Deepak is an experienced banking professional with a strong focus on driving core business initiatives and rural development projects. Over the years, he has specialized in building new businesses from the ground up and scaling them to a competitive level.
Currently, he is serving as Assistant Vice President – Bharat Banking at Axis Bank Ltd., where he steers efforts to serve customer segments across deep rural to semi-urban areas. The focus is on empowering communities that are often overlooked by mainstream financial institutions, catering to their financial needs to strengthen both their existing businesses and day-to-day operations.
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-goyal-59774024/
Q. How did IIFM happen?
A. It was during my graduation that I came to know about IIFM from my senior, Mr. Manish Jha (PFM 13), who had been my senior both during my undergraduate days and later at IIFM. Being a popular person and an approachable figure for me on campus, he provided me with all the necessary information about IIFM. I was attracted towards the familiarity with the college and the charm of the city of Bhopal, which felt like a welcoming new beginning.
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. The journey after IIFM has been smooth and fulfilling. Professionally, I feel prepared to tackle challenges and uncertainty. There have been many moments when I have felt grateful for the strong foundation IIFM provided—both through formal education and the invaluable informal learning from seniors and batchmate friends. The experiences and relationships built during my time at IIFM continue to support and guide me even today.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. I started my career as a Project Manager in Madhya Pradesh Seed Corporation at Bhopal where I was part of the team responsible for implementing effective marketing strategies for the ‘Seed Production Programme’. I am thankful to our Alumnus Mr. Soumyajeet Biswas (PFM10) who helped me a lot in settling down with all my first job curiosity (a bit more than usual) and placed me as a valuable asset in the organization.
But later, I realized that the job role was a bit less challenging, I moved to Bosch India Foundation, a CSR wing of Bosch Ltd which was a short and actually very sweet journey with my college buddy Parag Bhide (PFM14). Though my stint there was short, it remains one of the most fulfilling phases of my life.
Still feeling underutilized and looking for greater challenges, I transitioned to IDFC FIRST Bank. I worked on the innovative ‘Bank in a Box’ model — an experience that taught me how to deeply understand client problem statements and design customized solutions for both government and private enterprises. Here again, I found a familiar and supportive environment, thanks to alumni Mr. Parvej Sheikh (PFM 13) and batchmate Mohammed Moinuddin (PFM 14).
Later, I made an internal shift into the Mortgage Loan segment, a new business vertical at the time. Here, I learned the essence of driving core business, from strategy design to field execution. My journey at IDFC FIRST Bank was a roller-coaster, rich with both professional challenges and personal growth, where I also built some lifelong friendships.
Currently, I am working at Axis Bank, continuing my focus on new business development. This opportunity allowed me to be involved from the very inception of a new business line—designing competitive products and crafting go-to-market strategies. I am thankful to Mr. Nilesh Kumar Wahil (PFM 10) for his unwavering support during this phase.
Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. My experience at Axis Bank has been truly enriching. I joined with the responsibility of expanding and establishing business operations across Rajasthan. From launching the business in a new territory to building and leading a strong team, the role has offered me a wide range of learning opportunities.
I have been actively involved in strategy planning, market development, team building, and stakeholder management. Working closely with the corporate office team, I have contributed field insights to help fine-tune offerings and align them with customer needs.
Leading a diverse team across Rajasthan sometimes feels like conducting a full orchestra — with each note (team member) bringing its own flavor — but that’s exactly what makes it exciting and rewarding!
Overall, Axis Bank has provided a platform where I could not only contribute meaningfully but also grow personally and professionally, taking on challenges that have shaped me into a more holistic banking professional.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. The most satisfying part of my career has been the relationships and trust I’ve built along the way.
Throughout my journey, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of supervisors, subordinates, and colleagues across different organizations — and I am still connected with most of them in some way. In any particular industry, the world is small, and paths keep crossing again and again.
What gives me the greatest sense of fulfillment is knowing that they continue to appreciate and value my work. Even today, many of them would gladly choose to work with me again.
Titles fade, but a good reputation is like good “filter coffee” — it gets stronger with time!
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
Yes, definitely. Beyond academic knowledge, IIFM has played a crucial role in shaping my approach to professional life. The exposure I received — through interactions with alumni, friends, and industry professionals — helped me develop important life skills that go far beyond the classroom. It made me more presentable, confident, and adaptable, and gave me the ability to engage effectively with the outside world.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers?
A. Throughout my career, the biggest influences have been the mentors, seniors, colleagues, and friends who have supported and guided me at different stages. Their advice, encouragement, and sometimes even their silent examples taught me lessons that no textbook ever could.
