Abel Boaz, the founder of Abellian Finman, is redefining the boundaries of finance and leadership with his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence. Over the last five years, he has emerged as a trusted authority in his field, mastering areas like finance, strategy, treasury and cost management. Yet, his story is as much about numbers as it is about narratives.

Mr Boaz’s professional journey is marked by his ability to adapt and excel in a dynamic financial landscape. As the author of Breaking Barriers: Empowering Men for Equality, he has brought attention to the pivotal role men play in advancing gender equality. His belief in constructive masculinity not only shapes his writing but also guides his leadership at Abellian Finman. He champions inclusive strategies and ethical practices, driving change in both business and society.

At the heart of Mr Boaz’s success is his ability to bridge the gap between numbers and people, strategies and stories. Whether reshaping finance or supporting social causes, he inspires with his intellect, empathy and vision, leaving a lasting impact on business and society. In a lively conversation with Sharmila Chand, Mr Boaz talks about his management principles and practices. 

Your five management mantras

·       Have a voice of your own, and make sure it is heard.

·       The world is always shifting. To grow, we must evolve alongside it, not resist it.

·       Do not just do the right things, do the right things consistently.

·       Sometimes, the difference you create matters more than the profits you generate.

·       When you lead, you are at the top to uplift others.

A game that helps your career
Everything about life is mirrored exactly on the chess board, and that is what stems my love for the game. It gives me that much-needed break from all the hustle and bustle of being an entrepreneur. It also highlights resilience. A single mistake is not final. With focus, setbacks can turn into opportunities. 

Turning point in your career life
Leaving a stable, full-time job to start my own venture was a defining moment in my career. It was not just a professional decision, but it was a leap of faith. The transition tested my patience and strengthened my belief in myself. Building Abellian Finman from the ground up taught me that real growth often begins where comfort ends. Taking this bold step reaffirmed my commitment to creating something meaningful, driven by my vision and values.

Secret of your success
There is no fixed recipe for success. It is not a simple equation. What I have come to realise is that success is not just about that one big moment, it is about the 99 days of struggle that lead up to it. On day 100, you may feel successful, but it is the effort, setbacks and perseverance required to get there. Some days, you are not at your best, and that is okay. The secret is consistency and showing up every day, even when it feels tough. That is where real progress happens.

Your philosophy of work
For me, work is a journey of growth, both as a person and a professional. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, evolve and become better. And above all, work is about people. Success is never a solo achievement. It is about empowering those around you and working together towards a shared dream. The best results come when we lift each other.

A person you admire
Two people who have profoundly inspired me are Ratan Tata and Steve Jobs. Ratan Tata’s humility, integrity and commitment to social causes resonate deeply with me. He built a legacy not just through business success but by always keeping values and ethics at the core of his decisions. Steve Jobs, on the other hand, taught me the power of vision and innovation. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to think differently pushed boundaries in ways that changed the world.

Best advice you got
There are many talented people in the world who are not successful because they lack hard work. Consistency beats brilliance, every time.

Your journey so far
If I had to describe my journey so far, I would just like to equate each and every failure to a lesson. Each lesson has been a blessing which has stretched a helping hand for me to pause, reflect and adapt. This helps to not only recover but come back stronger. 

Your favourite books
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel has had a profound impact on me. One quote that stands out to me is: “Wealth is what you don’t see. It’s the cars not purchased, the diamonds not bought, the vacations not taken.” This quote serves as a reminder that true wealth is not about flashy displays; it is about making thoughtful, deliberate choices that add long-term value to your life.

Your fitness regime
I focus on a mix of cardio and strength training, complemented by daily meditation. Working out keeps me physically energised, while meditation provides the mental clarity I need to stay focused and calm throughout the day. It is a balance of both body and mind that fuels my productivity and well-being.

Maintaining calm and peace in stressful situations
I stay calm by pausing and taking a step back to gain perspective. Meditation helps me to centre myself, and I remind myself that stress is often temporary.

Your mantras for success in business

·       Consistency wins.

·       Small, steady efforts often yield the biggest rewards over time.

·       Value relationships.

·       Business thrives on trust. Nurture connections with honesty and care and focus on solutions.

·       Challenges are inevitable; a problem-solving mindset is the key to progress.

·       Purpose over profit: Build something meaningful, and success will naturally follow.

·       Customer comes first, and second: We need to realise that customers’ satisfaction is the foundation of long-term success.

Message to youngsters on management
Management is not about bossing people around, it is about bringing people together. Build trust, communicate openly, and inspire those around you. See challenges as opportunities to grow and decisions as milestones on your journey. Stay curious, adaptable and driven by purpose. The best managers do not just lead, they evolve and empower.

 One line that hits home and defines me to the core
A lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity: Always seeking to grow, adapt, and understand the world better.