Dr. Sudhi Sharma is the Program Chair (PGDM) and Associate Professor in the Finance Area at the Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB). She has more than 14 years of experience. Her core competencies are in Financial Analytics, Financial Modeling, Econometrics, Time Series Analysis, and Corporate Finance.

Dr. Sharma did her PhD in 2016 from Mohan Lal Sukhadia University through BIMTECH, Greater Noida, on “Impact of Changing Interest Rate on Inflation and Growth of Indian Economy”. Her research area of interest is Financial Econometrics, Volatility Models, Predictive Models, Event Study, Financial Modeling, Portfolio Management, Asset pricing, Equity Research, and Valuations. She acted as a Resource Person in various Training Programmes / Workshops/ Projects/ Consultancy on Econometrics, Financial Modeling, and Input Output Modeling. She has also published her book “Public Expenditure and Economic Growth: A Comparative Study of India and Tanzania”; publisher: Academic Foundation, Gurgaon; Joint Authors: Dr. Shri Prakash, and Richard Fue Kiangi (Tanzania).

Dr. Sudhi’s teaching interests are in Financial Modelling, Financial Analytics, Financial Econometrics, and Valuations. Her teaching philosophy is live experiential learning with plenty of hands-on, encouraging students to come up with projects, research papers, or case studies that leverage their employability quotient.

Fortune Institute of International Business

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My philosophy of leadership revolves around fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where each individual's strengths are harnessed to achieve common goals. I believe in leading by example, demonstrating integrity, and encouraging open communication within the team. My leadership style is adaptive, drawing from situational leadership principles. I recognise the importance of empowering team members and providing them with the autonomy to excel in their respective roles. I value continuous learning and believe that a leader should be receptive to feedback and open to innovative ideas. Ultimately, I aim to inspire and motivate my team, cultivating a positive and creative atmosphere that promotes both individual and collective success.

How does the curriculum of the college ensure the best practice of industry?

Our curriculum is rigorous and exemplifies a commitment to continuous improvement. We conduct thorough analyses of industry job descriptions, decoding the skill requirements of companies, and ensuring that our curriculum remains dynamically aligned with these expectations. Our focus is on moulding students into adept data intelligence problem solvers. Through a combination of robust experiential programs, engaging capstone projects, collaborative research opportunities, skill-based value-added boot camps, and specialised mentoring, we are dedicated to nurturing the professional development of our students. These initiatives are meticulously designed to not only impart theoretical knowledge but also instill practical skills, preparing our students to seamlessly understand the data-driven complexities of today's professional landscape. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry demands is reflected in our proactive approach, ensuring that our graduates are not just academically sound but are also well-prepared for successful and impactful careers.

Any insights into how your institute could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

Enhancing inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment for students of diverse races and economic backgrounds is a priority for our institute. We recognise the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for all students, irrespective of their backgrounds. To achieve this, we are committed to implementing several initiatives. Firstly, we are actively working to diversify our faculty and staff, ensuring that our leadership and teaching positions reflect the richness of perspectives within our student body. Additionally, we are expanding scholarship programs and financial aid opportunities to alleviate economic barriers, making education more accessible. Cultural awareness and sensitivity training are integrated into our orientation programs to promote understanding and respect among students from different racial and economic backgrounds. We encourage and support student-led organisations that celebrate diversity and organise events that showcase the cultural richness within our community. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where all students feel valued, respected, and supported on their academic journey. Our commitment to continuous improvement in this regard is unwavering, and we welcome feedback to further enhance the inclusivity of our institute.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the Institution and the students are?

As an integral part of this institution, my roles and responsibilities encompass a multifaceted commitment to both the institution and its students. Primarily, I see myself as a steward of the institution's vision and mission, working diligently to uphold its values and goals. For the institution, my responsibilities include providing effective leadership and strategic direction. This involves fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence, innovation, and growth. I work towards creating a positive organisational culture that encourages collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. In terms of students, my foremost responsibility is to ensure their holistic development. This includes overseeing the design and implementation of a curriculum that not only meets academic standards but also prepares students for the dynamic challenges of the real world. I aim to foster an environment that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. My role extends beyond administrative tasks; it is about cultivating an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

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What do you think should be the Institution’s top priority over the next 10 years?

The institution's top priority over the next ten years should be to remain adaptable and responsive to the evolving landscape of education and industry. To achieve this, several key areas merit focus. To provide innovative teaching methodologies and technology to enhance the learning experience, we will incorporate online and blended learning models, interactive technologies, and adaptive learning platforms. Continuously assessing and updating the curriculum to align with industry needs. Fostering partnerships with businesses and professionals will be done to ensure that students are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge demanded by the job market. We also aim to enhance opportunities for international exposure and collaboration.

What do you see as your college’s greatest strengths?

Our college’s greatest strengths encompass a dynamic combination of research and industry-led faculty expertise, coupled with an innovative curriculum. With a faculty dedicated to cutting-edge research and possessing hands-on experience in the industry, our students benefit from a rich learning environment that bridges academic knowledge with real-world applications. This robust foundation is complemented by our forward-thinking curriculum, prominently featuring an Integrated Data Analytics model. This visionary approach ensures that data analytics is seamlessly woven into every academic discipline, fostering graduates who are not only specialists in their fields but also versatile problem solvers in the realm of data intelligence. The marriage of research-driven faculty and an industry-aligned curriculum positions our institution as a leader in producing well-rounded, industry-ready professionals capable of addressing the evolving demands of the job market.

What initiatives has the institute taken to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students?

Our institute is deeply committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among our students, recognising their pivotal roles in shaping the future. Several initiatives have been implemented to cultivate a culture of creativity and enterprise. Our curriculum incorporates entrepreneurship courses designed to impart the necessary skills and knowledge to aspiring entrepreneurs. These courses cover ideation, business planning, funding strategies, and sustainable business practices. Our flagship event, Meraki- start-up ccompetition, is organised every year to provide a platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas and receive constructive feedback from industry experts. These competitions often come with mentorship opportunities and financial support for winning projects. Student-led entrepreneurship clubs and societies are actively supported, providing forums for like-minded individuals to collaborate, share ideas, and organise events. These groups serve as hubs for fostering a community passionate about innovation. Renowned entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and experts are invited to conduct guest lectures and workshops. These sessions expose students to practical insights, success stories, and the challenges of entrepreneurship, inspiring and preparing them for their entrepreneurial journeys.

Can you share examples of successful collaborations between the institute and learners and the best examples of outcome-based learning?

At our institute, we take great pride in the outcomes achieved through our commitment to outcome-based learning and successful collaborations with learners. Our students actively engage in the preparation of term projects, which are then transformed into compelling case studies and research papers. Notably, our experiential programs, such as corporate internships and Master dissertation theses, have resulted in tangible outcomes, including publications in ABDC-indexed journals. In each course, students undertake industry-led projects that not only demonstrate their in-depth understanding of the subject matter but are also crafted to meet industry expectations. These projects serve as a testament to our focus on bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. What sets our approach apart is that students not only showcase their work within the academic community but actively share these projects and outcomes on professional websites.