Ketan Patel, CASHe: Decision making abilities that drive ahead

Selected as India's Most Trusted CEO 2020, Ketan Patel of CASHe attributes his success to decision making abilities that have transformed the company

Y e ar s o f wor k i n g in t h e i ndus t r y , yo ur c o n tr ibu t i o n r efl ec ts v e r s a ti l i t y an d volub i l i t y . Wh a t ha s inf l ue n c e d yo ur d e c i si o n m ak i n g pr o ce s s a t v a r i ou s s t ag es?

I strongly believe that decision-making is an important part in every business & your success in the industry majorly depends on your decision-making abilities. The recipe for effective decision-making is combining logic (data or analytics) with emotion (gut feel). The key decisions I’ve made as a CEO were creating the perfect strategy and the right culture for the company. After that it was to ensure delivery by selecting the right team and an able management team.

My style of decision making depends on the size and nature of the decision to be taken. On some of key operational issue with limited to long-term significance, my style is very task orientated, fast and firm. I try hard to adopt an consultative approach. Taking input from multiple stakeholders whenever necessary. This makes the process as participative as possible and frames the outcome as a series of choices. This makes it easier to explain the choice made or the conclusion reached.

A pro jec t o r a n acc o m p l is h m e n t t h a t yo u c on sider t o b e t h e m o s t si g nifi c a n t in yo ur c ar e er?

Being at the top of the pyramid, I understand that I as the CEO of my company, I should be able to clearly communicate the vision of the company in order to inspire my team, investors, and customers. I also understand that as a company flag-bearer, all eyes would invariably turn to me for setting future directions and lead by example. In my little over 2 years of heading CASHe , I have successfully managed to turn around the company’s business into a profitable one. This sure is a neighbor’s envy as CASHe is one of the few fintech company which is operationally profitable for the past one and half years. I have always believed that technology should be seen and used as an aid to run successful and nimble operations. Hence, I have made sure we have a smart, tech-led processes which requires minimal human interference. I have created a much desirable place to work for my teams to thrive and succeed in order for us to lead in the industry we serve in. Due to this, we at CASHe have a near negligible attrition compared to other peers in the industry.

H o w do yo u i n t e g r a t e c o rp o r a t e p h il a n t h ro p y o r c o rp o r a t e so c ia l r e s p on s ib i l i t y a s a p a r t o f yo ur bu si n e s s s t r a t e g ies?

I firmly believe that CSR has to be an integral part of every business. At CASHe , we make sure our generous contributions affect the society around us . We have set out a yearly CSR plan where we actively contribute towards the Girl Child’s education, sponsoring healthcare needs of the poor and support education for the children at various orphanages. I think it is important to be socially responsible for every citizen and companies alike.

Wh a t ha s be en yo ur d r i v i n g for ce o r p h i lo s op h y in li f e?

The love and dedication towards my work, family and team has been the driving force in my life. I am motivated by the fact that anything worth achieving in life will always have obstacles in the way and you’ve got to have that drive and determination to overcome those obstacles on route to whatever it is that you want to accomplish.

Wh a t ar e t h e o t h er p h il a n t h rop ic wor ks yo u ar e i n volv e d in?

I believe in helping people in any which way I can. I have a social conscience and I am very concerned about the underprivileged, about the people who didn’t have equal opportunities. My philanthropy largely focuses on education and healthcare and I make sure that I make a difference in people’s lives in any which way I can at all times.

H o w do yo u defi n e s ucce s s an d h o w do yo u m e as u r e u p t o yo ur o w n defin i t i o n?

To me, success means creating a business that empowers our customers, employees, and community alike. We want to add positive value to people's lives, from a personal and professional standpoint. We have worked hard and created a business model that has empowered societies and brought all round financial inclusion to thousands of people.