In the ever-evolving landscape of business, certain leaders stand out for their ability to navigate complexities and drive their organizations toward success. Surendra Tadikamalla, the Chief Financial Officer of Tanga Pharmaceutical & Plastics Ltd., is one such leader. With over two decades of experience in finance, Surendra’s journey is a testament to resilience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence.
From Struggles to Success: An Unconventional Beginning
Surendra Tadikamalla’s path to finance was unconventional. Growing up in a business-oriented family, he was surrounded by entrepreneurial ventures. “I come from a business family where most members pursued entrepreneurial opportunities and rarely considered standard jobs,” he explains. “Failing my tenth-grade tests was a turning point. It made me recognize the significance of education and inspired me to change direction.”
Choosing commerce, Surendra found a subject that resonated with his background. His dedication paid off, as he excelled academically, securing top rankings throughout his 10+2 and college years. This success laid the foundation for his future in finance.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Surendra received several job offers but chose to pursue further studies. The Chartered Accountancy (CA) program stood out as the perfect fit, allowing him to delve deeper into finance. “I was drawn to finance professionals because of their effect, strategic influence within organizations, and the intense discipline required in this industry,” he says.
Today, as a seasoned CFO, Surendra reflects on his journey with gratitude. “Each step taught me something valuable, and I’m glad for the path that led me here,” he asserts.
Core Values That Shape Leadership
Throughout his career, Surendra has been guided by core values that shape his leadership and decision-making. Commitment, empathy, integrity, responsibility, and serenity are the pillars of his professional ethos. This dedication drives him to continuously learn, adapt, and strive for excellence. Equally important is empathy, which he believes fosters a cohesive and motivated team.
Integrity, for Surendra, is non-negotiable. In finance, where trust is paramount, doing what is right is essential to building lasting credibility. Responsibility and serenity further guide his actions, ensuring he remains accountable and composed, even in high-stakes situations.
“These principles have not only supported my growth as a finance professional but have also allowed me to lead by example,” he says.
Balancing Work and Life: A CFO’s Perspective
As the CFO of a major company, Surendra faces the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life. He adopts a flexible approach, integrating work and home life. “Balancing work and family as a CFO is a constant juggle, but I’ve found that a flexible approach works best,” he shares. By prioritizing tasks and being efficient, Surendra manages his duties both at work and home. “It’s about finding what works for me and my family,” he adds. This mindset allows him to create value for the company regardless of location.
A typical day for Surendra is fast-paced and varied. He starts by checking the company’s financial performance, reviewing key metrics like sales, costs, and cash flow. “Staying on top of these numbers helps me identify potential issues early and maintain a clear picture of our financial health,” he explains. Next, he meets with department heads to discuss projects and challenges, aligning goals with the company strategy. He works closely with them on initiatives to improve operational excellence and resolve obstacles.
In the afternoons, Surendra focuses on his team, supporting their growth and helping them develop necessary skills. Toward the end of the day, he reviews outstanding tasks and plans for what lies ahead. “It’s a busy job with a lot of moving parts, but I find it deeply rewarding,” he says. “I enjoy balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, all while working toward our mission.”
Overcoming Challenges with Strategic Thinking
Throughout his career, Surendra has faced significant challenges, each teaching valuable lessons. One major challenge was navigating a severe financial crisis. “It was a tough time for the company, and we had to make some difficult decisions to keep things afloat,” he recalls. By streamlining operations, cutting costs, and improving cash flow, the company emerged stronger.
Another challenge was implementing new technology within the organization. Initially, there was resistance to change, as people were comfortable with the old ways. “To overcome this, we focused on education and training, emphasizing the benefits of the new technology,” he explains. By demonstrating how the technology could improve efficiency and productivity, Surendra gained his team’s support.
“These experiences have taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and effective communication,” he asserts.
Financial Leadership and Strategic Decision-Making
Surendra’s primary responsibility is to ensure the financial health of the company. He oversees all financial operations, from budgeting and forecasting to reporting and analysis. “I work closely with the leadership team to develop and implement financial strategies that align with our overall business objectives,” he explains.
This involves making critical decisions about capital allocation, risk management, and cost control. Surendra relies on accurate and timely financial data to make informed decisions. “I’m constantly looking for ways to improve our financial systems and processes, leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance our decision-making capabilities,” he says. Compliance is also a top priority, and he works with auditors to ensure adherence to all regulations. “Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the long-term success of the company by providing sound financial leadership,” he asserts.
Motivating and Aligning the Team
To keep his team motivated and aligned with the company’s goals, Surendra focuses on regular training sessions and workshops that reinforce objectives and build essential skills. “We have a robust performance measurement system in place with clear KPIs, ensuring each team member understands how their contributions drive company success,” he explains.
The incentive structure, including bonuses and merit-based increments, is directly linked to performance, rewarding achievements that support strategic goals. Surendra makes it a priority to communicate objectives clearly, so each team member knows the impact of their work and how it aligns with the larger mission.
Future Trends in Finance and Business
Looking ahead, Surendra sees several emerging trends shaping the future of finance in Africa. One significant trend is the rapid digital transformation across sectors. “With advancements in fintech and digital banking, we’re seeing greater financial inclusion, which is empowering a broader segment of the population,” he notes. Embracing technology will be crucial for making more informed, real-time decisions.
Another trend is the rising focus on sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. “African companies are increasingly being held to global standards, and investors are showing a strong preference for companies that prioritize sustainable practices,” he explains. For CFOs, this means adapting financial strategies to incorporate ESG goals and driving responsible business growth.
Lastly, regional integration initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are promoting cross-border trade, opening new markets for African companies. “To prepare, CFOs must focus on understanding the financial and regulatory implications of regional expansion and build resilient frameworks to manage the complexities of cross-border operations,” he asserts.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders in Finance
Surendra’s advice to aspiring leaders in finance and manufacturing is to focus on adaptability, innovation, continuous learning, and building relationships. “Businesses are constantly changing, so adaptability is essential,” he emphasizes. Embrace change and be willing to innovate, whether through adopting new technologies, improving processes, or exploring sustainable practices.
Continuous learning is also crucial. “Develop both technical expertise and leadership skills by staying current with industry trends, pursuing certifications, and seeking mentorship from seasoned professionals,” he advises. Effective leaders understand both the operational and strategic sides of the business.
Surendra also highlights the importance of building relationships. “Collaboration is critical in any leadership role, and success often depends on your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders,” he explains.
Conclusion
Surendra Tadikamalla’s journey in finance is a remarkable story of resilience, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His ability to navigate challenges, motivate his team, and stay ahead of industry trends has made him a standout leader in the field. As he continues to drive Tanga Pharmaceutical & Plastics Ltd. toward success, Surendra’s insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring leaders in finance and beyond.
