We often mistake leadership in finance by numbers, but for Vishaal Kumar, it’s about creating opportunities and empowering people. Nearly a decade ago, he started with just ₹50,000 in the stock markets, driven by a passion for finance. Today, he is the founder of Finwealth, Capital and Brand Partner at Tradelabs, and leads Investments and Partnerships at GoKhana. His work spans building platforms, shaping strategies, and driving partnerships, earning him an honorary PhD in Finance for his contributions to the industry.
Vishaal’s journey reflects a blend of grit, vision, and a focus on impact. Through his ventures, he aims not just to grow businesses but to make finance accessible and meaningful for others.
In conversation with The Enterprise World, Vishaal Kumar shares the experiences, lessons, and motivations that have shaped his career.
1. Can you share how your professional journey began?
I began my professional journey nearly a decade ago with just ₹50,000 in the stock markets, driven by a deep passion for finance. Over time, that passion evolved into building ventures that blend markets, technology, and strategy. I founded Finwealth, a platform that brings traders and investors together, and became a Capital and Brand Partner at Tradelabs, where I have contributed to its growth and positioning. Currently, I lead Investments and Partnerships at GoKhana, focusing on strategic alliances and expansion.
My journey has been shaped by continuous learning, calculated risk-taking, and a vision to create sustainable, impact-driven businesses. Most recently, I was honored with an honorary PhD in Finance, a recognition of my contributions to the industry and my efforts to empower aspiring professionals.
2. What has been the biggest driving force behind your career growth?
The biggest driving force behind my career growth has been my family and the belief they placed in me. Starting with just ₹50,000 from my father, I carried not just capital but his trust, which became my biggest motivation. The journey in the stock markets and entrepreneurship has not been easy — it demanded long hours, sacrifices, and resilience. But every challenge reminded me of the responsibility I carried, not just for myself but for those who believed in me. That sense of gratitude, combined with my passion for building meaningful ventures, has kept me grounded and driven to keep moving forward.
3. How do you define leadership?
For me, leadership is about responsibility, not position. I believe in leading by example, whether it’s putting in the hard work, staying disciplined, or being available for my team. I focus on creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and motivated to grow. In Finwealth, Tradelabs, and GoKhana, I try to give space for ideas to flow while guiding with clarity and vision. In the industry, I see leadership as building trust and long-term relationships. I make sure partnerships are built on honesty and mutual growth. At the core, my style of leadership is simple — listen more, empower people, and never forget the bigger purpose behind the work we do.
4. Which achievements are you most proud of?
I am most proud of three initiatives that reflect different stages of my journey. First, starting out in the stock markets and growing consistently over the years gave me the foundation to understand risk, discipline, and opportunity. Second, becoming a Capital and Brand Partner at Tradelabs has been a defining role, where I’ve helped shape its growth and visibility in the financial technology space.
Third, founding Finwealth has been very close to my heart, as it focuses on empowering retail traders and investors by bringing them together on one platform. More recently, I’m proud of leading Investments and Partnerships for GoKhana, which allowed me to contribute to its expansion and create long-term value. Each of these milestones carries a piece of my vision — building ventures that make an impact and open doors for others.
5. What does true impact mean to you?
For me, true impact is measured in people, not profits. Every step in my journey — from trading in the stock markets to building Finwealth, Tradelabs, and GoKhana — has been about creating opportunities for others. I want retail traders to feel empowered, young professionals to see finance as an exciting career, and teams to feel proud of the work they do. I believe business should not just generate wealth, but also inspire confidence, provide livelihoods, and open doors for people who may not have had the same starting point.
6. What is the most valuable leadership lesson you’ve learned?
The most valuable leadership lesson I’ve learned is that leadership is about trust and empathy, not just authority. I’ve realized that listening to your team, understanding their challenges, and supporting them through highs and lows builds loyalty and drives results far more than just giving instructions. Leading by example, staying patient, and making decisions that consider both people and purpose have been key lessons that guide me every day.
7. How do you stay adaptable in today’s fast-changing world?
Staying adaptable requires a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity. In financial markets, technology and AI are constantly reshaping how decisions are made, and staying ahead means embracing these tools rather than resisting them. I focus on understanding new trends, experimenting with innovative strategies, and leveraging technology to make smarter, faster decisions. Adaptability also comes from staying grounded — listening to my team, learning from every success and setback, and being open to change. By combining human insight with technology, I strive to build ventures that are not only resilient but also future-ready.
8. Who has influenced your leadership style the most?
My greatest influence in leadership has been my family, particularly my father. From the very beginning, he taught me the value of discipline, hard work, and integrity. His trust in me, even when I started with just ₹50,000 in the stock markets, gave me the confidence to take risks and follow my passion. Over the years, I’ve also learned from my mentors and partners in Finwealth, Tradelabs, and GoKhana, but the foundation of my leadership style — empathy, responsibility, and leading by example — comes from him.
9. What excites you most in your work?
What excites me most is using technology and innovation to make finance accessible, empower people, and create lasting impact. Being part of this change keeps me motivated every day.
10. Any message for the global audience at The Global Icons of Impact 2025?
To the global audience at The Global Icons of Impact 2025, I would say this: Dream big, stay disciplined, and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Success is not just about personal gains — it’s about creating opportunities, empowering others, and leaving a lasting impact. Embrace challenges, learn continuously, and use your skills to make a difference. Together, we can build a future where innovation and purpose go hand in hand.
