'One of the defining moments of my career was during the 2010 BP Macondo oil spill'

What attracted you to study at King’s?

I’ve always been drawn to finance and capital markets. After spending more than 15 years in the energy and oil and gas industry, I founded my investment firm. I then wanted to complement my practical experience with a formal degree, so the MSc in Global Finance & Banking was the perfect fit.

The flexible format allowed me to study at a world-class institution while continuing to grow my business full-time. I was also impressed by the strong reputation and global alumni network it offered.

Are there any key memories that stand out from the course?

As it was a distance-learning programme, opportunities to meet in person were limited. However, we collaborated closely on a finance newsletter, which created a strong sense of connection and teamwork. I have very positive memories of coordinating with others and working together toward a shared goal.

After we graduated, there was no one immediately available to continue the initiative. But I’d welcome the opportunity to explore how it could be revived.

You ran your business at the same time as studying. Any advice for people wanting to do the same?

Whenever you are studying part-time while running a business (or working a full-time job), time is always the biggest constraint. There are only 24 hours in a day! The most important mindset shift is realising that not everything needs your attention immediately. A strong prioritisation process is essential.

At times, there is simply no alternative but to burn the midnight oil. That said, if I find something genuinely interesting or meaningful, I don’t mind putting in the extra effort and doing the hard work.

Above all, the support of family and loved ones matters most. There will be periods when you’re juggling family responsibilities, studies and work all at once, and you need understanding and flexibility from the people around you. I want to especially thank my wife and my son for their patience, encouragement and constant support. I genuinely could not have completed this programme without them.

Tell me a bit about your career journey so far..

While completing my undergraduate degree, I gained practical experience working with my father at his engineering business. I then moved to the United States to pursue a masters degree in civil engineering, and I built my career in the oil and gas industry.

One of the defining moments of my career was during the 2010 BP Macondo oil spill. I was selected to serve as Lead Engineer, verifying and certifying the design of the system being used to cap the leaking well. This experience tested my technical judgement, crisis leadership and decision making under extreme pressure.

I then made a strategic move into finance. I now work at the intersection of engineering, financial markets and technology.

Will that will be the focus of your PhD?

Yes. My research will focus on applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to assess and manage the impact of geopolitical events on financial markets. For example, major policy shifts by world leaders or the outbreak of geopolitical conflicts can have significant market implications.

My work will aim to model these dynamics and develop more effective risk-management frameworks. I’m very excited about this direction.

It sounds fascinating! You've also opened a school in India. What inspired that?

My family founded the school – Rameswar Vidya Mandir – in memory of my late grandfather, Rameswar Sharma.

The inspiration for the school is deeply rooted in his life story and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. After losing his father at a young age, he was raised by his mother in modest circumstances. Through perseverance and academic excellence he went on to become a barrister.

He firmly believed that education is the most powerful way for people to change their circumstances. In 1951, when access to higher education in his local community was extremely limited, he co-founded Mangaldoi College, the first higher education institution in the area. This continues to serve the community today.

This school is our family’s way of carrying that belief forward and ensuring future generations have access to opportunities through learning.

What’s next for the school?

It began with just seven students and it now has more than 30. We’re planning to introduce distance learning to support students in the surrounding rural areas. I want to promote maths, science and languages. English is particularly important if you want to work in today’s world. I was fortunate to go to a school which gave me a good grip on English. That helped me and I want to support others to have the same opportunity.

What advice would you give to others who want to support education?

Supporting education does not always require large financial contributions. People can give in many meaningful ways through time, mentorship, skills, encouragement and advocacy. Even something as simple as sitting down to read a book to a child can spark curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.

My advice is to start small. Consistent efforts compound over time and create lasting impact. As the proverb goes: ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ Education gives people the tools to change their own lives and the lives of those around them.

Finally, you recently donated to the new South West Wing at King’s. What inspired this gift?

I heard about it during an alumni gathering in Washington DC. The vision behind the development and its role in shaping the future of teaching, research and student life was truly inspiring.

My contribution is an expression of gratitude to King’s for the exceptional education, mentorship and global perspective I gained. Supporting this initiative allows me to give back to an institution that has had such a meaningful impact on my life. It represents more than financial support, reflecting my belief in the power of education and my commitment to future generations. Forever King’s!