Founder Labs explores the journeys of successful leaders, highlighting their strategies and experiences.
Transformative Power of Leadership with Kiran Belsekar Executive Vice President – CISO & Tech Governance at Bandhan Life, who has a rich background in Tech space and cyber security
Deloitte’s 2023 Global Technology Leadership Study shows how savvy tech leaders are not only rising to the challenge of adopting tech in their work sphere but also charting new career paths for themselves and the people in their teams.
Implementation of tech across industries and business and the way leaders collaborate has all changed significantly over the last few years. Now we have leaders who are tasked with being innovative and strategic opportunities to ensure operational reliability.
Founderlabs sat down with Kiran Belsekar, Executive Vice President – CISO & Tech Governance at Bandhan Life, to uncover his leadership secrets.
Kiran has a rich background in Tech space and cyber security, having received numerous accolades throughout his career.
‘Engage with the broader world beyond your office to gain diverse experiences that foster true leadership’ says Kiran Belsekar.
Leadership in the Present Times:
In today’s rapidly changing world, effective leadership requires disruptive visioning, competitiveness, and bridging the gap between board members and teams.
Leadership philosophy:
‘My leadership philosophy is based on decisive action and team empowerment. I believe in giving team members autonomy, which fosters a culture of ownership and accountability’.
To this Kiran Belsekar also adds that it is important to create, disrupt and recreate time and again to stay relevant. Execution speed is crucial for leaders to avoid stagnation and continuously seek new horizons.
Engage with the broader world beyond your office to gain diverse experiences that foster true leadership.
Biggest challenges as a Leader:
One of the biggest challenges is dealing with impatience, especially when faced with indecision. Influencing stakeholders and maintaining patience is an ongoing learning process in a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.
Journey in Tech & Cyber space
I began my technology journey right after my 10th standard, driven by a desire for independence and achievement says Kiran with spark in his eyes.
Despite initially wanting to join the Defense forces, my passion for technology led me from Systems Engineer to CTO and CISO.
Risk-Taking Attitude:
One remarkable aspect of Kiran’s journey is his unwavering commitment to saying “yes.”
His diary never contained the word “no.” While this approach added pressure and stress, it also opened doors to better exposure and experience. At the end his willingness to try new things, take risks, and push boundaries has been instrumental in his growth.
Even today, I practice this mindset, constantly seeking more—more knowledge, more challenges, and more opportunities to disrupt the status quo echoes Kiran with dreams in his eyes.
Role of mentorship in Career:
Mentorship has been pivotal in my career says Kiran as his seniors, both immediate and skip-level bosses, have greatly contributed to his growth. Their trust in his dependability and solution-oriented mindset has solidified his leadership position.
The peer network is also a good source of mentorship echoed Kiran as he looked back to his days where he collaborated with stakeholders, collegaues and leaders from different organizations.
‘I am lucky to have so many good friends across the business/industry verticals in India and outside as well. So getting support and trying new things was never an issue or fear factor’.
Lessons for aspiring leaders:
Its important that leaders remain undeterred under challenging circumstances and along with the team. It is during trying times the team looks up to its leader to navigate the challenges remaining humble and taking criticism in correct strides.
As Kiran mentioned how Rajasthan Royals, who won the inaugural IPL season as underdogs.
As per him its his diverse experience that has helped him and his teams to swiftly navigate and resolve challenges. While this bought him lifelong learning, remain humble, and be committed to goals.
Closing Notes:
Kiran Belsekar’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and transformation. His insights are invaluable for those looking to lead in the evolving landscape of technology and cybersecurity.
Key takeaways:
- Continuously seeking knowledge
- Challenging the status quo
- Leading way with humility and vision.
- Parting wisdom for emerging leaders: stay humble, keep learning, and be unwavering in your commitment.
