated with potential clients. Lastly, they Through targeted acquisitions and strategic partnerships, meticulously examined the services offered, ensuring Terra International gains entry into new markets, access to alignment with market needs and pricing strategies tailored talent pools, and innovative technologies. This strategic to target markets. approach accelerates the company's growth trajectory and enables it to deliver enhanced value to stakeholders. Through personalized coaching sessions, strategic planning workshops, and hands-on mentorship, he assisted the Embody Commitment to Collaboration, Diversity, and startup in managing challenges, seizing opportunities, and Excellence scaling its operations efficiently. By instilling confidence, providing actionable guidance, and fostering a culture of Roy embodies a devotion to collaboration, diversity, and continual learning and resilience, the company achieved excellence within his leadership style. Recognizing the significant milestones, experiencing year-on-year growth significance of teamwork, he cultivates an environment multiples of at least 5x. These efforts propelled the startup where diverse viewpoints are valued and ideas are freely towards sustainable growth and success in the competitive exchanged. cybersecurity consulting services arena. In his role overseeing hundreds of Terra members spanning Terra International's journey is defined by a zeal to from baby boomers to Gen Z, Roy adapts his leadership ingenuity, sustainability, and societal impact. By integrating approach accordingly, focusing on fostering effective ESG principles into its technology practices, adopting leadership through a transformational leadership style. He innovative strategies, ensuring cybersecurity, cultivating a articulates a compelling vision for the future, energizing culture of creativity and collaboration, and prioritizing and engaging team members. Additionally, Roy empowers customer satisfaction, they continue to drive growth and team leaders and members, cultivating a culture of superiority in the versatile tech domain. innovation, creativity, and personal and professional development.

Singapore's 10 Most Influen?al Business Leaders to Watch, 2024 A Passionate Leader Rede?ning the Recruitment Industry he rapidly changing business world is shaped by leaders who possess the foresight to identify T challenges and the determination to create solutions. They are driven by a passion to bring about positive change and an undying commitment to their goals. Dorcas Tan epitomizes this leadership quality, leveraging her two-decade-long career to bridge the gaps in the recruitment industry. Tan's journey began with a 15-year tenure in Executive Search and HR, where she held various senior HR leadership positions in leading multinational corporations. Her expertise and leadership capabilities were further polished when she led a team of over 30 consultants in an award-winning banking and finance recruitment branch of one of the world's largest executive search and recruitment companies. Tan's accomplishments extended beyond that, as she spearheaded teams of up to 700 personnel across all projects for a world-renowned staffing company. Her contributions were instrumental in the success of notable initiatives, including Changi Airport Group's award- winning Changi Experience Agents program. 17 www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 |

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a business leader, and how have you overcome them? The initial years as a business leader at a startup like Recruit Inc were probably the toughest. Some of the biggest challenges I have faced include attracting talent, securing funding, and establishing a strong market presence. Attracting talent in a competitive recruitment market requires developing a compelling brand and business model. Establishing a strong market presence involved leveraging social media, and creating partnerships to enhance our visibility and credibility. By focusing on these areas and remaining adaptable, I have been able to steer Recruit Inc towards steady growth and success. How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and incorporate them into your business strategy? Driven by a personal mission to empower other leaders to succeed, Tan took the leap and foundedRecruit Inc Pte This is a very important question. Nothing is more Ltd in 2014. Through this venture, she harnesses her wealth important for a business leader than developing himself. I of experience and industry knowledge to address the ensure that I look after my own development, just as I evolving needs of the recruitment industry. encourage my staff to look after theirs. Staying up-to-date on industry trends should be in every leader’s DNA. More Let’s explore the below interview highlights to uncover her important is how we use these insights to incorporate them inspiring story: into business strategy to maintain a competitive edge. business, and the reserves from my savings were depleting that appealed to passionate and driven individuals. To build Could you give our readers an insight into your Having run this business for 10 years now, I have built up a at a faster pace than revenues. credibility, I worked on developing a strong pitch that company and its inception story? vast network. I make it a point to engage the people in my clearly articulated our value proposition and market network frequently, across all levels of seniority, to hear and I have always embraced giving opportunities to fresh potential, and I updated staff on progress. Recruit Inc Pte Ltd was founded upon a culmination of my learn from them. They are the richest source of information starters in the industry. We took in a handful of new passion for connecting talent with opportunities and on trends and new developments. I have also had a few recruitment consultants who barely had any experience. But We celebrated every new client that signed with us to keep addressing the gaps I observed in the recruitment industry. I mentors among them who have provided me with valuable it wasn’t that we had many choices. I had to focus on morale high in the company. We focused on delivering have had the opportunity to sit on both sides of the fence as guidance, especially on matters affecting their industry. getting clients, and a lot of the other matters had to be left exceptional results for our early customers, and I an external and internal recruiter. encouraged staff to share success stories to use as case to the staff themselves. But they weren’t equipped, so we I also attend conferences, seminars, and workshops to learn studies to build on our momentum. These efforts resulted in had to ensure they received the right amount of training and After more than 15 years of working in executive search from experts and network with peers. One other favorite keeping a steady pool of staff, gaining client trust, and handholding. and human resources and seeing the challenges both source is LinkedIn. I follow industry influencers, join building a story for ourselves. I am pleased to say that a employers and job seekers faced, I was inspired to create a relevant groups where I can, and participate in discussions It was really hard work because of the need for me to be handful of the staff who went through the initial years with more efficient and personalized recruitment service. to stay updated on current trends and network with involved in so many parts of the business. When things me are still here today. We will be celebrating our 10th professionals. didn’t work out, a few staff members walked out. There anniversary this November, and all credit goes to them. In November 2014, leveraging my extensive network and were others who came in and took our intellectual property industry insights, I launched Recruit Inc Pte Ltd in Can you share an example of a time when you had to and our client lists. Staff who remained were visibly How do you measure success in your business, and what Singapore. The company's mission is to seek the most lead your team through a challenging situation, and how discouraged. We had to find new staff quickly. I leveraged metrics do you use to track progress? qualified candidates for our clients that best fit their needs you supported them through it? my professional network to reach out to potential and become a valued partner as a one-stop HR solutions candidates and attended industry events to meet talent. We I think we are not different from any other company in provider. The first 3 years of the company’s history were the most also used social media to spread the word about our hiring terms of success indicators. Revenues are definitely key. challenging. Like any other start-up, we were a new kid on opportunities. Without revenues, nothing else matters. In our weekly With a dedicated team and an innovative approach, we the block with no credibility, and we had to find the right meetings, we focus on only a few things since we are quickly established ourselves as a trusted partner in the people to build the business quickly. We also had to secure To prevent burnout, I implemented flexible work hours, SMEs: local job market, especially in the Healthcare Sector, funding to pay for necessities that were critical for the encouraged creativity, and fostered a collaborative culture consistently delivering quality results. 18 19 www.ciolook.com www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 | | AUGUST 2024 |

