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  3. Binod Shankar
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Binod Shankar

CFA
CEO
Elevation FZE
Country or state 
United Arab Emirates
Available to 
Global
City 
Dubai
Fee 
Ask for pricing
Languages 
English
Volunteer
Yes

Personal Details

Bio

I started off in industrial banking before moving to audit with KPMG, Andersen and EY then switched to real estate development with Nakheel ( the Govt owned developer of the iconic Palm Islands) where I rapidly rose to become Finance Director.

I quit corporate life when I was an Executive Director with an Asset Manager. Then co-founded and led Genesis, the largest CFA prep provider in the Middle East. This was sold to Kaplan Inc, the $ 2 bln training and publishing giant.

The CFA program is quite challenging and I have taught thousands and mentored dozens since 2009, 250 + of whom have got their charter. I am seen as an authority on CFA prep, finance careers and employability and as someone who gives practical, expert yet inspirational advice. This is the theme and objective of my podcast channel (The Real Finance Mentor-www.therealfinancementor.com) where guests regularly deliver insight and inspiration for careers in finance.

I am also a platform speaker, a columnist, a frequent guest on CNBC Arabia and an angel investor.

I am an endurance athlete, specializing in high altitude mountaineering and long-distance/high altitude cycling. He has summitted 12 mountains, including six 5,000 + meter peaks. One of my unique features as a Speaker is my ability to link lessons for career and life to my many adventures. This often has a powerful impact on audiences.

A commerce graduate and a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, passing all exams in first attempts. Cleared all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst ("CFA") program in first attempts. Became a qualified Executive Coach and Mentor after obtaining the Level 7 qualification in Coaching and Mentoring from ILM, the UK body.

Current position (2)

CEO

Elevation FZE

Podcaster

The Real Finance Mentor

Degrees (4)
Bcom
Govt Arts College
1985 to 1988
Audit, income tax, financial accounting, management accounting, corporate law, quants
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
1989 to 1992
Ethics, Investment Tools, Asset valuation, Portfolio Management
CFA Institute
2003 to 2005
ILM Level 7 certificate in Coaching and Mentoring
Institute of Learning and Management
2015 to 2018

Presentations

Presentations (5)
RFM Mumbai

The Real Finance Mentor organized it’s first ever meet-up event at Dextrus Co-Working in Mumbai on January 11, 2020. The meet-up was a one-hour talk followed by a 40 minute Q&A session. This was a very different presentation, the kind I’ve never given before.

Just 4 slides. But deep, brutally honest stuff reflecting the essence of my views on education, qualifications, skills, family, employers, mentors, leadership, career, life etc. Views not copied from some book but crafted over 30 years in the classroom of life. Not just CFA (we spent very little time on this!), but a holistic approach because everything is connected and getting the big picture is essential.

FINANCE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION SUMMIT BY MECA CFO ACADEMY

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has conquered the lowlands and the foothills (calculations, games, driving, image recognition, translation etc.) and now threatens the mountains of human competence. But it’s not “game over” for mankind. Because AI is still narrow, specialized, needs lots of data, can’t empathize, or collaborate or trust or lead. Etc. YET.

So, I think the future for the next 5-10 years is AI + Human Intelligence (HI). In finance AI is still COMPLEMENTARY (mobile payments, Robo advice etc.) and not disruptive and this trend will GROW rapidly. Analysts will increasingly use AI e.g. in sentiment analysis.

Everyone will have access to similar tools so the winners will use AI tools to find hidden patterns, uncover lucrative ideas etc. and move faster and such people will be highly prized and well paid.

FINANCIAL TALENT SUMMIT BY CFA INDIA SOCIETY

The hot topic?

The skills gap among finance professionals (what’s missing, why the gap and how to close it). The audience was a 250 + strong crowd of mostly CA and CFA candidates and recent pass-outs. The talk was followed by a Q & A session with the suave and highly experienced Biharilal Deora and some excellent questions from the audience on career, job search, mentoring, self development etc.

