Finding Harmony in the Hustle: Mr. Sanjay Rughani on Work, Life, and Legacy at CIU’s 9th LIT Series

At the 9th CIU LIT Series, Mr. Sanjay Rughani, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, captivated the audience with his insights on work-life balance, purpose, and the power of habits. Through personal stories and reflections, he shared life lessons that go beyond the boardroom, aiming to inspire us to find meaning, success, and joy in both our personal and professional lives.

Mr. Rughani began by touching on the theme of work-life balance—a topic so crucial yet often elusive in today’s fast-paced world. “Finding harmony in the hustle,” as he put it, is about learning to manage not just what we acquire, but how we handle it. True happiness, he explained, isn’t found in material accumulation alone. Instead, it’s about embracing a deeper sense of purpose and prioritizing the things that truly matter.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Mr Rughani shared a cherished memory with the audience. Growing up, he would often hear the BBC radio playing in the background, a habit instilled by his father. Though he initially found it annoying, he later asked his father why he always listened to BBC radio. His father explained, “When I listen to BBC radio, I get to hear about things I don’t see—innovations, prosperity, and the world unfolding.” This early exposure to global perspectives shaped Mr. Rughani’s curiosity, inspiring him to see beyond his immediate environment and cultivate a global mindset.

As a leader, Mr. Rughani believes that the success of an organization lies in the growth and success of its employees. “My biggest success is my employees' success,” he shared, encouraging leaders to empower their teams to unlock their potential and “create miracles out of themselves.” This people-first philosophy drives his commitment to professional development and nurturing talent within his organization.

He spoke passionately about purpose, stressing that “if you have a purpose, give it your best.” And for Africans, he noted, there is tremendous potential. “Africans are born with a lot of opportunities,” he said, highlighting that the world is increasingly turning to Africa for innovation and growth. Yet, he also urged Africans to move beyond limiting narratives and to ask, “Why.” For Mr Rughani, the creative answers and stories we build are powerful, but without challenging our assumptions and asking “why,” we risk stunting our potential.

Happiness, he argued, is a long-term journey built on meaningful values and impacting others. “Happiness isn’t a short-term feeling; it’s about building long-term value,” he said. The most fulfilling path, he suggested, lies in serving others, fostering growth, and striving for a legacy that’s bigger than oneself. If we fail along the way, that’s part of the process. “If you feel something isn’t right, take action. If you fail, you’ll either learn something new or know how to do it better next time.”

Describing his personal framework for life, Mr Rughani shared that he has “four lives.” His first is focused on “me and myself”—making the right choices, seeking knowledge, and embracing discomfort to become a better person. The second is his family, where he cherishes bonds with his loved ones. His third life, the “Chartered life,” is dedicated to his professional growth, while his fourth life is his deep connection to Africa, honoring his roots and heritage.

When it comes to wealth, Mr. Rughani learned from his father to distinguish between needs and wants. “A need is a must, so ensure you have enough money to meet those needs. Anything beyond that is a bonus.” He encouraged the audience to plan for necessities and never compromise on the essentials.

For Mr. Rughani, habits are the foundation of success. Sharing his morning routine, he mentioned, “I wake up at 5 AM and listen to BBC every day; there's not a day I don't learn something new.” Good habits, he advised, include asking questions, not taking things personally, worrying less, reading often, and learning to understand deeply.

Mr. Rughani’s insights at the CIU LIT Series were a call to action for everyone to pursue their purpose with passion, prioritize learning, and create lasting value. As he reminded us, true success lies not just in achieving our own goals but in enabling others to realize theirs as well