Listen To Understand And Not Respond’ Is The Gateway To Continuous Learning And Succeeding

Don’t let anyone say you can’t have both a mean­ingful professional ca­reer and a fulfilling personal life.

These sentiments were ech­oed by Kalpana Lal the Head of Unit, Administration & Finance of German International Coop­eration, Pacific operations.

Ms Lal who has over the years focused her career in building a relationship of trust and respect with her colleagues and part­ners, was chosen to be Executive Interview this week.

Ms Lal has centred her profes­sion by holding ethics to the highest regard and having the courage to stand up for what she believes in.

This in-turn has gained her the respect and merit that she has achieved today.

Throughout her life she be­lieves one of the most valuable lessons learnt is the ability to manage expectations and the ability to communicate, articu­late ideas as well as being solu­tion oriented.

• Tell us more about your life story?

I am currently the Head of Unit, Administration & Finance at German International Cooperation, Pacific operations. I am an elected Board Director on Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL) Group as well as the appointed , .

• Did your family background or where you grew up, have an any influence on your career choices?

I come from a modest background.

Much of who I am today can be accred­ited to my late mother.

My mother always stressed the impor­tance of education to my siblings and I from a young age.

Although I felt it the most as I think, in part, my mom tried to live through me, to see me succeed in education and ca­reer in a way she had not been given the opportunity to do so during her time.

• Tell us about your career?

I started out my career as an auditor with the Office of the Auditor General.

In addition to this I hold Board ap­pointments in capacity as Board Direc­tor and Chairperson.

Along the way, I have constantly up-skilled my knowledge to ensure that I can make meaningful contributions at various levels and in the different ca­pacities I work in.

From an early age I knew I was respon­sible for myself and my career develop­ment.

I love taking challenges; if someone tells me that there is something I cannot do, I would pursue the very thing until I get good at it.

• Tell us a bit about your role at GIZ?

I work for Deutsche Gesellschaft fürIn­ternationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German International Coopera­tion) as the Head of Unit, Finance & Ad­ministration for the Pacific operations comprising of Fiji and 14 of Pacific Is­land countries.

This is a position I have held for the past eight years.

I oversee the corporate services affairs for Pacific as well as am part of the GIZ Pacific management team.

Over the years I have ensured that ro­bust corporate services structures have been implemented at GIZ which are ef­ficient as well as effective.

My focus has also been to build rela­tionship of trust and respect with my colleagues and our partners.

As I have grown in this organisation I have realised that I have to constantly put on various hats.

iii. What areas in the GIZ that needs strengthening?

None really, it is a very well structured organisation with excellent policies and operating procedures.

On the contrary a number of organisa­tions/ entities can learn from GIZ.

• What have been some of the high­lights of your career so far?

Being appointed to a role traditionally held by expatriates in my organisation and undergoing an intensive training programme in Germany before taking on my role some years ago.

Being the first female to be awarded Chartered Accountant of the Year by the Fiji Institute of Accountants in 2017.

Being appointed to the Board of Basic Industries, then being elected to Fijian Holdings Limited Board as well as being appointed as the Chairperson of FHL Fund Management Limited Board.

I have been the past chairperson for Basic Industries Audit and Risk Com­mittee for two years.

• Have you been inspired or influenced by anyone in particular?

I attribute much of my learning ex­periences and development to my late mother.

If there is one thing I held throughout the years, it would be the value of in­vesting and sowing into my dreams.

I learnt that there are no shortcuts to life’s achievements and every victory comes through a process.

Growing up, I’ve been inspired and encouraged through the thoughts of authors like John Maxwell on the val­ues of having the right attitude towards both successes and failures.

I have been fortunate to have good men­tors and be in the company of seasoned leaders who have been great sounding boards.

• What do you like best about your work?

It would be Development Co-opera­tion. I think it is gratifying to be able to make a modest contribution through our work in shaping a future worth liv­ing around the world.

In addition to this I am responsible for a young and energetic team of pro­fessionals with whom it is a pleasure to work with. I try my best to inspire and motivate them whilst they keep me challenged as well as on my toes.

• What are some of the challenging

aspects of your job?

Implementing or driving change. Over period of time people get accustomed to a certain way of doing things and achieving results. Since we are con­stantly evolving, change is inevitable.

It is important to embrace change for better and to move with it in order to re­main relevant. We need to step outside our comfort zones.

• What are your ambitions for the

future?

I hope to further develop my skills as a strategist and a leader to become a bet­ter version of myself.

9.What would you say to young people who would like to be a executives in the future?

nMy overall advice would be to make learning a continuous and ongoing practice throughout life; be consistent and be relevant. Love what you do.

nBuild relationships; stay humble.

nBelieve in yourself. Clearly commu­nicate the vision/goals and create a path so all can succeed or contribute to the success.

n“Listen to understand and not re­spond” is the gateway to continuous learning and succeeding.

• What advice would you like to share with aspiring or upcoming women who want to become leaders in their field?

Don’t let anyone say you can’t have both a meaningful professional career and a fulfilling personal life.

Always believe in yourself and face up to your fears.

Tell yourself that the opportunity you give up or decline today may not come back.

As an advocate of the accounting profession and as an inspiration to stu­dents and upcoming accountants could you share with us your biggest chal­lenges during university/ school years?

My biggest challenge during school­ing years was to remain focused, disci­plined and diligent on a daily basis so much so that it became a routine.

Peer pressure on the other hand is in­evitable for any student to succumb to.

It is important to know and realise what our priorities in life are, to set clear goals and strive to succeed.

• How do you keep yourself engaged outside of work; what community

involvement if any, do you have?

I have been involved in community work as a rotarian since April 2008.

I have effectively managed financial contribution of the Rotary Foundation to Rotary Club of Suva East in embark­ing on water Projects with Rotary Pa­cific Water for Life Foundation.

I have represented GIZ as a Champion on “Action for Sustainability”.

In my personal time I also do some vol­unteer work.

I strongly believe in the need to give back to the community that we live in.

karalaini.tavi@fijisun.com.fj