The Changemakers – Influential Professionals Behind the Brand, December 2025

VOL: 12 ISSUE: 525 2025

INFLUENTIAL PROFESSIONALS BEHIND THE

Prof Selva Pankaj Chairman/CEO Regent Global Dr Tharshiny Pankaj Group CEO Regent Global

EDUCATION WITHOUT BORDERS:

AND

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LEGACY OF ENSURING A FUTURE-READY GENERATION

YOUR LEGACY FEATURED

WHERE LEADERS MAKE

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Editorial Note

The Architects of Brand Integrity

I

n every enduring brand story, there is a defining force that rarely seeks the spotlight—the individuals who shape vision into execution, values into culture, and ambition into measurable impact. The Changemakers – Influential Professionals Behind the Brand is a tribute to those leaders whose influence extends far beyond titles and designations. They are the strategists, builders, and decision-makers who quietly redefine industries while setting new standards of excellence, integrity, and purpose.

This edition is rooted in a simple yet powerful belief: brands do not create legacies—people do. Behind every respected organization is a network of professionals who bring clarity to complexity, resilience to uncertainty, and foresight to moments of disruption. These changemakers operate at the intersection of leadership and responsibility, navigating evolving markets while remaining anchored in long-term value creation. Their impact is not confined to balance sheets; it resonates through teams, communities, and ecosystems they influence.

The professionals featured in this edition represent diverse sectors, geographies, and leadership paths, yet they share a unifying trait—intentional leadership. Each has demonstrated the ability to align innovation with accountability, growth with governance, and performance with purpose. Their journeys reflect not only professional milestones but also the mindset required to lead in an era defined by rapid transformation and heightened stakeholder expectations.

At a time when brands are increasingly evaluated on trust, transparency, and social relevance, the role of influential professionals has never been more critical. These leaders understand that reputation is built through consistent actions, ethical decision-making, and the courage to challenge conventional thinking. They recognize that sustainable success is achieved not by reacting to change, but by anticipating it and shaping it with conviction.

The Changemakers is more than a recognition—it is a perspective on modern leadership.

It offers readers insight into how influence is cultivated through discipline, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As you engage with these stories, we invite you to look beyond the brand names and accolades, and focus on the people whose leadership continues to define what progress truly means.

This edition stands as a testament to those who lead from behind the scenes, yet leave an indelible mark on the future of business.

CIO

CONTENTS 08.

THE FRONT PAGE EXCLUSIVE

Education Without Borders:

Prof Selva and Dr Tharshiny Pankaj’s Saga of Ensuring a Future-ready Generation

I N D U S T RY I N S I G H T S

28.

Leader's Digest Leveraging Diversity to Strengthen Outcomes

40.

Trust at the Core Strengthening Credibility across Teams and Stakeholders

T H E S TO R I E S W I T H I N

18.

Christina Papanikolopoulou Transforming Greek Finance with a Global Vision

24.

Grzegorz Nowakowski Transforming Mobile Phones into POS Devices to Speed Up Card Payments

30.

A Growth Catalyst – CA (Dr.) Malav Chandrakant Sheth: Aligning Financial Governance with Strategy

36.

Maria Papacosta An Astonishing Leader of the 21st Century

42.

Stefanie Rollins An Inspiring Leader Bringing Changes to the Industry

48.

Tariq Al-Shareef Cybersecurity Visionary and Global Contributor: Safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s Cyber Frontlines

54.

Tuuli Pärenson Empowering Businesses with Digital Transformation

Editor-in-Chief

Thanh Truong

Deputy Editor

Sam Carter

Managing Editor

Alaya Brown

Assistant Editor

Maria Evans

Visualizer

Chris Carter

Art & Design Head

Millie Simon

Art & Design Assitant

Judy Smith

Business Development Manager

Phoebe Jacob

Business Development Executives

Aisha, Olivia

Technical Head

David Walker

Assitant Technical Head

Mia Rodricks

Digital Marketing Manager

Helena Smith

Research Analyst Circulation Manager

Eric Smith Richard Martinez

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The Changemakers – Influential Professionals Behind the Brand CIO Featuring

Company

Descrip on

Angelo Aus n Chief Execu ve Officer

Xtra Foods Supermarket Xtra foodssupe market.com

Angelo is a seasoned retail leader driving growth, opera onal excellence, and customer-centric innova on.

