Sonia Dasgupta, who has made a name for herself in the world of investment banking over the past two decades at JM Financial, did not always aspire to be in this field. In fact, Dasgupta initially wanted to become a doctor but narrowly missed the Mumbai merit cut off. She then went on to study economics, mathematics, and statistics at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai before pursuing an MBA at IIM Ahmedabad.
Dasgupta’s career at JM Financial began in 1995 as a rookie in the M&A team. Over the years, she transitioned into various roles in M&A, covering financial institutions, healthcare, and PE investors. She gained international exposure while working in Australia and on offshore deals and ADRs/Bond issuances of Indian corporates while on a Morgan Stanley JV. In 2015, she was appointed the Head of JMF Group Borrowings, enabling her to develop an incisive understanding of the lending business and nuances of loan negotiations.
Fast forward to 2022, Dasgupta was made CEO of the Investment Banking business of JM Financial, leading one of the best team of investment bankers in India. One of the key learnings she has acquired over time is to have faith in one’s ability and remain assertive and confident, particularly during situations where women professionals face biases from clients who are not used to seeking advice from women leaders.
Dasgupta’s unique selling point as an investment banker is her passion, pursuing excellence in all aspects of her work while pushing boundaries to achieve better deals and more creative thinking within her team. Her motto is to build JM Financial as a go-to bank for quality advice and best-in-class execution across all facets. Management of personal and professional commitments is of utmost importance, and Dasgupta credits her support system at work and home for providing her with the balance she needs.
For aspiring women entrepreneurs, Dasgupta emphasizes the importance of preparing oneself and building mental, physical, and emotional resilience to endure the highs and lows of business. She suggests staying abreast of industry trends and building networks while being genuine in personal and professional relationships.
As John Lennon famously said, Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans, and for Sonia Dasgupta, it certainly has been a journey unexpected. However, with her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment, Dasgupta has made a name for herself in India’s male-dominated investment banking industry, inspiring others to pursue their calling with determination, hard work, and grit.
