Soumyadip Chowdhury was the most outstanding leader this author has worked with. Some key traits: - Over 30 years of banking experience and a globetrotter who visited over 15 countries - Challenged subordinates and brought a cultural drive to the team - Known for his patience, composure, and for never having knee-jerk reactions - Led the team from 2009-2013 with a historic low attrition rate through his exceptional motivational abilities The author learned from Soumyadip the importance of focusing on non-financial over financial information and their shared commitment to promptness, lifelong learning, and considering recruitment based on behavior and attitude over other factors. While the author still has areas

1. Most outstanding leader I have worked with:
Mr. Soumyadip Chowdhury
• A chartered accountant
and an MBA
• A veteran banker with 30
years of experience
• Globetrotter – visited
over 15 countries and
cities
• A quizzing enthusiast
(The Jewel in the Crown
– BBC MASTERMIND
FINALIST)
• Active interest in
Photography
• Avid sports fan cricketer & football
• Music lover, movie buff
and theatre admirer
Professionally
Outside work
In free time

2. Soumyadip’s Leadership style and Traits that I admire
Patience and composure
– never to have kneejerk
reaction
Always challenging
subordinates –
especially Team Leaders
Always a student, selfmotivated and humble
In addition a cultural drive which he brought to the team made him exceptional
Quotes from Soumyadip:
 Banking is not NASA. We are ordinary people, doing very ordinary jobs. So stop thinking you are God’s gift
to mankind – because if you were one, you would be in NASA

3. Soumyadip and Me : Similarities and learning
On Credit appraisal, it always remains a dilemma on whether to focus on
financial or non-financial information, especially in a judgmental world.
Both me and Soumyadip had similarity in approach where we gave more
importance to non-financial information
Our biggest similarity was on promptness on assigned task. Both me and
Soumyadip had never delayed responding to tasks once entrusted with and
have never missed time-lines
We both took pride in considering ourselves as students of life, with always
open to and sharing learning – irrespective of relevance
On recruitment - we both gave the maximum importance to behaviour and
attitude of the candidate
On cultural front we shared similar interests in Music (from Robert Johnson to Miles Davies to Pink Floyd), Movies (from Satyajit Ray
to Ingmar Bergman to Martin Scorsese), and Books (from Ramchandra Guha to Rabindranath Tagore to T.S. Elliot)

4. Soumyadip and Me: Differences
Communication Art: Soumyadip always knew when to speak, how to
speak and most importantly, when not to speak. This is one art on
which I think I have lots to learn from him and the journey of learning
continues for me
Motivational ability: Of many of Soumyadip’s leadership qualities,
the quality of motivating subordinates was exceptional and thus the
attrition rate during his 3 year leadership tenor was on historic low. I
am yet to reach the art of such poise and motivational ability
Ace professional: Soumyadip’s ability to keep a balance between
personal and professional life was commendable which I am yet to
reach. In addition, Soumyadip, though is a very humble person, never
spared repeated or careless mistakes. I have always been
accommodative to subordinates and have at times taken softer
stances than required, which remains one learning area for me

5. Only Human…
Soumyadip led the Credit & Risk - CMB UK Credit Kolkata approvals team
from Mid’ 2009 till Sept’2013. Prior to UK CMB Risk, Soumyadip was Head
of SME for Eastern India – HSBC. Though Soumyadip had his own share of
flaws, gossips and biasness, the most valuable quality which I have learned
from him is professionalism. Even though he has been a mentor and idol
for the Team, he has always ensured that a thin line is maintained between
professionalism and personal life. Though he has been idolized, he also
taught us that he is only Human…