Unleashing Potential and Driving Innovation: Siddharth’s Journey at Standard Chartered
Siddharth embarked on his journey with Standard Chartered as an Associate Manager in 2017. With his dedication and exceptional performance, he quickly climbed the ranks to become a Manager in 2019, Senior Business Analyst in 2021 and currently holds the position of Product Owner. Siddharth's experience at Standard Chartered showcases how he’s been given the opportunity to grow his career and drive positive change within the Bank.
What attracted you to join Standard Chartered’s Technology Team?
When I had the chance to join Standard Chartered as a Management Trainee after completing my MBA, one thing that instantly resonated with me was the brand promise – “Here for Good” and valued behaviours – “Do the right thing, never settle, better together”. This one simple sentence is so meaningful, and it speaks volumes about the organisation. As I delved deeper, I discovered that Standard Chartered holds a unique position in various developing markets, which will drive growth in the years to come. This presents numerous opportunities for personal and professional development and drove my decision to join Standard Chartered.
What’s your proudest achievement since embarking on your journey with Standard Chartered?
Receiving the People's Choice Award in the 2020 Improvement Awards and the Financial Markets Recognition Award in 2021 are my proudest achievements since joining the Bank. I spearheaded an initiative to solve the complexity of client communications, where clients had to manage 16 different email IDs for various markets and products. By streamlining processes, realigning teams, and conducting a successful pilot project, we transitioned to using a single email for all client queries related to securities, irrespective of market, product, or time zone. This not only greatly improved the client experience but also reduced the email count by 65%.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love that my job offers challenging tasks that allow me to solve problems and grow. My management team have provided me with countless opportunities across different locations. I've had the chance to work in Chennai, Bangalore, and now Kuala Lumpur, experiencing various operational processes. I appreciate the freedom to choose work that aligns with my interests, which has helped me to build a personalised career that I love.
How would you describe the culture in your team?
My team are agile, collaborative, and inclusive. There is a flat hierarchy where everyone's voice is heard and valued. We place a strong emphasis on open communication, encouraging team members to share their thoughts and contribute new ideas. This inclusive environment promotes collaboration and enables us to work together seamlessly towards our goals.
What are you most looking forward to professionally in the coming year?
This year, I am focusing on enhancing my leadership skills and public speaking abilities. I aim to take on more responsibilities and ultimately transition into a larger leadership role in the upcoming years.
What would surprise people about working at Standard Chartered?
One surprising aspect of working at Standard Chartered is the incredibly welcoming and collaborative environment. Our teams are close-knit and there are ample opportunities to pursue work that aligns with your strengths and aspirations. With the right mindset and commitment, you can create your own career path. It's a place where you'll feel supported and empowered to explore new possibilities and unlock your true potential.
What would you say to someone thinking about making the move from a technology organisation to Standard Chartered?
At Standard Chartered, you'll find abundant opportunities to showcase your skills, learn from a diverse and talented team, and contribute to the organisation's sustainable growth. Your voice will always be heard and valued here. With significant investments in technology, you can either take on a leadership role to drive meaningful change or join the technology team and be a part of that change. It's an exciting place to leverage your expertise and make a lasting impact.