CA (Dr.) Malav Chandrakant Sheth Founder and Principal

Malav C. Sheth & Co. camalavsheth.com

With exper se in taxa on, audi ng, and corporate advisory, Malav delivers trusted, value-driven financial solu ons while guiding individuals and organiza ons toward compliance, growth, and long-term financial stability.

Chris na Papanikolopoulou Zepos & Yannopoulos Partner, Head of the Finance zeya.com and Capital Markets Group

Chris na holds exper se in banking, structured finance, and regulatory ma ers and advises global clients on high-value, cross-border deals with precision and strategic insight.

Christopher Woodhams Chief Execu ve Officer

The Beacon Insurance Company Ltd. beacon.co.

Christopher leads Beacon’s commitment to delivering trusted insurance solu ons, strengthening financial resilience, and crea ng long-term value for policyholders and stakeholders.

Grzegorz Nowakowski Co-founder and Vice President

So Pos so pos.eu

Grzegorz is a fintech innovator driving the evolu on of so ware-based payment acceptance.

Maria N. Papacosta Co-founder

M.S.C. Marke ng Bureau Ltd. mscbureau.com

Maria plays a key role in delivering integrated marke ng solu ons that help businesses strengthen market presence, engage audiences, and achieve sustainable growth.

Prof Selva Pankaj Chairman/CEO and Dr Tharshiny Pankaj Group CEO

Regent Global regent.global

Through visionary leadership and a commitment to innova on, Prof Selva and Dr Tharshiny drive Regent Global’s mission to deliver transforma ve learning, develop talent, and build sustainable interna onal ins tu ons.

Stefanie Rollins COO

SnapFulfil snapfulfil.com

Stefanie supports SnapFulfil’s mission to deliver agile, customer-centric WMS pla orms for modern logis cs environments.

Tariq Al-Shareef Chief Informa on Security Officer

SiFi sifigroup.com

Tariq drives ini a ves that safeguard cri cal systems while enabling secure, scalable business opera ons.

Tuuli Pärenson CEO

Gofore Estonia gofore.com

Tuuli drives Gofore Estonia’s mission to create impac ul digital solu ons that serve society and enable long-term value.

Dr Tharshiny Pankaj Group CEO Regent Global

Prof Selva Pankaj Chairman/CEO

Regent Global

The Changemakers – Influential Professionals Behind the Brand

THE FRONT PAGE EXCLUSIVE EDUCATION WITHOUT BORDERS:

Prof Selva Dr Tha hiny Pankaj’s AND

LEGACY OF ENSURING A FUTURE-READY GENERATION

W

hat if, just like in the world’s school and in this life’s learning journey, you could have your formal education, especially the higher one, irrespective of your socio-economic or even demographic status, from anywhere, anytime, and anyplace? That’s what Prof Selva Pankaj and Dr Tharshiny Pankaj dreamed. They wanted to set up a business and explored a number of possible ventures before zeroing in on education. Along with his father, Selva, and Tharshiny founded Regent. A decade later, in 2010, they (Selva and Tharshiny) cofounded Regent College London (RCL).

Education was the first idea that really worked, for two reasons, says Selva. “The first was that we understood education; Tharshiny taught ICT and Computing in a sixth form college.” The second was that they knew they could serve their community by helping people access higher education. Initially, Selva offered private tuition for £20 an hour. Today, two-thirds of their students are over 30, many working while studying. RCL designed flexible programs —morning, evening, weekend classes, and multiple entry points—so education fits around life. That same philosophy now drives their global expansion. Regent European University in San Marino opened in 2025 as a fully digital institution, with a second digital university in the United States planned for 2026. In Dubai, India, and Malta, the Pankajs are launching new centres to bring world-class learning closer to students. The mission is the same: a universal education, without barriers of time, place, or circumstance.

