Dr. Purnima Rao is an experienced researcher and academician with a proven track record of working in higher education. She is keenly interested in Business Analysis, Coaching, Academic Writing, Data Analysis, and Strategic Planning skills. She has research experience in diverse areas, including Corporate Finance, SME Financing, Entrepreneurial Finance, and Capital Markets. Dr. Rao has a Ph.D. in Finance from Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, and an MBA in Finance.

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Fortune Institute of International Business

What is your leadership philosophy? How would you describe your leadership style?

Capability building is a requirement of organizations in the future. Carrying forward a decentralized and participative approach, I believe in co-creation and try to provide freedom to my team to innovate and improvise for better and more impactful outcomes. The central idea is to equip the team with the skill set that will help them excel in their roles. Leading means ensuring the successful completion of the desired task and confirming that everyone’s thoughts and actions are intertwined toward the bigger purpose. Setting an organizational-centric attitude and making your team envision the larger picture of work is essential. However, it is also necessary to consider the individual’s aspirations for self-growth and development.

How does the college curriculum ensure the industry's best practices?

Technological advancements have triggered the requirement to design dynamic and sustainable curricula. The curriculum designed for PGDM-FM is based on the AAA approach, focusing on acquiring (Specialized knowledge and creating your domain of expertise), applying (Knowledge in industry engagements with hands-on experiential learning), and accelerating (Career, Compensation, and Growth). The curriculum fuses academic excellence with international perspectives and an applied approach. It facilitates learning alongside the finest financial brains and bridges the gap between theory and practice. The following dimensions make the program unique and exclusive for aspirants looking for a premier range of career opportunities - New Age Curriculum - It reflects the evolving landscape of the financial industry, incorporating contemporary trends, technologies, and skills relevant to the current and future needs of professionals in the field. It ensures the development of business as well as financial acumen. Therefore, the program entails core, advanced, super-specialized courses in finance and provides sequential development. Contemporary aspects such as Machine Learning and AI, Predictive and Prescriptive Analysis, Blockchain for Business Models, Digital Finance, Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation, and Global Capital Markets are well ingrained in the program to ensure a forward-looking career prospectus for the students. Distinct Career Pathways - We ensure that our students are well versed with the pathways that can be followed for career progression in finance. Therefore, the career tracks offer premier opportunities and sustainable and progressive careers. We are among the few B-Schools in the country giving career pathways: Risk Management, Business Valuation & Strategy, Investment, and Wealth Management. Inimitable Experiential Learning Opportunities - These refer to unique and unmatched hands-on educational experiences that are distinctive and cannot be easily replicated. At FIIB, we provide students unparalleled hands-on experiences beyond traditional classroom learning. We ensure internships, industry projects, and simulations are aligned to expose students to real-world scenarios. Integrating the latest technologies to learn Financial Modelling, Backtesting of data to prepare market trading strategies, scenario building, and optimization techniques allows students to apply concepts and prepare industry- relevant projects. Research is a much-in-demand skill in the industry, and at FIIB, we ensure we build this through collaborative projects and immersive classroom assignments. Global experiences in the form of International Competitions, and Student exchange programs. Individualized Professional Development Training is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and behaviors needed to thrive professionally. It focuses on preparing students for successful careers in finance by enhancing their technical expertise, soft skills, and understanding of industry expectations.

Any insights into how your institute could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

The student-centric approach is our key to providing holistic support to the students. We have developed an ecosystem where students from all backgrounds, races, and communities can flourish, learn, and progress. Focus on building a solid emotional quotient of students, thereby ensuring mental wellness, which will further help students become resilient in high-pressure situations. Personalized mentoring is a specific feature at FIIB that supports student growth and development. Additionally, various seminars and workshops are being organized to sensitize and inform students of the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and equity in life and the corporate world.

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What should be the Institution’s top priority over the next ten years?

As the expectations of business leaders and their organizations shift, so must the ways business schools provide value to their diverse stakeholders. Dynamism requires quick adaptation, and business needs leaders with vision, determination, and knowledge to generate positive and impactful outcomes. In the next decade, our prime focus is developing leaders who will act as catalysts to transform organizations. These will be the change makers and new creators of different blue ocean industries that will evolve in the future. Keeping pace with Technological excellence in business to provide education that develops the ability to make evidence-based decisions. By offering equitable access to learning and career opportunities for learners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. One of the top priorities of the institute is to build a community that will lead the corporate world.

What would you like people to know about your Institute they may not know?

FIIB is an institute of values, principles, and ethics that focuses on the student's holistic development. It promises an aspiring career with many opportunities to succeed in the corporate world. Every student holds a distinct value for us, and each individual has unique skill sets that can be aligned with their future career progression for purpose-driven success. It offers an ecosystem of opportunities to unleash the tremendous potential of students and thereby pave a trajectory that will convert their corporate dreams into reality. FIIB is a true city school committed to building the future workforce of high-order skill sets, integrity, and excellence.

What do you see as your college’s greatest strengths?

The institute's greatest strength lies in the following pillars: Quick adaptation to dynamic technological changes and integration in curriculum and pedagogy, student-centric approach, Intellectual leaders and value-driven approach, commitment towards excellence in teaching research and stewardship, high focus on building an ecosystem of equity and inclusion, and developing entrepreneurial mindset. 

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

Embrace Lifelong Learning: Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning. Stay curious, explore new topics, and seek formal and informal education opportunities throughout your life. Develop Resilience: Understand that setbacks and failures are part of the journey. Build resilience to bounce back from challenges, learn from experiences, and keep moving forward. Cultivate and practice Digital Skills: Develop proficiency in digital skills relevant to your field. Stay updated on technology trends, as digital literacy is increasingly essential in various industries. Focus on developing emotional intelligence. Understand your emotions, empathize with others, and build strong interpersonal relationships. These skills are valuable in both personal and professional settings. Prioritize Mental Health: Prioritize your mental well-being. Seek support when needed, practice self-care, and be aware of the importance of mental health in overall life satisfaction. Stay Adaptable:  Develop adaptability and flexibility. The ability to navigate change and adapt to new circumstances is valuable in today's dynamic world. Remember, each person's journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success. Life is a continuous learning process, so embrace the opportunities for growth and development along the way and learn to lead boldly.