Shailendra Chauhan ,
IBS Gurgaon, (‘99)

Me and my family

Post pursuing my schooling from Ramjas School, Pusa Road, New Delhi, I went ahead and joined University of Delhi, to do B.Sc.(H) Integrated Chemistry. Then, I went on to pursue Integrated PGDBA-CFA, which really helped me launching myself in a career in corporate finance.

Life after IBS...

My career has progressed in a very stable and steady way post IBS. Careerwise growth in manufacturing sector is slow but it’s very enriching. The kinds of assignments I have handled are of global relevance. Education at IBS, wherein lot of time is devoted on case studies of Fortune 500 companies and Harvard Business Cases, widens the thought process while dealing with various practical issues during work and handling of multiple assignments. The journey has been fabulous on career front from summer training at IL&FS, then joining Monnet Ispat Ltd we did a lot of fund raising activities for projects and working capital, debt re-structuring, merger, demerger etc. Monnet today stands at India's no.2 coal-based sponge iron manufacturer after Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.

Then, I joined General Motors, the Fortune 2 Company in the world in their Indian subsidiary, handling Treasury and the entire International Banking needs of the company. Being an alumnus from IBS has always instilled in me a confidence to deal with people across hierarchy through good communication and presentation skills.

After GM, I joined Moser Baer India as Treasury analyst and then I moved to Strategy and then went on to become a founding member of the financial planning team within the company.

Today when I look back, I have gathered extensive experience in Corporate Finance, Treasury, Strategy, Business Analysis & Financial Planning Experience across sectors like, Automobiles; Photovoltaic (Solar Cells); Optical Media (CDR/DVDR); Iron & Steel; Power; Coal Washery; Coal Mine; Infrastructure- Toll Bridge/ Water Supply; and functional expertise in making Annual Business Plans & monthly monitoring, Business Analysis, Balanced Score Card monitoring, Fund raising through Banks/ FIs; Project Conceptualization, Development & Financing; Debt re-structuring, Treasury Management & International Banking; Overseas Vehicle Tax structuring; International Project/ State Aid negotiation; Credit Rating; Intellectual Property Rights Structuring; Conversion of Prototype Technology into mass manufacturing Business model.

Cherishable Moments.....

We were a group of 5 friends at IBS, we all went through the same experience at IBS and finally we all have a different career path and life pattern. I miss the group.

Relaxation and de-stressing.....

I am an avid listener of music and I feel that's the only habit which, though brings in addiction, never harms. During weekends I teach at business schools and try to share my business experience and mentor students for facing the competitive business world. Weekend teaching and sharing of business experience is a great stress buster for me.

Work-life balance...

Work-life balance is very important for a creative business career.

Only a fresh mind with positive thoughts and a body full of energy can provide good business solutions in today's competitive corporate world. I am trying to develop a habit of moving out of city whenever time permits; or else spending time with friends from other corporates is a good leisure and learning experience.

Leisure....

I love spending time with my students during my visit to B-schools.

Biggest lesson...

Goodness prevails in this world. That's why this world is flourishing, growing and sustaining in the right direction. Believe in people and they will believe in you.

Ideal...

My father is my ideal for the strong sense of purpose and the energy level that he demonstrates even at the age of 70. He is an agriculture specialist. Post retirement, he has been working on various multilateral funded projects. These days he is working in a warzone, reclaiming the soil after war and making it fit for growing crops.

Current Role....

At Moser Baer, I work in the financial Planning & Controls and is the lead corporate financial analyst for 2 SBU's, 4 photovoltaic projects and one SEZ project. It’s a multi-division, multi tasking profile and driving various strategic transactions encompassing legal, regulatory, accounting, taxation and financing implications.

Professional aspirations....

5 years down the line I see myself as CFO of an independent strategic business unit.

Ultimate aim....

Making money and becoming rich is very easy. My ultimate aim in life is to create a legacy and fortune for myself and add value to my country.

The Knot...

Asap, but have to meet the right girl. IBS alumni preferred partners. Lol!

Friends at IBS...

I still maintain a constant touch with more than 10 classmates of mine from IBS. There is a constant exchange of knowledge and experience and we meet whenever we get a chance.

Message for Youngsters...

Rule no.1 - No knowledge through books can substitute the work experience of your seniors in your prospective organization. So respect your seniors, they can teach you how to do business and can mentor you into a good manager very fast.

Rule no.2 - Build strong relationships with people around.

Rule no.3 - Please read "Who ate my Cheese?"

Rule no.4 - Be open to receive feedbacks with positive approach, you need to learn a lot.

Rule no.5- While dealing at micro level don't lose sight of macro levels.

Rule no.6- There are no set rules for a successful corporate career. Make your own!

Advice to young IBS students interested in pursuing a career in finance

Finance is the backbone of any business organization or an economy. With the tremendous growth in year 2000 and beyond and projections of India becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world in next 25 years after US & China, finance professionals will have to face lots of challenges, there will be immense learning and growth opportunities.

Develop a holistic approach towards finance and not just one or two favorite areas. You never know you may start as a corporate finance person in a manufacturing company and end your career as an investment banker in a private equity company.