Fostering an Educational Empire At the heart of Regent Global's meteoric rise is a partnership built not only in ambition but in a shared vision for a better world. As joint CEOs and life partners, Selva and Tharshiny have built an educational empire by leveraging their complementary strengths. While Selva is the quintessential entrepreneur, constantly seeking new opportunities and forging global relationships, Tharshiny is the strategic force behind the scenes.

Her focus on operational efficiency, academic quality, and her financial acumen has been instrumental in building Regent's robust foundation and ensuring its long-term stability. Their impact as a pair has been widely recognized, solidifying their status on prestigious lists like the GG2 Power List and the Asian Power Couple Hot 100.

True impact is not measured only by financial gains but by the positive change that endures in people’s lives.”

A Guiding Ethos The Pankajs’ leadership and decision-making are guided by a profound ethos: "The end result of education is character." This principle underpins every facet of Regent Global, from its technological ventures to its global expansion.

Their businesses, such as AI Regent, which develops apps to democratize learning, and Regent Talent Exchange, which helps graduates build global careers, are all united by a single thread: "innovation serving people."

Values-driven Leadership For the Pankajs, leadership transcends titles; it is about living one's values and attracting collaborators who share the same vision. "Geography matters less than finding partners who are on the same wavelength," Selva notes.

This philosophy has enabled them to expand rapidly in places like Dubai by collaborating with local regulators and institutions. They operate with a clear sense of service and integrity, always asking how they can contribute and choosing the right path over the easy one. To ensure every decision is robust, they apply a "governance gate" that meticulously combines demand data, student needs, and partner fit, guaranteeing quality and genuine learner benefit in every new venture.

The Thinking into Character (TiC) Philosophy For Tharshiny, the heart of Regent Global's educational culture is the TiC philosophy shared with Selva. They have meticulously translated this abstract concept into a practical, transformative model.

TiC combines "rigorous, outside-in knowledge with insideout development," focusing on helping students build resilience, strong mindsets, and positive behaviors alongside their academic skills.

This is a practical step toward a future where human judgment is augmented by intelligent tools. In this future, the partnership between the student and technology is a seamless, transformative journey.

This philosophy permeates the entire institution, from staff development to assessment, creating a culture that raises expectations while actively removing barriers for students who juggle work and family responsibilities. For Tharshiny, TiC is a "promise, not a slogan," and it is the key to producing graduates who are not only academically proficient but also confident, adaptable, and truly workready.

A Clear Focus on the Customer

The Future of Learning: Intelligence Augmentation Selva and Tharshiny focus on the core character of the student, and champion the technological tools that will unlock their full potential. While Selva created the Thinking into Character program, Tharshiny and Selva both espouse the values in it. They believe that technology is poised to reshape the educational landscape, making learning personalized, accessible, and transformational. Their vision is not just about integrating AI, but about achieving Intelligence Augmentation (IA), a powerful synthesis of human and artificial intelligence.

Selva and Tharshiny encapsulate this vision with the formula: NI+AI=IA. This means human natural intelligence (NI) will be enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI).

Regent's VR TedLab at Regent College London will make this a reality. Students are immersed in virtual environments where they can rehearse real-world decisions and receive instant feedback from AI tutors.

Looking back at their journey, Selva and Tharshiny identify their first university partnership to teach undergraduate degrees as a defining moment. This was the moment their vision of service was realized on a larger scale. For them, every new venture is born from a fundamental question: “What do people need?”

This philosophy is what sets Regent apart. They saw that many people, particularly those over 30 with work and family commitments, were being left behind by traditional education. Their solution was to focus on courses with strong career potential and build in the flexibility that students needed to change their lives. It's this unwavering focus on the customer that truly underpins their every action, making them distinct.

