HRAI firmly believes in the power of teamwork and the value it brings. When diverse talents and perspectives come together, something extraordinary happens. The collective synergy we create goes beyond what any individual can achieve alone and together we see the potential to make a lasting impact on the world.
Welcome to the 2025 edition of our 50 Under 50 Awards Magazine a celebration of accomplished professionals who continue to inspire progress and shape the future before the age of 50.
This edition highlights leaders and innovators whose experience, vision, and perseverance are transforming industries, strengthening organizations, and creating lasting impact on society. They exemplify the power of combining wisdom with fresh ideas, proving that true influence comes from purpose-driven leadership and meaningful contributions.
Their journeys remind us that impact is not measured only by milestones achieved, but by the resilience to overcome challenges, the foresight to innovate, and the commitment to build inclusive, future-ready communities.
As you explore these pages, may you find inspiration in their stories, confidence in the possibilities of bold ideas, and encouragement to pursue impact that endures well beyond the present.
Thank you for joining us in honoring this celebration of excellence.
I N T E R V I E W S
The HR Association of India (HRAI), founded in 2020 is an esteemed non-profit organization that has been playing a pivotal role in shaping the HR landscape in India. Their primary focus is on exploring, discussing, and promoting the latest business scenarios, market trends, change management, and leadership in the HR industry. HRAI is dedicated to creating a community of professionals, learners, and mentors who share their insights and learn from each other to elevate the standard of HR practices in the country.
HRAI's success is attributed to its commitment to excellence and tireless efforts in facilitating interactions between HR professionals and subject matter experts. Through its initiatives such as panel discussions,
In addition to their educational initiatives, HRAI also recognizes organizations' best practices and individual contributions through awards and conferences These events celebrate the achievements of exceptional professionals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the HR industry in India. Over the years, HRAI has featured more than 1,000 experts and leading minds in the fields of HR, IT, Marketing, Finance, and more, making it a hub for learning and networking.
For HR professionals in India, HRAI offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, learn from experts, and gain recognition for their hard work and achievements. By joining HRAI, HR professionals can stay updated on the latest trends, best practices, and strategies that can help them take their careers to the next level
HIGHLIGHTS:
HRAI, founded by Dr. Ankita Singh, drives industry initiatives and organizes prestigious awards for organizations, emerging leaders, and trailblazing women leaders. Notable participants include Blue Star Limited, Reliance Retail, Landmark Group, Oracle, Birlasoft, Vedanta and more.
Our commitment to excellence is reinforced through partnerships with the Great Managers Institute and top 100 great managers, who have taken masterclasses and featured in Forbes Magazine.
Elite leaders like Dr. TV Rao, Harjeet Khanduja, and Prasenjit Bhattacharya have graced our one-on-one talk shows, enhancing our members' knowledge base.
Our article initiative showcases thought-provoking articles by eminent leaders from organizations like BCCL, Bajaj Energy, TimesPro, Jio, Welspun Group, Great place to work and Accolite Digital.
The 23 Of 2023 Initiative recognizes exceptional leaders and entrepreneurs based on a predetermined theme. Featured leaders include those from Adani, Reliance, IBM, Infosys, KPMG, as well as notable celebrities.
At the heart of the 50 Under 50 Awards 2025 lies the dedication and discernment of our distinguished jury. Comprising visionary leaders, seasoned professionals, and experts across diverse sectors, the jury embodies the wisdom, innovation, and impact that these awards seek to celebrate With integrity and a deep sense of responsibility, they carefully evaluated every nomination ensuring that each recognition stands on the pillars of merit, authenticity, and meaningful contribution.
Their collective perspectives not only upheld the highest benchmarks of excellence but also illuminated the journeys of trailblazers whose experience and influence are shaping organizations, industries, and society for a future defined by purpose and progress.
FOUNDER MINDIF-I MINDSET COACHING
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant professional achievement has been transforming lives by helping individuals and organizations unlock the Master Key, ie Power of their subconscious mind using Neuro Science Trainings I consider it an achievement not because of titles or accolades, but because of the ripple effect it created empowered individuals became confident leaders, businesses saw exponential growth, and professionals learned to manage stress and relationships with clarity This achievement impacted my career by giving it a deeper purpose. It shifted my journey from simply “doing work” to “creating impact ” The moment I witnessed a participant conquer a decade-long fear within minutes, I realized I wasn’t just training minds; I was reshaping futures This reinforced my mission to reach more people and amplify this impact on a global scale. It taught me that true success is not measured by what you achieve for yourself, but by how many lives you transform along the way.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
The leadership principle I find most effective is Leading with Flexibility and Empathy. A true leader doesn’t just give directions they create a shared purpose that inspires the team to walk the path together and unless the leaders are not Flexible in their own behaviours, unless they become that inspiring beings whom the teams not just listen to but want to be like them. When team members feel heard, valued, and trusted, they don’t just follow instructions they bring innovation, ownership, and creativity to the table. Another strategy I rely on is mindset alignment helping teams shift from
“problems” to “possibilities.” By reframing challenges as opportunities, organizations foster resilience and agility in an everchanging world. Success, in my experience, comes not from pushing people harder but from pulling out the best in them through inspiration, empathy, and clarity of vision.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been the cornerstones of my professional journey Today, the accomplishments I have had is only due to to my mentors. There was a time in my life when I was filled with self doubt, low self image, absolutely fearful and one of my mentors trained me to overcome these. Every mentor I’ve had has been a mirror reflecting my hidden potential, challenging me to rise beyond my comfort zone Now I notice that all successful people are the ones who have mentors or coaches guiding them to their true potential Collaboration, too, has been a game-changer. Working with diverse minds has taught me that no single perspective holds all the answers When creativity, experience, and passion meet, innovation is born. Collaborations with organizations, colleagues, and even clients have shaped my approach, broadened my vision, and amplified my impact.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The most critical mindset for staying innovative and relevant is adaptability rooted in curiosity In today’s world, industries evolve at lightning speed technologies, consumer behaviors, and workplace cultures are constantly shifting What keeps us ahead is not resisting change but embracing it with
an open and curious mind I firmly believe in being a lifelong learner The moment you feel you “know it all,” you begin to stagnate. Staying curious allows you to anticipate shifts, absorb new knowledge, and create fresh solutions. Equally important is emotional intelligence understanding people, their evolving needs, and how to communicate in meaningful ways. Innovation is not just about new ideas it’s about making ideas relevant and impactful for people By combining curiosity with empathy and adaptability, professionals don’t just survive change they thrive through it To me, staying relevant is about keeping your mind flexible, your heart open, and your vision futuristic
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My top advice to young professionals is this: Focus on impact over recognition Recognition is a byproduct of value creation When you dedicate yourself to solving real problems, helping people, and giving your best with authenticity, recognition will follow you naturally.
Stay consistent with your learning be a student of life, not just of books
Build resilience, because challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones that make your story stronger
Also, never underestimate the power of mindset. Train your mind to see opportunities where others see obstacles Surround yourself with mentors who challenge you, and collaborate with peers who inspire you. Most importantly, believe in your uniqueness your journey doesn’t have to mirror anyone else’s. Success is not about competing with others; it’s about becoming a better version of yourself every day Recognition comes when your work speaks for you, so focus on adding value, and let the world recognize your contribution in its own time
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Achlaa Bharaddwaj is India’s leading Mindset Coach and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Trainer, licensed by American Board of NLP She is 1 of the 7 Female Trainers from India licensed by ABNLP.
With over a decade of experience in transforming professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations through her transformational trainings, Achlaa is a trusted advisor to corporate leaders and business owners since she specializes in enhancing productivity, building emotional resilience, and fostering peak performance mindsets thereby enhancing the work culture
Her signature programs like Leadership Development with Bhagwad Gita & NLP, Evolution to Elevation (E 2 E) is a huge success as it blends neuro science-backed tools with practical strategies encompassing ancient wisdom thereby enabling individuals to overcome challenges in career, relationships, health, and financial growth. Over the years, Achlaa has trained and coached thousands of people, equipping them with loads of powerful mind tools to break limiting patterns and achieve sustainable success
Passionate about driving large-scale impact, she is on a mission to empower individuals and organizations to realize their highest potential, confidence and purpose
GROUP HR TECHNOLOGY LEAD, LEADING CONGLOMERATE
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
Over my career in HR technology across organizations that are Leading Conglomerates. My most significant achievement has been the expertise I’ve developed in delivering strategic, scalable digital solutions for HR. From starting as a software developer at RBS to leading complex HR transformations, I’ve continually leveraged technology to address organizational and employee needs with a strong focus on security, user experience, and operational efficiency. Each role has taught me adaptability, solution-focused thinking, and the value of cross functional collaboration. Leading digital transformation at Leading Conglomerates, I’ve managed projects that not only enhanced processes and compliance but also improved the overall employee experience. What stands out to me is not a single milestone, but the cumulative impact of guiding organizations through sustained digital change. This journey has strengthened my leadership, project delivery, and stakeholder management skills, preparing me to align technology closely with evolving business objectives. These experiences have shaped me as a well-rounded HR technology leader, committed to innovation and capable of driving impactful change at scale.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Throughout my journey, I've found that collaborative leadership and stakeholdercentric approaches drive the most sustainable success. My experience managing crossfunctional teams and global partners has taught me that effective leadership requires bridging technical and business perspectives Strategic alignment is
fundamental I ensure every technology initiative directly supports broader business goals. At Leading Conglomerates, this approach enabled successful multi-year transformations by keeping teams focused on shared outcomes rather than just technical deliverables. Empowerment through expertise has been crucial I invest in understanding each team member's strengths and provide them with the autonomy to leverage their skills while maintaining clear accountability This builds confidence and innovation capacity. Change management through communication is essential in HR technology implementations
I've learned that transparent, frequent communication about the 'why' behind changes reduces resistance and accelerates adoption. Finally, continuous learning mindset evidenced by my ongoing DBA pursuit demonstrates to teams that growth and adaptation are organizational values, not just individual expectations This creates an environment where teams feel supported in taking calculated risks and innovating solutions
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been deeply personal and transformative forces in my career. From a young age, my parents taught me the values of perseverance, integrity, and the importance of always learning lessons that have become the foundation of who I am as a leader and professional Their unwavering support gave me the confidence to pursue challenging goals and embrace continuous growth. Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors like Venkatesh Ammu, whose strategic thinking and insistence on stakeholder engagement have
shaped how I approach complex problems Amit Sharma at Leading Conglomerate played a pivotal role in guiding me through high-impact HR technology transformations, encouraging innovation while maintaining operational discipline. Their mentorship went beyond advice they inspired resilience and a mindset of possibility Collaboration with my colleagues has been equally meaningful. Working alongside talented peers has not only enhanced my ability to foster cross-functional partnerships but has enriched every project with diverse perspectives and collective wisdom
Together, these experiences have shaped me into a leader who values empathy, continuous learning, and shared success, personally and professionally. They remind me every day that growth is a journey best traveled with others.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The most critical skill for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry is cultivating a continuous learning mindset paired with adaptability. In my HR technology journey from my beginnings as a software developer to leading largescale digital transformations at Leading Conglomerates I’ve seen firsthand how rapidly technology and business needs change Staying curious and open to new ideas drives me to constantly upgrade my skills and understand emerging trends Pursuing my DBA alongside work keeps me grounded in the latest academic frameworks and practical innovations. Adaptability allows me to pivot strategies, embrace new tools, and tailor solutions that meet shifting organizational priorities and user expectations In HR technology, where security, user experience, and operational
efficiency must evolve together, this mindset ensures that solutions remain both cuttingedge and resilient. Moreover, fostering collaboration within diverse teams helps surface fresh perspectives and encourages collective innovation. Ultimately, embracing lifelong learning and flexibility has empowered me to lead impactful digital changes, stay ahead of challenges, and consistently align technology with evolving business goals ensuring sustained relevance and growth in my field
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My top advice for young professionals aspiring to achieve recognition in HR technology or any field is to focus on steady, consistent growth by taking one day at a time Early in my career, from my start as a software developer to leading complex HR technology transformations, I realized that success is not about giant leaps but about daily dedication, learning, and adaptability. Embrace every opportunity to expand your skills and understanding, even in small ways, because these cumulative efforts build a strong foundation Stay curious and open to feedback, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Build authentic
relationships through collaboration and mentorship learn from those who inspire you and support your growth Align your work with broader organizational goals to create meaningful impact and demonstrate your value Most importantly, stay grounded in your values and maintain resilience during challenges. Living by my personal motto, “take one day at a time,” has helped me remain focused, manage pressure, and keep moving forward step by step without getting overwhelmed
This mindset of patient persistence, combined with continuous learning and strong relationships, will guide you toward lasting achievement and professional recognition.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Recognized as a forward-looking leader in HR technology, Aditi Altekar currently leads digital HR transformation efforts as DGM – HR Technology Lead at Leading Conglomerate With over 15 years of experience at Leading Conglomerates, she excels in delivering scalable, secure solutions that streamline HR processes and elevate workforce engagement Aditi combines deep technical expertise with business acumen to navigate complex challenges, fostering collaboration across functions.
