S. S.
Bhat, Chief Executive Officer, Friends of Women’s World Banking India (FWWB)
Could
you provide an introduction of yourself to our audience?
I hail from a rural, agrarian
background, where my early education mirrored the traditional Guru Kul
system—immersive, community-based, and deeply connected to the land. This
foundation instilled in me a profound respect for nature and the rhythms of
rural life. Eager to build upon this base, I pursued a post-graduate degree in
Agriculture, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and
modern agricultural advancements.
My professional journey began in
developmental banking, driven by a desire to empower smallholder farmers. I
focused on enhancing their access to financial services and providing technical
advisory support, with the broader goal of creating alternative livelihoods in
rural areas. I was always in search of meaningful impact and inclusive system
change. In the banking career I gained a solid foundation in financial systems,
institutional frameworks and data- driven decision- making and I also learned
the power of economic tools to drive large-scale transformation. This phase of
my career was deeply influenced by my father—a social worker and cooperative
specialist—who envisioned a developed village where people enjoyed economic and
financial independence. At 95, his unwavering commitment to community
development continues to inspire me.
Throughout my banking career, I
consciously advocated for policy changes to simplify processes and make them
more accessible to rural communities. However, I soon realized that many
well-intentioned interventions failed to consider the lived experiences of the
people they aimed to serve. This realization was a turning point, compelling me
to transition into the social sector. There, I could work more closely with
communities, particularly women, to co-create solutions that were inclusive,
grounded, and transformative.
Today, I lead a
nonprofit organization focused on economic
empowerment for women, particularly those from underserved and
vulnerable backgrounds. We design and deliver initiatives that equip women
with skills,
financial literacy, entrepreneurial support, and access to markets and access
to finance—but beyond these tools, we focus on restoring
agency and confidence. Our programs are built with the belief that economic
empowerment is not just about income; it’s about dignity, self-reliance, and
the freedom to make choices.
Could you tell us about Friends of Women's
World Banking and the range of services it offers?
Friends
of Women’s World Banking, India (FWWB www.fwwbindia.org) is
a not-for-profit organization established in the year 1981 by Smt. Elaben
Bhatt, the Founder of SEWA. FWWB focuses on empowering low-income women through
capacity building and enhancing access to financial services to make them
self-confident, self-reliant and economically strong. We also work with small
holder farmers through the farmer producer organisations again building their
capacity for institutional strengthening and sustainable support to the
farmers. The other theme we work is catalytic funding to help institutions and
new to credit customers to develop their credit history and transactions trail.
Under this theme we support Water and Sanitation, Solar initiatives, Climate
Resilient Agriculture, Women entrepreneurs and Enterprises, Startups in the
agriculture sector that try to build an FPO ecosystem.
We
have in the last four and a half decades supported more than 12 million women,
about 39000 women entrepreneurs, and 1.20 lakh women farmers; helped in the
construction of over 1.25 lakh toilets in rural areas and 1.25 solar devices in
deep rural areas, including the north eastern region. We also work with over
400 partner and grassroots organisations for institutional strengthening and
mobilization of low-income people to develop their livelihoods and
entrepreneurship.
We
work across 21 states in India with a vision to create a world where women are
given opportunities both in the farm and non-farm sectors to have socioeconomic
empowerment, giving them the voice, recognition, decision-making power, agency,
and leadership capabilities.
What
inspired your journey into banking and entrepreneurship, and how did you
recognize the right opportunities along the way?
Inspired by my father—a social worker and cooperative specialist—I was drawn to the agricultural sector, where over 75% of India's population relies on their livelihoods. This inspiration led me to pursue a career in banking, aiming to serve smallholder farmers and marginalized communities by providing financial literacy, improved access to financial services, and technical advisory support.
From
the outset, I dedicated myself to developing the areas I served. By introducing
innovative crops, promoting alternative livelihoods, expanding irrigation
coverage, and establishing marketing linkages, I worked closely with
communities to enhance their economic resilience. Witnessing the tangible
improvements in farmers' lives brought immense satisfaction and reaffirmed my
commitment to rural development.