Leading the Fourth Education Revolution The world of education is in a state of rapid transformation, and Regent Global is not only adapting but leading this evolution. The Pankajs believe that “if we don’t innovate, we fall behind.” This is why their new Regent European University in San Marino is fully digital and why another digital university is planned for the United States. They are embracing the Fourth Education Revolution as explained by Sir Anthony Selden by creating lifelong learners who are adaptable and ready for tomorrow's economy, not yesterday's.

At Regent Global, our mission is simple: a universal education, without barriers of time, place, or circumstance.”

Our vision is simple: to leave the world better than we found it—through education, innovation, and impact.”

Their approach goes beyond simply digitizing content. It’s about merging traditional knowledge with their unique Thinking into Character philosophy and hands-on experience. Every Regent University will feature a ProblemSolution Space™, where students work on realworld challenges with social impact. This ensures that their graduates are not just knowledgeable but are also prepared to lead and create meaningful change in the world.

The Guiding Principles As joint CEOs, their synergy is the engine of the entire organization. Their leadership is guided by the same core values they founded the company on over 25 years ago: service, integrity, and character.

By living these values every day and embracing distinct roles that reflect their individual strengths, they ensure their shared vision becomes a tangible reality.

The demand for equitable, high-quality education is rising worldwide, and Regent Global is meeting this need head-on while maintaining its commitment to excellence. Their mission is straightforward: to provide "education without barriers of time, place, or circumstance." This commitment is evidenced by the consistent excellence of Regent College London, which scores significantly above national benchmarks for teaching quality.

Delivering an Excellent Student Experience The 2025 National Student Survey (NSS) highlighted the strength of RCL’s teaching, student support and its inclusive learning environment. The NSS gathers anonymous feedback from non-final-year undergraduate students across the UK. Ninety percent of RCL students were satisfied with the teaching quality on their course compared to the England benchmark of 87%. The same percentage were satisfied with assessment and feedback at RCL compared to the benchmark of 81%. RCL also exceeded the England benchmarks for learning opportunities, organization and management, and student voice. The NSS results speak volumes about the quality of education, care and support that students receive at Regent College London.

Making Education Truly Global Tharshiny and Selva are not content to rest on their laurels.

They are actively expanding their physical footprint with new Regent College London centers under development in Dubai, India, and Malta. This brings their world-class learning closer to students in key regions. Simultaneously, they are pioneering a digital revolution. This year saw the launch of the fully digital Regent European University in San Marino, with a second digital university in the United States planned for 2026. These initiatives build on their success at Regent College London, leveraging key partnerships to deliver flexible, high-quality education on a global scale.

A Vision for the Next Decade Their vision extends beyond higher education. In 2024, they acquired Gulf Indian High School, one of Dubai's oldest schools, and are also planning to open a new British Curriculum K-12 school in partnership with Woldingham School, one of the UK's leading independent schools. This dual approach—addressing both local and international markets—is a testament to their unwavering commitment to providing excellence in education at every level.

If we don’t innovate, we fall behind.”

The Pankajs have a clear and ambitious long-term vision for Regent Global. By 2030, they anticipate that Regent European University and their university in the United States will be established leaders in digital higher education. Regent College London will be a beacon of excellence across the UK, Dubai, India, and Europe. Their K-12 schools will be recognized as top institutions in Dubai, and the launch of Regent Hill University will be on the horizon. Beyond their institutions, they envision that AI Regent's tools will be used by a wider audience, democratizing access to personalized learning for people everywhere.

Their greatest hope is to see Regent alums become innovators and entrepreneurs, shaping a better world. This legacy is what drives them, and they don't see themselves stepping back from their leadership roles. However, they recognize the importance of passing the torch. As a family business, they are already providing opportunities for the next generation, with their eldest daughter, Sharanie, having joined Regent Global.