The difference lies in how a leader uses each quality accordingly, depending on the circumstances. In my view, leaders need to have a strategic bird's-eye view of the company. When things don’t go as planned, it is easy for leaders to try to solve the problem themselves, getting caught in the nitty-gritty—things that don’t matter. Having a big picture for me is simply to have my staff always think about the purpose for which the company exists, where it’s headed, and why they are here. They must have seen what they can contribute and how they can be rewarded. When everyone knows what their purpose is, ideas flow naturally. I tend to leave the details to my staff, and I respect, trust, and empower them to do what they need to do. This entails having an open mind to accept different opinions. The more their opinions differ from mine, the more I welcome it. After all, they’re much closer to the details than I am. As a business leader. I never settle. I am never satisfied with the status quo. What keeps me awake at night is constantly finding new opportunities and new ways to do things. That’s the value I bring to them. Thus, my role is to open up doors of opportunity for them. They decide which door they 1. What are the deals each person is working on, the deal want to walk through and how they want to walk through it. sizes, the expected duration to close those deals, and the roadblocks preventing these deals from closing? Never sink into complacency, even when the company is 2. What does each person’s pipeline look like, what are doing well. Knowing each person on the team individually, the sizes of deals in the pipeline, and how near or far their strengths, their interests, and their developmental areas these are vis-à-vis our targets? is important. Spending time with them is crucial. Once they 3. Potential business opportunities the company is are clear about what they want and need to do, I hold them exploring. Are there any opportunities we could have accountable as I hold myself accountable. In this respect, missed? leaders need a sufficiently high level of Emotional Quotient 4. How are we doing as a team? How is each one feeling? (EQ) and a cool head, especially in moments where As their leader, what support do they need from me? accountability is lacking and you need to reinforce 5. Costs - How are we doing in terms of costs, and are discipline. there potential areas for cost savings? 6. Any other matters that require attention. Related to this, then, is finding the right people. If leaders surround themselves with people who are passionate about We try to be as practical as possible, keeping meetings short what they do and who are ethical and have integrity, even and to the point. when leaders are not around, the staff will keep the company running. It’s not always easy to find the right What advice would you give to aspiring business people. It is equally important to have the courage to let the leaders, and what qualities do you believe are essential wrong people go. for success in leadership roles? This is an easy question yet a difficult one because there are just a host of endless qualities leaders need to have, and no one quality works independently nor are qualities mutually exclusive. Each quality reinforces the other when it is needed. Every leader has different and unique qualities to tap into. 21 www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 |

