CEO Insights Magazine

Financial leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the global economy, guiding companies through complex financial landscapes with strategic insight and innovation. Among these influential figures is Sridhar Rao, a distinguished alumni leader from Asian Institute of Management Makati Metro, Manila. With a wealth of experience, he has advised companies across various sectorson valuations, overseeing 500+ assignments for transactions, restructuring, taxation, financial reporting, dispute resolution, and financing. As an Accredited Business Valuer, licensed by the Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and a certified valuer in The Institute of Valuers and Appraisers, Singapore (IVAS), Sridhar's credentials showcases his commitment to excellence and leadership in the financial industry.

Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with CEO Insights Asia magazine, Sridhar shares the imperious details of his journey as one of the influencing leaders in Indonesia and Singapore. Let’s hear it from him.

Tell us about the distinctive experiences provided by the Asian Institute of Management and the non-academic lessons gained from your time on campus.

My time at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati, Manila, changed my life and went beyond what is often expected of an educational institution. The curriculum of the Institute is so important because of its unique approach to education, which goes beyond simply filling the knowledge glass with more knowledge. As a member of one of the final classes fortunate enough to have innovative professors who pushed our minds to the limit, my experience was truly extraordinary.

These outstanding teachers enabled us to reach new heights, and their lessons have had a lasting impact on my development both personally and professionally.

Could you provide an overview of Truscel Capital, outlining its organizational identity and current market standing? What differentiates you from other competitors in the industry?

Truscel Capital is the culmination of a visionary journey that began with a quest for independence and moral values. As successful as I was as a senior partner in a large firm, I was driven to start an organization dedicated to complete independence. The early years were difficult because of the market's resistance to independent companies and their skepticism. We battled for eight years, sticking to our values until the market saw our inherent worth. Truscel Capital is one of the nation's most independent companies today, and this has been made possible because of the trust that authorities and clients have shown in us.

What sets us apart is our unparalleled sectoral knowledge honed over three decades, encompassing various industries and cross-border experiences. This expertise enables us to meticulously evaluate business models, identifying optimization opportunities even in profitable companies. Our approach to valuation is not merely scientific but an artful craft, crafted through experience and an innate understanding of industry intricacies.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies that you follow as a leader?

My commitment to client-centric value creation, a concept that departs from conventional textbook techniques, lays the foundation of my leadership philosophy. My focus has always been on providing clients with genuine value and going above and beyond their expectations in terms of timeliness and quality.

In navigating this intense journey, it goes beyond impacting just my work-life balance; it touches the lives of my team. Although achieving a perfect harmony between work and personal life takes a back seat, our steadfast dedication to producing outstanding value and fulfilling rigorous deadlines strikes a favorable chord.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

Looking ahead, we plan to venture into new territories, notably the Philippines and Thailand, while also expanding our network within existing markets. Having already executed successful cross-border transactions between Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, we aim to amplify these efforts. Additionally, it's noteworthy to mention our recent expansion into India with the establishment of a firm in Bangalore through a strategic partnership. This recent development reflects our dedication to growth and agility in seizing opportunities in emerging markets.

In the light of your strong experience within the industry, what advice would you give to the budding industry leaders?

My advice to emerging leaders in the industry stems from the crucible of my own experiences. First and foremost, define your internal value system – whether it aligns with the market norms or pursues a path of independence and prudence. Understand that embracing a value system like mine, which prioritizes ethics and independence, may not lead to a flamboyant lifestyle. Secondly, in penetrating the market, develop strategies with existing players. Networking is crucial but not an overnight accomplishment. Building trust takes time, and emerging leaders must commit to the long term. It's not a short-term game but a marathon, demanding strength and stamina to persevere against all odds. Be resilient, stay true to your values, and remember that success in this journey may not come immediately, but the enduring impact is worth the investment.

Sridhar Rao, Managing Partner, Truscel Capital

With over 25+ years' expertise in valuations, M&A, and corporate finance, Sridhar Rao is the Founder and Managing Partner of Truscel Capital. Formerly of Arthur Andersen, UBS, and Deloitte, Sridhar advised global clients across industries like aviation, e-commerce, and energy. He holds an MBA from the Asian Institute of Management and a Master of Commerce from Bangalore University. Sridhar is an Accredited Business Valuer, licensed by the Indonesian Financial Services Authority, and a certified valuer in IVAS Singapore. His achievements include guiding five companies to IPO success and lecturing in Corporate Finance at ITB Business School Jakarta.

• Hobbies: Spending time with my Family, Car Enthusiast/Petrol Head
• Favorite Cuisine: Vegan
• Favorite Book: The Art of War by Sun Tzu
• Favorite Travel Destination: Bali, India, Philippines