The event was well structured and comprehensive - the previous speakers talked on how to differentiate yourself and the target sectors for CFA candidates in India (and how to get in). Participants walked away with quite a few valuable life and career skills.

A big thumbs up to those who attended; shows the huge interest in how to develop yourself and stand out! Also, a shout out to CFA India Society, who is doing stellar work organizing the FTS.

LEADERSHIP STYLE: COMPULSION OR INFLUENCE BY INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF KENYA

My keynote speech (on Leadership; drive by compulsion or lead by influence) to an audience of CEOs, CFOs and senior Government officers at the Hilton Jumeirah.

Compulsion is all about the pacesetting and commanding styles which are demoralizing and confusing, to be used in rare situations (the toxic Travis Kalanick and Al Dunlap are some examples).

Leading by INFLUENCE, in sharp contrast, is about 5 things: Trust (give before its earned), Competence (be good at what you do), Enrol (collaborate), Culture (beats strategy any day!) and Ego. Ego is KEY; many “leaders” I’ve worked with were so DELUDED and lacked self awareness they actually thought they were Gods gift to management thanks to ass kissers and lack of HONEST feedback.

So, how do you change? If you want to be a Leader (and not just a manager) surround yourself with honest people. Be SELF AWARE. Listen. Old habits die hard so prepare for a difficult but very REWARDING journey

HIGH EXPOSURE: LESSONS IN RISK MANAGEMENT FROM MOUNTAINEERING BY STORK (AN MNC)

This event focused on Risk Management, a brief talk on the thrills and hazards of living at high altitude, drawing on my intimate (and torrid!) experience of climbing a dozen odd big mountains.

Included a flashback to those three weeks in July 2014 in Kyrgyzstan, when hope, risk, fear, pain and tragedy came together in an unforgettable fashion.

The lesson? Be aware of the risks, prepare for them, never fight with nature (you will lose), never be blinded by ego or over confidence, know yourself (the toughest!), listen to the experts and know your risk threshold.

So take calculated risks. Because there is no adventure without danger and because you live only once.

Past talks (6)
The Guide to CFA Success
CA Club India
Dubai
June 19, 2020
Closing the gap for CA students
SICASA
Dubai
June 15, 2020
Career options in Finance
Amity University
Dubai
May 11, 2020
From CAs to Leaders; the rewarding transformation
ICAI Abu Dhabi chapter
Dubai
May 15, 2020
Financial analysis in special situations
Virtual Finance Transformation Summit
Dubai
April 17, 2020
Closing the skills gap
CFA India Society
Dubai
October 16, 2019
  • All (13)
  • Videos (1)
  • Photos (11)
  • Slides (1)
Speaker Binod Shankar, CFA | Financial Talent Summit organized by CFA India Society
CFA Financial Talent Summit on Closing the Skills Gap, Bangalore
CFA Financial Talent Summit on Closing the Skills Gap, Bangalore
CFA Financial Talent Summit on Closing the Skills Gap, Bangalore
CFA Financial Talent Summit on Closing the Skills Gap, Bangalore
CFA Financial Talent Summit on Closing the Skills Gap, Bangalore
CFA Financial Talent Summit on Closing the Skills Gap, Bangalore
CFO Academy Financial Digitalisation Summit on The Future of Work, Dubai
CFO Academy Financial Digitalisation Summit on The Future of Work, Dubai
CFO Academy Financial Digitalisation Summit on The Future of Work, Dubai
CFO Academy Financial Digitalisation Summit on The Future of Work, Dubai
STORK on Risk Management, Abu Dhabi
STORK on Risk Management, Abu Dhabi
SME Advisor on Cash Management, Dubai
SME Advisor on Cash Management, Dubai
Institute of CAs of Kenya on Leadership, Dubai
Institute of CAs of Kenya on Leadership, Dubai
Institute of CAs of Kenya on Leadership, Dubai
Institute of CAs of Kenya on Leadership, Dubai
Manipal University on Why College Matters, Dubai
Manipal University on Why College Matters, Dubai
Manipal University on Why College Matters, Dubai
Manipal University on Why College Matters, Dubai
High Exposure; Lessons in risk management
This speaker hasn't uploaded any one sheet yet.
This speaker hasn't uploaded any press information yet.