True Advice As changemakers in education, Selva and Tharshiny offer powerful advice to aspiring leaders: be true to your values.

The core principles they started with 25 years ago—service, integrity, and character—remain central to everything they do. "We live these values every day," they state, underscoring their belief that an organization is a reflection of its leaders.

They also advise others to be open to opportunity, particularly those that allow them to be of service to others, as this is the surest path to creating a meaningful impact.

A Legacy of Purpose Ultimately, the Pankajs' legacy is not just about building a successful business; it's about making a profound and lasting impact on the world. Their vision is simple: "to leave the world better than we found it—through education, innovation, and impact." For them, profit and philanthropy

are inseparable. Their business success fuels their purpose, allowing them to give back through initiatives like Public Learn, the Global Unity Forum, and their work with the World Economic Forum, World Governments Summit, and JA Worldwide.

The legacy of Selva and Tharshiny is a testament to the power of a shared vision. From offering a simple tuition service for £20 an hour to building a global educational force with fully digital universities and K-12 schools, their journey has been one of relentless innovation and purpose.

They have not only built a business but have created a legacy—a legacy of empowerment, access, and excellence, proving that a dream of universal education can indeed become a tangible reality, one student at a time.

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Leader’s Digest

Leveraging

Diversity to Strengthen

Outcomes

D

iversity, indeed, has transformed from merely a matter of representation to a decisive leadership skill. In modern society with its intricacies and interrelations, it is no longer enough for leaders to just form diverse groups; they should also find ways to make the most of diversity by increasing the quality of their decisions, the performance of their teams, and the strength of their organizations.

Diversity alone does not lead to value; it must be accompanied by inclusion. The leaders must set up such settings where each one’s opinion counts and is treated with dignity. In this way, inclusion guarantees that not only do the differences exist, but they are also participating in the whole process of delivering results.

The proper management of diversity will lead to positive results with the help of broader viewpoints, questioning of beliefs, and sharing of group know-how. The best among leaders use diversity as a weapon in their strategic arsenal while others merely do it for compliance.

It takes deliberate leadership actions—such as listening, inviting participation, and combating bias in decisionmaking—to make this happen. The organization is able to reap the benefits of its entire talent pool, as people feel appreciated and consequently, become more involved.

Diversity as a Driver of Better Decisions

Strengthening Performance Through Cognitive Variety

Homogeneous groups usually strengthen the habit of thinking in the same way. On the other hand, mixed groups bring in a bigger spectrum of experiences, viewpoints, and methods of solving the problem. The fact that people have different opinions reduces the chances of not seeing something and increases the quality of the decisions in such situations, especially when they are complicated or not yet clear.

Teams with cognitive variety consider the issues in several different ways. This heterogeneity leads to better creativity, flexibility, and risk perception. It is the case that leaders who acknowledge and utilize the various thinking styles create teams that are more capable of handling change and complexity.

The leaders who promote disputes that are not harmful and who invite different points of view are the ones who cause more thorough examination of the situation and arguments.

The best decisions are not the results of consensus, but of the carefully supported by respect contest of ideas that goes on.

Inclusion Turns Representation into Impact

There is an increase in performance when leaders align tasks with the employees' strengths and promote cooperation among the staff with different views. Diversity turns into a performance multiplier instead of a source of conflict.

Building Trust Across Differences For diverse teams to perform effectively, trust is a must.

Leaders are the ones who determine the atmosphere of respect, fairness, and open dialogue.

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By being inclusive and dealing with conflicts in a constructive way, leaders make it safe for everyone to share their thoughts.

With trust, diversity is a source of collaboration instead of splitting. Teams gain resilience and unity even though they have different opinions.

Leadership Accountability in Diversity Outcomes The use of diversity calls for accountability. Leaders are required to go further than just making strong declarations and to incorporate diversity objectives into performance metrics, talent development, and succession planning.

