In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business world, companies are increasingly focused on finding innovative ways to build a workforce that can grow, adapt, and lead. Kinara Capital is one of those companies. Their approach to employee development has taken shape through the Learning and Experiential Accelerator Programme (LEAP)—an initiative designed to accelerate the development of freshers and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in the financial services industry. This innovative programme blends classroom learning with hands-on field experience, ensuring new hires are prepared to thrive from the moment they step into their roles.
Kinara Capital’s belief that employee growth drives company growth is at the core of their training philosophy. “We always maintain an employee-centric focus,” says Gracy Tavamani, deputy CHRO at Kinara Capital. “Our aim is to create a learning ecosystem that benefits both the current team and new hires. By continuously introducing tailored learning programmes, we enhance the skills and competencies of our employees, helping them excel in their roles and prepare for future growth.”
What makes LEAP stand out is its unique focus on freshers, a group that many companies often overlook in their development strategies. Roughly 15-20 per cent of Kinara’s new hires are early-career professionals, often straight out of college with little to no prior work experience. LEAP was created with these freshers in mind, combining classroom education with practical, on-the-ground experience in the financial sector. The result has been a resounding success, with participants seeing a 5-8 per cent increase in promotions, reflecting the tangible benefits of the programme.
“We always maintain an employee-centric focus. Our aim is to create a learning ecosystem that benefits both the current team and new hires. By continuously introducing tailored learning programmes, we enhance the skills and competencies of our employees, helping them excel in their roles and prepare for future growth.”
Gracy Tavamani, deputy CHRO, Kinara Capital
Every quarter, Kinara recruits and trains 25-30 freshers in multiple batches, offering them a rigorous three-month journey that balances learning with practice. The programme starts with an introduction to the financial services industry, where freshers gain an understanding of how non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) such as Kinara operate within the broader financial ecosystem. In the early weeks, participants also learn about Kinara’s structure, its customer base, and the specific roles they will take on within the organisation. However, the real transformation happens when classroom learning meets fieldwork.
Participants are quickly immersed in hands-on experiences, shadowing loan officers and interacting with customers in real-world scenarios. This stage of the programme is crucial for bridging the gap between theory and practice. Freshers are assigned mentors and shadow guides during this phase, providing them with ongoing support as they navigate the complexities of their new roles. “Our hands-on approach is central to the success of LEAP,” explains Tavamani. “By having mentors guide them through real situations, our freshers gain the confidence and clarity they need to excel.” This blend of classroom and field training gives participants the competence to apply what they’ve learned in practical settings, from day one.
A key element of LEAP’s success is its use of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) model, which ensures that freshers develop not only theoretical understanding but also the practical skills necessary to excel in their roles. For example, loan officers in training are taught more than just financial products—they are coached on how to build rapport with customers, present solutions clearly, and deliver support with empathy. The goal is to create well-rounded employees who are capable of handling both the technical and interpersonal aspects of their roles with ease. “In addition to our blended-learning approach, we offer more than 150 training materials through our Learning Management System (LMS),” adds Tavamani.
Kinara has also introduced video-based micro-learning, delivering small, digestible learning modules through WhatsApp to make continuous education accessible and convenient.
The programme’s adaptability is another reason for its continued success. LEAP’s assessment structure is tailored to each role, ensuring that freshers are evaluated based on the specific demands of their positions. For non-technical roles, participants take aptitude tests to measure problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and attitude. Technical roles, on the other hand, require more specialised assessments. Throughout the programme, continuous feedback from mentors and field officers helps participants understand their strengths and areas for improvement. If any gaps in knowledge or performance are identified, additional training is provided before freshers fully transition into their roles. “The feedback loop is integral to ensuring that no fresher feels unprepared,” says Tavamani.
Kinara Capital’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends has played a key role in ensuring LEAP remains effective and relevant. The financial services sector is constantly evolving, and Kinara’s learning and development team works diligently to keep the programme aligned with industry best practices. “We regularly attend industry conferences and peer discussions to make sure our training methods stay current,” explains Tavamani. This research-based approach allows Kinara to adapt quickly to changes in the financial world, preparing employees to excel in a rapidly shifting environment.
Looking ahead, Kinara Capital is further expanding its investment in freshers. The company is in the process of hiring 100 new graduates and aims to increase the percentage of freshers in its workforce from 15 per cent to 20 per cent. LEAP isn’t just a training programme—it’s a strategic initiative designed to prepare employees for the company’s long-term growth.
Kinara Capital’s LEAP programme is more than just an onboarding process; it’s a blueprint for building a high-potential workforce. By combining structured learning with real-world experience and continuous feedback, LEAP ensures that every employee is ready to make an impact from day one. By investing in its people, Kinara isn’t just building a workforce—it’s laying the foundation for sustained growth and long-term success.