Animesh is a strong business professional skilled in Sales, Strategy, Business Development, Planning, Analytics, and Product development. He has over 18 years of industry experience in Financial Inclusion, Micro and Rural Finance, and unparalleled business and data acumen. He has a deep understanding of today’s market and brings new and creative strategies to the table, and holds the ability to execute them. He has been contributing to the constant growth and development of the business with his long association with BFIL(earlier known as SKS).
LinkedIn ID : https://www.linkedin.com/in/animesh303/
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far ?
A. IIFM is a place of infinite possibilities. With its vast spectrum of potential outcomes, it defies easy categorization, offering something unique to every individual who walks through its doors. My experience was no different. When I arrived, I had little idea of where this journey would lead or what I would make of it. But once immersed in the environment, the path ahead slowly began to emerge. It was at IIFM that I uncovered my true passion—one that has since evolved into my life’s mission and driven me for over eighteen years. Here, I learned that social upliftment isn’t always about charity. Sometimes, it’s about providing people with a chance—an opportunity to rise. That single opportunity can ignite a transformation far deeper and more lasting than any handout could ever achieve. This realization reshaped my perspective and set me on a path that continues to guide me today.
When I first came to IIFM, my aspirations were vague—simply to do something meaningful in the development sector and make a real impact on people’s lives. During my first trimester, I encountered the concept of microfinance, and it immediately clicked. I realized that it was possible to create social change while also sustaining economic viability. This revelation led me to spend both my OTs (yes, we had two back then) working with CARE on their microfinance project, CASHE, and to engage deeply with Prof. Pethiya on theories. I was fortunate to be mentored by some of the brightest minds to emerge from IIFM. The guidance and support of our seniors, Shikha Kalra and Nitin Sharma, played a pivotal role in helping me acclimate to the professional environment. Their tremendous insight and encouraging approach not only facilitated my learning but also ensured that the experience remained enjoyable and enriching.
My persistence on Microfinance paid off when I secured a position at BASIX during campus placements. But, as the placement season drew to a close, fate took a different turn. A startup visited our campus, looking for their first professional recruits, and I was captivated by the clarity and unwavering commitment of their leadership. That encounter led me to join SKS Microfinance, which has since become, and remains to this day, my second home.
Joining SKS was a transformative experience. It gave me the chance to work alongside some of the most inspiring and dedicated professionals in the microfinance sector—people whose passion and expertise continue to fuel my own journey. Have been very fortunate to work closely with people like, Mr Vikram Akula, Ms Praseeda Kunam, Mr Sitaram Rao, Mr M R Rao, Mr Dilliraj and many more over the years and the impact has been profound.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. While I have remained steady with my company, the same cannot be said for the company or the sector as a whole. Over the years, we’ve faced numerous setbacks and fluctuations, yet each time, we’ve managed to bounce back. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that nothing lasts forever. When times are good, enjoy them, because challenges are often just around the corner. And when times are tough, hold on, for better days are ahead. Persistence, above all, is the key to navigating the ebb and flow of both success and struggle.
Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. I have spent a significant amount of time with my current organization, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to many different areas. My journey began with a field role, overseeing operations for the Karimnagar Unit in Andhra Pradesh. At that time, Vikram had a vision to take the company national and was exploring various strategies to make that happen. One such strategy was to send newly recruited MBA graduates to new territories, paired with a few experienced staff members, to start operations from scratch. Another option involved offering franchisee opportunities to existing players, which ran parallel to the first idea.
I became the test case for the first option. In a scene straight out of a Bollywood film, Vikram spread a map of India on the table and asked me to pick a location to start. Without much hesitation, I chose Madhya Pradesh. The very next day, I was on my way with money in my personal bank account, tasked with starting SKS operations in the state. By sheer luck, I had some prior exposure to the Indore area during my OT, so I decided on Dewas, a town near Indore, for our first branch in North India—and SKS’s first venture outside its home base. Two months later, Vikram visited and, after seeing the progress, decided to shut down the other pilot project, making our approach the central strategy for expansion. Over the next three years, we hired over 200 fresh graduates from business schools, and SKS became a pan-India company. In fact, most other MFIs adopted this model for their own growth.
Subsequently, I moved back to the head office to set up the planning and strategy team. This team became the backbone of the company’s field operations, a role it continues to hold today. During this time, we also launched process improvement initiatives that resulted in a threefold increase in efficiency compared to previous levels.
From there, I transitioned back into business, taking on the responsibility of heading the South Zone. Currently, I oversee the company’s pan-India business and collections strategy for microfinance, while also heading the consumer durable finance division. The journey has been long and full of learning, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. Knowing that behind every balance sheet, profit margin, and cost figure, there is a life being impacted—a reality that carries immense responsibility. When the lady of the house gains access to finance, it’s not just her life that changes; the entire household progresses. The ripple effect is profound. Every decision we make touches the lives of over 10 million women, and the positive impact radiates outward to their families, creating a cycle of upliftment. No other developmental intervention by a single entity can make such a large impact on the society and touch as many lives.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. IIFM truly deserves the credit for shaping who I am today. It was here that I was first introduced to microfinance, where I had access to the right resources, expert faculty, and a curriculum that equipped me with the knowledge to dive into this field. The OTs in this space provided hands-on experience, while the presence of alumni already working in the sector and the future generations of students eager to join only deepened my connection with the field. The impact of IIFM extends far beyond just academic learning—it is a lifelong influence. As they say, the true impact of a teacher is immeasurable, for it continues to shape you long after you leave the classroom…
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. The first and most important influence on my journey at IIFM was undoubtedly the faculty. Professors like Dr. Pethiya, C.S. Rathore, P.K. Biswas, C.V.R.S. Vijay Kumar, Manmohan Yadav, Rekha Singhal, and many others played a crucial role in laying the foundation for our learning and guiding us toward our individual paths.
Secondly, many times you learn more from your classmates and your seniors than your professors. Students at IIFM come for very diverse backgrounds and can teach you a variety. It is here that you form lifelong friendship and trust.
What truly sets IIFM apart is the incredible diversity of choices it offers. Our alumni excel in every sector imaginable, which speaks volumes about the opportunities available here. My advice to freshers would be to spend their initial weeks or months carefully considering their path, and once decided, pursue it with unwavering dedication.
For those of you interested in microfinance, the landscape has evolved significantly since my time. I was fortunate to graduate just as commercial microfinance was emerging, and the sector was still in its infancy. Today, microfinance is a well-established industry, albeit with more complexities. Regardless of the field you choose, the key to success is simple: commit fully. Don’t approach anything half-heartedly. Push yourself to exceed your own limits in everything you do, and success will follow.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Oh, I loved our hostel, our mess, our building, the greenery of the campus, football every evening with Rakesh and team, learning TT from Praveen and Lokesh, badminton with Ajith, our Gujarat field visit, Amarkantak and Pachmarhi trip.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. My day involves multiple meetings and calls with cross functional team on variety of subjects. The role is a mix of strategy and execution and require high level of interaction with field as well. Breaks are with family.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. Weekends are typically reserved for family time. I still carry my love for playing table tennis from my IIFM days, and whenever I can, I find opportunities to indulge in the game.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments 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 am open to engage as required so feel free to connect.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Nitin Sharma, Shikha Kalra, Pranav Sharma, Kundan Kumar, Govind Kumar S, Nishant Singh, Shreyas Goyal, Vineet Abhishek, Jagadish Mundhra.