Sharad began his career in development finance, focusing on monitoring and evaluation of MFIs. After gaining domain expertise, he moved on to incubating and financing FPCs in the agri value chain finance sector. With nearly a decade of experience, he ventured into the uncharted territory of debt syndication together with his former Mentor.
Over the past 10 years, he has played a key role in diversifying business verticals—starting with NBFCs and gradually expanding into agri-allied industries, real estate, manufacturing, EPC contractors, and greenfield projects.
Outside of work, he plays cricket every weekend and enjoys cooking, often preparing non-vegetarian dishes for family and friends.
Location: Ahmedabad
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-verma-97643b6/
Q. Tell us about your School and College before you came to IIFM. How was your experience there? And how did IIFM happen?
A. My journey before arriving at IIFM was shaped as much by humility as by aspiration. I grew up in the historic city of Jhansi, in a modest yet value-driven household. My father, a dedicated supervisor at BHEL, instilled in me the importance of discipline and perseverance. During my school years at St. Xavier’s, I must admit I was more of a backbencher—someone whose heart often wandered beyond textbooks, finding its true rhythm on the cricket field. Sports, especially cricket, played a significant role in shaping my temperament, teaching me teamwork, resilience, and the ability to handle both victory and defeat with grace. I still play 20 overs cricket match every week.
Honouring my father’s wishes, I pursued a B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from GLA Engineering College (now GLA University) in 2004. While engineering provided me with a technical foundation, my early professional stint with Bajaj Electricals as a techno-sales executive opened my eyes to the dynamic interplay between technology and business. It was during this phase that I began exploring management education more seriously.
With financial constraints guiding my decisions, I focused my aspirations on institutions like the IIMs, NITIE (now IIM Mumbai), and IIFM while preparing for CAT. Although my percentile did not align with my initial targets, it serendipitously redirected me towards IIFM—an institution that resonated deeply with my emerging interest in renewable energy and sustainable development.
However, it was during my second year at IIFM, when I chose microfinance as an elective, which led to a profound shift in my life. What began as a pragmatic choice eventually became a defining turning point, shaping both my professional trajectory and personal philosophy.
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. It has been nearly two decades since I graduated from IIFM, and the journey has been both enriching, rewarding and continuously evolving. I began my career in April 2007 with Friends of Women’s World Banking (FWWB), Ahmedabad, opting for an off-campus role over a pre-placement offer from Aditya Birla Harihar Polyfibers due to personal priorities that required me to stay close to my parents.
My initial years at FWWB provided deep, ground-level exposure to the microfinance sector, where I worked closely with institutions that later evolved into NBFCs and Small Finance Banks. After gaining expertise in evaluation and monitoring, I sought to broaden my horizons and transitioned into agri value chain financing between 2012 and 2016. As National Fund Manager, I was associated with the ProCIF initiative by Hivos, supporting around 75 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in strengthening backward linkages and market access, while also contributing to the development of an FPC assessment framework.
Subsequently, I had a brief stint with Samunnati as AVP – Business Development, focusing on building the CBO agri-financing vertical. My journey then took an unconventional turn into debt syndication, joining a firm promoted by my former mentor.
Looking back, the past nineteen years have been a blend of diverse experiences, challenges, and learning opportunities that have helped me build a well-rounded skill set and a deeper understanding of development and now about corporate finance.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. I would say I have been blessed to receive quite supportive mentors during my entire journey which have helped me to carve a niche for myself in this competitive world. Talking about milestones/ learning during nineteen-years journey I can divide it in three parts:
a) MFI era (2007 to 2012): blessed to be nurtured and groomed under the tutelage of Ms. Daksha Niranjan Shah (almnus of IIM-A first batch) business head in FWWB to learn basic skill set of MFIs assessment and thereafter becoming sector expert. Leadership skills from Ms. Vijaylakshmi Das (CEO,FWWB) and also learnt about how to keep things simple in life especially during challenging times from some of the well-established entrepreneurs of NBFC-MFIs. All this helped me in conducting successful assessment of around 100 Microfinance Institutions. I have seen microfinance sector which has undergone a profound transformation since 2007, evolving from a largely unregulated, fragmented, and grassroots-driven model (Societies, NGOs, Trusts) into a highly commercialized, professionalized, and regulated industry dominated by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
b) FPC Incubation (2012 to 2017): As a part of ProCIF steering committee and responsible for financing FPC started everything from scratch, developed FPC assessment framework with the support of practitioners and various stakeholders. It was finally adopted by Women World Banking (WWB). My perspective towards life completely changed about never to give up attitude and take failures on chin after meeting marginal famers across hinterland of the country. I consider this as a golden period which helped me evolve as a better professional. With the support of IIM-Bangalore, NABARD, and Access Development Services, I conducted first round table conference of FPOs in Apr’14.
