Kalpana is one of the leading experts on Client Protection and Social Rating and has over a decade of experience in the financial inclusion sector. She has been leading as well as conducting Client Protection Certifications and Social Performance Management for several financial institutions in various countries such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and China. She has also worked in multiple spheres of financial inclusion like Operations, Strategy, Training. A graduate in English & literature enthusiast, who loves travelling and reading books and aspires to lead a life like Ruskin Bond someday!!
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalpana-kashyap-419751a/
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. It has been an incredible journey to say the least. I started my professional journey as Area Manager with the erstwhile SKS Microfinance in 2008. It was one of most enriching experiences to work in the field, where I managed the Microfinance operations in the interiors of Bihar.
After that I moved to a product role in SKS head office situated in Hyderabad. Here I got an opportunity to set up the Client protection Cell which was the first one in the MFI space. I took a motherhood break and started working again with short term projects. I worked with Ennovent, The Fintech Meetup, and Amarante Consulting. I joined M-CRIL as a consultant and eventually transitioned into a full-time role here.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. There are so many varied experiences and learnings which make us evolve with time.
The real challenge for me and lot of other women is getting back to work after a long “Motherhood Break”. This was more of an internal battle with self-doubt, guilt trips (of ignoring my kids) and the struggle to keep pace with ever changing world after a long gap. Once I re-started my professional journey, I had to start from scratch literally. I realized that being persistent with your goal and not giving up is the most important virtue. On multiple occasions people highlighted the so-called gap on my CV and took advantage of it during salary or profile negotiations.
This phase has taught me a lot about patience and keeping faith in myself and my abilities.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. The most satisfying part of my career is the impact created in the lives of marginalized people.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. IIFM has been the biggest influence in my professional life. Wherever I am today can be attributed solely to the IIFM degree. Also, the course structure at IIFM has given me exposure to different spheres of the development sector. This makes it easier for me to adapt to new changes like the Social Outcomes Measurement and SDG Goals which are now being considered as crucial parameters during Social Performance rating of an Institution.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. I would advise the freshers to be persistent in their endeavor. Grass root level experience matters a lot in this sector. And do not worry or fret a lot about future, just go with the flow and eventually things fall in place.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. The long walks in the campus, the field trip to evergreen forests of Karnataka, my first OT with MP Ecotourism Board where we stayed in the Ratapani Wildlife sanctuary, the crazy last moment submission of assignments and a bunch of generous friends who dragged me along for marathon study sessions just a night before examinations.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution (courses, faculty, library, friends, alumni.. Anything else!!) or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. The course, the faculty, library, friends everything mixed into one makes the wonderful concoction which sets IIFM truly apart. The dedication of our faculties is remarkable. I have not seen a teacher like Prof. CSR in my entire life. The enthusiasm of Prof. MMY while discussing marketing case studies, the ever-available Biswas sir and the always calm Amitabh Pandey sir to name a few. IIFM broadened my thought process and perspective and made me ready to face the real world.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. IIFM has given me a bunch of life-long friends, and I even married an IIFMite (Anil Singh from 04-06 batch), hence IIFM is a regular discussion topic at home too. The memories from the campus are a treasure trove which I will cherish forever. The walk down the hill to Madhuram for Chai & Samosa, the view from the sunset point, late night badminton games, cramming ourselves in one auto while going to New Market and the Top n Town ice cream treats (the list is endless). I think we were the last batch to get stipend, the sheer thrill of receiving money in our accounts every month…. Where on earth do you get to stay in such an amazing wilderness resort kinds and get paid for it too !!
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. Enjoy the campus to the fullest, live in the moment. Utilize the amazing library IIFM has and do not hesitate from seeking help from the faculties. Trust me, the faculties are more than willing to help at any given point of time. And most importantly make friends for life!
Q. What was your typical day at the work?
A. My entire organization works remotely. This is a blessing for me being a mother of two small kids. My day starts around 9 AM and ends at 7-8 PM depending on the work. I handle a lot of projects in South Asia and Africa so need to juggle between different time zones at times.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. Weekends are all about family. Running errands, attending to all the pending work of the week, spending some quality time with my kids, catching up on some OTT series and sometimes doing nothing and just lazing around the whole day.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom; Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe to specifically name, otherwise Ruskin Bond is my all-time favorite author.
I like light-hearted simple movies, a huge admirer of Hrishikesh Mukherji genre.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitment towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students? Your engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI?
A. I do not find myself qualified enough to contribute a lot in this regard, however I will be more than happy if I can be of any help to the students.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. It has been a long time since I visited the campus, so I am not aware of all the changes happening in recent times. But I am very impressed with the great work being done by the Alumni Association.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Well, I would like to see the profiles of some people who are totally not in touch with us. Please catch hold of Kanika Chandel and Lalit Sori from my batch if possible!