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HerStory

Turning History into HerStory, because every milestone matters. We feature and celebrate our woman brigade who have been an integral part of the RBL Bank story.

Chetna Ajgaonkar has been with RBL Bank for over 12 years. Let’s know more about her journey.

Q: Which aspects of the Bank’s culture have been most empowering in your professional journey?

 

A: Open Communication is the cornerstone of building trust and gaining confidence of the entire staff strength. I joined the organization as a Sr. Manager and have worked across various departments and roles. My leaders have always had an open-door policy. I have been encouraged to present new thought process and ideas, which have been dealt based on their merit. In both positive and challenging situations concerning the Bank, management has provided clear and written communication to all employees. There has been a perspective of informing more than required so that the employees are never in doubt.

 

Q: From your first day to today - what's the one value at RBL Bank that has remained constant and continues to inspire you?

 

A: RBL Bank lives by the ethos of Growth, Learning and Development. It is truly “Apno ka Bank”.
I have been with the Bank for the last 12 years, and many around ask me what’s the reason for my longevity in the Bank and my clear answer is, I have seen an upward trajectory of continuous learning, skill development and career advancement. The Bank has invested in my personal and professional development over the years. I have been afforded the opportunity to do multi-faceted roles, ranging from HR Business Partner to managing Sales Efficiency and now as Head- Household Product. In addition to the enriching role opportunities provided to me, the Bank has also nominated me for two leadership programs, one of which is specifically designed for women leaders. These programs were curated by professional learning organisations and spanned over 6 -8 months, incorporating both face to face and online classes at reputed institutions of India. As I write this, I am part of another Post Graduate diploma in Banking through IIFB which includes a week at IIM Calcutta.

 

Q: What's your proudest achievement at the Bank, and how did the organization enable it?

 

A: Over the past 12 years I have had the opportunity of working on many “first ever” projects with the Bank. The very first was in 2013 during the merger of RBS portfolio with RBL Bank where I played a crucial role in the branch merger process. Following that, from 2016 to 2017, was the launch of “Campaign Management and Customer Engagement” vertical. Initially, the branches were the only point of contact for customers, we identified this as an opportunity and established a digital mechanism to consistently engage with the clients using analytics. My leadership in developing data analytics and effective communication strategies was pivotal to the team's success. Currently, I am focused on launching new savings and FD products.
Throughout these moments of pride, there is a well-oiled machinery of operations, process updates, technology developments and investments made by the Bank that have formed as the foundation for these projects to be successful. These have also ensured agility and quicker TATs for meeting the deadline of projects.

 

Q: How has the Bank supported your growth both as a professional and as an individual?

 

A: Various stages of life and levels of maturity require distinct forms of support. RBL Bank understands this mix well. At the onset of my tenure, the visibility and mentorship provided by the senior members empowered me significantly. The work that I did, reflected an all-round thinking not only for the present but also for the future. During my time in mid management, the Bank introduced training programs at the right intervals which helped me hone my leadership skill and prepared me to take greater challenges and roles. The organization not only focused on enhancing functional skills but also implemented initiatives aimed at developing our soft skills. Through this journey I have changed as a person too, from an impulsive talker to a more conscious thinker, from a quick decision-maker to a more holistic action-taker and from a let go attitude girl to a more persevering woman. These personality changes are very evident and RBL Bank played a pivotal role in this change.

 

Q: Looking back at your journey, what would you tell other women about building a career at RBL Bank?

 
A:
  • Be Confident: Believe in yourself and your abilities. The Bank values confidence and a mindset geared towards growth.
  • Seek Mentorship: Don't be afraid to ask for guidance and support. Our organization has a strong network of mentors who are eager to help.
  • Take Calculated Risk: Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges, as this is where the greatest growth happens.
  • Network and Build Relationships: Building strong relationships with your colleagues and industry peers is essential for career development and growth.