Mehar Sindhu Batra - Seek to Understand Before Being Understood (Founder and CEO of MSB Vision)

When starting out in the finance field, it's common to feel pressure to prove your knowledge and expertise. However, it's essential to prioritize understanding the broader context, the specific needs of your clients or organization, and the nuances of financial decisions before jumping into solutions or recommendations.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I am Mehar Sindhu Batra. I’m a career coach, mentor, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of MSB Vision, an organization with the vision to "empower young professionals to recognize and reach their true potential and accelerate their careers."

I created a community of power-packed individuals through my Instagram page, MSBVision, that provides one with regular informative, well-researched, inspirational, and empowering content, which in turn can help young minds become better students, learners, professionals, entrepreneurs, and above all, strong individuals.

Born and raised in New Delhi, I’m a Chartered Accountant with an MBA from Imperial College, currently settled in London. I have 8+ years of work experience at top-tier companies such as KPMG and E&Y, as well as startups in India and the UK.

I have had the pleasure of mentoring 15,000+ people through 1:1 coaching sessions and university workshops on various topics such as building a career strategy, excelling at work, creating a professional brand, and communicating effectively.

2. Your tips to the younger generation on how to go about understanding the basic financial stuff.

Sooner or later, it becomes necessary for individuals to understand the basics of finance to manage their earnings and savings. Here are some tips for the younger generation to start building a strong foundation in financial literacy:

• Start early and set clear goals: The sooner you begin learning about finances, the better. Basic financial concepts can have a significant impact on your life over time, so don't delay getting started. Define your short-term and long-term financial goals.
• Budgeting: Learn how to create and stick to a budget. Track your income and expenses to understand where your money is going and to ensure you're spending within your means. Along with that, Make saving a habit. Aim to save a portion of your income regularly.
• Investment Basics: Learn about the various investment options available, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate. Start small and gradually increase your knowledge as you gain more confidence.
• Educational Resources: Take advantage of online courses, books, podcasts, and blogs that cover personal finance topics.

Remember, financial literacy is a journey, and it's okay to start small and gradually build your knowledge over time.

4. How can one know if Finance is the field for them? Can one take a test for the same?

• Thinking about diving into finance as your career? Well, the first step isn't all that fancy; it's about figuring out if it's your kind of gig. Don't expect a magic test to pop up and give you all the answers, but there are a bunch of moves you can make to make sure you're on the right track:
• Know Yourself: Start by sizing up what you're good at, what gets you excited, and where your skills lie. Do numbers and data crunching sound like your jam? Are you all about making smart moves based on information? If that sounds like you, finance could be waving hello.
• Do Some Homework: The finance world is like a big buffet with lots of options. You've got corporate finance, investment banking, money planning, asset management, and more. Take some time to snoop around each one to see which tickles your fancy.
• Try Before You Commit: If you can swing it, give internships or part-time finance gigs a try. Getting your hands dirty in the real deal helps you see if it's your kind of party.
• Challenge Yourself: Think of it as a finance playdate—get into finance simulations or tackle case studies. It's like a taste test of problem-solving and choice-making in the world of finance.

And guess what? You can jump into finance from other stuff too, even if you've been on a different road. The key is taking your sweet time to explore and gather information before you make your grand decision.

5. One piece of advice that you feel would have helped you while starting out in this field?

One piece of advice that I’d like to share would be:

"Seek to Understand Before Being Understood"

When starting out in the finance field, it's common to feel pressure to prove your knowledge and expertise. However, it's essential to prioritize understanding the broader context, the specific needs of your clients or organization, and the nuances of financial decisions before jumping into solutions or recommendations.

Taking the time to deeply understand the situation and the people involved will not only lead to more thoughtful and accurate decisions but also build trust and credibility in the long run.

Remember that success in finance often comes from a combination of analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Balancing theoretical understanding with practical experience can help you develop a well-rounded skill set that serves you well throughout your career.

Learning is a continuous process, and humility in seeking understanding will set a strong foundation for your career growth.

Brief Bio:

Mehar Sindhu Batra is a prominent figure in the world of career coaching, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and professional development. As the Founder and CEO of MSB Vision, Mehar has dedicated her career to empowering young professionals to unlock their true potential and excel in their careers. She holds an MBA degree and is also a chartered accountant. She has mentored over 15,000 individuals through personalized coaching sessions and workshops. Mehar Sindhu Batra continues to make a positive impact on the lives of many through her expertise and leadership.

Interviewed By - Aarya Gode