Books & Articles (13)

Accounting Scandals Revisited
Demystifying the numbers
A few myths about teaching debunked
Learn how to do finances if you want to be your own boss
There's something funny about this tale of two markets
Why the Libor banking scam matters so much and affects so many
Be sure to think twice before taking financial advice
Bank tests that put the stress on futility
How about a fair go for fair value reporting?
How bean counters became interesting
Financial analysis in special situations
The NMC Health Debacle: Four Red Flags?
To invest offshore or not?

Expertise (16)

Leadership
Education
Travel & Adventure
Skills & Trades
Health & Well-being
Authentic Leadership Skill gaps Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence for Success Automation and the future of workforce Employability Career Advice Financial Literacy Climbing adventures building a brand Building a Business people management

Reviews

Testimonials (10)
  • Binod is a motivator par excellence! His passionate personal storytelling inspires business executives to grow beyond their inhibitions. Binod helps professionals break their self-imposed shackles of insecurities into a open pasture of infinite possibilities. He is the man for a keynote speech to a hard nosed business audience. I have witnessed Binod move an audience of senior accountants with his professional life story. I hope you get a chance to witness him in action!
    Tanvir Shah
    Founding Partner
    Blue Triangle Capital LLP
    Verified
  • Binod is an exemplary speaker with the ability to turn a very complex subject into an easily digestible and enjoyable session. Our Entrepreneur Rising participants benefited greatly from his teachings and his expertise. His friendly style and personality allowed our participants to connect with him easily and benefit immensely from his teachings. I highly recommend Binod as a speaker and facilitator
    Mona Tavassoli
    Founder and CEO
    Mompreneurs Worldwide
    Verified
  • I met Binod in on his talks about finance. Now, this is a topic that usually freaks me out, but his presentation was very engaging and he managed to grab the attention of the whole room while talking about {finance}! Extremely knowledgeable and with loads of experience. It is my pleasure to recommend him.
    Lilliam Pollard
    CEO & Founder
    E-Walls Vinyl Wall Stickers
    Verified
  • Binod was one of our guest speakers at the first 'Engage Academy' work shops for wedding entrepreneurs,organised by my business www.brideclubme.com in partnership with The Fash Set. Binod presented in the area of finance for SME's and was brilliant! He immediately had our delegates attention with his warm, approachable manner. He also engaged their attention with his clear professionalism and expertise in the area of managing accounts and finances. As the organiser of this event, I can personally say that I found Binods presentation extremely useful for my own business and would not hesitate in having Binod speak at one of our events again!
    Rhiannon Downie-Hurst
    Founder
    The Engage Academy
    Verified
  • I happened to meet Binod as a part of our quest to find a suitable partner to facilitate Training programs to develop the financial competencies of my associates in the bank. Our discussions coincided with our preparations for Visions2Reality, our first conference in association with the Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai. We invited Binod to join our elite panel of facilitators as a key Note Speaker. Binod readily agreed and pledged the full support of his team in helping us organize the event. By the grace of god, the event turned out to be a super hit. I would only be fair if I commit that a lion’s share of the accolades that we received owes to Mr. Binod, his financial acumen and his eloquence. The feedback given by the audience which represented the cream of the business community in the UAE confirms our thoughts in this regard. Binod was the only speaker to receive a 100% thumbs up on technical knowledge and delivery style. I believe that his in depth understanding, passion and mellifluous style makes a unique combination- A teacher par excellence and a motivational speaker rolled into one. As the director of this conference, I will be ever thankful to Binod for stealing our show on the 2nd of May at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. Thanks to partners like him, we basked in reflected glory!!!!
    Dr. Sangeeth Ibrahim
    Head of Learning & Development
    Sharjah Islamic Bank
    Verified
