Leading With Conviction In Risk & Responsible Growth

On the occasion of International Women's Day, The Free Press Journal presents an exclusive conversation that moves beyond celebration to focus on substance — leadership, risk management, and responsible growth in India’s evolving financial ecosystem.

- Manoj Yadav, Business Editor (Digital), speaks with Irem Sayeed, Chief Risk Officer at UGRO Capital

As the Chief Risk Officer of UGRO Capital, what does leadership mean to you as a woman in the financial services industry with over two decades of experience?

Leadership, to me, is about conviction anchored in data and guided by integrity. In financial services, especially in risk management, every decision carries long-term implications. Leadership, therefore, means having the courage to take a stance — including the courage to say “no” when necessary — and standing firmly by decisions that protect the organisation's sustainability.

As a woman in this industry, I have never viewed leadership through the lens of gender. Instead, I have focused on competence, clarity of thought, and consistency in delivery. Over time, credibility compounds. When your intent is transparent and your work speaks for itself, leadership becomes less about position and more about influence. It also means enabling teams — creating an environment where people feel accountable, empowered, and aligned with the organisation's purpose.

Risk management has traditionally been male-dominated. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?