Editor’s note: In today’s A Day in the Life, Isha Goel (pictured), Head - Treasury Settlements Asia Pacific, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India shares with FutureCFO audiences how she made progress in her career when she started out about two decades ago
—a period when it was uncommon for a woman to be in finance in India—as well as her typical work day. Goel is a member of Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) APAC Treasury Advisory Council.
FutureCFO: What does a typical day look like for you?
Isha Goel: A typical workday for me begins as early as 6:00 AM. As the Head of Treasury Settlements for the Asia Pacific zone, I don't need to be at my desk, but I do need to monitor emails for any settlements due that day.
While I'm not deeply involved at the transactional level, I must stay on standby to assist the team with any settlement issues, such as technical failures, delays, or escalations.
During this time, I also review my calendar for urgent topics relevant to the day's planning or meetings so that I can plan my day accordingly.
Since our treasury team operates both regionally and locally, we gather in the morning to discuss what each team is working on and any significant events from the previous day that everyone should be aware of.
This helps set the tone for the day, especially if something requires my immediate attention or if I need to schedule meetings around specific topics.
The rest of my day typically consists of a series of calls and meetings.
However, I make sure to block out time in my calendar for essential tasks to avoid interruptions or random calls. This also includes setting aside time for lunch with the team, which might otherwise be consumed by calls due to our work across multiple time zones.
I usually end my day with a short meditation and reflection on the day's events.
In my nearly two-decade career, I've never encountered a similar issue twice. Each situation was unique and required a fresh perspective.
FutureCFO: What excites you the most in your work?
Isha Goel: I would say, this would be a job well done! The complexity and sensitivity involved in resolving issues during transaction processing are quite diverse.
In my nearly two-decade career, I've never encountered a similar issue twice.
Each situation was unique and required a fresh perspective. In addition, you can't rely on past experiences when dealing with cross-cultural geographies.
Even if an issue seems familiar, the approach to resolving it differs. Each scenario has its peculiarities and must be handled uniquely.
Additionally, I enjoy talking to people and listening to their perspectives. It's a fantastic way to learn and grow personally and professionally.
FutureCFO: Can you share an experience which was key to your professional growth?
Isha Goel: It's challenging to pinpoint a single experience. I've been fortunate to work with managers and colleagues who have significantly contributed to my professional growth.
While starting my career with a bang and working on prestigious projects, I also faced considerable gender bias from some peers.
In India, it was uncommon for a woman to be in finance around two decades ago, especially in the highly specialised field of treasury.
However, I was determined to make my mark in the industry and I got my breakthrough when I received the "Women Leadership Award for Excellence in Trade Finance" from an external organisation.
This recognition paved the way for my career and marked a turning point.
The struggles I faced early on made me more resilient and determined to prove myself.
I believe it's safe to say that with determination and perseverance, the sky's the limit.
FutureCFO: Is there anything outside work—such as a travel experience, a book, participation in a sport event, or any volunteering experience—that serves as an important inspiration to your work or life? Can you tell us more about it?
Isha Goel: Outside of work, if I am not spending time learning something new, I spend my time with family or traveling to explore new places.
I enjoy discovering hidden gems or unique activities, even in well-known destinations.
The sense of exploration leaves me in awe of all that nature has to offer.
Additionally, every time I pick up a new activity—my latest obsession being glasswork—I'm amazed by how much there is to learn beyond work and books.
Lastly, I believe in giving back to society and seeking out service opportunities. This could be as simple as helping someone cross the road or teaching someone a new skill.
Such activities are therapeutic and help maintain a sense of calm amid chaos. All of this constantly inspires me to be a better human and an all-round professional.
