Who Is binod shankar?

Binod is more than just an executive coach—he’s a no-nonsense, results-driven catalyst for success. With leadership roles at KPMG, EY, and as a Finance Director at Nakheel, Binod brings deep insight into the corporate world. He didn’t just climb the corporate ladder—he co-founded Genesis Institute, turning it into the leading CFA prep provider in the Middle East and Africa before it was acquired by Kaplan Inc, the training and publishing giant.

His coaching blends practical wisdom with a no-nonsense, straightforward approach that gets real results.

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genuine path, real growth

the corporate warrior

From the trenches of industrial banking to leading major projects like the Palm Islands in Dubai, Binod’s journey shows that real growth comes from taking on big challenges and owning the outcome. Whether you’re striving to elevate your leadership, sharpen your decision-making, or take your career to the next level, Binod’s experience will help you rise to the occasion, guiding you through the complexities of leadership and growth with confidence and purpose.

The entrepreneur

In 2009, Binod took the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship, co-founding Genesis Institute. He didn’t just build a business; he redefined financial training in the region, making it remarkably engaging and effective. By 2017, Kaplan Inc. recognized the impact and quality of the brand that Binod had created and acquired Genesis.

the adventurer

Binod doesn’t just talk about pushing limits—he lives it. Whether it’s running marathons, summiting mountains like Elbrus and Kilimanjaro, or cycling gruelling high altitude routes like Manali to Leh, Binod’s adventures reflect his relentless drive. He’s not afraid to face challenges head-on, and he brings that same energy to his coaching.

the podcast host

In 2019, Binod launched The Real Finance Mentor podcast to dive deep into the careers of senior professionals. With over 42 episodes and counting. The podcast is a go-to for anyone looking to get real insights from those who’ve walked the walk in their professional lives.

the author

Binod’s book, Let’s Get Real, isn’t just another self-help book—it’s a no-holds-barred guide to breaking free from career stagnation. It’s packed with actionable insights and real-world advice that cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of what it takes to succeed.

media spotlight

Binod’s insights have been regularly featured on major media platforms such as CNBC, Bloomberg and Gulf Business, where he breaks down complex topics into practical advice. Whether it’s finance, leadership, or career development, Binod makes it accessible and actionable, helping viewers turn insights into results.

Path to success

Failures
Mediocre high school result, fails engineering entrance.
1985
Failures
Mediocre high school result, fails engineering entrance.
More failures
Poor Bachelor’s grades, fails MBA entrance.
1988
More failures
Poor Bachelor’s grades, fails MBA entrance.
Yet another failure
Clears MBA entrance, fails interview.
1989
Yet another failure
Clears MBA entrance, fails interview.
Chartered Accountant
Clears the tough CA exams in the first attempt.
1992
Chartered Accountant
Clears the tough CA exams in the first attempt.
Industrial Banker
Deputy Manager, reporting directly to the CEO.
1995
Industrial Banker
Deputy Manager, reporting directly to the CEO.
Auditor with Big 4
Two promotions in a year to Supervisor.
2002
Auditor with Big 4
Two promotions in a year to Supervisor.
Newspaper Columnist
Writes a regular column in a leading regional publication.
2003
Newspaper Columnist
Writes a regular column in a leading regional publication.
CFA charter holder
Passes all levels of the CFA program in first attempts. Earns charter.
2005
CFA charter holder
Passes all levels of the CFA program in first attempts. Earns charter.
Finance Director
Double promotion to Finance Director of the largest property development company in the MENASA region.
2006
Finance Director
Double promotion to Finance Director of the largest property development company in the MENASA region.
Executive Director
Oversees a $10 billion property portfolio across the MENASA region.
2009
Executive Director
Oversees a $10 billion property portfolio across the MENASA region.
Managing Director, Entrepreneur and Trainer
Quits corporate life, co founds and runs Genesis Institute and becomes a top CFA prep trainer.
2009
Managing Director, Entrepreneur and Trainer
Quits corporate life, co founds and runs Genesis Institute and becomes a top CFA prep trainer.
TV guest
Invited by CNBC to be a regular guest- 150 live interviews and counting.
2014
TV guest
Invited by CNBC to be a regular guest- 150 live interviews and counting.
Successful Exit
Kaplan Inc (the training and publishing giant) acquires Genesis.
2017
Successful Exit
Kaplan Inc (the training and publishing giant) acquires Genesis.
Qualified Coach
Earns the ILM Level 7 qualification in coaching and mentoring from the UK.
2018
Qualified Coach
Earns the ILM Level 7 qualification in coaching and mentoring from the UK.
Board Member
Elected to the board of CFA Emirates Society.
2019
Board Member
Elected to the board of CFA Emirates Society.
Another TV invite
Invited by Bloomberg to be a regular guest- 84 live interviews and counting.
2022
Another TV invite
Invited by Bloomberg to be a regular guest- 84 live interviews and counting.
Board Member
On the Advisory Board of Heriot Watt University.
2022
Board Member
On the Advisory Board of Heriot Watt University.
Published Author
Launch of 'Let’s Get Real', available online and in major bookstores.
2023
Published Author
Launch of 'Let’s Get Real', available online and in major bookstores.
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Redefine your limits, lift the ceiling, and elevate your game with Binod. Together, you’ll shatter old patterns and ignite purposeful growth through decisive action.

who binod shankar worked with

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