Her commitment to innovation is complemented by ongoing doctoral studies in Business Administration, reinforcing her dedication to thought leadership and strategic impact Aditi’s passion for harnessing technology to empower organizations has earned her recognition among the industry’s top emerging leaders featured in HRAI’s 50 Under 50.
SEASONED INDUSTRY LEADER IN BFSI, DIRECTOR, MENTOR, & ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
Having a journey spanning over two decades, it is challenging to single out one achievement, but a significant one was being able to drive resilience in a highly regulated and dynamic industry. At Aon, I was privileged to contribute to both organic and inorganic growth including spearheading M&As and and scaling businesses through different phases of maturity - from zero to ten, and ten to hundred This journey was not only about numbers but a testament to strategic vision and operational excellence, while building the foundational pillars of the organization I consider building and nurturing highperforming teams from scratch to be a core part of this achievement, not just in Finance and Strategy, but also across Operations, Digital Transformation, Compliance, and Administration, creating a comprehensive ecosystem of talent and capability
A milestone I particularly value was pioneering the use of AI in reconciliation - a first in the industry It transformed efficiency, and accuracy, setting new benchmarks in a volatile environment while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and governance. Balancing entrepreneurial ambition with institutional discipline was both challenging and rewarding, when I look back and see an ethical, sustainable organization built from the ground up.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
For me, most effective strategies are not about command and control, but about empowerment My core principle is leading by example I believe in demonstrating
commitment and integrity that sets the foundation for trust and accountability within teams. Equally important is the ability to truly understandthestrengths and weaknesses of each individual, to harness their unique talents. Empathy has also been a cornerstone of my approach- mentoring, guiding, and supporting team members not just in professional goals but also in their personal journeys. I have learned that empathy does not weaken leadership; rather, it strengthens the bond between teams and fuels long term loyalty and performance. When leaders invest the time to recognize these nuances, they can align roles with talent more effectively and create an environment where everyone contributes meaningfully Success is a collective effort where everyone feels valued As they say “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”.
I also firmly believe that diversity is not just a buzzword; it’s a strategic imperative. A truly diverse team inculcates richness of perspectives that drive innovation By fostering inclusivity, we encourage diverse thinking and better decision-making in an ever-evolving landscape
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Collaboration have been foundational to my professional journey While in today’s world, it is hard to pinpoint a single ‘guru’; instead, I have been fortunate to learn from many people along the way I strongly believe I learnt from everyone - from parents, teachers, seniors and peers, to even those who challenged me They all have contributed to my steep learning curve. I remember a pivotal moment early in my career getting recognized by the ICICI Group Leadership, and a Senior KPMG Partner, which delivered a simple yet profound message that hard work always pays off It reinforced my belief in perseverance and integrity
My leadership style today is a sum total of these diverse influencers, from my siblings who guided me early on, to professors at IIM Bangalore, and from my spouse to various professional colleagues None of us is as smart as all of us. My journey is a testament to that truth,built on the collective wisdom and collaboration of many This philosophy of leveraging diverse perspectives and fostering collaborative relationships continues to shape my leadership approach even today
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
That critical skill in today’s dynamic environment, is cultivating agility and a continuous learning mindset The moment you feel you "know it all" is the moment you lose your edge. My own journey, marked by diverse professional qualifications in a constant pursuit of upgrading my knowledge, from undergoing Management studies and learning tricks of Investment Banking to now studying the latest in agentic AI, is a reflection of this belief. Equally important today is an ESG-driven mindset that fosters innovation, delivers personal satisfaction, and resonates strongly with sustainability-conscious investors and customers. Innovation, to me, is more about the mindset than a process
Innovation is not about creating from nothing, but about noticing what others overlook You can find groundbreaking ideas even from a child's inquisitiveness or a roadside vendor's ingenuity The key lies in being deeply observant and open I've often been called a 'Raaj-hans' one who selectively draws the best from diverse sources to create value, much like the mythical swan that could extract milk from a mix, symbolizing wisdom and discernment. In 21st century, those who can learn, unlearn, and relearn will make a difference, as the measure of intelligence is the ability to change.
AMIT AGRAWAL
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice to young professionals is simple: commit to upskilling and stay grounded Arrogance is the first thing you should guard against. There are no real shortcuts. While astute execution is crucial, there's no substitute for the rigorous preparation, discipline and perseverance that form the bedrock of true accomplishments Smart work opens the door, but only persistence keeps it open. The age-old story of the rabbit and the tortoise still holds true, even in the age of rapid tech transformation. Resilience would always come with its own dividends.
Never shy away from risks, as I always say “It’s too risky not to take risks”. Failures, too, should not be feared they are often stepping stones to greater successes. Equally, learn from the world around you, as real experiences teach more than textbooks. Regardless of how resourceless you feel, clear goals and consistency can take you places At the same time, collaboration, inclusivity, and resourcefulness remain indispensable
Finally, true leadership is not about having the best idea, but about creating a space where the best of ideas can nurture and win.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With over two decades of leadership excellence spanning Finance, Strategy, Regulatory Affairs, and Consulting, Mr Amit Agrawal needs no introduction in BFSI industry. A Chartered Accountant,an IIM Bangalore alumnus, and a CFA Charterholder, he held key roles as CFO and COO at MNCs and now serving at Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and as a mentor.
A self-made professional who funded his education, Mr. Agrawal’s journey is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, academic brilliance, and ability to turnaround with deep strategic business acumen binging sustainable growth.
Mr Agrawal is celebrated for his role in India’s complex regulatory ecosystem with apex bodies like IRDAI, RBI and SEBI, funding initiatives, driving ESG, DEI, chairing Board trusts for governance His industry impacting journey includes noteworthy stints at groups like Tata, KPMG, Indiabulls, ZEE, Aon, and assurances for the likes of Citi Group, Standard Chartered, ICICI Group, and HUL.
Recognized as “Global Inspirational Leader,” “Most Influential CXO,” “Distinguished Board and AI Visionary” and “CFO of the Year”, he continues to inspire with his passion for technology, community initiatives, and a holistic leadership transcending traditional boundaries. This edition brings you an exclusive interview with Mr. Agrawal, whose journey to leadership exemplifies determination and perseverance
“The moment you feel you ‘know it all’ is the moment you lose your edge.”
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
Co-founding SARAS AI Institute and proving a student-centric, AI-only higher Education institute can scale with quality. We launched with 50 learners last July; our Aug 25 cohort onboarded 600+ across 18+ countries. I moved from global HR to true builder owning product, partnerships, compliance, and growth The impact: I now run on outcomes, operating cadence, and relentless focus on employability
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Start with the customer outcome; write it down
One owner per goal; small, high-slope teams.
Weekly scorecards; no mystery work
High standards and kindness (no “brilliant jerks”).
Ship small experiments; kill fast; scale what works
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Operator-mentors taught cadence and accountability; academic/industry advisors keep rigor and ethics high. My most honest feedback comes from Gen-Z learners (reverse mentoring)
We build through cross-functional squads (growth, academics, success, tech) and TPO partnerships credit shared, decisions written, outcomes measured.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Learn → ship → learn Pair first-principles thinking with AI-native fluency (use AI to design, analyze, build). Stay close to customers ; run a portfolio of small bets with explicit kill rules. Ethics and compliance aren’t brakes; they’re rails. Clear writing = clear thinking
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Pick a problem with human stakes Become useful fast: ship projects, show your work, ask for brutal feedback. Optimize for learning rate and team quality, not titles Keep a cadence you can sustain then compound it Start now, start small, don’t stop.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amit Kataria is the Co-Founder and COO of SARAS AI Institute, World's first AI-only digital Institute based out of Salt Lake city,Utah.
A global HR leader turned builder, Amit leads HR and Financial Operations, growth, and regulatory work at Saras
He is also creating AI PathFinder, a intelligent guidance tool that routes learners into the right AI roles he writes and speaks about practical AI adoption, opportunity without borders, and humane, high-standards leadership
His north star is simple: make AI education rigorous, affordable, and employability-first for anyone ready to start
HEAD
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My career journey has seen various turns and there are a few initiatives that are close to my heart. One such project was to lead the cultural transformation initiative at Sapphire Foods that revolved around building a valuesbased culture across a geographically dispersed retail organization that that embedded organizational values into every touchpoint of the employee lifecycle. This wasn’t just about rolling out a campaign it was about changing the language, mindset, and behaviors across a diverse workforce. It elevated employee engagement, strengthened leadership alignment, and created a more inclusive and purpose-driven workplace. This initiative reinforced my belief in the power of culture as a strategic lever and I carry the learnings into my current role at Kaya where I continue to champion people strategy, employee wellbeing, and organizational development
Another professional achievement would be the transition from a COE to a Business Partner role that required managing a large team and working closely with business leaders to bring about real time change and solutions. Managing a large team helped me build empathy with driving performance, while working with multiple stakeholders at all levels of the organization taught me the value of feedback from the ground up and how small changes can create impact These experiences have shaped my approach to HR not just as a function, but as a catalyst for transformation.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Over the years, I’ve found that empathetic
leadership, strategic clarity, and culturebuilding are the most effective principles in driving team and organizational success.
At Sapphire Foods and now at Kaya Ltd , I’ve led large, diverse teams through transformation and growth. One strategy that consistently delivers results is leading with purpose and people aligning business goals with individual aspirations. Clarity of where we are headed as a team, and how each one is accountable and influential in arriving at the vision, helps fosters ownership and performance Combined with that, embedding organizational values into daily practices creates a one team one dream culture that weaves geographies and functions into a seamless organization culture I also believe in empowering teams through trust and accountability by creating safe spaces for dialogue and feedback, enabling teams to take initiative, innovate, and grow. My experience with feedback loops, whether through engagement surveys, or skip level conversations, or informal channels of feedback, and OD interventions has reinforced the importance of listening deeply and acting decisively
One principle I hold close is being genuinely invested in my team’s learning and growth
Whether it’s designing capability-building journeys or mentoring individuals, I believe that when people grow, organizations thrive, and vice-versa This approach has helped me build high-performing, engaged teams that take ownership and drive impact Lastly, adaptability and resilience are key In dynamic sectors like QSR and aesthetics, you can lead through change by staying agile, anticipating challenges, and rallying teams around shared goals.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've
shaped your professional journey?
“A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you " Bob Proctor.
Even the most ‘self-made’ of us have received guidance and been mentored at some stage in our careers. I have been fortunate to work with leaders who not only challenged me but also invested in my development Their guidance helped me navigate complex transitions in my career from HR generalist roles to Talent Management centered COE roles across different industries like pharma, QSR, and aesthetics
I have had several influential mentors in different companies who have taught me the value of strategic HR partnership, and the importance of aligning people practices with business outcomes. Their belief in my potential gave me the confidence to lead large-scale initiatives like job evaluation, performance transformation, and cultural change
Collaboration has also been key - especially in critical cross-functional projects like the SCM transformation at Cipla and the job evaluation and role banding exercises in multiple organizations. Working closely with business leaders, I’ve learned that the best solutions emerge when diverse perspectives come together with a shared purpose. Tapping into the shared knowledge pool of peer learning has truly accelerated my understanding of business and hence the solutions I have been able to craft.
Above all, I’ve tried to pay it forward mentoring emerging HR professionals and fostering a culture of learning and growth Helping others realize their potential is one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The HR function is evolving rapidly from digital transformation to changing workforce expectations. The most critical mindset for staying innovative and relevant is a combination of curiosity, adaptability, growth mindset, and an appetite for risk both at an organizational and personal level.
