Rendezvous with Dean

Full Name- T R Shastri
Date of Birth- 9.6.1951
Qualification-
M.Sc. CAIIB ACIB (London); second rank in University, distinction in management accountancy in ACIB (London).
Work Experience- 35 years (28 years in banking; 3 years consultancy; 4 years teaching). My years of banking were in credit and forex areas. I was the head of international treasury for seven years in the bank. I was and continue to be guest lecturer in many banks and institutions.

About your Books and Articles Published (In Brief) - Four of my books have been published so far – one authored by me and three edited by me. I write articles of all varieties in English and Kannada regularly. My technical articles have been published in news papers, magazines and professional publications. They generally are in the area of banking in particular in international trade and finance. My general articles are for casual reading around banking areas with an element of humor in them.
How long have you been associated with academics? How do you see IMA as Training Institution?
I started my career as a lecturer in a graduate college belonging to Manipal group. After my banking experience, I have been working in the academic field for the last over three years.
As you have worked with Indian and Foreign Banks both, what differences do you find between them?
I have worked in private and public sector banks in India and abroad. (I have not worked in any foreign bank, though I have attended a number of banking seminars and training programs abroad.) The government banks used to be rule bound rather than customer centric whereas the private sector banks used to have customer service as the primary goal. The distinction is steadily getting blurred. Incidentally most public sector banks are now partly owned by public shareholders, which demands better working results and customer orientation. Most importantly the market forces have made the banks compete. In the years to come, the original public sector banks may regain the reputation in customer service backed by a robust process already in place.
Three qualities or attributes that you feel are essential for success in Banking Sector.
As I mention regularly in the classes, a successful banker should have abundant common sense, ability to gel with people and a great vision.
Where do you see IMA five years from now?
Degree at IMA could become the industry standard at entry level itself replacing the traditional CAIIB exams as redundant, when the courses at IMA are open to other banks. Five years from now, more than half of the managerial staff of the ICICI Bank should be IMA products. More importantly, twenty five years from now, many of the CEOs of banks should be IMA alumni.
Your inspiration in life-
I always remember and constantly remind myself of the saying “be a cobbler but be the best cobbler”.
Your message for budding bankers at IMA-
Be a person of high integrity; there are difficult situations in day to day banking life and your integrity will protect you. Banking is not the most interesting job; cultivate good habits to make life enjoyable. Each one of you have the potential to reach the top; plan your career carefully.