‘Lessons and skills at school gave me an entrepreneurial streak’

Every confident speaker has a moment they’d rather forget. For Sameer Kaul, it was freezing four lines into his first inter-school debate. A student of Apeejay School, Saket, from Grade 1 until his graduation in 2005, Sameer went on to study mechanical engineering in the United States, complete his MBA at the University of Rochester, and build a successful career thereafter. Today, as a CEO, he traces that confidence back to a small, close-knit school that never let him stay in his comfort zone for long.

What are some of your fondest memories of your time at the school?

It’s hard to single out one memory. I spent my entire school life at Apeejay Saket, from Grade 1 until I graduated in 2005, so it remains one of the longest institutional associations of my life. These were my foundational years, and the memories are many: friendships that began in the classroom, the daily bus rides to and from school, and countless small moments in between. Belonging to Pluto House is a particular favourite. Competing for the house and cheering on housemates gave me a sense of association that went beyond my own class.

What did you enjoy most about being a student here?

What I enjoyed most was how close-knit the school was. Apeejay School, Saket felt like a real community, among students and between students and teachers, and that closeness let me build deep, lasting bonds. I also valued being part of the school’s scholar program, which every student aspired to join. I was fortunate to be selected when it began and to remain a scholar throughout my time at school. It pushed me to keep raising the bar for myself, year after year.

How would you describe the teachers who taught you, and how has their contribution helped your professional journey?

Teachers shape a child’s outlook on life, socially as well as academically, and we were fortunate to have an exceptional group of them. I’ll admit I was quite a naughty kid and had my fair share of getting into trouble. Yet my teachers always looked beyond that side of me. Instead of writing me off, they were patient and empathetic, and they encouraged me at every step.

The student-to-teacher ratio was favourable, they could spend real time with each of us and engage well beyond the classroom. I could go to several teachers for guidance when I faced important decisions. They also encouraged us to pursue our passions outside academics, and that encouragement built confidence, which led to more effort and more success. Their belief in me, even on my less disciplined days, stayed with me and shaped how I approach my professional life, including how I try to see the potential in people I work with today.

Apart from academics, what important lessons did the school teach you?

The most important lesson was leadership. From an early age, the school built leadership through the prefectorial board, annual day functions, and inter-school competitions. I had the privilege of serving as Secretary of the Student Council in Grade 11 and as President in Grade 12. The selection was democratic, with students from Grades 6 to 12 voting, so I got an early sense of what it means to represent others, make decisions, and be accountable for them. It gave me a strong sense of ownership early in life. It also taught me that winning a leadership position is only the beginning. Living up to it is the harder part.

How did the school encourage you to explore your interests and talents?

The school exposed us to far more than academics: leadership, public speaking, sports, music, dance, and dramatics. I’m proud to have represented the school in several of these, including inter-school debates, group discussions, and computer programming competitions. Annual days, where I took part as a narrator and in other roles, were my first real taste of the stage.

One episode stands out. At one of my first inter-school debates, I was speaking for the motion, and the order was decided by drawing lots. Apeejay Saket was picked first, so I had to open the competition. Four or five lines in, I froze. I pulled out my written notes, found my place, and finished the speech. We didn’t win that day, but it took the fear out of me. Once you’ve lived through the worst that can happen on stage, there’s nothing left to fear. In many ways, that moment cleared the path for everything that followed, and I’m grateful the school kept giving me chances to get back up there.

In what ways do you think the school shaped the person you are today?

My school was the perfect launchpad. It is where I first developed leadership, public speaking, and a competitive spirit. I have kept building on them ever since. The foundation for both my professional and personal life was laid there. Looking back, it feels fitting that the school shaped me in the spirit of its own motto: Soaring high is my nature.

Where are you working currently, and what is your job role?

After Apeejay Saket, I studied mechanical engineering in the United States and then completed my MBA at the University of Rochester. I began my career at the family office of the late Mr. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. I went on to work at a private equity fund and at Citigroup in New York, and later ran my own fixed income fund.

Today, I am the CEO of JM Singapore, a subsidiary of JM Financial, a financial services group headquartered in India. I am focused on building the firm’s overseas asset and wealth management business. Much of my role involves presenting to investors, boards, and clients across the region. When I think about it, the student who froze while opening a debate is now pitching to some of the most demanding audiences in finance. The lessons and skills I picked up at school gave me an entrepreneurial streak, and they have shaped my career in more ways than I can count.