During times of crisis, inspirational leaders step up to provide guidance, support, and a sense of hope. They are Lking Up: able to rally people together, fostering a spirit of unity and resilience. These The Nation's Need for leaders understand that change is not easy, but they are willing to take risks and make tough decisions to create a better future. The Need for Inspirational Leadership in Our Nation Who Inspire, Not Just Listen As our nation faces a myriad of challenges, from economic uncertainty to social unrest, the need for inspirational leadership has never been n these challenging times, our The Importance of Values and greater. We need leaders who can nation is in dire need of leaders Communication inspire us to come together, to work I who can inspire us to greatness. towards common goals, and to create a While it's important for leaders to Inspirational leaders are not just more just, equitable, and prosperous listen to the concerns of the people, charismatic - they also possess strong society. true leadership goes beyond just values and the ability to communicate hearing - it's about igniting a fire them effectively. They lead by Unfortunately, many of our current within us to overcome obstacles and example, demonstrating integrity, leaders fall short in this regard. A achieve our full potential. empathy, and a commitment to ethical recent survey found that only 25% of behavior. These leaders understand that Americans believe their political The Power of Inspirational trust is the foundation of any leaders are inspirational. This lack of Leadership successful relationship, and they work trust and confidence in our leaders is a tirelessly to build and maintain that troubling sign, and it highlights the Inspirational leaders possess a unique trust. urgent need for a new generation of ability to motivate and empower those inspirational leaders to step up and lead around them. They are not just Effective communication is another the way. managers who delegate tasks, but key trait of inspirational leaders. They visionaries who paint a picture of a are able to articulate their vision in a Conclusion better future and rally people to work way that resonates with people, making towards it. These leaders understand them feel heard and valued. These In conclusion, our nation needs leaders that true change comes from within, leaders also know how to listen who can inspire us to greatness. These and they have the charisma and actively, seeking to understand the leaders must possess strong values, conviction to ignite that change. concerns and ideas of those they lead. effective communication skills, and the ability to overcome adversity and One study found that employees who Overcoming Adversity and Inspiring inspire change. They must be willing to work under inspirational leaders are Change take risks, make tough decisions, and 125% more productive than those who rally people together towards a don't. Another survey revealed that One of the most remarkable qualities common goal. 65% of employees would work harder of inspirational leaders is their ability if they felt their leader was more to overcome adversity and inspire As we look to the future, it's clear that inspirational. These statistics highlight change in the face of challenges. They the success of our nation depends on the immense impact that inspirational are not deterred by setbacks or the emergence of these inspirational leadership can have on individual and obstacles, but instead view them as leaders. It's up to all of us to support organizational success. opportunities for growth and and encourage those who have the innovation. vision and the courage to lead us into a brighter tomorrow. 22 23 www.ciolook.com www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 | | AUGUST 2024 |

Singapore's 10 Most Inuential Business Leaders to Watch, 2024 oday’s fast-paced world demands that leaders go beyond steering their organizations and impart their I have been leading the build of the T wisdom and insights to a wider audience, amplifying their influence across the entire industry. Kelvin business and platform with the Tan, the CEO of audax Financial Technology, is one such vision of being the go-to solution for forward-thinking leader who is transforming traditional banks undergoing digital banking models and paving the way for a more seamless, transformation and, subsequently, customer-centric financial experience. His willingness to connecting other industry verticals, share his insights and experiences has contributed beginning with financial services. significantly to the broader fintech community, driving innovation and progress within the sector. Tan’s story is one of grit, passion, and a firm belief in the power of innovation. From his early days at Standard and, subsequently, connecting other industry verticals, Chartered Bank, where he led game-changing initiatives beginning with financial services. like Standard Chartered nexus (SC nexus), the bank’s pioneering Banking-as-a-Service offering, he has been at Before audax, I conceptualized, led, built, and delivered the forefront of digital transformation. His ability to spot (SC) nexus, Standard Chartered’s comprehensive BaaS emerging trends and capitalize on them has made him a business. I pitched the idea of “Platform Banking” 5 years force to be reckoned with. ago to transform Standard Chartered into a global embedded finance provider, drive scale, and fulfill the Our recent interview with Kelvin Tan offers a sneak peek bank’s ambition to lift participation and financial inclusion. into his journey and his vision for the future of finance. In fact, it was in the process of building SC nexus that we got the idea to offer the technology we were building to the Please brief us about yourself and what inspired you to industry at large, rather than limit it to a single use case embark on this sector? within one bank. I am the CEO of audax, a corporate venture backed by Could you give our readers an insight into your Standard Chartered Bank. audax enables any bank to company and its inception story? rapidly deploy and scale end-to-end digital banking solutions. Based in Singapore, I have been leading the build The audax journey started by powering SC nexus, Standard of the business and platform with the vision of being the Chartered’s global BaaS offering. Powered by audax’s go-to solution for banks undergoing digital transformation 24 25 www.ciolook.com www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 | | AUGUST 2024 |

