“Kapable helped me realise that I could improve the way I communicate by focusing on purpose, presence and how I deliver my message.”

I’ve spent nearly 10 years working in an investment firm focused on Indian markets. My role has grown across three areas: identifying companies to invest in, managing and mentoring a team of analysts, and increasingly, marketing our fund to external allocators. I have always felt very confident about the technical side of my work. My background and training naturally pushed me towards science, engineering, analysis and problem-solving.
As I grew into a leadership role, however, I began to realise that technical expertise could only take me so far. Two experiences made this especially clear. During COVID, I found myself taking greater responsibility for holding the team together and supporting younger colleagues through a difficult period. Helping two team members overcome self-doubt and develop into strong performers became one of the most satisfying parts of my career.
The second realisation came when I started meeting investors and marketing our fund internationally. I could have the strongest investment argument, but if I could not explain it clearly and memorably within 30 or 40 minutes, the quality of the analysis alone would not be enough. I began to understand how important communication, relationships and interpersonal skills were to my effectiveness as a leader.
When I joined Kapable, I wanted to become more confident and less anxious in these situations. I wanted to be more present instead of worrying about the next sentence, whether I was using the right words or whether my grammar and vocabulary were good enough.
What surprised me most was realising that these were not actually the areas holding me back. Throughout the programme, I learned to focus on the purpose of what I was saying, the underlying message I wanted people to take away, and how I was delivering it. Slowing down, using my tone deliberately and emphasising the key point helped me communicate with much greater clarity.
I saw this change when I travelled to the US for an important conference. Earlier, I would have prepared and memorised sentences so I could rely on them under pressure. This time, I focused on the purpose of each response and stayed present in the conversation. I felt more equipped to handle the situation without depending on rehearsed language.
I also became more aware of how I give feedback. I naturally tend to be empathetic and supportive, but I realised that over-empathising can sometimes make feedback vague. I learned to create space for people to genuinely share their perspective before being clear about what needs to change and what action is expected.
Today, I feel more equipped and confident than I did three months ago. I still have areas I want to improve, but I no longer see these skills as something I simply lack. I know they are achievable, and I have tools I can continue practising and building into my everyday behaviour.
The biggest change for me has been that belief. I now approach difficult situations with the understanding that I can improve how I respond, communicate and lead. I feel more optimistic about my ability to keep building on what I have learned