From Koshi to Kathmandu: The Rise of Bhanu Dabadi

With over 25 years of experience in the banking sector, Bhanu Dabadi stands out as a pioneering force in leadership and mentorship. As the Co-founder of MentorLab, Dabadi has transformed his extensive career into a platform for nurturing future leaders and fostering personal growth. His journey began in Koshi province, emerging from a lower-middle-class background, and evolved through his roles as a teacher and into prestigious positions at Standard Chartered Bank, Grindlays Bank and NIC Asia Bank.

Dabadi’s academic achievements are equally impressive, holding multiple master’s degrees and a PhD from Kathmandu University. His leadership was instrumental during Nepal’s first national bank merger and his dedication to training and mentoring is evident in his longstanding involvement with Toastmasters since 1998. Beyond his work with Mentor Lab, Dabadi remains deeply involved in academia as a teacher and mentor in various colleges, continuing to influence and inspire the next generation of professionals.

In this edition of Business 360, Dabadi shares the five things that have impacted his life and work.

From traditional roots to new horizons

Growing up in a large family with seven siblings, I was immersed in traditional values and religious teachings. My parents, though not formally educated, instilled in me a deep appreciation for spiritual and cultural practices. This foundation was complemented by my education in a Catholic school, where I was introduced to new perspectives and teachings.

My childhood was filled with rebellious adventures and a close connection to nature, exploring fields and playing with wildlife. These experiences were very different from the more controlled childhoods that kids have today.

Initially, I had no clear career goals, but exposure to new opportunities expanded my horizons. After leaving my village and moving to a hostel, I was introduced to television and broader media, which inspired me to dream of becoming an engineer or a doctor. However, due to financial conditions, I took a practical approach by working as a teacher and later in banking.

Despite not initially seeking a career in banking, it provided a stable foundation. I embraced the opportunity to return to my passion for teaching and mentoring after a successful 25-year banking career.

“Reflecting on my career, I see it as a blend of fortunate circumstances and seizing the right opportunities. The experiences and lessons learned during my time in banking have been invaluable, and they now inform how I give back to the community. My professional growth has been marked by a series of fortunate alignments rather than a pre-determined path, highlighting the role of adaptability and responsiveness in career development”

Alignment of opportunities and timing

My journey in the professional world has been shaped more by serendipity and available opportunities than by any deliberate planning. When I first entered the banking sector, I was hesitant and uncertain, often staying in the field simply because there were no better alternatives at the time. The initial reluctance turned into a long tenure, lasting 25 years, during which I climbed the ranks from an assistant to a senior manager in a national-level commercial bank.

The career path can be likened to stepping onto a conveyor belt that was already in motion. As I progressed, the banking industry was on an upward trajectory and my career advanced along with it. This upward movement wasn’t the result of a meticulously crafted plan but rather a fortunate alignment of opportunities and timing. My roles and responsibilities in various banking institutions, including heading corporate communication, human resources and retail lending, presented challenges that refined my skills and contributed to my professional growth.

A significant turning point in my journey came from an unexpected source. Through my involvement with Toastmasters, I met Subrath, who later became my co-founder in MentorLab. This serendipitous meeting and subsequent collaboration led to the creation of MentorLab, an initiative aimed at reviving and valuing the mentor-mentee relationship. This project has been immensely fulfilling and represents a significant shift from my previous career path, allowing me to contribute to people’s learning and development in a meaningful way.

Reflecting on my career, I see it as a blend of fortunate circumstances and seizing the right opportunities. The experiences and lessons learned during my time in banking have been invaluable, and they now inform how I give back to the community. My professional growth has been marked by a series of fortunate alignments rather than a pre-determined path, highlighting the role of adaptability and responsiveness in career development.

From celibacy to family life

Throughout my life, I have been deeply influenced by various spiritual philosophies, including those of Catholic Jesuit fathers and the sanyasis associated with Osho. I admired the celibate life dedicated to serving society and the detachment from worldly affairs. I even visited Buddhist monasteries and found their way of life fascinating. For a time, these ideals resonated with me, presenting a vision of life where personal relationships and familial bonds seemed secondary to spiritual pursuits.

However, as I grew older and experienced life’s realities, I came to realise that living in isolation and celibacy, while ideal in theory, often led to emotional dryness and a lack of genuine human connection. The decision to marry and build a family was a turning point for me. Today, I have two wonderful daughters and a loving wife, and reflecting on my journey, I see that this decision was profoundly wise. My family has brought me emotional richness and grounding that I didn’t find in my earlier spiritual pursuits. The shared experiences, mutual support and the daily give-and-take of family life have made me feel complete and fulfilled.

The presence of my family has provided me with a unique sense of grounding and connection that enriches my life daily. I cherish these relationships deeply, appreciating the depth and complementarily they bring to my existence. My family has become an essential part of who I am, and I am profoundly grateful for the emotional support and joy they bring into my life.

Everyone contributes to the outcome

When it comes to teamwork, it’s not just a concept; it’s the very essence of how things get done. The ecosystem of leadership involves not just a leader, but followers, missions, goals, standards and objectives. Teamwork captures this entire dynamic far better than any single title or role could. It’s not about placing someone on a pedestal as a leader. Instead, it’s about acknowledging that everyone contributes to the outcome.

Think about a light bulb: it doesn’t glow on its own. There’s a whole system of electricity, wiring and mechanisms that make that simple glow possible. Similarly, in our world – whether it’s in corporations, societies or families what we see as success or achievement is actually the result of numerous, often unseen, contributions. For instance, in many families, the person who might appear to be the head, driving a car and wearing a suit, often gets the credit, while the detailed and crucial work done by mothers and wives might go unrecognised.

Leadership, for me, has been a gradual learning process built on the collective efforts of many. My achievements are not the result of my solo efforts but are a testament to the contributions of a whole team. The medals and accolades I have received are more about societal norms and less about individual triumphs. True leadership is about recognising that every success is a team effort. It’s essential to appreciate and credit everyone involved, rather than attributing accomplishments to just one or two people.

Make a positive difference while you can

When considering how I’d like to be remembered, I hold a perspective shaped by the transient nature of life. I believe that once a person has passed, their physical presence becomes irrelevant. The ritual of cremation and scattering ashes symbolises a return to the elements and serves as a poignant reminder of life’s impermanence. In my view, it’s pointless to dwell on the deceased. Instead, we should focus on the living, prioritising and supporting those who are still with us. The true legacy lies in how we impact and inspire the people around us while we are alive, and how we contribute to their lives in meaningful ways. Once I am gone, my wish is for others to redirect their energy towards the living, helping them, and addressing their needs and aspirations. It’s this approach that underscores the importance of living fully and making a positive difference while we can.