technology, Standard Chartered was the first global bank to • Joint OKRs between key stakeholders: Shared provide BaaS in Asia. The successful partnership between common goals, especially between product and tech Standard Chartered and Bukalapak in launching teams, so that we are all aligned on the outcomes to be BukaTabungan is an example of how audax has powered achieved. truly paperless, digital banking access, serving Bukalapak’s • Weekly sessions among the steering committee: ecosystem of more than 150 million users and 20 million These sessions keep everyone updated on the latest business owners. developments and ensure that we remain aligned on our strategic initiatives. The vision was not merely to drive transformation within Standard Chartered but to rewire the DNA of banking. As a Can you share an example of a time when you had to result, SC Ventures launched audax, with the aim of make a difficult decision as a leader, and what factors offering its capabilities to banks and financial institutions influenced your decision-making process? globally. I champion and model One of the most challenging decisions I faced as a leader flexible work policies, audax is a comprehensive stack digital banking solutions was during our transition from SC nexus to audax. Our provider, empowering banks and financial institutions to North Star was always “what is in the best interest of the ensuring they are actively scale and modernize at speed. We target banks and financial enterprise.” As we pivoted from serving primarily Standard supported. I emphasize the institutions looking to grow their retail banking and SME Chartered Bank to a broader range of banks and financial importance of work-life share, neobanks that want to launch but require a institutions, I had to carefully assess the roles and skills balance and demonstrate technology stack, and non-fintech entities looking to offer needed for our new business model. This meant evaluating flexibility in my own work closed-loop services. whether the existing team members’ skills and roles were habits, setting a positive aligned with our future needs. audax presents a solution catering to three primary distinct example for the company. use cases: Digital Banking, Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) The decision-making process involved thorough and modernisation of incumbent infrastructure. It boasts an consideration of the new strategic direction, the specific end-to-end digital banking platform with modularised skills required for success in this broader market, and the capabilities, designed to efficiently handle millions of potential for existing team members to adapt to these new customers concurrently. Through its plug-and-play digital demands. Consulting with industry insiders and senior banking solution, audax provides an end-to-end suite of leadership helped ensure that the decisions were well- banking capabilities and models for the entire client informed and in the best interest of the enterprise. Although lifecycle, from client and staff interfaces to deposits and it was difficult, this careful evaluation and alignment were lending products to client servicing and data reporting. essential for positioning audax for long-term success. Built to complement incumbent banks’ core systems where How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and necessary, audax’s core banking and infrastructure-agnostic incorporate them into your business strategy? technology enables digital banking capabilities without the need for risky, costly, and time-consuming in-house • Learning and networking: attending industry development or migration. conferences, engaging with thought leaders, and never underestimate the power of LinkedIn – a key platform How do you prioritize and balance the needs of different that you can use even if you can’t take time out of stakeholders in your business? your day for physical meetings. • Research and analysis: a dedicated team that tracks We prioritize and balance stakeholder needs through developments in the industry, monitors competitor structured communication and alignment processes. activities, and analyzes market data, which is then synthesized into reports that guide our decisions. • Prioritization forums between key stakeholders: • Employee innovation: via brainstorming sessions and We hold monthly prioritization forums that bring innovation workshops across the steering committee together key stakeholders, especially from our tech and their one-downs. and product teams, to discuss and identify the main priorities collaboratively and ensure that everyone is on board and aligned. 26 27 www.ciolook.com www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 | | AUGUST 2024 |

Leadership is not about being in charge, Its about taking care of those in your charge. Can you discuss a time when you had to pivot your importance of work-life balance and demonstrate flexibility business strategy, and how you navigated that change? in my own work habits, setting a positive example for the company. - Simon Sinek When we spun off into audax, it marked a significant pivot in our business model. Our team, originally from SC nexus, How do you measure success in your business, and what had been primarily focused on serving Standard Chartered metrics do you use to track progress? Bank. With audax, our focus shifted to serving a broader range of banks and financial institutions. audax implements several measures, including: To navigate this change, I maintained constant • Clear expectations through quarterly OKRs - communication with my team, clearly highlighting the which outline specific goals and deliverables that reasons for the shift, the associated risks, and our new employees are expected to achieve. This provides a direction. I also consulted with industry insiders to gain framework for performance evaluation and valuable insights and ensure we were making informed accountability. decisions. This collaborative approach helped us • Regular check-ins between people leaders and successfully steer through the transition. employees - to monitor progress, provide feedback and to check in on their personal well-being. These How do you foster a positive and productive company serve as opportunities to ensure that employees remain culture, and what role do you play in that? on track with their goals and responsibilities. Flexible work arrangements play a significant role in What advice would you give to aspiring business fostering a positive and productive company culture. We leaders, and what qualities do you believe are essential allow employees to choose where and when they work, for success in leadership roles? which then improves work-life balance, increases job satisfaction, and boosts productivity. Develop significant resilience. More than anything, it is mental fortitude that will see you through the roller coaster Employees can work during their most productive hours ride of running a nascent business. One trick I use to build and create a work environment that suits their needs. resilience is to always zoom out and remember the bigger Flexible work reduces stress and burnout, leading to higher picture—there are always more important things in life. job satisfaction and retention. It also attracts a diverse talent pool by removing geographic constraints. As CEO, I champion and model flexible work policies, ensuring they are actively supported. I emphasize the 28 www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 |

