Dipu KV
Bajaj Allianz
Senior President
Dipu KV is Senior President at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance in India. He talks to Boris Plantier from Qorus about his career and the way he works, the value of being a ‘learn-it-all' rather than a ‘know-it-all' – and the vital importance of coffee.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
My background is like a well-plated five-course meal – AI-led transformation, customer-led innovation and digital operations on a massive scale in various areas of financial services (insurance, cards and consumer banking) – each dish complementing the other perfectly. I’m a curious blend of state-of-the-art tech enthusiast, financial services aficionado, and people leader who is always looking for the next frontier. Over the years, I’ve mentored many leaders and implemented AI and transformation projects in the two firms I have worked in (GE Capital, the world’s #1 financial services company & Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, the world’s #8 digital insurer).
What does your workplace look like?
Imagine a space where innovation flows as freely as the aroma of fresh coffee. My workplace is like a finely tuned orchestra – each instrument (or, in my case, each gadget) is perfectly in place. The whiteboard holds my ideas, my notes are stacked for quick reference, and even my laptop and mobile have their designated spots. It might sound meticulous, but like an orchestra, when everything comes together, it produces something beautiful. It’s the environment where you can brainstorm breakthrough ideas one minute and share a laugh the next.
Could you describe your usual working day?
My day starts with a strong cup of coffee (because of priorities!) and a quick scroll through the latest tech updates. I’m that person who still believes in the magic of daily research – so I pull out relevant articles and share key insights or news links with my team. From there, it’s a whirlwind of meetings, strategy sessions and impromptu problem-solving marathons. My day is a mix of emails, calls and brainstorming with colleagues – sprinkled with humor to keep the energy high. Every day feels like an exciting remix of innovation, collaboration and the occasional high-five to celebrate those small wins.
What is your favorite food?
A fresh bowl of fruits and nuts is my go-to comfort food – a delicious reminder that the best things in life are multi-layered and full of surprises. Like a great fruit and nut bowl, my work philosophy is about balance: the crunch of fresh ideas, the sweetness of daily wins, a hint of spice for that unexpected challenge, and a comforting mix that leaves you satisfied but always hungry for more.
What do you do when you need a break from work?
When it’s time to unplug, I like to keep things simple and refreshing. A brisk walk to clear my head, maybe some tunes from my favorite movie or album to hit reset – it’s my version of a mini recharge. It’s all about returning with fresh perspectives – and maybe a funny story!
What is the key to building a successful team?
The secret sauce? It is a perfect blend of trust, open communication and a generous dash of humor. A team that laughs together wins together. It’s all about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, ideas flow like coffee, and even the occasional bad pun gets a smile. And speaking of coffee, let’s be honest – that’s the unofficial team bonding agent!
Tell me about one of your failures and what you learned from it.
Timing is everything. You can’t cook pasta on high flame and expect gourmet results. Similarly, when we launched IoT-based products, we were ahead of our time – the infrastructure and adoption just weren’t there yet. It was a significant learning experience: innovation needs the right ecosystem to thrive. Sometimes, it’s not about what you’re doing, but when you’re doing it.
What advice would you give someone wanting to succeed in financial services?
Stay curious and adaptable. Financial services is a fast-paced world where today’s innovation can become tomorrow’s old news. Keep learning, build strong relationships (yes, even with that barista who remembers your coffee order), and never shy away from trying something new. Move from being a know-it-all to a learn-it-all.
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