Rajesh Krishnan

Redefining CFO Excellence with Holistic Strategies and Adaptive Leadership

Rajesh Krishnan

Director - Finance, HR and Procurement,

Leisung Technologies LLC

Great leaders inspire action through a blend of strategic insight and empathetic teamwork. Rajesh Krishnan, Director of Finance, HR, and Procurement at Leisung Technologies LLC, exemplifies this blend of leadership, particularly during the most challenging periods of his career. With an impressive academic background that includes an MBA, procurement certifications like CPPM CPP CISCM CICCM, and additional certifications like Six Sigma Green and Black Belts, Rajesh brings a wealth of knowledge to the financial sector. His ability to streamline business operations has been pivotal in driving growth and profitability for the organisations he has served. During the 2008 recession, Rajesh’s leadership was tested as he navigated a company through the economic downturn in the region. Instead of downsizing, Rajesh spearheaded a strategic restructuring that involved temporary salary adjustments, aggressive receivables management, and a shift to smaller, yet profitable projects. This approach not only saved jobs but also maintained the company’s competitive edge, ultimately leading to its acquisition. Rajesh’s resilience and strategic foresight were further demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a key financial leader in a boot strapped startup, he ensured the company’s stability by retaining all employees, securing crucial bank facilities, and steering the company to a remarkable growth trajectory—from AED6 million to AED95 million revenue in 5 years. His focus on adaptability, under-committing and overdelivering, and maintaining strong relationships with employee’s vendors, customers and bankers underlines his effectiveness as a CFO. Rajesh’s journey highlights the critical role of a CFO in not just managing finances but also in leading a team through uncertainty and ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the business. His story serves as a powerful example of how financial leadership can guide companies through he most turbulent times, emerging stronger and more resilient. When speaking with Trade Flock, Rajesh uncovers more about his journey to date.

What inspired your move from finance to a broader HR and procurement role?

My transition from finance to a broader role at Leisung Technologies was driven by a passion for holistic integration. I wanted to unite finance, HR, and procurement to create a seamless operation where every department contributes to our mission. By applying my financial expertise across these areas, I’ve been able to drive efficiency, bridge departmental gaps, and foster a unified culture. This role allows me to align our financial goals with our people and supply chain strategies, making our organisation stronger and more cohesive.

What key challenges in the Asian financial landscape are you tackling?

The Asian financial landscape faces challenges like economic volatility, evolving regulations, and rapid technological changes. At Leisung Technologies, we tackle these by prioritising financial resilience and agility. We stay ahead by monitoring market trends and regulatory shifts, investing in digital transformation, and fostering strong relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders. This approach helps us adapt swiftly to changes, ensuring we remain competitive and prepared for economic uncertainties.

What’s an area for improvement, and how are you addressing it?

At Leisung Technologies, I recognise the need to deepen our use of data analytics for better financial forecasting and procurement strategies. Although we’ve made progress, I see significant potential for improvement. We’re addressing this by investing in advanced analytics tools and providing targeted training for our team. On a personal level, I’m enhancing my skills through seminars and certifications in finance, procurement, and HR. This dual approach—both team and personal growth—aims to drive more informed decisions and optimise our operations.

What’s your guiding mantra?

My personal mantra is “Embrace continuous learning and adaptability.” This philosophy guides me to stay curious and open-minded, both professionally and personally. In a fast-evolving industry, seeking new knowledge and adapting to change are crucial. This mindset drives innovation, overcomes obstacles, and fosters growth within the organisation and in my personal life.

What strategies have you implemented to boost financial performance and efficiency at Leisung Technologies?

At Leisung Technologies, we’ve boosted financial performance and operational efficiency through several key strategies. We integrated advanced financial analytics for deeper insights and better resource allocation. We adopted e-procurement systems to streamline processes and cut costs. Additionally, we emphasise training and development to keep our teams sharp and responsive, and we leverage AI to optimise operations and reduce expenses. These initiatives collectively enhance our decisionmaking, cost control, and overall efficiency.

How have you improved supplier relationships and procurement processes?

At Leisung Technologies, we’ve strengthened supplier relationships and procurement processes by implementing a performance evaluation system for transparency and high standards. Our e-procurement platform has streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and reduced costs. We focus on long-term partnerships for better terms and a reliable supply chain. Additionally, we’ve integrated blockchain technology to enhance accuracy and security in our procurement and supply chain operations.

How has your leadership style evolved, and what are your key strengths?

My leadership style is collaborative and inclusive, emphasising teamwork, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. I focus on empowering team members and encouraging them to take ownership of their roles. Over the years, my approach has evolved to become more adaptive, responding to the rapidly changing business environment. For instance, when I joined my current organisation, I mentored a colleague in finance and employee management, leading him to independently manage key tasks. My greatest strength lies in effective delegation and fostering open communication, creating an environment where the team can thrive and contribute to the company’s success.

What advice do you have for future leaders?

Share your knowledge and mentor others to foster growth. Embrace continuous learning and stay updated with industry trends. True leadership involves guiding your team to success, which drives collective progress and organisational advancement.