Singapore's 10 Most Inuential Business Leaders to Watch, 2024 Leading Cybersecurity Excellence While the ul?mate goal of a business is Building a Secure Future Through Innovation and Below are the interview highlights: “ Technology profitability, core Please brief us about yourself and what inspired you to values are o safeguard national infrastructure by developing embark on this sector. important. When top-tier security and implementing world-class T technology is a mandatory goal in the cybersecurity I co-founded two cybersecurity companies in Ma?hias Yeo values do not organization. Information security officers emphasize that Singapore—CyberXCenter and Momentum Z—and CEO “ align, it might not only profitability is essential, but also maintaining currently serve as the Chief Executive Officer of CyberXCenter shred you apart. integrity and overcoming obstacles is crucial for long-term CyberXCenter. CyberXCenter is a research company organizational success. dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity capabilities within Industrial Control Systems (ICS) by offering training, cyber With the goal of boosting national cybersecurity capabilities exercises, and cyber research services. for operational technology, Matthias Yeo, CEO of CyberXCenter, provides comprehensive training, cyber Momentum Z, on the other hand, is a service organization exercises, and research. He is a prominent figure in the that helps companies achieve cybersecurity certifications cybersecurity business, with over 22 years of expertise. like the Cyber Trustmark (CTM) from the Cyber Security Being at the helm, he is focused on improving cybersecurity Agency (CSA) and the Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) skills, notably in Industrial Control Systems (ICS), and from the Infocomm Media Development Authority supporting firms in obtaining vital cybersecurity (IMDA). certifications. Today, I am actively involved in national-level cyber Matthias's journey in cybersecurity includes participation in exercises, including the Critical Infrastructure Security national-level cyber exercises and contributions to the Showdown (CISS) and the Critical Infrastructure Defense United Nations-Singapore Cyber Fellowship. His leadership Exercise (CiDex), organized by the Digital and Intelligence philosophy is centered on trust, persistence, and Service (DIS) of the Ministry of Defense. I also ran the maintaining integrity. He highlights the value of developing tabletop exercise for the United Nations-SSingapore Cyber a trustworthy reputation, which he believes is critical for Fellowship. obtaining stakeholder trust and offering long-term success. I have a robust background in the field, with over 22 years While balancing the needs of various stakeholders, he of experience in cybersecurity and technology leadership. prioritizes those who have taken risks to support his vision, Before founding my own companies, I was the Chief valuing gratitude as a core measure of success. His Technology Officer (CTO) for Symantec Corporation in the decision-making process is influenced by trust and Asia Pacific region and, before that, the CTO of Blue Coat persistence, with a vision to uphold trust and integrity in his in Asia Pacific. I have also been an active member of the leadership journey. cybersecurity community, serving as the President of the (ISC)² Singapore Chapter from 2016 to 2018. 31 www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 |

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as Trust played a pivotal role, as it meant not only considering Instead, it involves integrating business with personal life. I a business leader, and how have you overcome them? my interests but also the success and commitments of intentionally involve my employees in my daily life, everyone involved. I've witnessed businessmen who maintaining transparency about my beliefs and principles, One of the toughest challenges I faced when founding the prioritize personal gain and abandon their partners when and even sharing personal challenges. business was gaining the trust of stakeholders, particularly personal interests are at risk. I made a conscious decision in the early stages. It's one thing to have innovative ideas not to be such a person; instead, I aimed to uphold trust and Moreover, I genuinely care about my team members, and execution plans, but it's another way to convince others integrity in our shared journey. valuing them as individuals rather than viewing them solely that you are the right person to trust with those ideas. This as employees fulfilling organizational needs. This approach challenge is especially pronounced in the field of Persistence in the sense that I wanted to make sure the fosters trust, mutual respect, and a supportive environment cybersecurity, where the stakes are high and concepts often option I take is not a safe option but an option that, when I where everyone can thrive personally and professionally. require millions of dollars in funding. Trustworthiness look back, I know I will not regret. impacts various aspects of the business, including attracting What advice would you give to aspiring business funding, recruiting top talent, securing support from How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and leaders, and what qualities do you believe are essential Could you give our readers an insight into your companies, and building internal capabilities. incorporate them into your business strategy? for success in leadership roles? company and its inception story? Maintaining a reputation as a trustworthy leader is crucial For us, staying up-to-date on industry trends and integrating While the ultimate goal of a business is profitability, core CyberXCenter's mission is simple: to build national and cannot be achieved overnight. It goes beyond having them into our business strategy is crucial for maintaining values are important. Understanding what values you hold cybersecurity capabilities for Operational Technology (OT). deep knowledge; it also involves sound decision-making competitiveness and relevance. We adopt continuous is crucial because, while ideas and inspiration often initiate Our goal is to safeguard national critical infrastructure by and consistent, reliable actions. Demonstrating integrity, learning as a priority by emphasizing ongoing education business ventures, every enterprise will eventually face investing in strategic platforms through our Cyber transparency, and reliability in every aspect of the business and professional development. Networking is an important challenges that test your values. If you do not know who Excellence Center, leveraging world-class technology to is essential to building and sustaining that trust over time. strategy as industry peers, thought leaders, and experts will you are, it is at this moment that you will lose yourself. It develop top-tier capabilities. We believe that people are the offer some advice on how I need to change my thinking. I could be only then that you realized you sacrificed your greatest assets in cybersecurity, and the way they are trained How do you prioritize and balance the needs of different will include them on my advisory boards and committees most important aspect, such as your integrity or your influences their thinking stakeholders in your business? and even participate in industry advisory boards or character, to achieve what you wanted. committees so that we can contribute to industry standards The best training method is not theoretical but involves My business involves various stakeholders, including and gain early insights into upcoming trends. It also Therefore, the important question of selecting partners who placing security leaders in simulated environments to help shareholders, directors, government relationships, enhances our credibility and influence within the industry. share your values is essential when forming a business them grasp the threats to national infrastructure. This employees, clients, and business collaborators. I prioritize together. (Partners could be shareholders or founding approach enables security leaders to maintain a world-class them based on the risks they have taken to support my Lastly, we never stop learning; next, we never stop trying, members of your company.) When the values are Security Operations Center (SOC) team and stay ahead of ideas. Some stakeholders have put their reputations at stake so we have an innovation and experimentation culture synonymous, tough times (and, mark my words, they will attackers. to support my vision, and I am deeply grateful for their where we allocate resources for piloting new ideas, come) will deepen your relationship. When values do not commitment. technologies, or business models inspired by industry align, it might shred you apart. Historically, there has been a significant lack of trends. Rapid experimentation helps us identify understanding in this domain, endangering many key Some of my employees previously held influential positions opportunities for growth and differentiation. infrastructures. Recognizing this need, we decided to in the market, yet they have chosen to believe in my vision collaborate with the government and unite like-minded and join me in building our shared goals. Gratitude is a How do you foster a positive and productive company industry experts to address the issue. When we were fundamental value that I cherish as a measure of my success culture, and what role do you play in that? genuinely concerned about the state of cyber security at a in life. national level, we attracted a lot of support from various I believe in leading by example and employing a "care" industries, and CyberXCenter was born. Can you share an example of a time when you had to leadership approach. While people are drawn to ideas and make a difficult decision as a leader, and what factors vision, they stay because they know the leader intimately. Our CXC setup allows companies to conduct cyber influenced your decision-making process? This connection involves understanding what the leader exercises and Red Team/Blue Team exercises internally. stands for and their core guiding principles. To cultivate Red Teams consist of offensive security professionals who There came a critical juncture where I had to decide the such a culture, I believe in authentic leadership. It goes specialize in attacking systems and penetrating defenses, future course of the business: either to continue trusting my beyond merely stating expectations and treating business as often working in conjunction with our training to teach current stakeholders to see us through or to pivot in a strictly transactional. users how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in OT different direction. In this moment, pivoting could have systems. Blue Teams are defensive security professionals potentially saved me from challenges, but it might also have tasked with maintaining internal network defenses against meant abandoning the collective vision we had been all cyber threats. Our training helps Blue Teams refine their working towards. My decision-making process was heavily methodologies for defending OT systems effectively. influenced by two factors: trust and persistence. 32 33 www.ciolook.com www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 | | AUGUST 2024 |