Recognized
as a top performer, I was entrusted with increasing responsibilities, which
bolstered my confidence and leadership abilities. Embracing each challenge with
an open mind and a focus on innovation, I strived to create exemplary models of
excellence and impact wherever I worked.
My
approach emphasized performance, team development, customer engagement, and a
"people-first" strategy. By identifying and nurturing talent within
the organization, I contributed to overall improvements in our operational
areas.
Advancing
to the role of Chief General Manager, I oversaw financial inclusion, priority
sector lending, and Regional Rural Bank portfolios. This position allowed me to
influence policies benefiting smallholder farmers, students for educational
loans, building a strong CSR arm of the bank, bringing guarantee schemes for
the underserved and deepen my understanding of rural financial systems.
Throughout
my career, I had the opportunity to work in various states—including Karnataka,
Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand—and across different
organizational structures, such as branches, regional offices, circle offices,
and the Head Office. These experiences enriched my understanding of diverse
cultures, challenges, and strategies, enabling me to develop context-specific
approaches for optimal results.
However,
I soon realized that many well-intentioned interventions failed to consider the
lived experiences of the people they aimed to serve. This realization prompted
my transition from banking to the social sector, where I could engage more
directly with communities.
In my
subsequent role as the head of a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) focused
on inclusive growth, I successfully turned around its fortunes by creating an
impactful lending portfolio that assisted thousands of women through
microfinance institutions. Once the organization was on a growth trajectory, I
assumed leadership of the parent organization, a nationally recognized
institution working at the intersection of gender, agriculture, and climate
resilience. For over four decades, this organization has empowered women across
rural India by providing access to finance, capacity-building support, and
institution-building initiatives. Its work has evolved from supporting
grassroots women entrepreneurs to strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations
(FPOs), promoting sustainable livelihoods, and advancing climate-smart
agricultural practices.
This
work continues to inspire me daily, grounding me in the mission to bring smiles
to the faces of low-income women by creating broader opportunities. It fuels my
passion and drives me to push boundaries in pursuit of inclusive development.
Reflecting
on my career, I recognize that while the path has not been linear, it has been
intentional. Each step—from banking halls to community centers—has deepened my
understanding of how systems function and how they must evolve to serve those
on the margins. My purpose remains clear: to create inclusive, dignified, and
sustainable pathways for women to thrive economically and socially. Because
when women rise, communities transform—and so does the future.
How has your leadership style contributed to
the success and growth of your career?
My leadership style—rooted in collaboration, empathy, and purpose-driven action—has been central to my career development and the success of the organizations I've led. With a background in developmental banking, I developed a strong foundation in systems, accountability, and measurable impact. However, it was my transition into the social sector that transformed my leadership approach. I quickly realized that true transformation happens when you lead with people, not just processes.
I’ve cultivated a leadership style
that combines democratic decision-making with a transformational
mindset. I create environments where everyone’s voice is valued, from
senior staff to the women we serve. This has fostered a culture of trust,
inclusion, and shared ownership, which has been critical in scaling
initiatives and ensuring their long-term success.
A key part of my leadership growth
has been embracing the idea that leadership is not about having all the
answers, but about listening deeply, empowering others, and adapting swiftly
to new challenges. I focus on mentoring my team, encouraging them to step up
and take initiative, which strengthens the organization from within. This
approach has allowed me to build strong cross-sector partnerships, mobilize
resources effectively, and, most importantly, create meaningful impact for the
communities we work with.
Ultimately, aligning my leadership
with authentic engagement and a shared vision has been
instrumental in my personal and professional growth, enabling me to navigate
complex challenges while driving sustainable, community-driven change.
Could you
share us your professional journey, highlighting significant milestones and
achievements?
Early
Education and Inspiration
Growing
up in a rural, agrarian setting, my early education was rooted in traditional, community-based
learning environments. This foundation instilled in me a deep appreciation for
grassroots development and the importance of community cohesion. My father, a
social worker and cooperative specialist, played a pivotal role in shaping my
values. His vision for a self-reliant and economically independent village
continues to inspire my professional endeavors.
