Manasa Savanur, a distinguished financial expert and educator, empowers both businesses and individuals to transform risk into a powerful tool, converting uncertainty into strategic opportunities. While financial risk management is often shrouded in complex terminology—terms like “derivatives,” “hedging,” “liquidity risk,” and “credit default swaps”—Manasa makes these concepts accessible, unlocking a deeper understanding of the economy and enabling smarter, more informed decisions. Her deep-rooted fascination with risk has guided her steady rise as a leading authority in the field, where she excels in making the intricate world of risk management clear and actionable.
There are various types of financial risks, including market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and liquidity risk. While the complexities of these risks might seem overwhelming, developing a strong sense of risk assessment and identification is crucial for achieving financial stability, whether you’re managing a business or a side-hustle. Each type of risk demands tailored strategies for effective management, and this is where Manasa Savanur excels. At her current role, where she specializes in interest rate risk management for mortgage servicing rights, Savanur draws upon years of experience at some of the world’s leading banks. Her practical expertise goes beyond academic theory, enabling her to simplify complex financial concepts for everyday people—a skill she showcased brilliantly in her recent TEDx talk.
In this TEDx talk, Savanur delved into the sunk cost fallacy, a concept that has garnered significant attention. She emphasized the dangers of continuing an endeavor solely because of past investments, rather than evaluating future benefits and costs. This irrational decision-making process, she argues, can be detrimental to both businesses and societies, as it often leads to clinging to past losses instead of making more rational choices for the future. By connecting her deep understanding of risk management with real-world implications, Savanur’s insights offer invaluable guidance on navigating financial decisions more wisely.
“The question to ask yourself is, ‘If I put the same effort/resources elsewhere, will it give me better results?’ If yes, go do that!” she says. One of the examples she shared of her lived experience which we can all relate to is how we end up in situations where the money we spend is not always helping us. She further elucidates that many of us have closets full of clothes but nothing to wear on a Monday morning. Suboptimal decision-making is human; with data and analysis we can beat such mental traps and make better decisions, says Manasa. She believes that bringing awareness to everyday financial decisions, no matter how small, can quickly transform one’s overall financial situation.
Sunk cost fallacy is just one of the many behavioral economic dilemmas, a better understanding of basic financial concepts goes a long way. Concepts such as understanding risk appetite, investing as per needs & unique financial situations can help build a stronger economy.
Promoting a risk-aware culture in organizations and society is Savanur’s goal and we see her already making an impact in finance, both as a mid-career professional at Wells Fargo and also via her mentoring sessions at one of the largest finance mentorship organizations in the United States.
Her expertise is not limited to the financial domain. As a certified yoga teacher, she brings a unique perspective to her work. She understands the importance of holistic well-being and encourages everyone to balance financial health and mental well-being by fighting mental bias. This integrative approach has resonated with many, especially young professionals and businesses who want to manage their finances and include risk in their decision-making, further cementing her reputation as a holistic financial expert.
Manasa Savanur‘s journey is a testament to the impact an individual can create in the field of finance. Her dedication to solving risk-related crises, financial literacy, advocacy, and holistic well-being has made her a respected and influential figure. As she continues to inspire and empower, Manasa remains a guiding light for those navigating the intricate world of finance and risk.
Disclaimer: “This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice, nor does it replace professional financial advice, investment advice, or any other type of advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or other professional before making any financial decisions.”
Published by: Nelly Chavez