Curiosity drives exploration and continuous learning. I’ve pursued certifications and crossindustry experiences to stay relevant. But learning alone isn’t enough a growth mindset is what enables us to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve
Innovation also demands risk-taking. Whether leading cultural transformation at Sapphire Foods or driving people strategy at Kaya Ltd., I’ve learned that meaningful change requires stepping outside comfort zones Organizations must be willing to experiment, and leaders must champion bold ideas even when outcomes are uncertain. When people feel safe to take risks and are supported in their growth, they bring fresh perspectives and drive impact.
Finally, collaboration and openness to feedback are essential Innovation thrives when diverse voices are heard and valued
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My top advice to young professionals is to lead with curiosity, courage, and consistency and to never stop investing in yourself and your learning Strive to achieve your highest potential, rather than recognition
Cultivate a growth mindset. Be open to feedback, seek out new experiences, and embrace challenges as opportunities.
Stay close to business – HR does not function in isolation Look for impact your work creates and how it shapes the work environment and enables results
Importantly, step out of your comfort zone. We learn the most when we’re challenged not just about the subject matter, but about ourselves.
Some of my most defining career moments came from taking on unfamiliar roles, leading transformation projects, and navigating ambiguity with resilience
Also, be genuinely invested in people. Build authentic relationships, mentor others, and create environments where teams can thrive Seek guidance and provide help.
Most importantly, stay true to your values Integrity, empathy, and resilience will carry you through the highs and lows of your journey
Recognition is a byproduct of impact. Focus on creating value, and the accolades will follow
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amrita Chowdhury is an accomplished HR leader with over 18 years of experience across diverse sectors including Aesthetic Dermatology, QSR, Pharmaceuticals, Biotech, and Brand consulting Currently serving as Vice President & Head HR at Kaya Ltd., she leads strategic HR and training initiatives across clinics in India, driving transformation, engagement, and capability development. Amrita has consistently delivered impact through large-scale initiatives such as job evaluation, cultural integration, and performance transformation. Her expertise spans strategic HR business partnering, talent management, organizational development, and change leadership. A certified Hay Job Evaluation and OD expert, she is also recognized as an HR 40Under40 Leader Known for her empathetic leadership and commitment to people development, Amrita fosters inclusive, high-performing cultures and mentors emerging HR professionals. Her career reflects a deep passion for enabling growth both for individuals and organizations and she continues to shape the future of HR with purpose and innovation.
Amrita Chowdhury is an accomplished HR leader with over 18 years of experience across diverse sectors including Aesthetic Dermatology, QSR, Pharmaceuticals, Biotech, and Brand consulting Currently serving as Vice President & Head HR at Kaya Ltd., she leads strategic HR and training initiatives across clinics in India, driving transformation, engagement, and capability development Amrita has consistently delivered impact through large-scale initiatives such as job evaluation, cultural integration, and performance transformation Her expertise spans strategic HR business partnering, talent management, organizational development, and change leadership A certified Hay Job Evaluation and OD expert, she is also recognized as an HR 40Under40 Leader. Known for her empathetic leadership and commitment to people development, Amrita fosters inclusive, high-performing cultures and mentors emerging HR professionals Her career reflects a deep passion for enabling growth both for individuals and organizations and she continues to shape the future of HR with purpose and innovation
SR. PRINCIPLE HR CONSULTANT (CHRO),
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant achievement has been setting up the HR function at RackBank Datacenters Pvt Ltd as CHRO, building agile, scalable people practices in a highgrowth environment. Earlier, at NTT Data, I launched NTT University, a flagship program that developed over 1,000 future leaders and strengthened HR’s role as a strategic business partner These experiences building from scratch and transforming at scale have shaped my belief that lasting impact comes from innovation, people-centricity, and longterm vision
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
I lead with authenticity, empowerment, and accountability My philosophy has been to translate business imperatives into people strategies that are both aspirational and measurable I’ve found that clarity of purpose, a culture of collaboration, and consistent recognition are powerful in unlocking employee potential Embedding these into performance frameworks ensures teams are not only aligned but also deeply motivated to excel
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship has been central to my growth I’ve had leaders who encouraged me to experiment and think differently. Today, I actively mentor students and professionals at institutions like IIMs, NMIMS, and Amity, helping them transition from campus to corporate Collaboration has been equally key whether in mergers and acquisitions, HR
automation projects, or global learning frameworks, collective ownership has ensured sustainable outcomes
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The most critical mindset is agility with a learning orientation Industries are transforming with AI, automation, and digital HR systems, and staying relevant requires continuous upskilling, openness to change, and resilience
I believe in balancing data-driven insights with human-centric empathy technology may enable scale, but empathy drives engagement and trust.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Focus on creating impact, not chasing titles. Recognition comes when you deliver value whether through process innovation, people development, or cultural transformation. Stay curious, embrace change, and invest in building networks and mentors
Most importantly, lead with integrity and empathy because careers are not built on quick wins, but on the trust, respect, and lives you impact along the way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dhruv Anand is a senior HR leader with 22+ years of experience in HR transformation, talent development, and change management. Currently CHRO at RackBank Datacenters Pvt Ltd , he previously drove large-scale initiatives at NTT Data, including the launch of NTT University. A certified coach and mentor, Dhruv is pursuing a PhD in Diversity & Inclusion and has been recognized with multiple HR leadership awards.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER
DATAMATICS GLOBAL
SERVICES LIMITED
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant professional achievement is not a single event, but a combination of milestones that have collectively shaped my career First major achievement was becoming a Chartered Accountant and securing an All-India 48th Rank (AIR 48) in the CA Final Examination This accomplishment reflects my strong academic foundation, commitment to excellence and dedication, providing a robust foundation for my career I had the privilege of collaborating with great companies and talented colleagues during my professional journey, challenging me to apply my skills in real-world scenarios These experiences have been invaluable, helping me mature into a finance leader with strong business acumen, a focus on customer centricity and a growth mindset. I now approach financial strategy not just from a numbers perspective, but from one that considers how it can drive business growth and deliver value for our customers. This journey has been transformative, and I am committed to a path of continuous learning
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
My leadership philosophy is built on the core principles of Integrity, Empathy, Transparency, and Innovation. Applying these principles through strategic actions has been instrumental in building cohesive highperforming teams, driving profitable growth, and navigating complex challenges.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
I believe mentorship and collaboration are essential for professional growth, and they have been particularly crucial to my own career While my own experiences have been valuable, the interactions with mentors and colleagues have had a profound impact. I've been fortunate to work alongside many talented professionals who have functioned as a "guiding light," helping me navigate complex challenges and see opportunities I might have otherwise missed Their insights and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my professional journey.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
I believe the most critical mindset for staying innovative and relevant is a growth mindset, cultivated by adopting a design thinking mentality. This approach helps build a culture of innovation, celebrating failures as learning opportunities and encouraging an open, creative, and resilient attitude. This empowers teams to challenge the status quo, ensuring the organization remains agile and relevant in an ever-evolving industry.
ANKUSHAKAR
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
As already highlighted, my leadership philosophy is built on the core principles of Integrity, Empathy, Transparency, and Innovation I addition to that, I would recommend that my professional colleagues develop a strategic business partnership mindset This means working closely with business teams to understand their strategy, operations, challenges, and goals. This helps you build trust and become a strategic advisor Working closely with your business teams and deeper business understanding allows you to offer actionable insights that help drive decisions, anticipate risk and develop mitigation plans and proactively identifying opportunities for sustainable and profitable growth This approach can help you become a true business partner.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With over two decades of experience, Ankush Akar is a highly accomplished finance leader specializing in Strategic Finance, Financial Planning & Analysis, Business Finance, and Controllership He possesses strong business acumen and a customer-centric, growthoriented mindset, with a proven ability to drive profitable growth, optimize costs, and lead large-scale transformations. Ankush currently serves as the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Datamatics Global Services Limited His extensive career includes leading global finance at Relevance Lab and holding key positions at Zensar Technologies, Wipro, Genpact and Vedanta group A Chartered Accountant with a bachelor's degree in commerce, he secured an all-India 48th rank (AIR 48) in his CA final examination, demonstrating a solid academic foundation and extensive professional expertise
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
To be able to take the leap of faith and set up a top-notch employment law practice at my Firm and more importantly to have been able to draw people with immense talent and potential to believe in the future of this practice and build a career out of it. The impact it had on my career is the reputation I have been able to build as a labour lawyer over the years and also to have younger lawyers look at this practice area that has immense scope and a great future
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Do continue to believe that one is still a learner and it is the team who will make or break you. Make the effort to walk the talk and lead from the front while having the clear objective of nurturing your colleagues as leaders of tomorrow. Best to have your insecurities fade away and believe in yourself as a leader
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been one of the most significant factors for shaping my career I started off in my career as a corporate and commercial M&A lawyer but the belief my mentors had in my abilities led me to take a different career path in the people domain and practice employment law I have been mentored by the best in the industry and sincerely thank all my colleagues and partners to have collaborated with me
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Don’t be shy of learning something new and understanding the latest trends in your professional area. Do hear out the younger generation of lawyers and professionals when they mean to explain their perspective on any issue at hand. They may surprise you with their ingenuity No matter or assignment is small, just continue to take all of it as the chance to devise better strategies for your clients and stakeholders and give it your best
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Don’t be in a hurry to get it all in your bag at once Career progression is a gradual process – you must have the craving for reputation that is built through commitment, dedication and hard work in all you are responsible for Take ownership of your assignments and never lose faith in the principles of honesty and loyalty These still count!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Anshul leads Khaitan & Co’s Employment, Labour & Benefits practice from Mumbai and is widely recognized as one of India’s top employment lawyers Honored with awards such as Business Today’s Top 10 Influential Employment Lawyers (2023), Labour & Employment Lawyer of the Year by Legal Era, and Forbes India’s Top Individual Lawyer, he has also featured in ALB India’s
Super 50 Lawyers and BW Legal World’s Top 40 Under 40. Anshul is frequently invited to speak at leading industry forums including CII, ASSOCHAM, IFCCI, and ICSI
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of my most significant professional achievements has been leading a large-scale digital transformation of HR systems. I successfully drove the migration of multiple disparate platforms into a unified HRMS, covering more than 15,000 employees across diverse business units This transformation not only strengthened governance and efficiency but also enabled real-time analytics and improved decision-making for leadership
The impact was multi-fold. On a personal level, it enhanced my ability to lead complex, high-stakes transformation projects across geographies and stakeholder groups. For the organization, it elevated HR to the role of a strategic partner rather than just a support function, aligning people strategy with business outcomes. It reinforced my belief that bold ideas, when backed by strong execution, can deliver lasting value to both employees and the enterprise.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
For me, leadership is about clarity, empowerment, and accountability. I strongly believe in the 20-80 principle focusing on the few actions that create maximum impact By applying frameworks like “One-Thing” and “411,” I guide teams to set measurable goals and stay outcome-oriented
Equally important is building leadership pipelines I have always invested in HiPo identification, succession planning, and role elevation, which ensures continuity and inspires teams to see growth opportunities Finally, leading by example in challenging
environments whether in remote mining belts or large power plants has helped me maintain high engagement and productivity across multi-location teams
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been cornerstones of my career I have benefitted immensely from senior leaders who encouraged me to think beyond traditional HR boundaries and align my work with organizational strategy.
Collaboration, especially in large-scale projects like HRMS migration or workforce optimization, has taught me the value of collective ownership Partnering with CHROs, plant heads, and vendor teams ensured seamless execution without disruption Today, I actively mentor upcoming leaders, encouraging them to take ownership, embrace cross-functional learning, and view challenges as opportunities for innovation
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
In my view, the most critical mindset is agility with a growth orientation Industries like mining, power, and manufacturing are undergoing rapid transformation driven by digitalization, ESG, and Industry 4 0 To stay relevant, professionals must not only keep pace with these changes but also anticipate them
Continuous learning whether in digital HR tools, analytics, or policy innovation has kept me ahead of the curve Equally vital is
empathy: understanding employee needs in diverse and challenging environments allows for people-centric solutions that drive both performance and well-being For me, innovation is not just about technology but about rethinking traditional practices to create sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready workplaces
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice to young professionals is to focus on impact, not titles Recognition comes naturally when your work creates measurable value for people and organizations. Always be curious, keep learning, and embrace change whether it’s digital adoption, policy innovation, or new ways of working.
