Natasha Rahman chats up Lutfey Siddiqi, Governor, Member of Investment Committee and Visiting Professor-in-Practice at London School of Economics to know what makes him an eminent figure in the global platform.
Currently the adjunct professor at National University of Singapore, Lutfey has been teaching post-graduate finance since 2006. Playful analogies and unusual metaphors; Lutfey knows how to engage his students. He isn’t constrained by the narrow confines of one subject or one academic discipline. “It is the combination of Math and Literature, or Sports and Academics- the intersection of unrelated domain that I find extremely valuable.” The cliché sometimes is that bankers don’t have much to smile about but Lutfey knows how to have a great time. “I enjoy a good conversation like a good game of badminton. In recent months, I have adopted more of a ritual with my two boys – from driving them to school every morning to a round of backyard cricket in the evenings,” he shares. Although Lutfey’s professional interests maybe overwhelming for many, he is indeed energised by them. As an educator, he enjoys the process of learning and the process of communicating what he has learnt. “I enjoy helping someone cut through complexity, to frame and assess a concept or a situation without it being contaminated by prejudice or emotion – that, to me, is the task of an educator. I don’t always get it right but it is extremely satisfying when I do,” he smiles.
While the world is busy chasing one degree after another, Lutfey isn’t bogged down with this never ending race. “Degrees come with expiry dates and I believe there is no such thing as retirement,” he stresses. As the saying goes, the quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves. “Always harbour a ‘growth mentality.’ We learn, experiment, make mistakes, re-learn, adapt and grow throughout our lives. We need to continuously remain in learning mode no matter how many degrees we have collected,” shares the Prince of Whales scholar. As a teenger, Lutfey too followed the ‘race before time’ system. “It was about the next grade, the next exam, the next competition and the next milestone. Back then, I was focused at a microscopic level.” Over time, he learned to enjoy the journey and to allow serendipity to reveal itself. “Aspirations have also changed from pursuing personal success to seeking significance in the lives of others. I appreciate the providence and privilege that has come my way and would like to utilise that for the benefit of others, especially in my native country, Bangladesh,” he concludes.