My journey to becoming an award-winning Relationship Manager at Standard Chartered, India

Saurabh Kumar, award-winning Relationship Manager, Associate Director of Retail Banking and Regional Head of Sales, has moved from strength to strength in the three years that he has spent with Standard Chartered, India. Today, he tells us about his journey from starting his own business to receiving some of the most prestigious awards for his work in his role at the Bank.

How have you gotten to where you are now in your career?

I first discovered my passion for sales and marketing during my postgraduate year whilst I was working as a Management Trainee in the electrical industry. After two years in my role, I identified my professional strengths and decided to channel them into my career in the banking sector. I focused on developing my skills as both a salesperson and a banker.

I joined Standard Chartered in 2019 as a Relationship Manager within the Bank’s Retail function. Since embarking on my journey with the Bank, I have been elevated to the Regional Head of Sales for Government Business and Trusts, Associations, Societies and Clubs (TASC) and I am currently also the Associate Director of Retail Banking for Standard Chartered, India.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when working?

Since joining, I have faced multiple challenges but I have always viewed obstacles as an opportunity to grow and improve. The biggest challenge that I have faced was managing my workload after the birth of my first child. Thankfully, Standard Chartered is committed to being a force for good in the lives of its customers, employees and the wider community. Because of this, I was given the opportunity to work flexibly so that I could enjoy the highs and the lows of becoming a new parent whilst managing the responsibilities of my role. I am incredibly proud to work for an organisation that recognises the importance of a work-life balance and supports new parents through one of the biggest transitions of their lives - I wholeheartedly believe that I would not be where I am today without the support of my management and the Bank.

What advice would you give to someone preparing for an interview with Standard Chartered?

Working at Standard Chartered is considerably different to other banks, so I would advise anyone preparing for an interview to learn about the working environment to ensure that they fit in with the Bank’s culture. I would also recommend the following tips:

• Understand the role and the required skill set; it is important to identify your strengths and what you can bring to the role.
• Learn as much as possible about Standard Chartered as an organisation and stay up to date with industry news and trends.
• Be clear on your goals, strengths and weaknesses

What’s been your most memorable experience with Standard Chartered?

Though every day at Standard Chartered is memorable, the day that I was recognised as the winner of Asia’s Achievers Council Award 2021 is truly unforgettable. Achieving this is one of the most cherished moments of my professional life and I was thrilled to be recognised for my hard work. I take pride in wearing the silver badge that I was awarded by the top leaders of the Bank and it is fantastic to be a part of an organisation that recognises and rewards its employees’ achievements.

Give us an example of how you live by Standard Chartered’s values - doing the right thing, better together and never settle?

I incorporate Standard Chartered’s values into every aspect of my role, it is intrinsic to the success of the Bank and my team. Catering to the specific needs of my customers is at the top of my priorities and I draw upon the values of doing the right thing and never settle to provide them with the service that they deserve. I am committed to providing them with the best products and features whilst innovating the most sustainable and profitable solutions for my client's needs.