Inspirational Woman: Sangeeta Shankaran Sumesh | Performance Coach, Chartered Accountant, Author & Speaker

Besides being a Chartered Accountant and Cost & Management Accountant by profession, I am the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Dun & Bradstreet Technologies and an Independent Director in IFB Industries Ltd.

My career has been interspersed with international experience with PricewaterhouseCoopers and other multinationals such as Alstom, Tupperware & Thales. I have completed an executive education program from Harvard Business School and I am a Performance Coach.

Spiritually, am into Art of Living and a proponent of philanthropic activities. Much as I enjoy travelling, love to draw and paint at leisure. Have authored the book “A Glance at the Unknown”.

As a Performance Coach, I believe in nourishing body, mind and soul for excellence. Am married to Sumesh and a mother of two. I believe in balancing my professional, social and spiritual activities to lead a holistic life. I am in pursuit of value creation for the society.

Tell us about your latest initiatives

As a Performance Coach, I like to reach out to both organisations as well as individuals to enhance their standards of performance. I also facilitate as a Business coach for organisations, where I help them achieve better productivity, higher growth, increased margins, excellence in delivery, better teamwork etc. For individuals, I help by coaching them in areas such as better time management, achieving their goals, obtaining higher efficiency, overcome their challenges etc.

What has been your biggest challenge in achieving your success?

Both the words “challenge” and “success” are relative. While challenges can help achieve success, sometimes challenges also provide a good learning and yet sometimes challenges can be an unknown blessing. Further, what seems challenging today might not be the case later on and vice-versa.

Although there have been many challenges, the one close to my heart is being a winner of my fear. I had never planned to write a book. However, a family vacation to Cambodia to the killing fields made me weave a story on the effect of such barbaric and inhumane acts. Although the broad story was ready in my head, I was extremely sceptical to write. I was worried about what people will say after reading my book, whether I would be accepted as an author and many such inhibitions. I managed to overcome this fear and stepped out of my comfort zone. To my surprise the book “A Glance at the Unknown” has been very well received and many words of appreciation from many different people. Hence, to be successful, unless you try, you never know what you are capable of achieving.

What has been your greatest achievement personally?

Being a non-sports person most of my life, I was hit by mid-life crises. I opted for long distance running and completed a few half marathons. Wanting to challenge myself further, I completed the Olympic level triathlon comprising of 1.5 kilometres of open water swimming, 40 kilometres of cycling and 10 kilometres of running at one stretch, as a gift for myself for my 40^th birthday. This to me personally, was a great achievement as I felt I could conquer the impossible.

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?

Given my love for art, most probably an artist!

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

There is no one particular person who has inspired me. I seek inspiration from all around me including my parents, husband, children and any awe-inspiring personalities that I come across. I believe, everyone is bestowed with greatness. It is up to the onlooker, to find the greatness and seek inspiration from others in order to motivate themselves.

Please let us know about some of the honours and recognition you have received:

Some of the accolades received

Awarded “Leading Women CFO in India” at Women Leaders in India ceremony
Featured as one of “India’s most influential women in Finance” by rediff.com.
Conferred “Innovator in Finance” at International Women Leaders Forum
Presented “Jewel in the Crown” award by Punjab Association
“Shakthi Sadhana” award by Sudesi magazine
My success story has been published, in the website of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

I am also privileged to have been a key note / guest speaker in many forums including Bahrain Chapter of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, CFO Roundtable, Women Leaders in India Forum, Indo French Chamber of Commerce, Confederation of Indian Industries, FICCI, Madras Management Association, Rotary clubs, IIM’s, universities, colleges etc.

What are the other activities you do?

I like to explore different things, learn new stuff and share knowledge. So I have ventured into modelling, white-water river rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, etc. Being a travel enthusiast, I sometimes undertake solo trips as well. As I am passionate about women and children, I conduct free Performance Coaching Workshops for them. I also meditate regularly.