c) Learning as entrepreneur (2017 to till date): This was the most challenging part of the entire journey. I considered myself to be financial inclusion and agri-value chain domain expert since I have seen both sectors evolving from very close quarters. I took a conscious decision of joining as consultant in my ex-boss/mentor (Mr. Rajesh Singh, IIM-A alumnus) partnership firm “SM Investment Services”. I learned and understood the true meaning of trust, perseverance and hard-work while we work together day after day literally burning midnight oil!
Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. Initial three years were quite tough as nothing was structured. It was a trying phase in my life both personally and professionally. Being a field person and meeting various stakeholders gave me a kick to work and plan the schedule accordingly. However, here it was more of a desk job, involved in client sourcing through cold calling and convincing them about the USP we can bring on the table. Things changed for better after COVID-19.
Currently, we have raised debt funds for NBFCs, real estate, manufacturing units, green field proposals, EPC contractors pan India from various banks and HNIs.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. I’m enjoying my current phase as a consultant the most. Now things are quite structured. We now have marketing and business development team which sits in Delhi. We also get cases from all over India from various clients as well as through references as people get confidence with time. Being an ex-banker Rajesh Ji takes care of liaisoning with concerned banks and my team (Ahmedabad office) handles credit underwriting and answering banker’s query satisfactorily and thereafter taking it to a logical conclusion.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Very much, IIFM has helped me immensely in shaping my career and hence I will forever remain indebted. A well-balanced curriculum gave me an all-around exposure and those countless assignments taught me the importance of meeting deadlines. My field trip to Chhattisgarh, gave me a first-hand experience of interacting with forest officials, forest dwellers and development practitioners. I did my OT-1(now called SI) with National Innovation Foundation, which was established by the respected Prof. Anil Gupta(IIM-A) where I closely interacted with green grass-roots innovators in MP & Gujarat. My OT-II(now called Project Work) was with Aditya Birla, Grasim Industries, Harihar Polyfibers which gave me the first exposure to the corporate world focusing on tight schedules and operational disciplines. I still vividly remember Dr. DK Bandhopadhay (IIFM Director) saying “You all should slog in the institute or else the world will make you slog”!!
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. My father for humility and simplicity, I miss him a lot, he left for heavenly abode in Feb’16. He taught me life values which formed my core as an individual.
My first boss Ms. Daksh Niranjan Shah, for timeliness and developing financial acumen. My principal partner Rajesh Singh (ex-IAF, ex-SBI, IIM-A alumnus, and two times KBC-contestant) whom I know since he joined as Credit Head in May 2008 in FWWB. He is more like a big brother, guide, philosopher. He is a versatile and multifaceted peson.
My advice to freshers and IIFM graduates will be to firmly believe in honest and hard work. There are no shortcuts in life, success goes through consistency in life. Eye for details and agility is the key in work so take ‘’right’ action when situations become difficult or challenging. Stay focused on grit, persistence, and rise to the occasion as life always gives us opportunities which comes in the form of a ‘challenge’. There will be times when things won’t work out despite giving 100% so take it in your stride and move forward thinking life as better plans for you.
Q. How did you decide to go for higher studies post IIFM? And how was the experience?
A. After IIFM, I did not pursue any higher education in ‘full time’ Class but I did it in a different way. I obtained certifications in Portfolio Audit, Internal Audit training, Risk Management and Social Performance Management. In Jan 2009, also went for exposure visit to Dhaka to visit Grameen Bank and meet its founder Prof. Mohmad Yunus which was a wonderful experience.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Just the word(IIFM) brings a smile on my face even after more than two decades of my campus life. Countless favorite memories are etched in my heart starting from meeting Debabrata, Himanshu, and Harsh during IIFM interview days and discussing about GD topic. I still remember meeting some seniors before the interview session and getting the ‘golden advise’!! They asked me to just reiterate more on sustainability, perpetuity and climate change in all my interaction to get selected and for real it happened 😊 !! Freshers party by our wonderful seniors at Tulsi dhaba, B’day parties for everyone in our batch (special mention for delicious Cake from Bake n Shake courtsey a system of Batch Contribution which Tarique and Rishi used to handle), farewell party to seniors, fresher party to juniors, and then placement parties. Both years holi celebration, was so much fun. Waited quite eagerly for weekend parties.