The flow of progress is determined by the continuous focus and tangible results. Accountability is a clear-cut way of showing that one is serious. It emphasizes that diversity is a factor that is vital to the effectiveness of leadership and not just a program that can be dropped.

Diversity and Organizational Resilience Diverse organizations are more adaptable to changes.

Teams with different perspectives are made ready to meet new challenges and to react to changing markets.

They have more understanding of the different customers, communities, and stakeholders than the non-diverse leadership teams. This adaptability makes an organization resilient in the long run and thus supports the growth that is sustainable.

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The Role of Leaders as Integrators Leaders serve as integrators of various talents. They have to steer the discrepancies in the direction of the common aims.

This calls for a very clear and strong purpose, communication, and the skill to connect different points of view without compromising them.

By proper integration, diversity is converted into a united strength instead of divided effort.

Continuous Learning and Bias Awareness Diversity brings with it the necessity for continuous learning. It is essential for the leaders always to be conscious of their unintentional biases and to fight against them actively. This mindfulness empowers the decisionmaking process and ensures the application of justice throughout the whole organization.

Leaders with a learning mindset are making realms where diversity is changing according to the needs of the organization. Diversity is not a matter of looking for nonexistent problems to solve through hiring—it's rather a process of producing better results.

Leaders who prioritize the creation of inclusive and diverse workplaces reap the rewards of better decisions, higher performance, and increased resilience, thus making their organizations win in a more complex and competitive environment.

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CA (DR.)

A GROWTH CATALYST –

MALAV

CHANDRAKANT SHETH ALIGNING FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE WITH STRATEGY

“

“

CA (Dr.) Malav Chandrakant Sheth Founder and Principal Malav C. Sheth & Co.

At Malav C. Sheth & Co., our professional philosophy is anchored in a simple truth — when financial governance aligns with strategy, compliance becomes a catalyst for growth rather than a constraint.

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The Changemakers – Influential Professionals Behind the Brands

C

ompanies become brands because of the influential professionals behind them, who are called the Changemakers, when they make their brands successful and ensure they remain so in the continuously changing times by adapting to that change. CA (Dr.) Malav Chandrakant Sheth is at the forefront of that league. The Founder and Principal at Malav C. Sheth & Co., and a distinguished Chartered Accountant, Dr. Sheth is recognized as the business strategist and thought leader with more than 25 years of professional excellence. In the entrepreneurial zeal of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Dr. Sheth has built a legacy of trust, precision, and innovation in financial, taxation, and strategic advisory services.

A harmonious blend of seasoned wisdom and youthful dynamism drives the Sheth Group’s family-led leadership.

With the deep experience of Chandrakant Sheth (75), complemented by the energetic strategic perspectives of CA Diksha Shah (24), Aarav Sheth (21), and Krupa Sheth (45), the group has built a strong multi-vertical presence.

Together, they actively guide and manage Truvisorz, Sheth Associates, Niraakaran, Process Pilotz, and Bagpackerz — ensuring continuity of values while embracing modern business thinking.

A Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and Doctorate holder in Strategic Management, Dr. Sheth combines academic insight with practical acumen. His professional philosophy is anchored in a simple truth — when financial governance aligns with strategy, compliance becomes a catalyst for growth rather than a constraint.

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This belief has guided his practice and defined his advisory approach for over two decades.

Strategic Vision and Professional Expertise Dr. Sheth’s practice is known for transforming financial and regulatory challenges into strategic opportunities. His doctoral research in Strategic Management provides a foundation for helping organizations integrate compliance with corporate strategy, enabling long-term sustainability and competitive advantage.

He has developed a niche specialization in Revenue Leakage Identification and Business Auto-Pilot Structuring, helping enterprises streamline operations, establish process accountability, and enhance profitability.

His work focuses on identifying inefficiencies, plugging hidden revenue drains, and designing self-sustaining internal systems — enabling businesses to function smoothly with minimal supervision.

This rare ability to blend analytical precision with business foresight has made Dr. Sheth a trusted advisor to corporates, MSMEs, professionals, and entrepreneurs across India.

