CEO Insights Magazine

Great leaders inspire, motivate, and lead by example. They are visionaries with a clear sense of purpose, a strong work ethic, and a passion for their work. For Venka, Founder and Success Coach of Vision Financial, this purpose and passion is making families financially secure, both in unforeseen circumstances and in their everyday lives, ensuring they can enjoy the future with peace of mind. As the founder of Vision Financial, Venka is not just leading a business, he's redefining financial success for professionals and business owners both in Singapore and across Asia. At the heart of Vision Financial is a dynamic team of over 30 consultants, many of whom are expatriates and are now Naturalised Singaporeans who’ve chosen Singapore as their home. This diverse team, with majority of members aged between 25 and 40, mirrors the energy and expertise that Venka’s leadership fosters. The company specialize in vital areas like estate planning, wealth management, and business succession and personal Financial Solutions offering tailored strategies to clients ranging from the professionals , mass affluent to high-net-worth individuals.

CEO Insights Asia is excited to interview Venka to learn more about his business and life.

What motivates you daily to work in the finance industry?

My motivation stems from personal experience. When I was 13, I lost my father, a successful businessman. We had a comfortable lifestyle, a house, a car, a driver. But after his passing, everything changed. This experience drove me to ensure that other families don’t face a similar situation, especially those who believe they have everything in order.

Many don’t realize that if the key person in a business falls ill or passes away, everything can collapse like a house of cards. I’m motivated to prevent that. Additionally, with an ageing population, I’ve seen many people enjoy a good lifestyle but suffer later in life due to poor retirement planning. Even those with substantial wealth worry about whether their money will last through retirement if it isn’t structured properly.

Pensioners, on the other hand, are often the happiest because they receive a steady income and don’t worry about wealth accumulation. They focus on living their lives without the stress of managing investments for short-term needs. This has taught me that ensuring people have a secure income in retirement, along with well-planned long-term investments, brings peace of mind. Having a specially Crafted Personal Pension plan makes all the difference.

With over three decades of rich experience in the industry, could you tell us about the major milestones in your journey and what has been your success mantra?

My success mantra revolves around three key principles. First and foremost is mindset. Regardless of the industry or career, having the right mindset is essential to success. It shapes how you approach challenges and opportunities.

The second pillar is discipline, which is crucial for achieving anything meaningful. It's not just about being motivated; it's about following a structure and maintaining that discipline, even when it’s difficult. A structured approach enables you to accomplish much more in life.

The third pillar is expertise. You need to be an expert in your field, with the right skill set and competence. When I hire someone, I look for these three qualities: the skill set or the potential to develop it, the discipline to execute tasks consistently, and the right mindset for the business. Once these core values are in place, everything else, like integrity, honesty, consistency, and collaboration, naturally follows.

Could you tell us about your leadership approach? What are the key guidelines or methodologies you follow to lead your team?

Leadership and managing people are two very different things. For me, leadership begins with having a clear, overarching vision, understanding where the industry is headed and where our people stand within it. No organization can achieve success without its people, so it’s crucial to understand and include the diverse personalities within the team.

Inclusivity is key to growing the organization bigger and better, ensuring that everyone is working toward a brighter future. In fact, our organization’s tagline, "For a Better Tomorrow," reflects this commitment, not just to our clients but also to our people and ourselves. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and build a better future together. That's the core of my leadership approach.

What is the future roadmap you've envisioned for yourself over the next five years?

I believe that while the industry will continue to remain strong and stable for many decades to come, the rise of AI is going to significantly change the landscape of advisory services. We are already integrating AI systems within our organization to better serve our clients and help them navigate the future. Embracing these technological advancements will be key to staying ahead in the industry and ensuring we continue to offer the best possible support to our clients as the world evolves.

As a leader in the industry, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders?

My advice is to never be fearful. Dreams are the foundation of a bright future, so never let fear hold you back. Don’t be discouraged when someone says you can't do something or when the future seems uncertain.

When you take the time to look within yourself, you’ll discover what you truly want out of life. Once you know that, go after it with everything you have. Don’t let anything stand in the way of achieving your goals. Keep pushing forward, and believe in your vision.

K Venka, Founder & Success Coach, Vision Financial

Venka has over 30 years of experience in the finance industry. He authored Anchoring Success, describing traits of a great leader. His commitment to understanding each client's unique goals has built his reputation as a leader who not only consults but also empowers his clients to thrive.