Academic
Pursuits in Agriculture
Building
upon my rural upbringing, I pursued a post-graduate degree in Agriculture. This
academic journey equipped me with technical knowledge and a broader perspective
on sustainable farming practices and rural development.
Transition
into Developmental Banking
Driven
by a desire to empower smallholder farmers, I embarked on a career in developmental
banking. In this role, I focused on enhancing access to financial services and
providing technical advisory support to rural communities. A significant
achievement during this period was the successful implementation of a
microfinance initiative that increased financial inclusion for over millions of
low income families.
Advocacy for Policy Reforms
Recognizing
the systemic barriers faced by rural populations, I advocated for policy
changes to simplify banking processes and make them more accessible to
underserved communities. One notable accomplishment was influencing the
adoption of a simplified loan application process, reducing approval times by
30% and increasing loan uptake among rural farmers.
Transition
to the Social Sector
Observing
the limitations of financial interventions in isolation, I transitioned into
the social sector to engage more directly with communities. This shift allowed
me to co-create solutions that were inclusive and grounded in the lived
experiences of the people. A significant milestone was leading a women’s
empowerment program that trained over thousands of women in vocational and
livelihood skills, resulting in a 40% increase in household incomes.
Leadership and Organizational Growth
Currently,
I lead a nonprofit organization dedicated to economic empowerment in rural
areas. Under my leadership, the organization has expanded its reach to 21
states in India impacting over 12 million women. A key achievement was securing
multi-year grants that enabled the scaling of our programs and the
establishment of assured support for the communities.
Commitment
to Continuous Learning
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to continuous learning. I have participated in various leadership development programs and have been recognized with awards such as the 'Community Leadership Excellence Award' for my contributions to rural development.
Reflecting on my professional journey, I recognize that each milestone has been a step toward realizing my vision of empowering rural communities. Guided by the principles instilled by my father, I continue to strive for inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that every initiative is rooted in the community's needs and aspirations.
What are your areas of expertise, and how have
these skills contributed to your success?
My expertise lies in
bridging finance, development,
and grassroots realities. I bring a unique perspective that
combines the structure and strategic rigor of the banking world with the deep listening, adaptability, and
empathy required in community-centered work. I’ve led
successful programs, built cross-sector partnerships, mobilized funding, and
mentored emerging leaders—always guided by a core principle: solutions must come from the people
they’re meant to serve.
How do you keep up with the latest trends and
innovations, and what advice would you give to students seeking the right
career path?
With a background in developmental
banking and the social sector, I’ve always understood the importance of
staying informed in both financial systems and community-driven development. I
keep up with trends and innovations through a combination of professional
networks, sector-specific publications, and continuous learning. I
regularly follow updates from institutions like the World Bank, UN Women, and
grassroots innovation platforms to stay aligned with both global strategies and
local realities. Engaging in forums, policy dialogues, and knowledge
exchanges—especially those focused on financial inclusion, gender equity,
and social entrepreneurship—helps me stay connected to evolving practices.
Just as important, I stay close to
the communities we serve. Listening to the women in our programs—understanding
how they adapt, what barriers they face, and how they innovate with limited
resources—often reveals trends and solutions far ahead of formal reports. My
background in developmental banking helps bridge these insights with
structured, scalable models that can attract funding, policy support, and
systemic change.
To students seeking the right career
path, my advice is this: look for the intersection of what you’re good at,
what excites you, and what the world needs. Be open to non-linear
paths—many of the most meaningful careers evolve from experiences you didn’t
initially plan. In sectors like development and social impact, your ability
to listen deeply, think systemically, and lead with empathy is just as
important as your technical knowledge.
Also, don’t underestimate the value
of financial literacy and development economics—even in social work.
Understanding how systems function, how capital flows, and how impact is
measured will give you an edge in almost any role. Most of all, stay curious
and committed to learning—not just through books, but through people,
experiences, and challenges. That’s where the real growth happens.
Post a Comment