  • As the IMA Dubai Chapter president for the term 2014-2015, where I invited Binod to speak at one of the chapter’s monthly events I realized how Binod is committed to what he does. The topic he addressed for the chapter was “Recent Changes in IFRS”, which was perceived to be boring and tough, however Binod could deliver and deal with such topic by adding more senses of joy and interactions. Binod presentation received lots of positive feedback by the chapter’s attending members and we look forward to invite him again to speak for the chapter
    Hadeel Nasser
    Head of Internal Audit Services
    DA Gate Hub Management Consultancies
    Verified
  • We had the pleasure of inviting Binod Shankar as one of the speakers at the MECA CFO Conference 2019. He was one of our best picks for this year and he exceeded our expectations! His speaking slot was ‘A Peek into the Future of Work’. Those types of topics are unique and challenging to any speaker. However, he handled the topic with lots of stories in a very interactive way. His background research on the topic was amazing and the content of his presentation was exceptionally good. Binod is a thoughtful and authentic person moreover, he is one of those speakers you love to listen to. If you’re looking for a speaker with high energy and passion then look for Binod as your speaker.
    Thomas Scaria
    Head of Finance
    Joyalukkas Group
    Verified
  • Binod is an amazing speaker. Got to experience his charisma first hand at the 2nd Financial Talent Summit in Bangalore. His presentation on "Bridging the Skills Gap" was really insightful. I could relate to so many areas of his personal story. His experience in overcoming challenges thrown at him over so many years and his insights into mountaineering - how it teaches you to embrace failure and yet keep on moving forward, would have motivated many individuals. Luckily for most for us, Binod is going to start a PodCast on the same topic so that his thought process could reach a much wider audience. Looking forward to many more amazing times Binod!!
    Nikhil Bansal, CFA
    Credit Analyst
    OakNorth
    Verified
  • I had the opportunity to attend Binod’s presentation at the recent ‘Financial Talent summit’ organized by the CFA institute. Firstly, he is a speaker par excellence. Binod engaged the audience at each and every step, conveyed his message with apt anecdotes and blended in a generous dose of humor during the course of his talk. He has the knack of igniting an instant connection with the audience. I am sure the youngsters attending the session would have gained immensely from listening to his presentation and would find sure success in “addressing the employability” gap if they implement even a portion of the learning in their lives. As for the more experienced among the audience, Binod’s reference to the challenges he faced in mountaineering and cycling are a valuable lesson in ‘learning from failures’ and taking ‘tough situations head on’. Few times in our lives, we come across speeches and presentations that leave a lasting impact. I felt that after watching Binod.
    Ramkumar Venkatramani, CFA, CIPM
    Director and Portfolio Manager
    Thomas White International
    Verified
  • I had the privilege of attending Binod sir’s session on “Closing the Employ-ability Gap” at the Financial Talent Summit at Bengaluru. The topic of the session was “Closing the Skills Gap” but he chose to replace the word skills with employability because he felt that there was more to the global phenomenon of growing gap between candidates and employers than just skill gap. The session was captivating, informative and frankly an eye opener. Through the session he didn’t mince his words and pointed some harsh realities about the shortfalls of candidates and how to overcome them. His guidelines on how to seek and build a relationship with a mentor were a must know for people aspiring to grow and develop. The next day I sat down with my notes from the session to have a very productive introspection and build a road map for myself. It would be a travesty if I failed to mention the wit and humor of the man. With the ability to mix his no nonsense approach with quick wit and humor, he kept the audience captivated from the time he was introduced on stage to the time he got off it. From his conquest of the snowy peaks to cycling on dangerous routes, from a working professional to a no nonsense mentor, Binod sir is an abundance of knowledge backed with experience. I look forward to more opportunities to interact and learn from you.
    Vishal Bhardwaj
    Account Manager
    Anand Rathi Wealth Management
    Verified
Recommendations
11 Organizers
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Why choose me? 

CFA. Trainer. Mentor. Columnist. Podcaster. Mountaineer. Talks on leadership, skill gaps, careers.

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