How do your finance habits align with the leadership principles you practice in the boardroom?
Chandra Ganjoo, Group CEO, Trivitron Healthcare: Discipline and responsibility are two qualities I hold in high regard in my personal life as well as in my business dealings. I make it a point to ensure that I am not going overboard with unnecessary expenses, and while in the boardroom, I stress the importance of staying within the allocated budgets and making prudent decisions. This discipline is never easy, as it requires me to be virtuous and responsible both for myself and for others.
The same is true for my economic practices. They correspond with my work’s strategic planning: preparing a budget, setting specific targets, and making evaluations, just as I do in the case of quarterly and annual targets of the business. This strategy strengthens my resolve for proper planning, both at a personal and business level.
When it comes to my economic planning, I do agree with all factors changing, and I strive to be a lifelong learner, which is essential for good economic management or development as a leader of the organizations.
I think constant investment in business and finance, and a gradual increase in business are needed in order to consider something new, whether it be funding for retirement, starting new projects, or the economy as a whole. This principle shapes my approach to management. To begin investing in one’s personal finances means to begin regularly making investments. As for business, it means wresting growth to gain popularity, rather than focusing on short-term profits. This is the basic principle, or maybe a common stone as I make decisions.
As a woman in a high-level leadership position, have you encountered any specific financial challenges, either personally or professionally, and how have you overcome them?
Chandra Ganjoo, Group CEO, Trivitron Healthcare: I have encountered various financial barriers personally and professionally throughout my career and rather unfortunately this also signifies the larger problem women in leadership face.
Early on, I faced pay disparities and limited access to networks that could provide financial advice and mentorship. Professionally, I frequently had to advocate for budgets or projects I believed would drive long-term growth, even if they weren’t initially prioritized.
Personally, I faced the challenge of balancing financial planning for my career growth with other responsibilities. I invested in my own development, making sacrifices that ultimately yielded significant returns in career and financial advancement. These challenges strengthened my resilience and highlighted the importance of financial independence.
Can you share your approach to managing personal wealth? Do you follow a specific investment strategy or philosophy that you believe has contributed to your financial success?
Chandra Ganjoo, Group CEO, Trivitron Healthcare: My personal investment philosophy is value-driven. I pursue opportunities that align with my values and offer lasting potential, whether in terms of financial returns, impact, or personal fulfillment.
Diversification is essential; I allocate across various asset classes - stocks, mutual funds, and alternative investments - to balance risk and capture growth across market conditions. It is this strategy that has been key in the diversification of my portfolio and safeguarding against the erratic nature of the market.
Bringing myself up to speed with the latest changes, analyzing my portfolio, and making changes depending upon where I stand, has become a routine for me and so, with the help of mentors if needed, go for new opportunities. Ultimately, my wealth management strategy is anchored in achieving financial independence, security, and the ability to support causes important to me.
How do you balance the demands of running a company with your personal financial goals and responsibilities? Do you set distinct financial priorities for different areas of your life?
Chandra Ganjoo, Group CEO, Trivitron Healthcare: This requires careful planning and prioritization. Running a business requires focus and commitment, and I practice the same discipline with my personal finances. I set specific financial goals for various areas, with a focus on long-term priorities such as retirement planning and family security. This way, I can ensure that, while I am focused on growing the company, I am also establishing a solid financial foundation for myself and my loved ones.
To maintain balance, I take a structured approach, reviewing my personal financial plan on a regular basis, just as I do with business finances. Delegation is essential; I have trusted teams in charge of day-to-day operations and strategic planning at work, and financial advisors keep me on track with my personal finances. This approach enables me to make informed and well-rounded decisions.
What personal finance advice would you give to young women who aspire to be successful CEOs or business leaders in the future?
Chandra Ganjoo, Group CEO, Trivitron Healthcare: I would strongly encourage young women to start building financial literacy early. Understanding the fundamentals of budgeting, investing, taxes, and financial planning is invaluable, regardless of the career path they choose. Knowledge is power.
If you are starting young, find a financial mentor, ideally within the family, to guide you. Don’t hesitate to negotiate compensation and benefits; be confident in your value. Prioritize saving and smart investments; set financial goals early in your career and revisit them often. Learn personal finance management basics from your parents and reliable online resources.