Comprehensive Practice Areas Under his leadership, Malav C. Sheth & Co. has evolved into a multidisciplinary firm providing integrated professional services, including:

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CA Diksha Shah (Partner), Krupa Sheth (Spouse), CA Malav Sheth, Jyoti Sheth(Mother), Chandrakant J. Sheth (Father), Aarav Sheth (Son) •

Audit & Assurance Services – statutory, internal, management, and compliance audits conducted with rigor and independence.

•

Taxation (Direct and Indirect) – strategic tax planning, litigation management, and advisory under the Income Tax Act and GST regime.

•

Corporate and Regulatory Advisory – expertise under the Companies Act, FEMA, SEBI, and LLP Laws.

•

Accounting (Indian as well as Foreign) – fullspectrum accounting and reporting aligned with Indian GAAP, Ind AS, IFRS, and other international standards.

•

Business Valuations and Structuring – equity valuation, mergers, demergers, and financial restructuring.

A Legacy of Ethics and Guidance Behind the firm’s strong moral foundation stands Mr. Chandrakant Sheth, a Retired Income Tax Officer, whose long and distinguished career in the Indian Revenue Department continues to inspire the firm’s culture.

His wisdom, discipline, and uncompromising ethics have significantly influenced its guiding principles.

Even today, Mr. Sheth plays an active advisory role — offering guidance that ensures the firm continues to uphold the highest standards of fairness, diligence, and integrity.

This enduring father–son professional synergy remains the cornerstone of Malav C. Sheth & Co.’s identity.

Commitment to Excellence and Leadership

•

Strategic and Financial Advisory – business planning, governance framework, and risk-based decision support.

•

Revenue Leakage Identification & Business AutoPilot Solutions – process audits and automation strategies for sustained profitability and efficiency.

The firm’s comprehensive suite of services makes it a onestop professional partner — balancing the depth of large firms with the accessibility and personal attention of a boutique practice.

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Over the years, the firm has successfully completed more than 1,500 audit and assurance assignments and serves a client base of over 1,000 across India. Yet, despite its growth, the firm retains its founding values — personalized attention, partner-driven service, and uncompromising accuracy.

Dr. Sheth’s approach to leadership is calm, analytical, and people-focused. He is deeply committed to mentoring young professionals and nurturing future leaders in finance.

His clarity of thought and steady professionalism have earned him admiration among clients and peers alike.

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A frequent speaker and panelist, Dr. Sheth contributes regularly to seminars and professional forums on taxation reforms, financial structuring, and corporate strategy. His insights consistently emphasize that true professionalism lies in integrity, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

Versatility Beyond the Profession Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Malav Chandrakant Sheth is known for his versatility and dynamic personality. A dedicated gym enthusiast, he believes that physical discipline and mental balance are essential for sustained professional excellence. His commitment to fitness mirrors his work ethic — consistent, focused, and goal-driven.

Dr. Sheth also brings his poise and presence to the creative domain — having modeled for a leading local garment brand, representing confidence, sophistication, and contemporary professionalism.

This unique blend of intellect, discipline, and charisma reflects his broader life philosophy: success is holistic — achieved when one nurtures the mind, body, and spirit in equal measure.

A Professional with Purpose Through his multi-dimensional career, CA (Dr.) Malav Chandrakant Sheth continues to redefine the role of a Chartered Accountant — as not merely a compliance expert, but a strategic partner in enterprise growth. His work embodies the spirit of modern practice: blending ethics with enterprise, and strategy with simplicity.

Under his leadership, Malav C. Sheth & Co. remains committed to creating measurable value for every client, while staying true to its enduring pillars of Integrity, Insight, and Impact.

Dr. Sheth’s professional journey reflects a truth that resonates across generations — when integrity meets intelligence, excellence becomes inevitable.