Equally important is to stay grounded in people-centricity. No matter how advanced technology becomes, empathy, collaboration, and integrity will remain the foundation of leadership Build credibility by delivering on commitments, seek feedback, and don’t shy away from challenges they are often the fastest routes to growth
Finally, invest in building networks and mentors The right guidance can help you navigate complexities and see opportunities that you might miss alone. If you align your personal growth with organizational purpose and community impact, recognition is not just achieved it’s sustained.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ashish Kumar is Vice President & CHRO at Jindal Power Limited, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in HR across the mining, metals, and power sectors He is known for driving large-scale transformations like unifying disparate HR systems into a single platform, enhancing productivity through manpower optimization, and elevating employee engagement via innovative well-being and DEI initiatives Ashish has also built robust leadership pipelines, led high-impact recruitment policies, and delivered measurable results in challenging environments
He holds advanced credentials in HRM and continuous development, having completed leadership and executive programs, and remains committed to fostering inclusive, agile, and future-ready workplaces that align talent strategy with business growth.
FOUNDER DIRECTOR & CHIEF TALENT OFFICER
STAR CONSULTING GLOBAL
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of my proudest professional milestones has been designing and delivering large-scale leadership and capability-building programs that directly moved the needle on high-stakes corporate transformation projects. Working with Fortune 500 companies, industry leaders, and diverse cross-functional teams, I’ve helped improve collaboration by over 40%, reduce decision-making cycles by 30%, and strengthen safety and quality culture in sectors like infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology. These interventions have unlocked millions in cost savings, accelerated project delivery timelines, and created hightrust, high-performance work environments. More than professional success, this work deepened my conviction that leadership development isn’t just about improving individual performance it’s about creating measurable, organization-wide impact that drives sustainable business growth
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
I operate by three principles that have consistently produced exceptional results:
Clarity of Vision: People deliver better when they understand the “why” before the “how.” Clear intent creates alignment.
Empathy in Execution: Especially in highpressure, multicultural corporate settings, empathy fosters psychological safety and drives discretionary effort
Ownership in Outcomes: True leadership happens when teams stop working for a manager and start working for a mission
I’ve applied these in billion-dollar projects and corporate transformations where timelines are non-negotiable. These principles have turned siloed teams into unified forces capable of hitting stretch goals ahead of schedule, while maintaining morale and quality.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship has been my compass, collaboration my catalyst Early in my journey, I was fortunate to be mentored by visionary leaders who combined strategic foresight with genuine people-centricity Their guidance inspired me to design programs where technical experts, managers, and frontline teams operate as one seamless unit Collaboration has multiplied my impact whether it was co-developing leadership simulations with behavioral scientists or partnering with operational heads to embed leadership thinking into daily decisionmaking In my experience, the best solutions emerge when knowledge, experience, and intent intersect and when egos take a back seat to the collective goal.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The single most powerful skill today is Adaptive Learning the ability to continuously unlearn, relearn, and apply at speed. In the corporate arena, technology shifts, market dynamics, and customer expectations can change overnight I combine adaptive learning with design thinking to ensure innovations are not just novel, but practical, human-centered, and scalable This has led me to pioneer the integration of
gamified simulations, virtual collaboration labs, and real-time analytics into corporate leadership programs keeping them not only relevant but also measurable in terms of ROI and business impact
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
If I had to distil it into one mantra: Grow deep roots and wide branches Develop expertise in your core field so your depth earns you credibility At the same time, expand your skill set into areas like communication, collaboration, strategic foresight, and digital fluency because versatility is a career accelerator. Seek mentors who don’t just validate you but challenge you to think bigger Volunteer for projects that stretch you beyond your comfort zone; that’s where true growth happens. And most importantly, define your success not by applause or awards, but by the sustainable, positive impact you create for your organization, colleagues, and community. The recognition will follow naturally when your work becomes impossible to ignore
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Two decades ago, I set out with a simple belief great organizations are built when leaders and teams learn to outgrow their limits Since then, I’ve walked factory floors at sunrise, huddled with C-suites at midnight, and stood in arenas filled with thousands driving transformations that stick Whether reigniting ownership at F5 Networks, turning a fragmented force at Zydus into market dominators, or shifting HDFC Bank teams from “busy” to “breakthrough,” my interventions have consistently delivered culture shifts and performance turnarounds in record time. I’ve worked alongside business tycoons, billionaire industrialists, and some of the world’s most admired brands GE, BMW, American Express, Accenture, IBM, Vedanta, Volvo, Adani, Airtel, Radico Khaitan, and more Recognized globally as the Most ResultOriented Coach and Trainer and author of Building Championship Teams, I don’t just run workshops I spark revolutions that embed excellence into the DNA of organizations
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
Under his leadership, the organizations expanded their market reach, strengthened client relationships across multiple geographies, and successfully executed largescale digital transformation programs. For Ashish, this journey was not just about driving revenue growth, but about building high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, and creating long-term value for clients He also successfully transitioned various mergers during his stint
This experience not only tested his ability to navigate complex business landscapes but also reinforced the importance of adaptability, cultural intelligence, and customer-centricity. By successfully building cross-border teams and forging strategic alliances, Ashish shaped a career trajectory that moved beyond sales leadership to influencing overall business strategy and even acquiring companies This milestone deepened his conviction that longterm success comes from a blend of vision, execution, and empowering people principles that continue to guide his leadership as CSO.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
He believes that the most effective leadership stems from a balance of vision, empowerment, and accountability He emphasizes the importance of setting a clear strategic direction while giving teams the autonomy to innovate and take ownership
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
He credits much of his growth to mentors from his Datamatics days where he began his journey with leaders who not only guided him with strategic insight but also instilled the values of humility, perseverance, and peoplefirst leadership.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
He believes that adaptability, combined with a continuous learning mindset, is the key to staying innovative and relevant in a rapidly evolving industry. For him, it’s not just about keeping pace with technological advancements but about being curious, open to change, and willing to challenge established ways of thinking He stresses the importance of blending strategic foresight with agility anticipating trends while also being ready to pivot when needed. Ashish also highlights that staying connected with clients, teams, and industry networks provides valuable insights that fuel innovation and help organizations remain future-ready
Q: For aspiring professionals seeking recognition like yours, what advice would you offer as the most valuable lessons you've learned in your field?
He advises aspiring professionals to focus on building consistency, credibility, and a growth mindset. He believes recognition is a byproduct of sustained effort, not the goal itself. His guidance emphasizes three lessons: first, always stay curious and keep learning; second, build trust by delivering on commitments and valuing relationships; and third, embrace challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles
Ashish highlights that success in the long run comes from balancing ambition with humility being confident in one’s abilities while remaining open to feedback, calmness and collaboration. For him, true leadership is about creating impact that endures beyond individual achievements
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With over 20 years of global experience, Ashish Trehan drives business growth and strategic transformation as CSO at Relevance
Lab He has been instrumental in M&A identifying synergies, ensuring due diligence, and enabling seamless integration to strengthen market presence and partnerships
Ashish is known for his customer-centric approach and ability to align business models with evolving market needs His leadership emphasizes collaboration across global teams, ensuring continuity for clients and partners during complex transitions Recognized for his strategic foresight, he has built a reputation for guiding organizations toward sustainable, long-term success. Previously, he held leadership roles at Ness Technologies and Oracle India. Ashish holds an MBA in Marketing from Mumbai Educational Trust (MET)
ENTREPRENEUR AND INFLUENCER
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
In my opinion, achievements should not be one-dimensional. Therefore, I see achievements more holistically, and not just as professional or personal I believe that my most significant achievement is how my life turned out to be. On one side, my CV looks enviable: over 2 decades in the corporate world, being associated with the biggest brands, leading organizations as a CHRO. However, such success would be meaningless if it’s not balanced with the other most important things in life. Today, I am blessed with a family and close friends who are unflinching with your support, care, and love Healthwise, I am gifted with great genes by my parents, and I have responsibly preserved that gift I am not super rich, but I know I would not have to worry about life’s basic needs ever in my life. I have control over time – especially “ME” time – where I can pursue my hobbies and interests Achievement to me is not about abundance. Rather, it’s about balance
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
My leadership principle is to lead through Trust, Empowerment, and Accountability As a leader, I believe that my job is to hire talented people (surely more talented than me), set clear goals, create up a review mechanism, and hold them accountable Trust them and empower them to accomplish their goals in their own way. My role is to support them with all resources to do their job well and remove the roadblocks. I also believe that as leaders we should challenge our teams to punch above their weight Easy goals don’t motivate talented people While I have this preferred leadership style, I believe it’s important to be flexible while leading people
A single style never works with everyone As leaders, we should be open to adapt based on the individual and the situation.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
I have been very lucky to have a few outstanding mentors guiding me throughout my career They are my trusted advisors and sounding boards I know I can be vulnerable to them and share my deepest concerns, without the fear of being judged They have always helped me broaden my perspectives about work and career. They are the ones who have “Been There Done That”, and to learn from their experiences have been invaluable. My mentors never tell me to walk their footsteps – they encourage me to make my own trail A few years ago I was going through a serious dilemma and confusion about where I am headed in my career. I had a few options in front of me, and I couldn’t make up my mind The more I thought about it, the less clarity I got. Before long, I found myself calling my mentor and asked for help We met up over coffee and discussed my strengths, my passion, my skills, and my long-term goals. Before I could finish my second cup, I had so much clarity about what lies ahead for me That was one of the mentoring discussions I would never forget.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The better you get, you need to invest in more resources to get even better. It’s an irony but true A Lamborghini needs to get more maintenance and more refueling done compared to a Maruti Zen. Therefore, quite obviously, continuous learning is the key Having said that, what do you exactly learn? AI promises to totally disrupt our current understanding of jobs and skills
What’s the point in learning a new skill that may be redundant in 2 years? In my opinion, the answer lies in not learning a new skill, but in “learning to learn”. We build our cognitive muscles in learning any new skill fast That skill can be cooking, running a marathon, or singing – it doesn't matter. When you learn the HOW of learning, the WHAT becomes much easier after a point. Discover what interests you the most, what’s your preferred learning environment, experiment the different modes Find experts and mentors from the chosen subject.
Apply the learnings and seek feedback In short, learn to learn. That’s the only way one can stay relevant in the ever-evolving industry
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice – start thinking about 2 future careers which is very different from what you are doing now. Let’s assume that you are an HR professional and your career is going great But is this something you want to do all your life? And importantly, would the role be relevant in the next 10 years? So, despite doing all the right things, you may end up in a situation where the role has lost its luster and demand. At that point in your career, it would be very difficult to pivot yourself to something completely new. Start now. Reflect on your strengths and identify possible future careers That may be in coaching, consulting, or training. Experiment with and explore those options, in addition to your current role You won’t know what’s right for you unless you actually do those. Build connections with people. At some point, you will build the knowledge, skills and network for your next career move
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With over two decades of experience in Human Resources, Debashish Ghosh has successfully led endto-end HR functions across global organizations and Indian conglomerates His core expertise lies in organization culture transformation, change leadership, and talent management, where he has consistently driven impactful outcomes.
Throughout a distinguished career, Debashish has held senior leadership positions with renowned companies including Berkadia (a Berkshire Hathaway and Jefferies Financial Services Company), General Electric, Genpact, and The Ramoji Group, gaining crossindustry exposure and a global perspective on people and organizational excellence
An Executive Alumnus of IIM Calcutta and a Marshall Goldsmith Certified Executive Coach, Debashish also holds an HR Certification from XLRI Jamshedpur and is a certified practitioner of multiple behavioral and personality assessment tools Adding to these credentials, he has been awarded two of the world’s most prestigious HR designations: Senior Certified Professional® (SHRM-SCP®) from the Society of Human Resource Management, and Global Talent Management Leader (GTML™) from the Talent Management Institute
Beyond corporate leadership, Debashish passionately champions industry-academia collaboration, serving on the Industry Advisory Boards of several universities, Bschools, and start-ups.
