The ‘Careers and Conversations’ session on February 12, 2025 at K J Somaiya Institute of Management featured Mr Kamlesh Rao, MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance, who shared insights from his 25-year journey in the BFSI sector. He emphasised the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and decision-making over formal education for achieving success. He mentioned that his career shift from engineering to finance was unplanned, but he embraced opportunities, spending 25 years at Kotak Mahindra Bank before transitioning into insurance.
Discussing industry trends, he highlighted how AI and data analytics are transforming customer experiences, reducing mis-selling, and enabling real-time predictive analysis. He stressed the significance of reverse mentoring and upskilling, citing his experience in taking AI and data modelling courses to stay relevant. Describing himself as a “Chief Listening Officer,” he underscored the value of customer and employee insights in leadership.
Mr Rao addressed work-life balance, advocating passion-driven careers, personal well-being, and regular breaks for sustained productivity. Analysing financial trends, he discussed the 2025 budget’s impact on insurance and the economy, predicting stable growth despite market volatility. He foresees AI continuing to reshape financial services, making them more efficient and customer-centric.
He emphasised that mentorship is crucial for providing guidance and clarity in one’s journey, while success relies on informed decisions and a learning mindset, over merely sharing opinions.
For aspiring professionals, he advised prioritising lifelong learning, analytical thinking, and innovation. He encouraged aligning career choices with personal interests for sustained success and fulfilment in a competitive landscape.
Diya Garg
MBA, K J Somaiya Institute of Management
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