In this interview, global finance executive Yakub Mathew reflects on how nearly four decades of values-driven banking across cultures and a transformative visit to the 2025 Maha Kumbh—which inspired his book Seeking the Infinite—have shaped his philosophy of trust, humility, service, and shared human connection.
Yakub Mathew is a distinguished global finance professional, transformational thinker, and bestselling author whose journey spans nearly four decades across some of the world’s leading financial institutions. Currently serving as Managing Director at Wells Fargo Advisors in New York, he has built an illustrious career marked by values-driven leadership, cross-cultural adaptability, and a commitment to empowering people and communities.
While his professional accomplishments have earned him recognition in the world of banking and wealth management, Mathew’s recent foray into literature has revealed another dimension of his personality. His award-winning book, Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025, inspired by his experience at one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings, explores themes of faith, identity, consciousness, and the universal search for meaning. The book has resonated with readers across cultures for its inclusive perspective and thought-provoking reflections on spirituality and human connection.
In this conversation with You & I, Yakub Mathew reflects on his remarkable professional journey, the values that have guided him through decades of leadership, and the experiences that inspired him to embark on an unexpected literary and spiritual exploration. – By Pranitha Garipally
With more than three decades in global banking and wealth management, what first inspired you to pursue a career in finance, and what has kept you passionate about it over the years?
Finance was never part of a grand plan. Looking back, I often say it happened by fate. My journey began with Citibank, and over time, I developed a passion for building businesses within the financial services sector. What continues to keep me engaged is the ability to create value in a measurable way. Finance sits at the intersection of economics, politics, policy, and human aspiration, making it an ever-evolving field. The dynamic nature of the industry, combined with the opportunity to help create wealth and impact lives, has kept me motivated throughout my career.
Your career has taken you across continents, cultures, and some of the world’s leading financial institutions. How have these diverse experiences shaped your perspective, both as a professional and as an individual?
Working across continents has taught me that, regardless of geography or culture, people share many of the same aspirations. At different stages of life, those aspirations may take different forms, but fundamentally, everyone seeks fulfilment, security, and purpose. These experiences have helped me appreciate the universality of human ambition and the role financial institutions can play in supporting those goals.
They have also shaped my identity as a global citizen and global banker. Operating within international organisations allows you to think globally while acting locally, creating opportunities and solutions that transcend borders. Most importantly, these experiences have deepened my appreciation for people and reinforced the understanding that our dreams and aspirations are often more similar than different.
You often speak about the importance of trust, empowerment, and integrity. Why do you believe these qualities are fundamental to building resilient teams and enduring professional relationships?
Banking, by its very nature, is a business built on trust, and life itself is built on relationships. Success is rarely achieved alone. The greatest results come when individuals work together toward a common purpose.
Trust, integrity, discipline, and empowerment create a culture where people move in the same direction. A team that shares common values can achieve far more collectively than any individual can achieve alone. These qualities create resilience, strengthen relationships, and produce results that are greater than the sum of their parts.
What inspired you to write this book, and what personal experiences or insights influenced its creation?
Seeking the Infinite: A Spiritual Journey Through Maha Kumbh 2025 was never part of a plan. In many ways, I consider myself an accidental author. The journey began with a visit to the Maha Kumbh in 2025, which coincided with my 60th birthday. Instead of celebrating conventionally, I chose to be part of this extraordinary gathering alongside a group of fellow travellers.
The idea of a book emerged unexpectedly. What began as an attempt to preserve memories for future generations gradually evolved into something much larger. Through a series of experiences and reflections, the project transformed into a multi-faith exploration of spirituality, consciousness, and humanity. The book does not seek to provide answers; rather, it invites readers to reflect on questions of identity, purpose, and our connection to something greater than ourselves. At its heart, it is a message of oneness and shared humanity.
As a Christian, your experience at the Kumbh Mela was unique. How did attending this extraordinary gathering impact your perspective, and did it bring about any personal or spiritual changes?
The experience was not something that could be manufactured or planned. If it changed me, it did so in subtle ways rather than through a dramatic transformation. I see myself more as a messenger or a seeker who happened to be part of a remarkable journey.
What struck me most was witnessing millions of people surrendering themselves to something greater than their individual identities. The faith, devotion, and hope that filled the atmosphere were deeply moving. As a Christian, I attended out of curiosity rather than religious obligation, but the experience led me to reflect on universal questions that transcend faith traditions: Who am I? What is my purpose? What connects us all?
What I ultimately witnessed was a shared human longing for peace, meaning, and connection. Regardless of religion, people were seeking the same thing—a deeper relationship with the infinite. That message of oneness remains the most powerful takeaway from the experience.
Rather than offering definitive conclusions, Seeking the Infinite invites readers to sit with questions and embrace uncertainty. Why do you believe this openness is essential, not only in life but also in leadership?
The more we learn, the more we realise how much remains unknown. Whether we look at science, philosophy, spirituality, or human experience, we often discover that reality is far more complex than our individual perspectives allow us to see.
I believe openness begins with humility. We must recognise that our understanding is limited and that others may see aspects of reality differently. This mindset encourages curiosity, respect, and meaningful dialogue. It allows us to learn from one another rather than assume we already have all the answers.
The same principle applies to leadership. Effective leaders listen, remain open to different viewpoints, and create space for diverse perspectives. When we embrace uncertainty rather than fear it, we become better equipped to navigate change, make thoughtful decisions, and grow both personally and professionally.
As you reflect on a journey that spans global finance, leadership, and now authorship, what continues to inspire your curiosity, purpose, and vision for the future?
What continues to inspire me is a simple belief that life is beautiful and every moment is a gift. We often spend so much time focusing on what comes next that we forget to appreciate the present.
For me, purpose lies in spreading positivity, kindness, compassion, and understanding. It is about living in a way that reflects the world we wish to see around us. When we give without expecting anything in return and contribute to the well-being of others, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves.
I remain optimistic about the future because I believe people are capable of extraordinary goodness. As long as we continue to learn, grow, and seek meaning, there will always be something worth striving for. Ultimately, it is that spirit of gratitude, service, and connection that keeps me moving forward.
Source credit: You & I