A recognized LinkedIn influencer, HR Thought Leader, speaker, and mentor, Debashish continues to inspire both students and career professionals, contributing actively to the future of work and the HR fraternity
SENIOR D ACQUISIT
GLOBAL S
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant professional achievement has been transforming Talent Acquisition within Digital Engineering Services at Sutherland by embedding AI, data analytics, and automation into the hiring process. What started as a challenge of scale and complexity became an opportunity to reimagine how recruitment could create lasting business impact. By building proactive talent pools, ensuring compliance, and reducing time-to-hire, we improved efficiency while enhancing the experience for both candidates and stakeholders
This achievement also redefined my role, shifting me from a transactional recruiter to a strategic partner who contributes directly to workforce readiness and organizational growth Along the way, I learned that resilience, curiosity, and the courage to innovate are just as vital as strategy and execution The recognition of this work has given me the platform to share insights at global forums on the future of work, Human–AI collaboration, and Industry 5 0 Ultimately, it reinforced my belief that true leadership lies in shaping people, processes, and possibilities for lasting impact.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
The leadership principles I value most are clarity, empowerment, accountability, and participation I believe in setting a clear vision, so teams understand not just what we are doing, but why it matters. My leadership style is participative I strongly believe that involving people in decision-making fosters ownership, creativity, and a sense of shared responsibility. By empowering teams with knowledge, resources, and trust, I create an environment where individuals can thrive and take initiative without fear of failure
Accountability, both individual and collective, keeps us aligned to outcomes while ensuring continuous learning. I also emphasize leading by example with resilience and adaptability, because teams draw confidence from a leader who remains composed during challenges. Finally, I encourage innovation by leveraging technology, data, and diverse perspectives To me, leadership is not about authority, but about enabling people, processes, and organizations to grow with purpose and create lasting impact
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been cornerstones of my career. I was fortunate to have mentors early on who guided me into HR and enabled my journey in Talent Acquisition, instilling discipline and strategic thinking that still guide me today Collaborators have also played an important role, broadening my perspective and helping me deliver large-scale transformations through shared ideas and teamwork As I grew, I made it a priority to mentor others, enabling them to build capability and confidence for future leadership Mentorship opened the door to HR for me, and collaboration has been the force that keeps me learning, growing, and creating impact
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
In the digital transformation era, the most critical mindset for staying innovative and relevant is adaptability powered by continuous learning, curiosity, and collaboration With Industry 5.0 and IoT reshaping how humans and machines interact, leaders must embrace technology as an enabler while balancing it with empathy and human judgment
Technical know-how is essential understanding AI, automation, and data analytics allows Talent Acquisition to move beyond transactional hiring into building predictive, future-ready workforce strategies At the same time, soft skills such as resilience, communication, and emotional intelligence ensure technology serves people, not the other way around. Market intelligence also plays a vital role, helping us anticipate trends, align talent with business priorities, and stay competitive in a rapidly shifting ecosystem As I see it, innovation in Talent Acquisition lies at the intersection of human insight, digital tools, and market foresight shaping not just today’s hiring, but tomorrow’s workforce.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice to young professionals is to focus on building depth, adaptability, and purpose in your career Recognition does not come overnight; it comes when you consistently deliver impact while learning and evolving with the industry In fields like HR and Talent Acquisition, it’s important to balance technical know-how understanding AI, data, and digital tools with soft skills such as communication, resilience, and empathy Together, they make you both effective and future ready.
I also encourage young professionals to seek mentors, collaborate openly, and never stop being curious. The courage to experiment, take calculated risks, and learn from failures often becomes the foundation of success Most importantly, stay connected to the why behind your work when you align your skills with purpose and create value for people and organizations, recognition naturally follows.
“Success is not about titles or positions; it’s about creating impact that outlives you.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr Lakshman Kumar Kodupaka is a transformational Talent Acquisition leader with over 21 years of global experience in building high-performing teams, driving workforce strategies, and enabling business growth through digital innovation. As Senior Director – Talent Acquisition at Sutherland Global Services, he leads hiring for Digital Engineering Services, with a focus on efficiency, compliance, and proactive talent readiness His expertise spans global capability centers (GCCs), large-scale rampups, and niche technology hiring, underpinned by a strong focus on governance and quality Dr Lakshman Kodupaka is recognized for pioneering the use of AI, data analytics, and automation in talent acquisition, positioning recruitment as a strategic enabler of business outcomes. A sought-after thought leader, he has spoken at leading industry forums and academic institutions on Industry 5.0, Human–AI collaboration, and the future of work. A marathoner and spiritual practitioner, he embodies resilience, innovation, and sustainable leadership in every sphere of life.
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
When I stepped into Strategic HR, the perception of HR was still largely limited to hiring and events. My proudest milestone was reducing attrition from 34% to 18% within a single year a change that required reshaping both mindsets and processes. I drove this through flexible work models, robust training initiatives, and engagement programs designed to inspire collaboration and intellectual growth Another turning point was leading the complete automation of HR operations and embedding data-driven decision-making into everyday practice at Matellio These changes not only elevated efficiency but also positioned HR as a strategic business driver. This journey moved me from “function executor” to “strategic bridge” between leadership and employees, giving me a voice at the executive table and allowing me to directly influence company objectives It transformed not just my career trajectory but also my approach to leadership and impact
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
For me, leadership thrives on clarity, trust, and action When teams clearly understand the vision, they operate with purpose I encourage them to make decisions, solve problems, and think strategically always tying their efforts to the bigger business picture. I believe in timely conflict resolution and celebrating progress, no matter how small, because both strengthen team cohesion Constructive feedback is just as vital; it helps people grow without losing motivation. And above all, I lead by example My words and actions must align it’s the surest way to build trust, set professional standards, and inspire the same commitment across the team
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Collaboration has been one of my greatest teachers it blends diverse perspectives into stronger, more creative solutions Early in my career, stepping into a technical industry with limited prior exposure, I benefited immensely from guidance Leaders like Apoorv Gehlot (CEO), Puneet Rao (COO), and Vijay Narwani (Head of Service Deliveries) offered invaluable insights that shaped my strategic thinking and professional growth The right inner circle is not just supportive it sharpens your focus, stretches your capabilities, and accelerates your journey
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Adaptability sits at the core of staying relevant in a changing world It’s about more than adjusting to trends it’s about anticipating them I’ve learned to combine flexible thinking with a commitment to continuous learning, whether through new technology adoption, professional development, or peer learning Being comfortable with uncertainty is essential. It allows you to pivot strategies, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions quickly Add to that a curious mindset, resilience, and openness to collaboration, and you create the conditions for constant innovation
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
In a world where technology is rewriting how we work, your greatest strength will be the ability to balance digital fluency with human connection Upskill continuously learn,
DR.REENABHANSALI
unlearn, and relearn to stay ahead of industry shifts Embrace emerging tools and technologies, not just to keep pace but to add value in smarter, faster ways. At the same time, never lose sight of the human element Behind every data point is a person, and empathy, trust, and integrity will remain timeless differentiators. Stay curious, seek out challenges, and adapt with agility. The professionals who thrive are those who can read the pulse of both the market and the people in it and act with equal intelligence and compassion.
Remember: Master the trends but let compassion be your signature
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Reena Bhansali Strategic HR Leader | Head – People & Culture at Matellio | Driving Data Backed People Strategies | Culture, Compliance & Capability Building
Dr Reena Bhansali, a Counselling Psychologist turned Strategic HR leader, has been driving people-first transformation at Matellio Inc. since 2015. As Vice President –Human Resources, she partners with leadership to align HR strategy with business goals, build scalable frameworks, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation Her achievements include full HR automation, robust compliance systems, leadership development programs, and data-driven retention strategies that significantly reduced attrition She has been at the forefront of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, alongside impactful employee engagement programs that strengthen both morale and performance. Recognized with awards such as Matellio’ite of the Year (twice), Change Maker, Outstanding Leadership, and a place in the 50 Under 50 HR Leaders of India, Dr. Bhansali is known for combining analytical precision with a human touch creating future-ready, high-performing teams
• Appreciation award by Airforce President AFWWA(Local) 2008-09,
• Bhaskar Women of the year 2015,
• Women Pride Award Jodhpur by Chapter of ICSI in 2015
• ‘Inspire'Award by JCI Yuvashakti 2016
• ‘Women of Honor Award’ by SBI Bank and PR Nexus media 2018
• Nari Shakti Samman in 2019
• Matellio’ite of The Year 2018-19, 2019-20 by Matellio Inc
• Change maker Award 2020-21 by Matellio Inc
• Outstanding Leadership Award 2021-22 by Matellio Inc
• Featured in 50 under 50 in HR Association of India
PEOPLE BUSINESS
PARTNER PEGASYSTEMS
INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant professional achievement has been earning the trust and confidence of senior leadership to become a strategic advisor with a seat at the table for critical business decisions. In a business partnering role, this transformation from operational support to strategic influence represents the pinnacle of HR excellence. This achievement required developing deep business acumen, understanding what truly drives organizational success, and consistently delivering outcomes that matter The impact on my career has been transformative it elevated me from executing HR processes to shaping business strategy, influencing organizational direction, and driving meaningful change Having leadership actively seek my counsel on complex challenges has not only accelerated my professional growth but also expanded my influence across the organization This trust-based relationship has opened doors to high-visibility projects, cross-functional collaborations, and opportunities to mentor emerging leaders It's taught me that technical HR expertise, while important, must be coupled with business insight and strategic thinking to create lasting impact.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Three core principles have guided my leadership approach and consistently delivered results: employee-first mindset, authentic accountability, and strategic prioritization Employee-first means genuinely caring about people's growth, well-being, and success. When team members feel valued and supported, they naturally perform at their best and drive organizational outcomes.
This approach builds trust, engagement, and loyalty the foundation of high-performing teams Authentic accountability doing what you say you'll do establishes credibility and sets the standard for the entire team. Consistency between words and actions creates psychological safety and encourages others to take ownership of their commitments. Strategic prioritization involves focusing energy on what truly matters rather than getting caught up in busy work By helping teams distinguish between urgent and important, we can channel efforts toward initiatives that create meaningful impact These principles have helped me build resilient teams, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable success across diverse organizational challenges
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory, particularly through the unexpected but invaluable guidance I've received from business leaders outside the HR function. Interestingly, some of my most influential mentors have been business leaders who challenged me to think beyond traditional HR boundaries. They've expanded my strategic thinking, coached me through complex organizational challenges, and helped me understand how HR initiatives directly impact business outcomes. These relationships taught me to view problems through multiple lenses and develop solutions that serve both people and business objectives. This cross-functional mentorship has been transformative because it provided perspectives I wouldn't have gained within HR alone. Business leaders helped me understand market dynamics, financial implications of people decisions, and the critical importance of aligning HR strategy with business goals.
Today, I actively seek diverse mentoring relationships and prioritize collaboration across functions. I've learned that the most innovative solutions emerge when we combine HR expertise with insights from finance, operations, technology, and other disciplines. This collaborative approach has accelerated my growth and enhanced my ability to drive meaningful organizational change.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The most critical mindset for staying innovative and relevant is cultivating adaptive intelligence the ability to observe, learn, and evolve continuously while maintaining a growth-oriented perspective. Observe means staying attuned to industry trends, technological advances, and changing workforce expectations. This requires active engagement with thought leaders, participation in professional communities, and regular analysis of emerging best practices Learn involves embracing curiosity and viewing every challenge as a learning opportunity It means seeking diverse perspectives, experimenting with new approaches, and being comfortable with ambiguity and change Adapt requires the courage to evolve your methods, abandon outdated practices, and implement innovative solutions even when they challenge conventional wisdom This adaptive intelligence prevents professional stagnation and ensures you remain valuable to your organization In HR, where the landscape shifts rapidly due to generational changes, technology adoption, and evolving workplace expectations, those who embrace continuous learning and change will thrive while others risk becoming obsolete.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition
you've earned in your field?