Beyond individuals, the environment at IIFM itself — the exposure to real-world challenges, the emphasis on collaboration, and the spirit of resilience — has been a major driver. It taught me to stay adaptable, grounded, and always curious to learn more.
Beyond professional relationships, my father has been a constant source of strength and inspiration. Equally important has been the unwavering support of my wife, Anjali Mangal, who has balanced her own professional responsibilities while managing our home and caring for our five-year-old son. Her quiet strength, patience, and belief in me have made it possible for me to pursue my ambitions without hesitation.
Q. What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles?
A. My advice to freshers and IIFM graduates aspiring to build a career in similar sectors or roles would be:
- Don’t settle too early. Look for roles that push you out of your comfort zone; that’s where true growth happens.
- Your network of peers, seniors, and mentors is a powerful resource. Nurture these connections genuinely — they often open doors when you least expect it.
- Sectors evolve, businesses change, and roles transform. The ability to adapt quickly will always be your biggest strength.
- Professional success is important, but building a reputation for trustworthiness, collaboration, and resilience will carry you even further.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. I cherish countless moments at IIFM and would like to mention a few which are running on my mind at this time. I remember long hours on the badminton court, especially those long rallies with Prof. P.K. Biswas; Mess – our Adda for endless conversations, debates, and laughter; Sunday Biryani – All time favorite; “Chachhu ki Chai” – a daily ritual; wandering through the hostel, knocking on doors, hunting for a packet of biscuits, Maggi, or anything that could satisfy our midnight cravings; watching cricket matches in TV room – cheering like one big family; celebrating birthdays under the beloved Neem Tree; Group assignments – and finding a savior — all these little moments stitched together into the kind of memories that stay warm in my heart forever.
Among all these memories, would also like to mention my summer internship – living in a remote village where I didn’t see a mirror for almost two months and bathed daily in the serene waters of the Narmada River. My companionship with batchmate Manoj Sahu and a few spirited kids from Sikkim, whom I had the privilege of teaching about organic farming, remains one of the most grounding experiences of my life and taught me the meaning of simplicity, resilience, and the pure joy of human connection.
Q. The best buddies at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. I would love to answer this. My closest circle — fondly known as the “Guddu Gang” includes – Parag Bhide, the true definition of a ‘gentleman’, Amit Agarwal, whose sense of humor (endless PJs) could light up even the dullest days and who could make us laugh in any situation, Nitish Bharadwaj, the one who always had the perfect real-life example to make any problem seem smaller and manageable, Rajat Pratap Singh, the sincere and reliable advisor we could all lean on, Anuj Bansal, the man with a golden heart and probably the best “Google surfer”, Nupur Maroti, the jolliest and most vibrant planner of our group. Their companionship made my journey from IIFM till today, unforgettable, filling it with laughter, wisdom, and a lifetime of memories.
I would also like to mention other friends — my roommate Ankit Gupta, Vivek Mishra, Rana Pujari, Manjeet Singh, Dharmendra Singh, Abhisuchi, Shweta, Saurav Kumar, and many more.
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. My advice to freshers or those joining IIFM is simple — live these two years to the fullest.
These years are not just about earning a degree; they are about discovering who you are, what you stand for, and what you are capable of.
Immerse yourself completely — in academics, fieldwork, conversations, debates, late-night discussions, sports, and every small and big event that comes your way. Some of the most important lessons won’t be taught in classrooms but will be found in friendships, failures, struggles, and those unplanned moments of growth.
And most importantly, build memories, because the bonds you form and the experiences you collect at IIFM will become a foundation of strength and joy for the rest of your life.
Carry that spirit of an IIFMite with pride.
Q. What would be your advise for recent graduates who look for changing their sector after working for couple of years?
A. I will advice that it’s natural for interests, goals, and perspectives to evolve with time and experience. If you feel a strong pull toward a new sector, don’t hesitate — but make sure you have a clear understanding of why you want the change and what you hope to achieve. Invest time in learning about the new domain, build relevant skills if needed, and most importantly, be patient with yourself during the transition. Also, stay open-minded, keep your network strong, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance from mentors, seniors, or even peers.
Change can feel challenging at first, but if it aligns with your inner calling, it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. Weekends are usually dedicated to family time. My 5-year-old son, Naksh, is truly the CEO of all our weekend planning meetings (with veto power, of course to my wife) — whether it’s a short trip, a park/playhouse visit, or simply spending quality time at home. We love traveling whenever we get a break, exploring new places and creating memories together.
Personally, I have a deep love for badminton and try to find time to hit the court whenever possible — it’s my way of staying connected to a passion that has stayed with me since my IIFM days.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Parag bhide, Amit Agarwal, Dharmendra Singh, Nupur Maroti, Parvej Sheikh, Nilesh K Wahil, Soumyajeet Biswas.