Navigating Change and Driving Innovation at Morningstar: An Interview with Rishikesh Chaughule

Can you tell us about your career at Morningstar?

I joined Morningstar in February 2020, right before the pandemic forced remote work. Despite the many challenges at the time, we successfully delivered a complex and crucial project in record time. So that kind of kick started what would be an exciting journey here at Morningstar!

In 2022, we shifted technology work from our Shenzhen office to the Mumbai office, growing our team to over 100 people across 12 squads. We focused on hiring fresh graduates and retaining key talent. We delivered several collaborative projects on platform stability, observability, efficiency, and cost improvements.

In 2024, I was promoted to Senior Director, now leading multiple technology teams in India across data acquisition, collection, and production. This role involves fostering broader collaboration across our data production line.

What do you enjoy most about your current role and team?

Leading a team of now over 200 people is incredibly fulfilling. Our collaborative brainstorming sessions yield innovative solutions, like reducing model portfolio onboarding time from months to weeks. Witnessing the impact of our work, such as the integration of ESG data into our flagship product, brings immense satisfaction.

Guiding a talented team toward ambitious goals fosters a deep sense of purpose and pride. It is a reminder that our collective efforts are greater than the sum of their parts.

According to you, what role do mentorship and networking play in professional advancement?

Mentorship and networking are the invisible code underpinning success in large organizations. They play a vital role in propelling both individual and organizational professional advancement.

I think that mentorship is a catalyst for growth. It helps in areas such as skill development, where senior members help juniors develop skills faster, and career navigation, with mentors guiding career paths and helping set realistic goals, which in turn also acts as a huge confidence boost.

Networking is extremely helpful in building bridges and providing opportunities, even being aware of opportunities. It also opens doors to cross-functional internal collaborations, and additionally, provides external visibility as well.

The synergy between mentorship and networking accelerates professional growth by building connections and offering guidance.

Can you talk about how the rapid pace of technological advancements is reshaping the role of leaders and the skills required to lead effectively in a digital world?

The breakneck speed of technological change is definitely shaking things up for leaders. Technological change demands leaders be tech-savvy, adaptable, and capable of managing virtual teams. I believe the key skills one needs to include are:

Visionary Thinking: Translating technology potential into innovative strategies.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Using analytics for informed decisions.

Effective Communication: Resonating with a digital-savvy workforce.

Agility and Adaptability: Learning quickly and adjusting strategies.

Building Trust Virtually: Fostering strong relationships in remote teams.

Developing these skills helps leaders navigate the challenges and opportunities of a digital world.

Can you talk about one key value you incorporate in your work life?

It is actually one of Morningstar's Five Organizational Values-Execution is Everything. This value ensures brilliant ideas are turned into tangible results. Effective execution bridges strategy and impact, providing a competitive edge, meeting customer expectations, and boosting team morale.

The way I incorporate it in my work life is by setting clear, measurable goals, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration within my teams, empowering team members to make decisions, and proactively identifying and addressing obstacles.

I truly believe execution is crucial for transforming concepts into reality and driving organizational success.

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us Rishi!

Thank you!