Manish Sukhija
Regional Director & Head Of Sales, South Asia
Manish Sukhija is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience in the BFSI space. He is the Regional Director & Head of Sales, South Asia, at ISI Emerging Markets Group, where he helps the world's leading commercial banks, investment banks, investment managers, corporate strategists, data scientists, and risk and credit professionals in decision-making using credible research and realtime accurate macro and microeconomic data insights. He has extensive experience in managing and leading teams, driving market share, market penetration, and growth, and he firmly believes in customer centricity and the power of alignment-backed teamwork. His exceptional presentation skills, in-depth knowledge of the Indian financial market, and proactive innovative approach make him a sought after leader in the industry. Let’s hear more from him.
Can you briefly describe your professional journey?
As a Sales Strategy Champion, I have been instrumental in developing and executing sales strategies for institutions such as CMIE, CARE Ratings, EMIS Insights, and currently, ISI Emerging Market Groups. In my current role, I lead the expansion and growth of ISI Emerging Market's presence in South Asia. I have a talent for managing institutional business and large corporate accounts with complex structures and creating partnerships to enhance business value propositions. My experience as an analyst enables me to develop strategies for end-to-end business success, aligning sales, business, marketing, and expansion strategies to increase the fundamental value of a business in the long term. I specialize in business alliances, stake holder relationship
management, research advisory, team building, client relationship management, go-to-market planning, and business analytics to achieve market leadership. Additionally, I am an alumnus of IIM C and hold an MBA with dual specializations in Finance and Marketing, enjoy reading, and am passionate about fitness and continuous learning.
Can you describe your leadership style and the methods you use to guide your team?
My leadership approach is guided by the quote from Steve Jobs, 'Hire smart people and then don't tell them what to do!' I combine coaching and democratic styles of leadership by involving my team members in decision-making processes and encouraging their participation. This approach has proven effective in fostering teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of ownership among team members.
I believe that the most effective leadership style varies depending on the situation and the individuals involved, but I always strive to use positive reinforcement to motivate my team members. Recognizing and celebrating their successes and accomplishments is a key aspect of creating a positive and motivating work culture.
Can you describe ISI Emerging Markets Group and its position in the market?
ISI Emerging Markets Group is a leading provider of trusted data and insights on emerging markets, empowering clients to make confident decisions in the world's fastest-growing markets. Comprising three brands (EMIS, CEIC & REDD Intelligence), we use local knowledge, established networks, and advanced analytics to deliver intelligence to clients in various sectors and functions. With over 20 offices worldwide and a commitment to economic development, we support domestic and international organizations in optimizing their emerging market investment and operating strategies.
What is your opinion about using the latest technologies to enhance sales and sales productivity?
When technology supports sales processes and objectives, it can
Can you describe your leadership style and the methods you use to guide your team?
My leadership approach is guided by the quote from Steve Jobs, 'Hire smart people and then don't tell them what to do!' I combine coaching and democratic styles of leadership by involving my team members in decision-making processes and encouraging their participation. This approach has proven effective in fostering teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of ownership among team members.
My ultimate aim is to create growth & success for the company while supporting the professional development of my team
I believe that the most effective leadership style varies depending on the situation and the individuals involved, but I always strive to use positive reinforcement to motivate my team members. Recognizing and celebrating their successes and accomplishments is a key aspect of creating a positive and motivating work culture.
Can you describe ISI Emerging Markets Group and its position in the market?
ISI Emerging Markets Group is a leading provider of trusted data and insights on emerging markets, empowering clients to make confident decisions in the world's fastest-growing markets. Comprising three brands (EMIS, CEIC & REDD Intelligence), we use local knowledge, established networks, and advanced analytics to deliver intelligence to clients in various sectors and functions. With over 20 offices worldwide and a commitment to economic development, we support domestic and international organizations in optimizing their emerging market investment and operating strategies.
What is your opinion about using the latest technologies to enhance sales and sales productivity?
When technology supports sales processes and objectives, it can
become more efficient and productive. By implementing reliable CRM software, sales teams can streamline the maintenance of client information, track potential leads, and assess their performance more efficiently. This approach allows the team to focus on critical tasks while automating routine data input and follow-up emails, improving engagement with clients. With Sales enablement software, teams can manage content, provide sales training, and access performance statistics. Additionally, sales forecasting tools can identify potential sales pipeline risks and opportunities. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of video conferencing and instant messaging has become a standard approach to conducting business, enabling remote collaboration like never before and shortening the distance between team members and clients.
What are the ways you increase customer loyalty of existing ones whiles reaching new ones? How do you train your team to improve customer service?
To improve customer loyalty and attract new ones, we focus on delivering quality products and continuous innovation. We prioritize building trust and positive relationships with our customers, which is crucial for our business which involves a lengthy sales process. We make sure to train our team on ethics, trust, and shared experiences to motivate them to engage with prospects and provide great service to our clients.
Where do you see yourself headed in the upcoming years? What is your future roadmap?
As a sales director, I have various goals for the upcoming years. These include increasing sales revenue, developing a strong sales team, expanding into new segments, strengthening customer relationships, and embracing emerging technologies. My ultimate aim is to create growth and success for the company while supporting the professional development of my team.
Manish Sukhija, Regional Director & Head Of Sales, South Asia
Manish Sukhija is an accomplished sales professional with over 18 years of experience. He is currently the Regional Director and Head of Sales for South Asia at ISI Emerging Markets Group, where he helps the world's leading commercial banks, investment banks, investment managers, corporate strategists, data scientists, and risk and credit professionals in decision-making using credible research and real-time accurate macro and microeconomic data insights and up-to-date information on fast-changing growth markets.
What are the ways you increase customer loyalty of existing ones whiles reaching new ones? How do you train your team to improve customer service?
To improve customer loyalty and attract new ones, we focus on delivering quality products and continuous innovation. We prioritize building trust and positive relationships with our customers, which is crucial for our business which involves a lengthy sales process. We make sure to train our team on ethics, trust, and shared experiences to motivate them to engage with prospects and provide great service to our clients.
Where do you see yourself headed in the upcoming years? What is your future roadmap?
As a sales director, I have various goals for the upcoming years. These include increasing sales revenue, developing a strong sales team, expanding into new segments, strengthening customer relationships, and embracing emerging technologies. My ultimate aim is to create growth and success for the company while supporting the professional development of my team.
Manish Sukhija, Regional Director & Head Of Sales, South Asia
Manish Sukhija is an accomplished sales professional with over 18 years of experience. He is currently the Regional Director and Head of Sales for South Asia at ISI Emerging Markets Group, where he helps the world's leading commercial banks, investment banks, investment managers, corporate strategists, data scientists, and risk and credit professionals in decision-making using credible research and real-time accurate macro and microeconomic data insights and up-to-date information on fast-changing growth markets.