Tahir Rao
Securian Canada
When did you know you wanted this job?
In 2005
How did your earlier career choices lead you to where you are now?
I started my career in internal audit and used risk-based audit techniques and in through out my career risk assessment, controls testing, organizational resilience are my passion.
What career mistake has given you the biggest lesson?
Should have taken up leadership role earlier.
What research did you do to prepare for this role?
Company culture, especially risk culture, company reputation and financial strength of the company.
What was your first “win” that made you confident that you were doing the right thing?
Given a leadership role in a large state enterprise (nationalized bank)
How do you avoid being complacent in your role?
Continuous adapting and adopting industry risk management best practices and adding them in to the organization’s framework.
What is the biggest risk that you’ve taken?
Migrating to different countries
How did you set yourself apart from others who wanted the same job?
Technical knowledge, adaptability and understanding of various cultures.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never settle at one job or place.
What advice would you give to your younger self at the start of your career?
“Attitude decide altitude” First 5 years of job are very important, and it will determine your career growth.
What impresses you the most when you are considering hiring someone?
Flexibility and adaptability.
How do you, your team or company define success?
Meeting company as well as department goals set by the organization.