I still remember giving OT-II party to my batchmates which went all night and next day early morning around 5:00 AM boarded Rajdhani to Bangalore with Debu!! Our juniors (Sameer, Kallol & Abhinav) came to drop us to the station. The skits we performed in Kalptaru has left indelible mark on my mind which will stay forever…
And at last, my first interaction with my Roomie Sanjay Sah who became one of my best buddies and still remains.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. Every faculty member played a meaningful role in shaping my career. However, a few who stand out are Prof. Parag Dubey, Dr. Pethiya, Dr. P.K. Biswas, Prof. CVRS, Prof. MMY, and CSR Sir, all of whom left an indelible and lasting impression on me.
One of my biggest takeaways from this journey has been gaining lifelong friends who are always there to support me, no matter the time or place.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. I would say our 18th batch had something special in terms of bonding and comradery. Some of the batchmates (Shreekant, Tarique Bhai, Arun Tirkey, Sanjay, Malik, Rishi, Debu, and Satya) were like oxygen support for me. Even after moving out of IIFM, for few years I ensured to stay with my batchmates rather than in hotel whenever I travelled to different states. Today also if any advice is required I look upto Shreekant and Tarique Bhai. Favorite past time place was Room No. 119 for playing Table Tennis and Badminton along with Rishi, Saurabh, Binay, Pradyuman, Rahul, Arun, Tarvinder and of course with PKB Sir. Also will never forget attending night long GBMs which helped in developing interpersonal articulation skills.
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. Make the most of your two years at IIFM—balance academics with fun, as these will be your most cherished memories. Focus on learning beyond the curriculum, stay updated, and choose challenging internships and projects over just brand value or stipend.
Maintain the right attitude—stay humble in success and resilient in failure, and always be willing to help others. Build strong relationships with seniors and peers; seniors often provide the best guidance and real-world insights, so actively learn from their experiences.
Participate actively in various club activities, interact with faculties and explore the Library; all these will go a long way in shaping your long-term success. Keep learning continuously, and make the most of field trips and practical exposures.
Q. What would be your advise for recent graduates who look for changing their sector after working for couple of years?
A. In the early years of your career, especially the first three years, don’t chase salary alone—focus on building strong skills and a solid foundation. When the right opportunity comes, make informed career moves and commit to them with full sincerity and passion.
Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. Consistent “smart” hard work and perseverance always pay off in the long run—trust the process and keep moving forward.
Q. What is your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. If not travelling then day typically starts at 10 AM in the morning with reviewing TO DO list and Dashboard, taking updates on the assigned proposals from team, doing follow ups with client for submission of data, interaction with bankers and scheduled google meets with new clients. We also have a system of Friday reviews where me and Rajesh Ji come together to look at the week.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. A 20-over cricket match every Saturday has become a ritual for the past 19 years. Sundays are usually spent cooking non-veg, helping my wife with household chores, and catching up with family friends to stay socially connected.
I’m proud to share that my elder daughter was selected as the only junior wing cadet for the Gujarat NCC contingent for this year’s Republic Day Cultural Program in New Delhi.
I would also like to especially acknowledge Pushpa (my better half)—a certified Microsoft software professional—who set aside her own aspirations to support the family during challenging times. She has been a pillar of strength throughout this journey.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. Not much of a book- reader, mostly my readings are on market update and global news. Like to binge watch some good OTT content.
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. Our Batch has kept a wonderful tradition of meeting every year at IIFM in the 15 August week since we graduated from IIFM. I try my best to be there, also have attended several alumni meets over the years and make an effort to stay connected with fellow IIFMites. While my involvement in placements and OT is currently limited, I intend to contribute more actively in the near future. Meanwhile, I remain readily available over call or email to offer any assistance I can.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Most of my batchmates from PFM 2005-2007 are already profiled but will like to see the rest here.
