“Every day, I strive to go a little further than yesterday, knowing that true success has no limits or predefined paths.”

Yashpal Jain, the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary at Sandhar Technologies Limited, embarked on his professional journey in 1994 after completing his graduation in commerce. His ambition and focus led him to the rigorous domain of Chartered Accountancy, where he found success in 1997, clearing the examination on his very first attempt. This achievement marked the beginning of an illustrious corporate career that would span over two decades. He began his corporate role in February 1998, and over the course of 26 years, he took on various positions in multiple sectors, steadily building a wealth of experience. By 1999, while already established in the corporate world, he furthered his qualifications by completing both his Company Secretary certification and a degree in law. This combination of legal and financial expertise helped broaden his influence within the organizations he served, allowing him to spearhead key financial reforms during challenging times.

His extensive professional background includes significant tenures in sectors such as oil and gas, and power transmission, where he gained deep industry insights. Jain’s experience spans across industries like Oil & Gas, Infrastructure, Power, FMCG, FMCD, Automobiles, engineering, and pharmaceuticals, each contributing to his diverse understanding of business operations. These diverse experiences allowed him to develop a wide-ranging expertise that positioned him as a dynamic and adaptable leader in complex and evolving industries. Currently, as CFO and Company Secretary at Sandhar Technologies, Yashpal Jain has taken on responsibilities that go well beyond traditional financial roles. In addition to overseeing finance and accounts, he manages central procurement, supply chain, projects and assets maintenance, legal and secretarial functions, as well as the company’s IT operations. Furthermore, he plays a pivotal role in driving business in the plastics and aftermarket segments. This wide scope of responsibilities highlights his ability to navigate across various domains, bringing cohesion and strategic foresight to every function he leads.

Balancing Leadership with Lifelong Learning

As an individual, Yashpal places great importance on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, believing that this is crucial to long-term success and personal fulfillment. Alongside this, he is deeply committed to lifelong learning, constantly seeking to expand his knowledge and grow with the evolving demands of the industry. Mindfulness and resilience are two key aspects of his personal philosophy, helping him navigate challenges with a calm and focused approach. These traits not only fuel his own progress but also shape his role as a mentor to younger professionals. By sharing his experiences and insights, Yashpal believes in guiding the next generation, helping them carve out their own successful paths in the corporate world.

On the professional front, Yashpal embodies the qualities of a strategic leader and financial steward. As a CFO, he integrates technology to drive efficiency, believing that modern finance must evolve with digital advancements. His approach is always grounded in integrity and ethics, upholding the highest standards in all his responsibilities. Staying informed about regulatory changes and industry trends is another priority, ensuring that his leadership is both forward-thinking and compliant with the latest developments.

Success Through Perseverance and Growth

To Yashpal, success is limitless and cannot be confined to specific benchmarks. It is a combination of experiences, lessons learned, and the courage to tackle new challenges as they arise. His commitment to continuous growth drives him forward, surpassing his own expectations and expanding his capabilities with each opportunity. Quoting Benjamin Disraeli, Jain finds resonance in the words: “One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his next opportunity when it comes.” This mindset reflects his belief in always being prepared for what lies ahead, and his readiness to face a little extra each day, knowing that success is not a final destination but an ongoing journey.

Acknowledged for Excellence in Leadership and Innovation

Yashpal has earned significant recognition for his contributions to business transformation and financial leadership. His ability to navigate complex challenges and drive innovation has led to a series of notable achievements. In 2024, he was honored with the prestigious CII CFO Excellence Award for being best CFO in Auto & Auto Components, Dun & Bradstreet Finance Elite for demonstrating exceptional leadership, expertise, and accomplishments in the field of finance for his strategic vision and innovative approaches in financial planning and stewardship, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Inspiration Award for Most Versatile Business Transformation Leader, underscoring his impact on reshaping business processes and fostering growth and Times Power Icon 2024 by the Times of India. Further adding to his accolades, he was named on the Financial Express-FE Power List as a Game Changer in 2024, a testament to his strategic vision and leadership within the industry and Best CFO by ASSOCHAM in 2023 and 2024. His international recognition continued with the ET Ascent Asian CFO Leadership Award, where he was judged as CFO of the Year in Dubai in 2022 followed by adjudged as Global 200 Power Leaders in Finance for the year 2023 and 2024 in Dubai. This award highlighted his forward-thinking approach and ability to lead in a rapidly evolving global business environment.

In 2024, Jain was recognized as the Most Innovative CFO by the National Feather Awards, celebrating his unique approach to financial management and his role in driving creativity within his organization. Additionally, his inclusion among the Best Leaders from Finance in India in 2022 by TradeFlock reaffirmed his standing as one of the country’s top financial professionals. These awards reflect Yashpal Jain’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership, marking him as a prominent figure in the field of finance and business transformation.

Advice to Future Leaders: Patience, Hard Work, and Optimism

Yashpal offers simple yet impactful advice to aspiring professionals. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, sincerity, and dedication, paired with a passion for learning and a consistently optimistic outlook. In his view, challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they should never deter one from staying focused on their goals. Maintaining a positive mindset is essential, especially when working in teams or collaborating with others.

For him, there is no shortcut to success, and it cannot be achieved overnight. He stresses the value of persistence and self-motivation in navigating one’s career path, encouraging individuals to stay committed and focused despite difficulties. He also highlights the significance of patience, particularly when listening to others, as it plays a crucial role in shaping effective leadership. By staying cool-headed and open to diverse perspectives, he believes anyone can grow into a good leader. With this mindset, Yashpal wishes all future professionals a bright and successful journey ahead.