My top advice for young professionals is to master the art of strategic self-awareness: know your unique strengths, leverage them intentionally, and continuously evolve with your industry. Know your strengths through honest self-assessment, feedback from others, and experimentation with different roles and challenges. Understanding what you naturally excel at provides the foundation for building expertise and credibility Play to your strengths by seeking opportunities that align with your natural talents while addressing skill gaps that could limit your growth Don't try to be everything to everyone instead, become exceptionally valuable in areas where you can make the greatest impact Stay relevant by treating learning as a continuous journey, not a destination. The HR function is rapidly evolving with technology, changing workforce dynamics, and new organizational models. Professionals who proactively update their skills, embrace digital transformation, and understand emerging trends will position themselves for long-term success. Finally, build authentic relationships across your organization Recognition often comes not just from what you know, but from how effectively you collaborate, influence, and contribute to collective success Invest in people, and they'll invest in your growth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Harsha Yellamaraju is Director – Talent Advisory Partner at Pega Systems India, with nearly a decade of experience shaping global talent strategies. As Talent Advisory Lead for the platform engineering organization, she has driven initiatives in recognition, top talent engagement, leadership development, and organization design An XLRI Jamshedpur alumna and certified coach, Harsha brings expertise in change management, workforce planning, and culture building blending strategic frameworks with practical execution to strengthen people strategy across diverse teams
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, SG ANALYTICS
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of JP’s most significant professional achievements has been transforming SG Analytics’ ESG and Data practices from niche offerings into market-leading business verticals. This evolution not only shaped the firm's growth trajectory but also redefined how purpose-led consulting and AI-driven operations could scale in real-world enterprise environments. By building these practices from the ground up, JP embedded sustainability and data at the core of client service models, shifting the perception of delivery from a backend function to a strategic differentiator These efforts established SG Analytics as a trusted partner for long-term enterprise accounts across banking, fintech, and capital markets The success of this transformation expanded JP’s leadership remit, moving him from a deliveryfocused executive to a transformation partner, influencing strategic decision-making, and enabling large-scale impact across global clients
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
JP’s leadership is anchored in empathy and clarity He believes effective leadership starts by acknowledging that every team member has a unique journey and that creating space for diverse capabilities leads to stronger outcomes His leadership style focuses on building capacity, capability, and belief. Rather than directing from the top, he creates environments where individuals feel empowered to co-create, take ownership, and challenge the status quo. JP leads by conviction, not control, pairing strategic intent with executional depth
This approach has enabled teams under his guidance to launch transformative service lines, grow into business-oriented leaders, and deliver consistently in high-stakes environments His success as a leader lies in fostering trust, delivering context-driven guidance, and cultivating a culture of autonomy, speed, and purpose
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have played a foundational role in JP’s career. He believes that mentoring others is not just a way to give back, it is also a way to sharpen one’s own thinking and leadership maturity. Over the years, he has actively mentored young managers, helping them evolve into highimpact leaders capable of navigating complexity with confidence. Collaboratively, JP has thrived in cross-functional environments, often bringing together data engineers, sustainability experts, domain consultants, and technologists to build integrated solutions These collaborations have helped him shape enterprise-ready practices grounded in innovation and relevance While JP credits many colleagues for shaping his leadership journey, he emphasizes that real growth happens through collective problem-solving, diverse perspectives, and shared ownership of outcomes.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
According to JP, the most critical mindset for staying relevant is one of operational curiosity, the discipline of learning by doing, iterating, and refining Innovation is not
reserved for R&D labs; it must be embedded in day-to-day execution JP maintains a sharp focus on real-world applicability, always asking: “Is this scalable? Is it embedded? Is it measurable?” Whether operationalizing AI across value chains or anticipating sustainability trends ahead of market curves, JP believes that staying innovative requires both foresight and follow-through This means staying close to clients, understanding evolving challenges, and translating those into actionable, tech-enabled solutions He also stresses the importance of self-learning through industry reports, advisory boards, and peer networks to stay ahead of shifts in AI, ESG, and data strategy.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
JP’s advice to young professionals is to build deep capability before chasing visibility. Recognition is a byproduct of consistency, credibility, and client trust
He encourages upcoming leaders to focus on operational excellence, doing the hard work of solving real problems, refining their craft, and staying grounded in execution. Equally important is developing empathy, as leadership is not about commanding but enabling.
He urges professionals to challenge the status quo, but always with context and clarity. Mentorship, continuous learning, and collaborative intent should form the foundation of any career. JP often shares, “If you take care of professional excellence, personal fulfillment will follow ” For him, the most lasting recognition comes not from awards, but from clients who return, refer, and rely on your partnership
Jayaprakash (JP) Mallikarjuna is the Chief Operating Officer at SG Analytics, where he drives enterprise-wide operational excellence, innovation, and scalable growth. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of data, sustainability, and operations, JP has been instrumental in transforming SG Analytics’ ESG practice from a niche offering into a marketleading business and in establishing data operations as a core pillar of the firm.
He has spearheaded the adoption of AI-led automation across value chains, streamlining data mapping, document collection, and quality assurance to enhance speed, accuracy, and client experience at scale. JP is widely recognized for operationalizing AI not as standalone pilots but as embedded capabilities that accelerate decisionmaking and create measurable business outcomes.
A purpose-driven leader, JP is known for building high-performing, cross-functional teams through empathy, clarity of vision, and co-creation. His leadership philosophy focuses on fostering capacity, capability, and belief, enabling people to thrive while aligning deeply with organizational goals.
PRESIDENT & GLOBAL HEAD - GROUP
STRATEGY AND M&A, NAVEEN JINDAL GROUP
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
It’s difficult to single out one professional achievement because each milestone whether it has been executing a successful transaction, leading a complex project, or driving a business toward growth and profitability has carried its own significance in my journey
What has remained consistent is my commitment to excellence and my focus on learning through the process For me, achievements are not just about outcomes, but about the growth and insights they bring Every project, every challenge, and every success has contributed to shaping me into a more resilient, well-rounded professional.
I believe it is this mindset of treating every achievement as both an accomplishment and a learning opportunity that has had the greatest impact on my career
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Over the years, I’ve come to rely on three core leadership principles that I believe are universally effective:
a) Extreme Ownership
I firmly believe that leaders must take full responsibility not just for their own decisions, but for everything their team does or fails to do. This mindset eliminates excuses and creates a culture of accountability
b) The One Thing
In today’s fast-paced world, it is very easy to get distracted by multiple priorities I follow the principle of focusing on “the one thing” that matters most at any given point the
task, decision, or initiative that will have the highest impact
c) Empowerment and Delegation
A leader cannot and should not try to do everything. I believe in empowering my team by delegating not just tasks, but also authority and trust Empowerment creates ownership at every level. People rise to the occasion when they feel trusted and valued. Delegation also frees leaders to focus on strategic priorities, while enabling teams to grow in confidence and capability.
Together, these three principles owning outcomes, focusing on what truly matters, and empowering people have allowed me to build resilient, high-performing teams and guide organizations toward sustainable success.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
I have been fortunate to learn immensely from the leaders and colleagues I’ve worked with throughout my career Two individuals who have influenced me the most are my father and our Chairman, Mr. Naveen Jindal. Both are true workaholics who approach everything they do with immense passion, discipline, and a sense of purpose. Their example has deeply shaped my own approach to leadership and work ethic
Beyond them, I have also drawn inspiration from colleagues and friends who, in different ways, have helped me refine my leadership style. I believe mentorship is not always formal it often comes from observing the strengths of those around you and applying those lessons in your own journey.
For me, the key lies in learning from others’ strengths while simultaneously acknowledging and working on one’s own weaknesses This
mindset of being open to continuous improvement and of valuing collaboration has been central to my professional growth.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The most critical mindset is curiosity coupled with adaptability and agility. Industries are being disrupted faster than ever, and the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is essential. Leaders must stay curious about new technologies, evolving markets, and changing customer expectations while being adaptable enough to pivot strategies without losing sight of core values This balance between innovation and consistency is what keeps one relevant.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice to young professionals is: focus on learning and working hard, rather than chasing quick rewards In today’s environment, it is tempting to switch jobs frequently for higher pay, but true recognition and growth come from building depth of knowledge, consistency, and the ability to create lasting impact.Eq ually important is integrity. Your reputation is your most valuable asset, and it is built over years but can be lost in a moment No amount of technical skill or career advancement can compensate for a lack of honesty and ethical grounding Another principle I strongly believe in is Extreme Ownership taking full responsibility for your work, your team, and your outcomes When you stop making excuses and start owning results, you not only grow faster but also earn the respect of peers and leaders If young professionals can commit themselves to continuous learning, integrity, and ownership, recognition and opportunities will naturally follow
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kapil Mantri has nearly two decades of extensive experience, primarily in the steel, power, and mining sectors, where he has held leadership roles across various domains
He currently serves as President and Global Head –Group Strategy and M&A at Naveen Jindal Group In this capacity, he leads corporate strategy, mergers & acquisitions (M&A), acquisitions under IBC, new business development, mineral auctions, iron ore trade, shipping and fundraising, among other key responsibilities. His work spans multiple continents Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America and he serves on the boards of multiple companies, bringing a cross-border perspective to growth, governance, and value creation
In recognition of his leadership and impact, Kapil has earlier been honoured with BusinessWorld’s “40 Under 40” and HRAI’s 23 Best Finance Professionals of 2023 and HRAI’s “50 Under 50”. These recognitions underscore his role as one of India’s leading voices in strategy, industry transformation, and next-generation leadership
Kapil is also active in industry leadership and policy dialogue He serves on the Managing Committees of PHDCCI and Assocham, and engages closely with leading associations including CII, IPPAI, the Association of Power Producers (APP), and the Sponge Iron Manufacturers’ Association (SIMA). This ecosystem involvement complements his corporate role and reflects his commitment to advancing India’s core sectors through collaboration across industry bodies and government.
Beyond business, Kapil is a founding member of the Maharaja Agrasen Medical Education & Scientific Research Society in Agroha, supporting initiatives at the intersection of healthcare and education He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, and an MBA from the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, and is also an alumnus of the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia.
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
The most significant achievement of setting up green field sites and transformation of manual to automated plat with bringing operational efficiency through excellence, plant digitization with connect to shop floor and development of second line leadership This allows mee to focus on strategies for new technologies and business.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
a. Vision-Driven Leadership – Define & communicate clear
b Inspire them by connecting their work to larger purpose
c. Empower & trust
d Cross functional collaboration
e. Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
a. Mentorship and collaboration are the quiet forces behind sustained professional growth and organizational success
b. Yes I was/am lucky to have great leaders as mentors like Mr Jayant Bahekar, Mr Subhat Jindal, Mr Ankur Aggarwal, Mr Shyam Dhekekar…
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an everevolving industry?
In a fast-evolving industry, the most critical mindset is a combination of curiosity, adaptability, and strategic foresight, operational excellence, Industry 4.0 and resilience.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
a. Focus on enhancing skillsets and not on wages at start…..there is no alternative to hard work
b Don’t get influence by powers, but rather focus on building relationships, be a go getter, full of positivity and resolution for completion
c. Be patient, but ensure impact by work
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kavishwar, Vice President - Tech Mfg Crystal Crop Protection Ltd, is a seasoned operations professional with expertise in Chemical and Process Engineering, Industry 4.0, M&A due diligence, and global site management. Recognized with the Indian Achievers’ Award (2021–22), he is also a mentor, industrial advisor, and motivational speaker committed to shaping future leaders
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
Leading the implementation of a new employee engagement program that reduced turnover by 25% and improved satisfaction scores by 30% over 18 months.
This positioned me as a strategic business partner and opened opportunities for senior D&I HR roles Developing a diversity and inclusion initiative that increased underrepresented groups in leadership by 40% Creating a remote work policy framework during COVID that maintained productivity and employee satisfaction including virtual onboarding.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Practice / Advocate Servant leadership approach - removing obstacles for my team and providing resources they need to succeed
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
My many past HR Gurus taught me to think strategically about HR as a business driver, not just an administrative function This shifted my approach from reactive to proactive, focusing on workforce planning and talent strategy
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The HR field is rapidly evolving with Next Gen, AI, remote work, and changing workforce expectations. I stay current
through industry certifications, supporting HR communities, attending conferences, and experimenting with new HR technologies
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Focus on building business acumen alongside HR expertise Understand your company's financials, industry challenges, and strategic goals. This allows you to position HR initiatives as business solutions, not just people programs And most important start by mastering fundamentals, then gradually take on more strategic responsibilities. Document your wins and learn to tell compelling stories about your impact.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ketan Bhakhry B is a globally ranked DEIB subject matter expert (5th worldwide), activist, and strategist specializing in advocacy, partnerships, and inclusive policies. Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Type III, he champions disability inclusion alongside broader diversity initiatives (including LGBTQ+), driving sustainable development, skill-building, and workplace equality. He has enabled placements for over 5,000 jobseekers with disabilities, advised CXOs on inclusive branding, and trained 1,000+ employees on teamwork and resilience. As a consultant, speaker, and member of the Skill Council for Persons with Disability (NSDC), Ketan has influenced national strategies, corporate policies, and leadership mentoring for PwDs
Recognized with multiple national and global honors including the National Award for Universal Design and Top Global Diversity & Inclusion Leaders (World HRD Congress) he continues to advance equity, empowerment, and inclusive growth
SENIOR CLIENT PARTNER & HEAD OF PROFESSIONAL SEARCH INDIA
KORN FERRY
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of my most significant achievements has been leading Korn Ferry’s Professional Search business in India and expanding its reach across diverse industries. Building leadership teams for some of the country’s most influential organizations has been both a privilege and a responsibility. This role positioned me as a trusted advisor in the search industry, allowing me to influence strategic talent decisions not just locally but across the APAC region.
