A Determined Banker Who Cut Through the Competitive Crowd

A Determined Banker Who Cut Through the Competitive Crowd

Banking News

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Kathmandu – Some people have a natural tendency to dive into their work without hesitation. They envision the rewards that will follow and move forward with confidence. While this can be a strength, it often requires support and encouragement to bring that strength to fruition, especially from family.

When someone has the backing of their family, they can face any challenge with enthusiasm. However, not everyone needs external support or motivation to succeed. There are individuals who can bring out their inner strengths through their own hard work, leading them to success. Such determination and commitment to their work are often the result of stubbornness and passion.

One such example of determination and success is Kripa Shrestha, a banker who, despite her parents’ advice to finish her studies before starting a job, entered the banking sector while still in her final year of post-graduate studies. Today, she is the branch manager of Kumari Bank’s Koteshwor branch, attributing her success to her determination and unwavering will.

Kripa, a permanent resident of Kathmandu, was no stranger to learning, opportunities, and rewards. Being the eldest daughter in her family, she had always thought about contributing to the household’s financial burden. Though her parents advised her to complete her post-graduation before starting a job, Kripa did not want to wait any longer. By the time she reached her final year, she decided to apply for a job at Kumari Bank without informing her parents. Competing with over 300 applicants, Kripa succeeded and began her banking career at the bank’s central office.

Her first role was as a teller, and though her parents were initially unhappy with her decision, they later accepted it. “When I started, my parents weren’t pleased, but they didn’t say anything later,” she recalls. Initially, Kripa knew very little about banking. “I started at the teller counter. There were 12 to 13 tellers, and I thought that was the whole world of banking. I didn’t know about other operations in the branch,” she shares. At the time, her primary focus was on managing the long lines of customers.

Despite the hard work, she became concerned about the repetitive nature of her job. “Every day felt the same, and I worried about not progressing in my work. I wanted to move to the privilege counter, where fewer customers come, and it seemed like there was more status,” Kripa admits. Eventually, she was given the opportunity to work at the privilege counter, which she felt was more prestigious.

Kripa’s hard work caught the attention of her supervisors, who entrusted her with more responsibilities, including money management, transaction records, and foreign exchange management. Over the years, she progressed to roles in customer service, loan departments, and business operations. For the past two years, she has been leading a branch as a manager, firmly believing that dedication and patience will eventually lead to success.

Now, as a branch manager, Kripa not only oversees the operations at the bank but also manages her family responsibilities. She got married just three months after starting her banking career and says, “My parents made me capable of standing on my own feet. But it was my workplace that helped me transform that capability into a practical identity.”

She acknowledges the support from her workplace, which allows her to balance her family and professional responsibilities. “Managing home isn’t as difficult as managing a branch. At home, I can always ask my in-laws or husband for help, but in the bank, I have to oversee everything, from broken bathroom faucets to multi-million-dollar accounts, loans, and deposits. Becoming a branch manager has taught me things I never knew before,” she explains.

Kripa also believes that as a manager, she carries the responsibility for both the branch’s operations and the wellbeing of her employees. “To make your branch successful, you need to be practical and cooperative with everyone. If you try to rule with authority, you won’t know the issues your employees are facing, and team strength will break down. That impacts the quality of service the branch provides,” she says.

Kripa’s story serves as an inspiration to others, showing that one can be successful and exemplary through hard work, integrity, and a commitment to both their career and personal life. She continues to move forward, maintaining a balance between her professional and personal commitments.