Shankha

Answers for Shankha Bhattacharyya who is running for treasurer!

1. What is your original platform idea that you are the most proud of?

My idea of governance is based on ‘balanced scorecard’. I see the role of a treasurer from a far bigger perspective than safekeeping of money. I would take steps to apply financial data on all four parameters of the balanced scorecard. More details about the balanced scorecard can be found at the following link:

http://www.balancedscorecard.org/basics/bsc1.html

2. What is it about you that would suit the position that you are running for?

Client focus and empathy. Acorrect evaluation of the project , for which funds are being demanded , is essential for this role. Using these skills I shall be able to measure the needs and allocate funds accordingly.

3. What makes you different from your opponent(s)?

My work experience with Fidelity Investments. My role was that of an inhouse consultant to financial advisors. Through deep and insightful dicussions , I won wide acclaim. Many of them treated me like their family members, by offering me advice on life and living. My demeanour made them come out of their formal,business mould. A great sense of attachment was developed whichenabled Fidelity fundsto be their preferred products to sell.

I have also been able to internalize best practices in accounting and compliancefrom this work experience. That is the level of work ethic I would be able to bring in to GBC.

4. What would your 5150 team members say about you? Name one so that
we can check.

Insightful and rational.

Team member – Leonid Jitomorski

5. Have you been active in GBC events? Please elaborate.

I started in Jan 07 . Entered the Schulich-Rotman case writing competition sponsored by zero footprint. Though our team did not make the cut , I was present at the final event. My goal was to establish stretch benchmarks that I can adopt for the future.

6. What are important qualities in a GBC candidate for your position?

Integrity,Inclusiveness of opinions ( as far as possible ) , feedback with predictive value to President and Vice President.

7. Do you have the guts to be a strong voice for the student body?
Give an example of past behaviour that demonstrates courage.

With my previous employer , I critiqued the reward criteria for a motivational program. Our management took notice and a new reward criteria was established.

8. What do you think of the quality of Schulich students?

Simply brilliant !! Not only are they are living up to high academic standards, but making immense sacrifices as well to get the MBA .

9. What is the biggest problem at Schulich? Is it solvable by the GBC?
If so, how?

The biggest challenge that I see is of making our student services more meaningful . Yes, that is solvable by GBC.

We need to re designate responsibility of our class reps. For the student community , it is jobs and career that matter most. We need a class rep to act as a facilitator in that role. True, that the CDC is doing a great job , but there are far more opportunities available. For example , if students from China would like to network with the Chinese business community in Toronto , this rep can act as a facilitator. This would also make our career services more ‘client focussed’.

10. What is the funniest thing you have seen at Schulich so far?

The stained glass pieces that carriesnames of the donors. It is barely noticeable from a distance. We should relocate them (on a banner like format )on the high walls around the perimeter of the marketplace. That would provide a much higher level of visibility.

11. Give 3 adjectives to describe yourself.

Highly enterprising,very insightful and humility personified.

12. What was/is your favourite class so far? How about your favorite teacher?

Favourite class is ECON 5100. And Prof Tolias who teaches the course is my favourite. I highly admire his skill of logical synthesis. It is remarkable how he can start from a simple example and build uponit to explain a complex concept.

13. Coke or Pepsi?

Pepsi – Choice of the new generation.

14. How much time have you budgeted to your GBC duties (per week)?

10-14 hrs.

15. What else should we know about you?

I have diverse talents outside of my area of work. I did freelance marketing for an Indian restaurant in Vaughn , got sponsors for an on-line United Way auction , play baseball ( learnt in Canada), ran Internet newsgroup for Indian immigrants, acted in a commercial movie ( in India ).

16. And finally, if you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

Apple . It is attractive , hard to the extent of not being rigidand healthy for the one eating it . Those who interact with me would have a similar feeling. I am opinionated , but not rigid , think and act about the well being of others . About being attractive , I shall leave it to your judgment .