Living Authentically: An Interview with Prad Madhavan, Director of Legal at SMBC Bank International

Pride Month is a month-long celebration that recognises the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to society. To mark Pride Month, ELBA’s Samie John spoke to a selection of professionals who work alongside ELBA, who are driving change, shaping policy and embodying what it means to lead with authenticity.

Samie interviewed Prad Madhavan, Director of Legal at SMBC Bank International and Co-Chair of Niji, the bank’s LGBTQ+ employee network.

You can listen to the audio recording of the full interview here:

Here’s what Prad shared with us:

From Trainee to Director: A Journey of Authentic Leadership
Prad’s legal career spans nearly two decades, including roles at Magic Circle firms, US law firms and GE Capital. Now serving as Director of Legal at SMBC Bank International, he specialises in leveraged finance and also plays a key role in driving diversity, equity and inclusion as Co-Chair of the bank’s LGBTQ+ network.

But his path hasn’t always been easy.

“When I started out, the advice I was given was: ‘Whatever you do, don’t be yourself.’ That didn’t sit right with me,” he recalls. “It was only when I fully accepted who I was that I began to thrive — both personally and professionally.”

That moment of realisation became the foundation of Prad’s advocacy work. Years ago, at his former firm, he founded their first LGBTQ+ employee network and, for months, he was the only one in the room. Today, that network has blossomed into a thriving community.

Driving Policy Change Through Personal Experience
One of Prad’s proudest contributions has been co-developing SMBC Bank International’s surrogacy policy.

“When my husband and I began our journey to parenthood, I realised that neither the maternity nor adoption policies applied to us,” he says. “So, I approached HR, and together we created a new policy that’s now there for anyone in a similar situation.”

That policy change reflects a broader truth: inclusion isn’t just about celebrations, it’s about systems, structures and policies that support real lives.

Why Allyship Matters
For Prad, meaningful allyship starts at the top.

“When senior leaders send out messages of support or encourage attendance at events, it creates a ripple effect. It gives others — especially those unsure or just starting out — the confidence to show up as their full selves.”

This top-down support is crucial in global organisations, where cultural contexts may discourage visibility. As Prad explains, “Some of our colleagues come from backgrounds where being out isn’t accepted. Seeing leadership embrace inclusion helps break down those barriers.”

On Representation and Visibility
Being a visible LGBTQ+ leader carries weight.

“When I was starting out, I never saw someone like me in leadership,” says Prad. “Now I want to be that person for others — to show that you can be successful and authentic.”

That visibility, he says, is key to building inclusive cultures: “Your power lies in your authenticity. If you’re hiding part of who you are, you’re not bringing your full self to the table.”

Pride Month: A Celebration of Authenticity
To Prad, Pride Month is more than just parades and flags.

“It’s a celebration of authenticity — of how far we’ve come and the resilience it took to get here,” he says. “It’s also a reminder that the fight for equality isn’t over. We can’t afford to be complacent.”

Advice to the Next Generation
“Have faith in your abilities. Be yourself. Work hard. The rest will follow.”

And for those starting out in corporate settings:

“Get involved in your organisation’s LGBTQ+ or employee resource groups. They’re great spaces to find community, network, and grow. In this geopolitical climate, we need the next generation to carry the torch forward.”

What Does Pride Mean to You?
We closed the interview with a quick-fire question: What does Pride mean to you?

“Love is love,” Prad answered, without hesitation.

Final Thoughts
Prad’s story is one of courage, authenticity, and quiet leadership — the kind that doesn’t just open doors, but holds them open for others to follow.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let us be reminded: Inclusion isn’t a trend. It’s a practice. And it starts with the power of being seen, heard, and valued — exactly as you are.

Happy Pride.

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