Too Many Meetings, Too Little Leadership: A Cautionary Tale he modern workplace is often characterized by a relentless T cycle of meetings, leaving many employees feeling overwhelmed and disengaged. This phenomenon is not merely a nuisance; it can significantly hinder productivity and morale. Research indicates that about 70% of all meetings prevent employees from completing their tasks effectively, leading to what is often referred to as "time famine"—a term coined by Harvard's Leslie Perlow to describe the feeling of having too much to do and not enough time to do it due to constant interruptions and meetings. The Meeting Overload Dilemma In recent years, the number of meetings has surged, especially with the rise of remote work. During the pandemic, while the average length of meetings decreased by 20%, the number of meetings attended by employees increased by 13.5%. This shift highlights a troubling trend: as work environments change, the way we communicate and collaborate has become more chaotic and less effective. 34 35 www.ciolook.com www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 | | AUGUST 2024 |

Top executives report attending as Finding a Balance involve transitioning daily status many as 17 meetings per week, yet updates to asynchronous only 17% of senior managers find their To combat the negative effects of communication platforms like Slack, meetings productive. This disparity meeting overload, organizations need allowing team members to share their raises questions about the effectiveness to implement strategic changes. One progress without the need for a formal of our current meeting culture. The notable example is Shopify, which meeting. staggering statistic that 24 billion hours eliminated 12,000 recurring meetings are wasted each year due to from its staff calendars and introduced Furthermore, leaders should regularly unproductive meetings underscores the a no-meeting Wednesday policy. This audit their meeting schedules to urgency for organizations to reassess initiative aimed to encourage determine which gatherings are truly their approach to meetings. employees to be intentional about their necessary. Engaging team members in Success consists of meeting attendance and protect their this process can foster a sense of The Impact on Leadership time for focused work. ownership and accountability, leading going from failure to more productive interactions. One of the core issues contributing to Moreover, leaders can adopt a more to failure without Conclusion meeting overload is the behavior of structured approach to scheduling. newly promoted managers, who tend to Implementing fixed-interval loss of enthusiasm. meetings—where teams meet at The challenge of too many meetings hold 29% more meetings than their more experienced counterparts. This regular, predetermined times regardless and too little leadership is a pressing tendency can be attributed to a lack of of immediate need—can help reduce issue in today's work environment. By - Winston Churchill confidence and the desire to assert their the chaos associated with ad hoc prioritizing effective communication, leadership, often leading to meetings. This method not only setting clear agendas, and being unnecessary gatherings that do not ensures that everyone is on the same intentional about meeting frequency, contribute to team productivity. page but also prevents the "squeaky organizations can reclaim valuable wheel" problem, where only the most time and enhance productivity. As we Effective leadership requires a delicate vocal team members dictate meeting navigate this complex landscape, it is balance between communication and schedules. crucial for leaders to remember that the action. Leaders must ensure that ultimate goal is not merely to meet but meetings serve a clear The Quality Over Quantity to foster an environment where teams purpose—whether it's to resolve issues, Approach can thrive and succeed. By addressing coordinate work, or foster team the meeting overload dilemma, we can relationships. However, many leaders Ultimately, the solution lies not in the create a more engaged, motivated, and fall into the trap of scheduling quantity of meetings but in their productive workforce. meetings without a clear agenda, which quality. Leaders should focus on the can lead to disengagement and outcomes they wish to achieve and frustration among team members. ensure that each meeting is designed to facilitate those goals. This might 36 www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 |