It also deepened my understanding of market dynamics and leadership needs, shaping my career into one that’s both purpose-driven and impact-oriented
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Empathy and empowerment have been central to my leadership style creating space for individuals to grow, lead, and thrive. I prioritize client-centricity, ensuring our strategies align with their evolving needs
Agility is key: adapting quickly to market shifts and embracing innovation keeps us ahead Collaboration across functions and geographies has also been instrumental in driving success
These principles have helped build resilient teams and deliver meaningful outcomes
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in my journey both receiving and offering it Early mentors at ICICI, GE American Express helped shape my leadership philosophy, emphasizing integrity, curiosity, and strategic thinking.
At Korn Ferry, collaboration across global teams has enriched my perspective and elevated our delivery standards. These relationships have been foundational to my growth and continue to inspire how I lead and support others.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Curiosity and continuous learning are essential to staying relevant in a fast-evolving industry.
I believe in anticipating future talent needs and preparing clients for what’s next. Resilience helps navigate change with confidence, while inclusivity fosters innovation by embracing diverse perspectives.
Staying open to new ideas and technologies ensures we remain forward-thinking and impactful.
KONIKACHADHA
INTERVIEW
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Be authentic and intentional in your career choices clarity of purpose drives meaningful progress. Invest in relationships; mentors, peers, and clients shape your journey in profound ways. Stay curious and adaptable the industry evolves rapidly, and so should you Most importantly, lead with purpose Recognition is a byproduct of consistent impact and integrity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Konika Chadha is a seasoned HR leader and Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry, heading the Professional Search practice and part of the Technology Executive Search Practice in India With over 25 years of experience in talent acquisition and HR transformation, Konika has held pivotal roles at ICICI Prudential, American Express, GE, and Bharti Airtel
At Korn Ferry, she drives strategic growth, client engagement, and leadership hiring across diverse sectors including Technology, Financial Services, Consumer, Life Sciences, and Industrial
Her deep industry insight and business acumen have helped build leadership teams for some of India’s most prominent organizations. Recognized for her impact, she has received accolades such as the Exceptional Women Leader award (Women’s Economic Forum, 2018 & 2022) and the HerRising Award for Women in HR (2019). Konika holds a postgraduate degree in Management from TVU London and a certification in Strategic HR Management from IIM Ahmedabad
REGIONAL HEAD HRBP, SOUTH ASIA, APL LOGISTICS INDIA
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of the proudest moments in my career has been building and leading diverse teams across different countries, including at Rolls Royce in India and Singapore
Bringing together people from varied backgrounds and helping them work seamlessly towards common goals has been incredibly rewarding.
These experiences taught me the true strength of diversity and the importance of adapting to different cultures and contexts It’s been a journey of learning and growth, both personally and professionally, and it opened doors to leadership opportunities
Seeing teams thrive and deliver results has been the most fulfilling part of my career.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
For me, leadership is all about agility and staying ahead of change The ability to adapt quickly and proactively guide the team through shifting dynamics has been key.
I believe in fostering open communication where everyone feels heard and valued.
Celebrating wins, big or small, keeps the team motivated. Being connected to what’s really happening on the ground helps me make better decisions
Ultimately, it’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered to take ownership and innovate with confidence
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been a cornerstone of my journey I’ve been lucky to have some amazing mentors, from college professors to industry leaders, who inspired me to think bigger and push my boundaries
Working alongside talented colleagues from diverse backgrounds also broadened my perspective and helped me grow These relationships taught me so much about teamwork, resilience, and leadership.
Now, I enjoy mentoring others and sharing whatever I can to support their growth it’s incredibly fulfilling to help others find their own path
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
In today’s fast-changing world, staying agile and open to collaboration is essential. But it’s equally important to be your own toughest competitor always eager to learn and improve. I believe nurturing strong relationships helps create opportunities for fresh ideas and innovation
KUNWARSINGH
Being curious, adaptable, and willing to embrace change keeps you relevant and ahead of the curve.
This mindset not only fuels continuous growth but also makes the journey exciting.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
If I could give one piece of advice to young professionals, it would be to find a great mentor and never stop learning The right mentor can offer invaluable guidance and help you navigate challenges.
At the same time, invest in yourself by embracing new skills and experiences. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone growth happens there Build genuine relationships, stay adaptable, and always act with integrity
Recognition and success come from a combination of hard work, curiosity, and staying true to your values
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of experience across APAC and the Middle East, specializing in HR strategy, talent development, and organizational transformation. Skilled in aligning HR initiatives with business goals, driving diversity and inclusion, and leading complex projects across global, culturally diverse teams A strong advocate for ethics and compliance, with a proven track record in optimizing workforce productivity and capability
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant professional achievement has been building Rent An Attire from a personal problem into a purpose-driven venture that challenges the traditional fashion industry When I started, renting outfits was almost unheard of, but today it has become a powerful alternative that promotes sustainability, accessibility, and style without excess.
Expanding across multiple cities, creating employment opportunities, and building a brand that resonates with conscious consumers has been deeply fulfilling This achievement has not only shaped my career but also strengthened my belief that businesses can be profitable while being responsible
It has given me the confidence to take bold decisions, trust my instincts, and continue creating impact in an industry that urgently needs change.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
For me, leadership is about empowering others. I believe in delegation with trust, accountability, and ownership My approach has always been to build a team that doesn’t just execute but contributes ideas, challenges existing norms, and feels invested in the larger vision Transparency, empathy, and leading by example are principles I swear by.
I also believe in celebrating small wins, which keeps teams motivated through challenges In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, adaptability is critical, and I encourage my team to see every challenge as an opportunity to innovate.
This leadership style has allowed Rent An Attire to thrive with a small yet passionate workforce and scale across multiple locations with limited resources.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been central to my journey. I have been fortunate to receive guidance through programs like IIM Bangalore’s Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Entrepreneurship initiative, where mentors helped me refine my business model and strategy
My corporate background in HR also gave me access to leaders who shaped my approach to people and culture. Equally, collaboration has been at the heart of Rent An Attire whether it’s partnering with designers, peers who list their outfits with us, or sustainabilityfocused initiatives like “Sustain Stitch”.
These partnerships have enabled us to create greater impact than we could alone. I truly believe that no success is individual it is always the result of shared learning and collective effort.
Partnerships with industry leaders who are helping us promote sustainability have further strengthened our mission and created pathways for long-term impact
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The most critical mindset is a combination of curiosity and resilience Industries evolve rapidly, and the fashion industry, in particular, is undergoing massive shifts in consumer behavior, technology, and sustainability Staying relevant requires listening closely to your customers, embracing technology, and having the courage to pivot when needed At Rent An Attire, we constantly innovate from enabling pan-India deliveries to exploring new revenue streams like accessories and sustainable collaborations. Resilience also plays a key role, because every entrepreneurial journey comes with setbacks. The ability to learn quickly, adapt, and keep moving forward with purpose is what keeps innovation alive
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice to young professionals is: stay authentic and purpose-driven. Recognition follows when you are genuinely solving a problem and creating value Don’t chase success alone focus on building something meaningful that makes a difference. Invest in yourself through continuous learning, and don’t be afraid of failures they are your greatest teachers Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and collaborators who challenge and inspire you. Most importantly, believe in your own journey When I started Rent An Attire, many doubted the idea of renting fashion, but persistence and clarity of purpose helped me prove otherwise Dream big, but execute with discipline and consistency that’s where real transformation happens.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laveena Laitonjam is the CEO and Founder of Rent An Attire, a purpose-driven venture transforming the fashion industry through sustainability and accessibility Incubated at IIM Bangalore through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Entrepreneurship program, she has built a pioneering brand that makes designer wear affordable while reducing the industry’s environmental footprint. Under her leadership, Rent An Attire has saved over 50 million liters of water and reduced more than 20,000 kilograms of CO₂ emissions by promoting reuse over fast fashion What began as a personal problem has evolved into a movement that blends style with responsibility, expanding across multiple cities in India Beyond her venture, Laveena is passionate about mentoring young professionals and is an active member of entrepreneurial networks, where she shares insights and learns from like-minded leaders. She embodies the vision that businesses can be profitable, innovative, and sustainable at the same time
COUNTRY MANAGER – INDIA HAYS
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of my most significant professional achievements has been scaling and transforming some of India’s largest staffing operations while staying anchored in a people-first philosophy. I streamlined complex business units, standardized processes, and introduced digital dashboards that gave clients real-time visibility into onboarding and compliance. These initiatives not only enhanced efficiency and client satisfaction but also set new benchmarks for the industry.
At Hays India, I am now focused on doubling our market presence and positioning the organization as a trusted partner in workforce transformation This journey has reinforced my belief that true success lies in creating value for all stakeholders clients, employees, and the workforce at large It has also shaped my leadership style: to balance business growth with inclusivity and sustainability, ensuring that impact extends beyond numbers Ultimately, the most meaningful lesson has been that while performance metrics matter, it is the trust you build and the opportunities you create in people’s careers that define lasting success.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
The leadership principles that have consistently guided me are authenticity, clarity, and empowerment. Authentic leadership being genuine and transparent creates trust and credibility with teams and clients alike. Clarity of vision ensures that everyone understands the “why” behind our goals, aligning focus and energy even in complex or uncertain situations.
Empowerment, for me, is about giving people ownership; when individuals feel trusted to make decisions and drive outcomes, they often exceed expectations Equally important is staying relevant and curious In an industry defined by disruption, learning never stops, and leaders must constantly evolve to remain effective I also believe sustainable success depends on balancing business results with employee well being, because only engaged and motivated teams can deliver long-term impact Ultimately, leadership is not just about delivering growth it is about building more leaders My goal has always been to create an environment where people thrive, innovate, and take pride in their contribution. That, I believe, is the true marker of organizational success
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been true cornerstones of my career. Early on, I was fortunate to have leaders who challenged me to think beyond immediate goals, guided me through complex decisions, and taught me the value of resilience Their influence reinforced my belief that mentorship is not just about giving advice it is about unlocking someone’s potential and building confidence to take on bigger challenges Collaboration
has been equally critical Whether it was navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic or leading large-scale digital transformations, success came only because cross-functional teams worked together with clarity, trust, and a shared sense of purpose. These experiences reminded me that no leader succeeds alone real impact is always the result of collective effort. Today, I try to pay it forward by mentoring emerging leaders, especially women professionals, helping them grow into roles of greater responsibility For me, mentorship and collaboration are not peripheral they are integral to leadership, ensuring that success is collective, sustainable, and leaves behind a stronger pipeline of leaders for the future
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
In an industry as dynamic as staffing, the most critical mindset is relentless curiosity, coupled with adaptability The world of work is continuously evolving driven by technology, shifting demographics, and changing workforce expectations Leaders who remain open to learning, embrace new ideas, and connect the dots with empathy will always stay relevant I believe innovation is not limited to adopting new technology; it is also about simplifying processes, co-creating solutions with clients, and designing inclusive models that expand access to opportunities In my own journey, I have reimagined workflows, pioneered digital dashboards, and launched apprenticeship-based programs all guided by a simple question: How can we do this better? To me, innovation comes from listening deeply, staying curious about trends, and having the courage to challenge traditional models. In a fast-changing environment, adaptability is as important as foresight Those who can unlearn, relearn, and act with agility will not only remian
relevant, but also play an active role in shaping the future of work
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice to young professionals is simple: don’t chase recognition, chase impact. Recognition is only a byproduct of consistently creating value Focus on building credibility through delivery, nurturing strong relationships, and staying endlessly curious. Industries of the future will reward those who combine passion with purpose and demonstrate the courage to keep evolving. Invest in continuous learning, because relevance today does not guarantee relevance tomorrow Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and never shy away from discomfort some of the most meaningful breakthroughs emerge from uncertain moments. Surround yourself with mentors and collaborators who will challenge you to think bigger while supporting your aspirations Most importantly, carry people with you on the journey. Leadership and success are never solo acts; they are about creating environments where teams thrive, and clients feel genuinely valued. If you stay grounded in values, lead with authenticity, and focus on making a real difference, recognition will inevitably follow and it will be all the more meaningful when it does.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Manu is the Country Manager – India at Hays, with over 20 years of experience in business transformation, P&L leadership, and strategic workforce solutions. Known for her inclusive leadership and client-centric approach, she has led high-impact teams, managed complex stakeholder relationships, and driven innovative growth strategies across sectors A certified ITIL Foundation V3 and CoBit professional, Manu holds a degree in Electronics & Communications from Mysore University and a PGPMax from ISB Hyderabad.