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Trust at the Core

Strengthening

Credibility

across Teams and Stakeholders

T

rust is the basis of leadership, not merely as an abstract concept but as a strategic advantage. In the case of the companies that are undergoing constant changes and have to deal with constant monitoring and dependence on each other, trust is the decisive factor for the effectiveness of collaboration, the level of confidence in decision-making, and the ability of relationships to endure pressure.

When trust is the main principle of leadership, the whole organization strengthens its credibility, which is then recognized even by the outside world, such as customers, partners, and stakeholders. The lack of it makes even the best-crafted plans hard to implement. Trust is a slow process to develop, a long one to maintain, and a quick one to lose.

Trust Within Teams Drives Performance Trust is the foundation for high-performing teams.

Individuals trusting each other and their superiors make it easier to collaborate, conflict is handled positively, and accountability is accepted rather than shunned.

Psychological safety is a condition under which people are not afraid to speak up, question beliefs, and silently offer their ideas. Leaders who create an environment of trust within the team gain access to the team’s discretionary effort.

Hence, the performance of the whole team is increased as the energy is not used for self-protection but rather directed towards results.

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Accountability as a Signal of Integrity When leaders take personal responsibility for their actions and those of others, trust increases. Being responsible for errors, treating the problems openly, and being consistent in applying the rules show that the leader respects the people and the results. Accountability sends the signal that the leadership is based on taking responsibility and not on being in charge.

Such honesty builds up trust throughout the organization. It gives a kind of assurance to the stakeholders that the decision-making process is based on principles and not on what is easy.

Building Stakeholder Trust Beyond the Organization Trust is not confined within the limits of the organization.

Customers, partners, regulators, and investors judge the reliability of the company by its consistent behavior and ethical practices.

Leaders who are transparent in their communication, keep their promises, and handle difficulties responsibly are the ones who gain the trust of the shareholders for a long time.

The trust from outside is very important in the case of a disturbance. Such companies earn the right to be patient and understanding simply because they have a strong reputation. In contrast, companies with weak reputations are under constant and even stricter scrutiny, and their good relations with the public suffer even more.

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Listening as a Leadership Skill For the most part, people, when they experience that someone actually listens to them, feel that their trust is increased. Leaders who practice active listening establish a climate of respect and openness, thus informing others that every viewpoint is important. Taking the matter of listening to its full extent means not only agreeing but also recognizing the concerns and providing considerate replies.

The impact of trust on decision-making is inviting the stakeholders to the leadership side, which is why it is strengthening. To the stakeholders, it becomes clear that management prefers to control the situation through communication; hence, trust is built up in the relationship.

the organization that are based on honesty, collaboration, and accountability, which are the most rewarding norms.

The very development of the culture continues to be the source of trust that the changes in leadership cannot affect.

Trust is the principle that if an employee trusts the leader, then it is likely that the employee will trust the whole organization as well.

The organization is now the firmament of trust in which the leadership of trust goes on changing without affecting the main source of trust, which is culture.

Trust as a Strategic Foundation

The moments of pressure uncover the power of trust. The leaders who keep their calm, are honest and operate based on values, especially in crisis situations, will gain the trust of the people and thereby, the credibility will be reinforced.

Trust is the main factor that allows for quick and agile responses as well as unified teamwork. The pace of decision-making is accelerated, the extent of cooperation is intensified, and the participation of all concerned parties is maintained even during difficult times. Trust-based organizations work with assurance instead of being restrictive and cautious.

Trust that has been established through years of interaction will become a stabilizing factor in times of uncertainty, making it possible to take firm steps without creating panic.

Trustworthiness is not declared; it is the result of trust in practice. Trusting leaders take the risk of being open and gradually earn the respect of all their peers.

Culture as a Trust Multiplier

They are the ones who drive the whole organization in such a way that it is seen as a good business moral power and at the same time receives the utmost confidence from the society around it.

Decision-Making Under Pressure

Culture is the main thing that strengthens trust. The scaling of trust beyond single leaders is facilitated by the norms of

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