The best leaders are those who can adapt to change and create a vision for the future. Among the leadership team, the CFO plays a pivotal role and is responsible for managing the company's finances and ensuring its long-term financial health. Krishna Dev Yadav is one such CFO who has been instrumental in shaping the future of Eaglespeed International Logistics.
With 25+ years of experience spanning industries like Manufacturing, Trading, Construction, Logistics, and IT, he's been instrumental in shaping the company's financial future. Having honed his skills during his six years of tenure at Deloitte Consulting, Krishna is able to apply it in various areas such as Audit, Finance, Accounting, Taxation, Due Diligence, and SOX Compliance. His journey through diverse senior positions has nurtured his financial acumen and managerial finesse.
In a candid conversation with Industry Outlook magazine, Krishna Dev Yadav, CFO of Eaglespeed International Logistics, shares the insights of his remarkable professional journey. Let’s read.
Can you please shed light on the finance landscape?
Our role has evolved beyond just focusing on financial aspects; we are now active participants in various operations. While most individuals might perceive our role primarily as a financial one, I view it as a collaborative partnership. We're not only responsible for financial matters, but we're also consistently engaged in diverse activities. A significant portion of our time is spent attending various meetings with different groups, including CEOs and the sales team. We are involved in guiding these teams, offering insights on legal considerations, leadership strategies, and more. Consequently, the leadership of the company has become a multifaceted and challenging responsibility.
Can you please give a brief outline of your professional journey?
The journey has been quite interesting, especially considering my extensive experience of over 25 years. This spans from the earlier days to the present, encompassing both traditional and contemporary practices. The evolution has indeed been challenging. The transformation in technology from the past to the present is striking. Previously, everything relied on manual processes, whereas now, automation has taken over, rendering manual intervention nearly obsolete.
This technological shift has been accompanied by significant growth. Adapting to this change was a substantial hurdle, but we managed to navigate it successfully. Particularly in the expansive realm of the tech industry, we're witnessing constant technological advancements that deeply impact supply chain management.
The most effective approach is to be open and receptive to these changes. Simultaneously, it's crucial to maintain operational efficiency across the board, ensuring that we can continue to progress in tandem with the evolving landscape.
What are the most pressing issues you have dealt with in your current role?
Our operations extend internationally, which is distinct from the local context. During a particular period, when lockdowns were in effect and global movement came to a standstill, a notable scenario arose involving the export of fruits and vegetables, particularly to the Gulf region. This was a particularly challenging situation due to the absence of flights and reluctance from people to engage in such activities.
However, the government permitted freighters to operate and facilitate the movement of goods. Despite the hurdles, we managed to coordinate efforts, involving everyone from farmers to airport personnel in Gulf. Through collaborative efforts with airline representatives, we successfully organized the transportation process. As a result, almost daily, we dispatched trade shipments to Gulf countries.
This endeavor was truly a substantial challenge, not only in terms of convincing stakeholders but also in addressing the vital need for a consistent supply of food items.
Integrity illuminates the path to enduring success, where knowledge, hard work, & trust converge
Tell me about your expertise in operations and how you have contributed to the company's growth.
In the realm of decision-making, a fundamental requirement is to gain a comprehensive grasp of the operational aspects of any business. It's imperative to thoroughly comprehend how the entire business functions. Without this foundational understanding, making informed decisions becomes an intricate task. There's a substantial risk of making incorrect judgments if this essential understanding is lacking.
However, when you possess a thorough comprehension of the operational dynamics, the outcomes are notably different. This approach aligns with growth and ensures that decisions are consistently favorable for the company. To achieve this, we engage proactively in various meetings, spanning both operations and sales. This active participation enables us to truly grasp the necessities and demands of these departments.
It's crucial to emphasize that our perspective extends beyond the financial angle. Instead, we adopt a pragmatic approach that acknowledges the practical challenges faced by these departments. By doing so, we position ourselves to provide meaningful assistance wherever it's required. This holistic understanding forms the cornerstone of effective decision-making.
How do you inspire your workforce?
While speech motivation and various strategies can yield short-term results, sustained productivity requires a different approach. We achieve this by motivating employees through incentives and ensuring their engagement over extended periods. Along with incentives, it’s about entrusting them with responsibilities and fostering a sense of trust. I believe in guiding them when needed, but it's crucial to establish clear expectations and benefits before any endeavor begins.
What advice would you offer to young entrepreneurs aiming to become successful business leaders in the future?
To aspiring entrepreneurs, I would certainly recommend combining their up-to-date knowledge with dedicated hard work. Specifically, for roles akin to ours, a strong emphasis on honesty with both the team and management is crucial. Honesty serves as the foundation upon which effective leadership is built. While possessing extensive knowledge and various skills is vital, integrity within their role is equally essential. By upholding honesty, they can pave the way for success to naturally unfold.
Krishna Dev Yadav, CFO
Eagle Speed International Logistics
Krishna Dev Yadav has profound finance and Managerial expertise. He has held several senior postings during his carrier span of 25 years.
