The role of CFO is evolving big time. Besides the conventional financial responsibilities, they monitor the organization's digital activities and often find solutions to issues outside the finance function. 15 months ago, IntelleGrow, which is one of the niche player lending in the MSME segment in the BFSI space that provides emerging businesses in India with collateral-free/secured loans, hired a new management team, including a highly experienced CFO ­ Kiran Agarwal Todi, who embraces the role of a new generation CFO quite remarkably. With an engaging partnership with the promoters and the CEO, Kiran over the last 15 months, has been able to steer the change in the company's business strategy and in turn directly contribute to its growth by optimizing the resources.

Hailing from a Marwari business family, Kiran, in an early age, foresaw that she wouldn't have many years up her sleeves to build a career before she would have to start a family. The young girl hence made a wise and smart choice to bank on her taste for mathematics and pursue Chartered Accountancy (CA). She cracked CA in her first attempt, and subsequently kick started her career in Deloitte at the age of 23. After spending few years with multinational giants, Kiran in 2011 joined a startup led by Jerry Rao, the founder & former CEO of the software company MphasiS, and PS Jayakumar, who was earlier the CEO of Bank of Baroda. The next seven years, she played an instrumental role alongside the two legends in growing the company from a startup to a well-known housing finance company in the country, which became a massive growth curve in her career. Including bagging Rs.3000 crore influx, she gained priceless experience beyond the functional & operational know-how. CEO Insights engages in an exclusive interview with Kiran.

As A CFO, What Are The Challenges That You Face On A Regular Basis?
If I split my career into two parts, the first eight years were with the largest firms and multinational institutions, whereas the more recent eight years have been with the brands which were emerging and trying to create a persona for itself. Being on the fund-raising side, the challenges I faced were more about building credibility in the market and constantly upgrading the profile of the company. Constant deliberations with stakeholders and

understanding their visions have helped me solve this challenge.

Intellegrow Is Lending To The MSMEs That Are Underserved. How Is Your Lending Approach Different?
Unlike the norm, the security-based lending, our lending approach is more dependent on the assessment of their business and the projections of cash flow. Yes, that's a difficult call to make, but our growth has been instrumental, and the impact we have created has been inspiring. We are well poised to grow in the future.

How Do You Leverage The Latest Technologies?
We have invested a lot in technology to use it as an enabler. We have developed in-house technologies that equip us with capabilities like digital sourcing and digital intelligent decision making. We have a data driven platform with a robust analytical engine. Intrinsically, we intend to become a substantial digital player, while also leveraging the digital back-bone to offer better turnaround time and the best user experience.

Unlike the norm, the security-based lending, our lending approach is more dependent on the assessment of their business and the projections of cash flow

Hailing From A Conservative Family And A Humble Background, How Has Been The Support From Your Family, Especially When You Have To Play An Advanced CFO Role?
It was initially a tough journey. In fact, there are not many women in our family who have ventured-out to build a career outside the family business. But I always wanted to be independent and build something for myself, in addition to having a satisfying family life. I never gave-up, and finally, the forces came together to support me in my aspiration. The last 16 years have been filled with my family's and nature's support. That in fact is an important aspect of me being able to focus on my career, while savoring an equivalent satisfaction in my personal life. Today, I engage with a lot of women in my neighborhood and the family circle to support them and inspire them to be independent.

Kiran Agarwal Todi, CFO
Kiran is a passionate professional with an unparalleled experience working alongside legends like Jerry Rao, the founder & former CEO of the software company MphasiS, and PS Jayakumar, who was the erstwhile CEO of Bank of Baroda. She has been excellent in steering the change of IntelleGrow's business strategy and in turn directly contributing to its growth.

Favorites Travel Destination:
She loves destinations that take her closer to nature, calmness and tranquillity