Financial Wellbeing can define our future in many ways, by giving us the freedom to make pragmatic decisions that lead to a fulfilling life personally and professionally !

Sowmya Gellu, our next pathbreaker, Wealth Manager at MoneyTree Partners, helps individuals and families solve their financial problems by creating personalized financial plans, managing investments, and providing advice on retirement, education, and other financial goals. 

Sowmya talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about the need for financial knowledge not only for an understanding of investment products, market trends, and financial planning principles but also for gaining general financial literacy

For students, with economic growth comes the need for professionals who can strategize astute investment growth plans that balance prudent approaches along with risk !

Sowmya, can you tell us what you’re growing up years were like? 

I grew up with a curious mind, always eager to learn how things worked. I was a bright student and excelled in academics, particularly math and economics. In 10th grade, I scored 97%, and in 12th with PCM, I achieved 96%. My parents always encouraged me to pursue my interests and supported my education. I was also into extracurricular activities; I am a United World Records holder and a star world records holder for filling up 3×3, 4×4, 5×5, 6×6, 7×7, 8×8 and 9×9 in magic square grids as a group with numbers non stop in a lowest time . I participated in debates and loved organizing events. These experiences helped me develop leadership and communication skills. My initial interest was in understanding how money and markets function, which eventually shaped my career path. 

What did you do for graduation/post-graduation? 

I pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honors in Economics from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi and graduated with first distinction. Economics gave me a solid foundation in understanding financial systems, markets, and how people make financial decisions. 

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Wealth Management ? 

Key Influencers: My passion for financial markets and money matters inspired me to delve deeper into finance and investments. They made the subject fascinating and showed how it impacts everyday life. 

People/Mentors: During my college and internships, I met experienced professionals who guided me and shared their knowledge about the financial industry. 

Events: A seminar on financial planning sparked my interest in helping people manage their money and achieve their financial goals. 

Turning Points: Realising the impact I could make by helping people secure their financial future motivated me to pursue wealth management as a full-time career. 

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path 

My approach was to gain as much practical experience as possible while building a strong theoretical foundation. 

My internship at PFC (Power Finance Corporation) provided me exposure to the financial operations of a large organization. 

Since I was an intern there, I assisted the senior management in the appraisal of large-scale projects, analysing risk factors, projected cash flows and potentials returns. I conducted financial viability assessments of infra and power projects to determine feasibility and funding requirements. I gained experience in structuring debt and equity financing for power sector projects, evaluating capital structuring strategies for sustainable funding. 

Next, as an Investment Analyst, I helped startups raise funds, which taught me about the investment landscape. 

While my role as an Investment Analyst did involve elements of research and quantitative analysis, it was broader than just building financial models. My responsibilities included conducting thorough financial due diligence and market research to evaluate diverse investment opportunities. This required analysing startup business models, market trends, and financial statements to assess growth potential and risks. 

I worked closely with Angel Investors, Venture capital Firms and family offices to identify promising startups, primarily at the early and growth stages (Seed to Series B), and also participated in pre-IPO and IPO transactions. My work often involved preparing detailed investment memos and presentations to support funding decisions, as well as participating in pitch meetings with clients and startups. 

The bigger picture of my work was to bridge the gap between investors and startups. I helped investors deploy capital effectively by identifying high-potential companies and structuring deals, while also guiding startups through the fundraising process to help them achieve their growth objectives. This required not only strong analytical skills but also a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, investor expectations, and the dynamics of venture financing. 

In summary, my role was research-backed and involved significant quantitative analysis, but it was also highly collaborative and strategic, focusing on both the numbers and the broader business context to create value for both investors and startups. 

At an NGO, I helped raise funds for educating children from urban slums, realizing the impact of finance for social good. 

I freelanced as a financial analyst and portfolio manager, helping people invest in mutual funds. This allowed me to apply my knowledge and build a client base. 

I also got certified by SEBI as a mutual fund distributor to deepen my knowledge and credibility. 

In my current role, I work as a Wealth Manager at MoneyTree Partners. I help people achieve their 

financial goals by creating retirement plans and funding their children’s education. 

How did you get your first break? 

My first break was landing an internship with PFC. It gave me a foot in the door and allowed me to network with professionals in the finance industry. Later, my freelancing work turned into a full-time opportunity as I built a solid reputation and client base. 

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them? 

Challenge 1: Convincing people to trust me with their money early in my career. 

– But I built trust by providing sound advice, demonstrating results, and always acting in their best interest. 

Challenge 2: Keeping up with the ever-changing financial market trends and regulations. 

– Continuous learning through courses, webinars, and industry publications helped me stay informed and adapt quickly. 

Challenge 3: Balancing work and personal life. 

Prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and practicing effective time management helped me achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve? 

I work as a Wealth Manager at MoneyTree Partners. 

I help individuals and families solve their financial problems by creating personalized financial plans, managing investments, and providing advice on retirement, education, and other financial goals. 

We serve a diverse client base, including over 1500+ clients across India, primarily focusing on individual investors and large institutions as well. Our objective is to provide personalized, long-term investment planning and wealth management solutions tailored to each client’s unique goals, using instruments like mutual funds, equities, and insurance. 

I have also freelanced in wealth management, offering services such as portfolio reviews, investment advisory. The customers I deal with in freelancing are often individuals and small businesses seeking personalized attention, but the core goals—wealth growth, risk management, and financial security—remain consistent with those of larger firms. 

What are the skills needed for your role? How did you acquire them? 

Financial Knowledge: Understanding of investment products, market trends, and financial planning principles. 

Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial needs of the client and make informed decisions. 

My role also requires basic quantitative skills for analyzing financial data and trends, but advanced financial modeling is not essential. Fundamental understanding of numbers and data interpretation is important. 

Communication Skills: Ability to explain complex financial concepts in a simple and understandable manner. 

Relationship Building: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients. 

I acquired the skills through education, certifications, continuous learning, and practical experience. 

What’s a typical day like? 

A typical day involves meeting with clients, analyzing financial data, researching investment options, and creating financial plans. 

I love making a positive impact on people’s lives by helping them achieve financial security and realize their dreams. 

How does your work benefit society? 

My work benefits society by promoting financial literacy and helping people make informed financial decisions. This leads to greater financial stability, reduced stress, and improved overall well-being. Additionally, by helping people save and invest, I contribute to economic growth and development. 

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you! 

I once helped a young couple create a financial plan to buy their first home. They had struggled with saving and budgeting but were determined to achieve their dream. After a year of following my advice, they were able to save enough for a down payment and purchase their dream home. Seeing their joy and knowing I played a part in making it happen was incredibly rewarding. 

Your advice to students based on your experience? 

My advice to students is to start learning about finance early. Even basic knowledge of budgeting, saving, and investing can make a big difference in your future. Also, don’t be afraid to explore different career paths and gain practical experience through internships and part-time jobs. Find what you’re passionate about and work hard to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. 

Future Plans? 

In the future, I plan to continue growing as a wealth manager and expand my expertise in financial planning. I also want to give back to the community by providing financial education to underprivileged individuals and families. Additionally, I aspire to become a thought leader in the industry and share my insights through writing and speaking engagements.