Up close and personal: Kalpana Morparia, CEO, JP Morgan - South and South-east Asia

Childhood’s best moments?
A rollicking day out with my friends at Walsingham House School – the very best years of my life

School days’ dream?
To get married after high school and have lots of children (the irony is that I have no children and one of my biggest regrets in life)

Lesson from a teacher?
Another irony of life is that my Hindi teacher was so frustrated with my poor knowledge of the language and my indifference to remedy this that his prophecy was: “ye ladki life me kuch bhi nahin karegi.” I guess that comment spurred me on to eventually do something!

When everything came to an end?
Never had a fascination for chocolates or ice cream but was hooked on Coca Cola and was devastated when it was banned in India in 1977.

Way to spend time?
I am a Bollywood buff. Hard to call out one or two but since you asked I would say Mughal-e-Azam and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum.

My first job?
Was as a school teacher immediately after graduating in science. I did not enjoy being a teacher.

The role model?
No role models

Sweetest moment at work?
Being appreciated by your team and your peers in my life

Most terrifying moment?
My very first presentation to a group of clients where I could not figure out how to move the slides.

Hobby?
Reading, travelling and enjoy drives on Autobahn.

Advice to youngsters
Live your dream and enjoy every moment

Work-life balance?
What is this question for me? Life is work and vice versa

Favourite delicacy?
Best food is Gujarati Thali followed by south Indian snacks.

Treasure books?
Team of Rivals, Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, India after Gandhi, All the Devils are Here.

Life after retirement?
Life and work are synonymous the day work stops life will end!