Being a CEO of one of the most successful banks and having to handle more than five hundred staffs definitely counts as a tough job. To know more about what it’s really like, we caught up with Mr. Gyanendra Prasad Dhungana, the CEO of Nepal Bangladesh Bank Ltd. and asked him a few important questions. Here is what he had to say.

1. How do you start your ordinary day? How does it end? Do you still have enough time to spend with your loved ones?

I start my day with a cup of green tea and a newspaper. My typical day ends with watching TV with my family. Though the weekdays are really hectic for me, I make sure that I spend all my weekend with my family.

2. Are there any advices you would to give to the aspiring younger bankers?

Be honest, be dedicated to your job and never be afraid of failure.

3. What are your most important professional achievements at your current university?

With the help of my team, I was able to bring the bank to its present status. Nepal Bangladesh Bank converted into a profit making bank from a loss generating bank. I believe being able to do so is my greatest achievement so far. We also started winning various prizes for being one of the most managed banks.

4. Would you say luck has something to do with your success?

Well I cannot say that luck had to do nothing with it my success but I find it necessary to add that, luck alone was not enough for me to come to a place where I stand now.

5. What are the key success factors for a CEO? What are the challenges?

Honesty, dedication, good management skills are some of the success factors for a CEO. Unfair competitions, unfavourable investment climate and managing operational risks are definitely some challenges.

6. Do you admire another CEO or a leader (current or historical)? Why?

Yes, I really admire the governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, especially after he rescued the financial system of Nepal from collapsing. I also admire B.P. Koirala for his strong leadership.

7. How would you describe your leadership?

I would say it is more democratic and participative.

8. How do you manage organisational politics, and conflicting personalities, interest and views?

This is a part of my duty. There is no readymade solution for such problems. I deal with them as per the situation and the context.

9. How do you see the future of the Nepalese economy and our industry?

I am really hoping for a prosperous economy especially after the successful elections of Second Constitutional Assembly. If our constitution is drafted in time, I believe that our country will surely be very close to a brighter future.

10. Are there any advices that you would like to give to the policy makers of our country to help the economy and your business?

Be consistent and give the Nepalese people what you promised, a proper constitution. Honesty,dedication, good management skills are some of the success factors for a CEO.

Photo: Akash Maharjan