Singapore's 10 Most Inuential Business Leaders to Watch, 2024 Vikram Lodha Co-Founder & CEO 360tf The Trade Transformer: Vikram Lodha's 360-Degree Vision How One Visionary is Reshaping Global Trade Finance reimagining traditional processes, 360tf is not just digitizing and Empowering Businesses Worldwide! trade finance; it's transforming it. e often equate invention with the latest gadget Vikram’s influence extends beyond his role at 360tf. As co- or a shiny new app. However, true innovation chair of the SME Finance Forum Innovation Hub and a W exceeds mere novelty—it's about tackling member of the FICCI Fintech Committee, he actively problems that genuinely matter. The heart of revolution lies shapes industry policies and fosters collaboration. His not in creating something different for the sake of it, but in insights are highly sought after, making him a regular developing solutions that address real human needs and speaker at international trade conferences where he societal challenges. advocates for a more inclusive financial ecosystem. The future he envisions is collaborative, where banks, busi- Acknowledging this philosophy, Vikram Lodha runs nesses, and technology providers work in concert to drive 360tf, a fintech company transforming global trade finance. growth and inclusivity. This vision is reflected in 360tf's As Co-founder and CEO, he brings over 2 decades of expanding global footprint and its commitment to creating banking expertise to his mission of making cross-border opportunities, not just processing transactions. trade seamless, efficient, and inclusive. Under Vikram’s leadership, 360tf is more than a com- Vikram's journey from traditional banking to fintech pany—it's a movement towards a more connected, efficient, innovation is a testament to his foresight and adaptability. and equitable global trade landscape. As fintech continues With a post-graduate degree in Management and pivotal to break down barriers and redefine possibilities, he stands roles at Citibank and Kotak Mahindra Bank, he gained deep at the forefront, guiding the way towards a future where and supply chain division at Kotak, Vikram engaged cutting-edge technology and innovation. insights into the intricacies of trade finance and supply every business, regardless of size, can thrive in the extensively with fintech companies to understand their chain management. At Kotak, he led the Trade Product and international marketplace. technology and systems. Today, 360tf is connected with over 100 financial Supply Chain Finance division, where he mastered product institutions and 1500+ corporates, serving customers in development, regulatory compliance, and technology Below are the interview highlights: These interactions were crucial in shaping the idea of 360tf. more than 40 geographies and managing volumes worth integration. This experience laid the foundation for his Through his engagement, Vikram observed how fintech over USD 12 billion. The company boasts over 75,000 visionary approach at 360tf. Could you give our readers an insight into your com- companies developed their teams, technology, and raised LinkedIn followers and has trained over 400 young leaders pany and its inception story? funds. This comprehensive understanding of the fintech through internships in the last three years. This journey 360tf stands at the intersection of finance and technology, ecosystem sparked the idea of establishing a platform that underscores their unwavering commitment to innovation, leveraging cutting-edge solutions to simplify trade finance 360tf was born out of Vikram Lodha's profound desire to could leverage these insights. The knowledge he gained growth, and nurturing future talent in the trade finance processes. The platform's core mission is to democratize create a transformative impact in the trade finance sector, during this period was instrumental in conceptualizing industry. access to global trade, ensuring that businesses of all sizes along with its co-founders. While leading the trade finance 360tf, with a vision to revolutionize trade finance through can participate without facing prohibitive barriers. By 38 39 www.ciolook.com www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 | | AUGUST 2024 |

