Executive Coaching

Break Free and lead with confidence: The Power of Financial Executive Mentoring Programs

Two years ago, I started the Break Free Group (BFG) because I noticed something crucial missing in the professional world of finance. While knowledge and certifications like CA, CFA, and CMA are essential to do the technical part of the job, they don’t empower managers to break through the ceiling and step into true leadership. And so that’s exactly what I set out to change.

I wanted to create a platform where mid to senior-level professionals—those with at least 15 years of experience—could not only develop their leadership skills but also feel open and comfortable enough to share their challenges, learn from each other, and grow. After all, leadership is about connection, growth, and overcoming the challenges that often leave us feeling stuck or uncertain.

So I created BFG—one of the most hands-on, real-world-driven financial executive mentoring programs available to senior finance professionals. Let’s break down what makes BFG special and why it might just be the leadership platform you’ve been searching for:

Why it is Key to Leadership Growth

1. Real Conversations, Real Growth
We’re not here for fluff. We’re here to get to the heart of leadership. Topics like setting boundaries, understanding regret’s power, defining success on your own terms, and yes, even developing your personal brand. Because the truth is, you can’t lead others if you can’t lead yourself first. This is where I think the BFG program becomes invaluable. You get to explore leadership on a personal level with real, actionable takeaways.

2. Active Participation, No Room for Silence
This isn’t one of those groups where you can lurk in the shadows and never speak up. No spam, no ghosting—just vibrant, honest discussions. The WhatsApp group is always buzzing with insights, and when we meet online or in-person, every member’s voice matters. As you can see from the feedback, participants don’t just show up; they contribute, share, and learn from each other’s experiences. It’s a community that will both challenge and support you.

3. Face-to-Face Interaction
We all know the power of an in-person meeting—there’s something about being able to look someone in the eye and truly connect. That’s why I’ve made it a point to hold quarterly in-person sessions in Dubai. Not just for the learning, but for the relationships that are built. You’ll leave with a fresh perspective, actionable takeaways, and, most importantly, new connections with people who get what you’re going through.

4. Personalized, Focused Sessions
I’m not just a moderator here; I’m hands-on in planning every session. Everything is tailored to help you grow as a leader. No generic, one-size-fits-all content. Whether it’s online sessions or our in-person meet-ups, we stay focused and get the most out of every interaction. Time is precious, and I respect that—especially when you’re at a senior level and your calendar is as packed as the gym on New Year’s day.

What Will You Gain from financial executive mentoring programs like BFG?

If you’re on the fence, let me give it to you straight. What you’ll gain is not just another leadership badge, but the actual tools to get unstuck, level up, and lead with authenticity. You’ll walk away with:

  • A deeper understanding of your own leadership style and how to refine it.
  • Practical tips on setting and maintaining boundaries, something too many leaders overlook.
  • Insights from peers who are navigating similar challenges (because no one really wants to “do it alone”).
  • A strong network of likeminded professionals you can count on for advice, support, and collaboration.
  • Real-world applications for the leadership concepts you’ve been reading about but never really mastered.

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into deep, philosophical topics (like regret, motivation, values and success) that make you think about leadership on a more personal level.

Criteria for Joining Break Free

So, what’s the deal with joining BFG? So many managers and execs are on the look out for financial executive mentoring programs for themselves or their teams, so let’s look the criteria:

We’re looking for mid to senior-level professionals (15+ years of experience) who are eager to grow, interact openly, and contribute to meaningful discussions. We’re not here for silent listeners, dare I say sponges—we need active participants who are willing to be vulnerable, contribute and grow together.

And yes, the criteria are strict, but that’s because we want to maintain the quality of the group. It’s not about numbers; it’s about building a community where everyone adds value. If you’re a leader who’s ready to show up, be real, and learn, then Break Free is the place for you.

What our Members say

Don’t just take my word for it—here are some insights from Break Free members:

  • “Your aspiration for our development and empowerment is genuinely motivating. I’m dedicated to pursuing the journey to success and lifting others up in the process.”
  • “The authentic sharing, insightful questions and pointers were amazing. Grateful to be part of it.”
  • “The amount of effort it takes to create such a platform is highly underrated! So much gratitude. These sessions are powerful and reinforce the reason why BGF is a special place.”
  • “Another super morning, deep discussions with excellent participation . Vibrant community Break free”

The feedback speaks for itself. BFG isn’t just a group; it’s a community of driven leaders who want to make real changes in their lives and careers. We’ve created something that people genuinely look forward to, and I couldn’t be prouder

Ready to Break Free?

If you’re currently looking to grow your leadership skills and exploring financial executive mentoring programs, I think you might be in the right place. I invite you to take the next step and join us. The next in-person meeting is in April 2025, and I’d love to connect with you before that time. Just shoot me a message with your LinkedIn details, and let’s get you involved.

Leadership isn’t just a title—it’s a journey. And if you’re ready to take that step, Break Free is the place to start.

Join the movement.

Written by: binod shankar

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