Rashi Gupta, Director – Customer Solutions, India Operations, at Fidelity Investments, reflects on the versatile experiences and learnings gained at the firm that have shaped her career journey.
Describe your journey so far.
I have over two decades of experience playing diverse roles across technology and business, including software development, business analysis, quality assurance, program management, process reengineering, and business transformation. Prior to my current stint with Fidelity, which is also my second, I got an opportunity to lead large programs at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Deutsche Bank. In fact, my first stint at Fidelity laid the foundation for my corporate career.
I hold double master’s degrees in international business and economics (with a gold medal), a diploma in computer engineering, and another diploma in computer applications. Along the way, I have gained professional credentials such as Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Scrum@Scale Practitioner, SAFe 5 Program Consultant, Agility Health Facilitator, COBIT 5 (the overarching business and management framework for the governance and management of enterprise IT), Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma, and Java Certified Professional (JCP).
My journey thus far has been a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and embracing new challenges. As I reflect on the experiences that have shaped me, I am grateful for the opportunities they provided me to grow both personally and professionally.
What made you choose Fidelity as a preferred employer?
Initially, I joined Fidelity International in 2001 as part of their first-ever recruitment drive in India. I was part of the first cohort of 20 employees who joined at that time.
The move to Fidelity Investments took place organically in 2005, as I followed my husband who moved to Bangalore at that time to join Fidelity. Fidelity Investments, therefore, was the obvious and first choice for me, and I must say that the transition experience and exceptional support I received from my managers, HR business partners, and administrative teams proved my decision to be right.
The assessments, onboarding process, and meetings with colleagues and the leadership reaffirmed my belief that Fidelity was the right place for me. What’s more, I soon fell in love with Bangalore for its weather, simplicity, culture, and wonderful people.
In hindsight, those initial years at Fidelity were truly transformative for me, shaping my professional career trajectory and instilling in me the deepest sense of confidence and gratitude. Fidelity provided me with an abundance of learning opportunities, enabling me to expand my knowledge across various technologies, business domains, and strategic areas, embrace a global and diverse workplace culture, and develop a plethora of technical and leadership capabilities.
Tell us more about your journey with Fidelity so far.
I have played multiple roles at Fidelity Investments India, in the Corporate Technology, Workplace Investing, and Brokerage Technology teams. I began my career here as a Java web developer, then played various roles including technology lead, quality analysis manager, program manager, and strategy and planning lead, and am currently a director in the Customer Solutions team in India Operations. In my current role, I lead the Business Analyst (BA) Chapter for the Workplace Investing and Health and Welfare business groups.
My team drives the realization of results by translating business objectives into actionable plans and solutions to deliver customer value.
I’m fortunate to lead a group of highly enthusiastic and customer-obsessed individuals. We interact with our global counterparts to understand customer requirements and identify possible technology solutions to help address them. We then engage with our technology partners to integrate the changes in systems and applications. The work my team delivers drives digitization and modernization towards enhancing the end global customer experience.
Beyond my core work, I support the leadership of multiple Agile initiatives both at the India and global level and am also actively engaged with the Women’s Leadership Group (WLG), apart from coaching and mentoring employees across groups.
What would you say are the attributes of successful leadership at Fidelity?
I would say the attributes include:
- Nurturing a culture built on trust and respect
- Commitment to continuous learning and growth
- Embracing mobility opportunities
I admire being a part of a company that values these aspects and empowers its employees to reach their full potential. By embodying these qualities, I strive to inspire and motivate others to excel in their own spaces, driving innovation and success within the organization and the industry.
What has been your most cherished moment at Fidelity so far?
As I reflect on my tenure at Fidelity, several proud moments stand out for me. Winning several ‘Kaizen’ awards for innovative ideas and solutions has been incredibly rewarding. Additionally, being involved in planning and executing my team’s strategy along with the global leadership has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and grow as a professional. One particularly memorable experience was when I was chosen, along with a handful of other employees, to attend a global annual dinner a few years ago, where I had the opportunity to meet and interact with the late Edward C. “Ned” Johnson III, the former chairperson of Fidelity Investments. It was truly an enriching experience that further affirmed my pride in being a part of the Fidelity family.
What is the best advice you have received as a professional?
The best professional advice I have received is to always be patient, open to change, and committed to lifelong learning. Embracing these qualities has allowed me to navigate challenges, rapidly adapt to evolving industry trends, and continuously expand my knowledge and skills.
By embracing this advice, I have grown both personally and professionally. These principles have enabled me to successfully navigate various roles and challenges, seize opportunities, and consistently elevate my performance. I encourage others to embrace these principles as well, as they can truly help unlock one’s potential and pave the way for long-term success in the ever-evolving world of technology.
What are some of the attributes you look for in a person you would want to hire for your team?
When hiring for my team, I look for individuals who possess a balanced mix of technical and business skills. Additionally, a willingness to learn, self-management abilities, effective communication skills, and a team-player mentality are key attributes I seek.
I believe in fostering a positive work environment, where individuals exhibit high ethical standards, a deep sense of accountability, and a positive attitude. These qualities contribute to a collaborative and cohesive team dynamic, enabling us to deliver exceptional results together.
Describe a hurdle that you were proud of crossing.
One of the hurdles that I am proud to have overcome is finding the right balance between my personal responsibilities and career aspirations. As a working mother, wife, and someone with extended family responsibilities, I have always strived to excel in all areas of my life. It has been a journey filled with challenges, but also one of which I am immensely proud.
Looking back, I take pride in the fact that I have been able to navigate this delicate balance without compromising on any of my responsibilities. It required careful planning, effective time management, and a keen prioritization of tasks. By being intentional about my choices and setting clear boundaries, I have been able to dedicate quality time to my family and loved ones while also pursuing my career goals.
However, I am acutely aware that achieving this balance would not have been possible without the support and understanding of my managers and Fidelity as an organization.
The process of establishing this balance has taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the power of a strong support system. It has reinforced the belief that with determination and the right support, it is possible to overcome any challenge and achieve success in various areas of life.
What is your favorite quote/saying?
My favorite quotes are: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall,” by Confucius, and “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts,” by Winston Churchill.
These quotes resonate deeply with me because they emphasize the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the courage to face adversity head-on. They serve as reminders that while setbacks and failures are inevitable, what truly matters is how we rise above them and keep moving forward. These quotes inspire me to embrace change, persevere through challenges, and approach life with courage and determination.
How would you summarize your experience with Fidelity so far?
I am filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunities and experiences I have had at Fidelity. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, managers, teams, and the entire Fidelity community for supporting me throughout my journey. It is their collective contributions that have played a significant role in my personal and professional growth. I am truly honored to be a part of an organization that values and nurtures its employees.
Views expressed are as of the date indicated and may change. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments.
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