Future leaders are defined by their ability to thrive under pressure and lead their teams through difficult times. prioritize the needs of banks as the main revenue source, Can you discuss a time when you had to pivot your Vikram firmly believed their success relied on addressing business strategy and how you navigated that change? the genuine challenges faced by their corporate clients. Factors influencing his decision included their mission to Recognizing the importance of regulatory compliance in bridge the gap between corporations and banks, their global banking, Vikram strategically shifted the business commitment to providing equal value to all users, and the focus. This transition involved securing regulatory approv- simplicity and accessibility of the platform. Ultimately, he als and implementing stringent compliance measures. chose to design the platform architecture to serve the needs Additionally, they pivoted towards deploying their own of both SMEs from frontier markets and sophisticated balance sheet, distinguishing themselves as the premier bankers from global business centers. provider of financing across diverse structures and mitigating both corporate and bank risks. Effective This decision was not easy, especially considering the communication with his team and stakeholders was What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced Managing various stakeholders—including investors, potential impact on revenue streams. However, prioritizing imperative during this transformation. as a business leader, and how have you overcome them? internal teams, customers (both corporates and banks), and the core problem faced by their corporate clients over short- strategic partners—requires continuous attention and term gains was important for the long-term success and It facilitated an understanding of the pivot's rationale and its One of the most significant challenges Vikram faced was prioritization. While prioritizing based on necessity, all sustainability of the venture. potential benefits. Ultimately, this pivot not only fortified navigating the intricate landscape of technology as a stakeholders are equally important at this stage. Sometimes, their credibility but also cemented their position as an business leader with a non-technical background. Under- customers may take precedence, while at other times, it How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and industry leader poised to meet evolving market demands. standing its vast potential required extensive collaboration could be investors or the team. However, the focus remains incorporate them into your business strategy? with experts and a deep dive into various solutions. on meeting the needs of all stakeholders effectively and How do you foster a positive and productive company Building a team from the ground up, starting with the first ensuring a harmonious balance that drives the business Vikram stays ahead in the dynamic landscape of trade culture, and what role do you play in that? employee and growing to over 50 members, also posed a forward. finance through extensive reading from diverse global challenge. However, maintaining transparency and sources, ensuring he remains abreast of key market trends, Fostering a positive and productive company culture is a effectively communicating the vision helped attract 360tf is dedicated to benefiting all its stakeholders, economic indicators, and geopolitical scenarios. Regular top priority for Vikram. He actively contributes by celebrat- individuals who shared Vikram's passion. including investors, corporations, banks, alliances, and engagement with corporations and banks enriches his ing every team's success, regardless of its size, instilling a employees. For investors, 360tf offers higher returns on understanding of market realities, while insights from his sense of unity, and motivating everyone to strive for Overcoming these hurdles demanded perseverance, their investments, having provided upwards of 6x returns to internal sales team provide invaluable perspectives. excellence. Regular opportunities for team members to transparency, and open communication. Staying true to his their first-round investors after completing two funding come together encourage open communication and idea- beliefs and vision, while actively involving the team in the rounds and closing their third. Corporations and banks Vikram’s strategic approach is both meticulous and sharing. larger mission, proved instrumental. Witnessing the end-to- benefit from innovative solutions, while employees enjoy inspired. He collaborates closely with advisors, valuing end journey of developing tech platforms and adapting to numerous growth opportunities. This success highlights their insights and expertise. As information flows to him, he Promoting cross-functional interaction enhances under- evolving technologies further tested Vikram's resilience. 360tf's commitment to excellence, continuous growth, and absorbs and analyzes it, transforming it into actionable standing of roles and responsibilities, boosting collabora- Despite these challenges, Vikram emerged stronger and Vikram's drive to make a real difference. strategies that propel the business forward. tion and productivity. Ensuring a two-way communication more consolidated, driven by his commitment to innovation channel allows for the free exchange of ideas and thoughts. and excellence. Can you share an example of a time when you had to His ability to synthesize complex data into clear, effective Through these efforts, Vikram plays a crucial role in make a difficult decision as a leader, and what factors strategies showcases his visionary leadership. With an nurturing a culture of mutual respect and appreciation, How do you prioritize and balance the needs of different influenced your decision-making process? unwavering focus on innovation and growth, Vikram's deep where every team member feels valued and empowered to stakeholders in your business? industry connections and relentless pursuit of excellence contribute their best. One challenging decision Vikram faced was during the drive the success of 360tf. development of their platform architecture. Advised to 40 41 www.ciolook.com www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 | | AUGUST 2024 |

If you have benefited from a good work culture and valuable experiences, ensure you provide the same to those you mentor or manage. Can you share an example of a time when you had to business and its employees are thriving and progressing lead your team through a challenging situation and how towards their goals. you supported them through it? What advice would you give to aspiring business Supporting new team members, especially those entering leaders, and what qualities do you believe are essential trade finance for the first time, has been crucial in today's for success in leadership roles? challenging corporate sales environment. Vikram encour- ages and supports all team members, participating in joint Vikram advises aspiring business leaders to pass on positive customer calls to help them secure initial successes. This experiences and knowledge gained from mentors to their hands-on approach boosts their confidence and reveals the own teams. Creating a supportive and enriching environ- potential within their roles. The principles of "seeing is ment is paramount. If you have benefited from a good work believing" and "nothing succeeds like success" guide culture and valuable experiences, ensure you provide the Vikram. Once team members experience success, it same to those you mentor or manage. becomes a matter of building on that momentum to achieve even more. Two essential qualities for success in leadership are a high Emotional Quotient (EQ) and a strong Adversity Quotient How do you measure success in your business, and what (AQ). Emotional intelligence helps you understand and metrics do you use to track progress? manage your own emotions and those of others, fostering strong relationships and team cohesion. The Adversity For Vikram, success in business is multifaceted. He Quotient measures how well you handle challenges and measures it through key achievements such as customer crises. onboarding, customer satisfaction, the closure of transactions, building the lending business, and receiving high Future leaders are defined by their ability to thrive under ratings and positive feedback from employees on pressure and lead their teams through difficult times. Focus Glassdoor. on building these qualities, and always strive to create a positive and growth-oriented environment for your team. Team success is particularly gratifying, as it reflects the This will not only help you succeed but also ensure that collective efforts and growth of the entire organization. By your team thrives and grows with you. tracking these metrics, Vikram ensures that both the 42 www.ciolook.com | AUGUST 2024 |

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. - Warren Bennis

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Singapore's 10 Most Influential Business Leaders to Watch, 2024

Singapore's 10 Most Influential Business Leaders to Watch, 2024

Presentation Transcript

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