DIRECTOR PEOPLE OPERATIONS, INDIA CAVISTA TECHNOLOGIES
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of my most significant professional achievement was leading a project that revamped our company’s performance evaluation process Recognizing the negative impact of subjective performance evaluations on employee morale and trust, a project was spearheaded to transform the company's approach By collaborating closely with managers and delivery leaders across the organization, a meritocratic framework (Productivity, Quality, and Compliance) was developed and implemented. This innovative framework provided a data-driven, real-time assessment of individual performance, addressing the previous lack of objectivity and fostering a culture of fair recognition. The successful rollout of this framework, piloted with one team before being adopted company-wide, led to a measurable increase in employee satisfaction and transparency in the evaluation process This initiative contributed to a significant reduction in attrition, dropping from 22% to 16% over two years, solidifying a more positive and trusting work environment. This experience not only enhanced my project management and collaboration skills but also reinforced my commitment to creating a positive work environment.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Here is what I strongly believe
Transparency: regular connects with people help build trust and create safe spaces for feedback.
Empowerment: Fortunate to work with leaders believed in delegating responsibilities,
creating opportunities for people to grow I learnt and followed the same for my team I do not believe in micromanagement and allow team members to use their strengths Many a time I also learn from them
Continuous learning: I believe this is the only way we can survive or excel in this so called “VUCA” world. Learning play’s a significant role and its a powerful engine for growth.
Collaboration: Collaboration brings together diverse perspectives and ideas, leading to more creative solutions and innovative approaches to challenges Teams working together can leverage each other's strengths and expertise, basically creating a pool of knowledge and creativity
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship offers valuable guidance, and I am blessed to have mentors. This helped me to learn from their experiences, gain insight into complex challenges and developed my leadership skills. Mentors provide different prospective and help make informed decisions With my expertise and learning, I also strive to be mentor to others, empowering my team and fostering a culture of growth Being part of HR, collaboration is essential. We meet different people, learn different things daily. Working with diverse teams enable us to harness collective strengths and ideas, leading to innovative solutions for people-related challenges.
By collaborating with different functions, leaders I can align HR strategies with organizational goal and ensure we meet the needs of both employees and the business
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Growth Mindset, willingness to embrace change, learn from failures and continuously seeking new knowledge and experiences With growth mindset, individuals should be more open to feedback and collaboration, this will help adapt new trends and technologies effectively. It encourages curiosity and experimentation, which are essential for innovation
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
World is changing fast and to stay competitive one must be adaptable to new situations, seize opportunities and embrace continuous learning
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Neeraj Sharma, a visionary HR leader with two decades of experience, currently serves as the Director of People Operations India at Cavista Technology Pvt Ltd. His trailblazing journey spans IT services, IT product, life sciences, and healthcare, showcasing versatility in leading organizations through various lifecycle stages. Neeraj's commitment to excellence earned him recognition, including the '50 under 50' award from the HR Association of India. Passionate about fostering positive work culture and driving strategic HR initiatives, he stands as an invaluable asset to the HR community, inspiring professionals with his resilience, perseverance, and people-focused approach
GROUP CFO
CUBE HIGHWAYS TRUST
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
The achievement I hold closest to my heart is not a solitary milestone, but the creation of sustainable value across multiple stakeholders - shareholders, employees, communities, and regulators alike. Leading complex, highstakes transformations where strategy, finance, and governance converge has been particularly defining
For me, orchestrating harmony between longterm vision and immediate execution has yielded not only financial outcomes but also enduring institutional credibility
This balance between numbers and narratives has shaped my career trajectory, earned the trust of boards, investors, and peers, while also affirming my belief that actual achievement lies in impact, not applause.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Leadership is less about command and more about orchestration. I believe in clarity of vision, consistency of communication, and courage in execution.
Empowering teams with trust and ownership, while holding ourselves to uncompromising standards of integrity, creates a culture where excellence is not demanded but inspired
Leadership is the art of converting challenges into opportunities and setbacks into lessons, ensuring that people feel both protected and propelled.
Success follows when teams find a purpose larger than themselves and leadership offers them both a compass and confidence.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
No career, however distinguished, is truly solitary. Mine has been sculpted by a constellation of mentors and collaborators who have challenged my assumptions, sharpened my thinking, and broadened my horizon
From seasoned leaders who instilled in me the discipline of rigour, to colleagues whose fresh perspectives sparked innovation, every relationship has been a lesson.
I firmly believe mentorship is not merely about guidance but about awakening potential, and collaboration is not about consensus but about co-creation
“I believe in clarity of vision, consistency of communication, and courage in execution.”
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The most vital skill today is not technical mastery, for those ages swiftly, but intellectual agility - an openness to unlearn, relearn, and embrace change without fear.
PANKAJVASANI
In a world where yesterday’s wisdom becomes today’s orthodoxy and tomorrow’s irrelevance, it is the mindset of curiosity and courage that sustains relevance
Innovation thrives not in comfort zones but at the edge of uncertainty, where one is willing to risk being wrong to discover what is right
I have found that humility to listen, coupled with conviction to act, is the actual currency of staying ahead in an ever evolving landscape.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Seek not recognition, but purpose Recognition follows naturally when one's work resonates with authenticity and impact.
My advice to young professionals is to cultivate three virtues: clarity of ambition, resilience in adversity, and integrity without compromise
Embrace learning as a lifelong companion, for the path to excellence is never linear but always illuminating. Build networks not as ladders to climb, but as communities to contribute to
Above all, remember that success is sweetest when it uplifts more than oneself If you focus on creating enduring value, recognition will inevitably seek you out.
Mr Vasani is a senior finance leader with over two and a half decades of experience spanning and infrastructure, telecommunications, media, FMCG, & manufacturing industries At Cube Highways Trust, India’s largest roads and highways platform, he serves as Group CFO for the last three and a half years. He has been instrumental in shaping Cube’s evolution into one of the largest listed InvITs in the country, with a portfolio that exemplifies sustainable infrastructure and value creation. A Chartered Accountant (India, England & Wales), CPA (Australia), and Lawyer (DU) by qualification, he brings a rare blend of financial acumen, strategic foresight, and operational discipline Beyond numbers, he is known for driving organizational transformation, fostering stakeholder trust, and building institutions with resilience and transparency at their core Pankaj has been recognized among the country’s top CFOs multiple times, reflecting his ability to balance growth ambitions with governance excellence, while keeping longterm impact at the centre of his professional journey
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
The most significant Professional Achievement is completing to Writing my Book The Mask Leadership Got an opportunity to Write during Corona Times and today the respect which we earn and the reach with the clients has grown massively Based on the Book, we had launched a Community “Leaders Connect 360” helping mid-career working professionals to grow in their leadership Career by inviting a Top Management Leaders every week on Zoom LIVE
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
a. Aligned Vision: The vision of the company to help and support Mid- Career working professionals is very clear with our Team Only with aligned vision the purpose is achieved
b. Transparency: A Transparent culture with the complete team members is encouraged every time in every aspect and in every situation.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
a. Yes, a Very High Role, Infact through Mentorship and Collaboration is where today we have grown My mentors are Mr Hafiz Khan, through whom I received an opportunity to enter in to the Training industry His sense of charm and commitment towards the Mother Nature is fabulous. He impacts people lives.
b With respective to our First collaboration was with Mr. Gurumoorthy, Managing Director for Maxwell Training Academy Trust is the key for collaboration and we together help and support our clients for customized programmes. Ethics is our Mantra and we follow diligently, so that we are strong in our collaborative partnership. After Maxwell Academy, we have collaborated with several other companies like, Mr Basheer from Winteg; Mr Sagar from Pragati Learning; Mr. Sngu Paul from E Zone, and the list continues
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
We believe in Passion with Growth Mindset. The moment we are passionate about what we are doing, Creativity and innovation are skills which can be automatically enhanced. We also accept every challenges from clients and work on it creatively which helps them with “wow” feeling. The 100% Dedication and willingness to give the best which helps us to
think more creatively and innovatively Every time we look forward for doing a “Never Done” activity, this helps us in thinking New every time.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
We are still growing and Evolving, however to achieve the recognition we have earned in this field there are several qualities which young professionals needs to follow:
i Focus on Commitment and then later money will follow.
ii. Discipline and Persistence if we are aware what we need to do Focus on the goals and they will be achieved
iii. Accept Challenges and unknown tasks.
Keep learning continuously and never say No to Unknown Tasks. Its fine if we make mistakes; Only through Unknown we will know
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Prakash Sharma is a Training and Coaching expert with over two decades of experience. He's known for pioneering the "Mask Leadership Model" and has founded "Leaders Connect 360," a community for leadership development He employs innovative training methods and encourages professionals to overcome growth obstacles.
His positive leadership has positively impacted the industry Prakash Sharma's ethical approach extends to corporate social responsibility, and he actively contributes to society through pro bono sessions and seminars
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
I am proud of two things that I have achieved. One is creating a successful and delivering team in all my stints. I developed My successor from my team
Improved efficiencies and business partner with Sales and Manufacturing to enable them doing business
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
a) Honesty to yourself,
b) 100% dedication to work,
c) Reading between the lines (Understand what is not told in words),
d) Assess yourself time to time if you are contributing enough or not,
e) Empathy,
f) Think before taking action, don’t take action basis anyone’s words, confirm by yourself and find out truth
g) Listen carefully – Don’t listen to argue, listen to understand
h) Play to win, not to defeat anyone
i) Observe and learn
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
I didn’t had any mentors or collaborators in my journey, however I realized at very young age that Observing and learning will be best for me to grow in life
I adopted that knack of observing, filtering what I need to remember and remembering the learning.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Play to win, not to defeat anyone Keep ego at home while you are working. Ego pulls us back from doing right. Once we keep ego aside, we will be looking at things with very open mind, listen not to argue, and then action. This will help being innovative and relevant because we will always stay close to challenges
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Have your own point of view in things, Logic - All points should be supported by logic. This will make your decision making very strong and your proposals will not be rejected, Make it a habit to think before speaking/acting, Make it a habit to think before speaking/acting Your name reaches before you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Prakul Kumar, a native of Haridwar (Uttarakhand), is a B Tech and MBA graduate with 20 years of HR experience, including 15 in leadership roles. He has worked across diverse geographies India, SAARC, MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa, US, and Central Asia bringing rich crosscultural expertise. Prakul is known for addressing deep-rooted challenges affecting morale, productivity, and culture, while strategically aligning human capital with organizational goals His focus has been on skill development, fair performance evaluation, employee engagement, welfare schemes, and process-driven HR practices Recognized for exemplary leadership during crises, he continues to set high standards with his innovative approach to HR management.
FOUNDER AND HEAD COACH TRANSFORM AHEAD®
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant achievement has been the synthesis of two distinct professional identities: a senior corporate leader and an ICF-certified coach For over two decades, I have worked with global giants such as Deloitte, EY, Accenture, Cognizant, and Tech Mahindra, driving complex M&A deals and corporate strategy The core challenge was always aligning business mechanics: P&Ls, operating models, and market strategy with human dynamics
Founding Transform Ahead® was the pivotal moment where I turned this synthesis into my core mission. It allowed me to turn my experience into a coaching methodology that helps other leaders navigate the very challenges I managed. The transition from executing strategy to empowering strategists has been profound It shifted my career from building value within an enterprise to multiplying value across the leadership landscape It is the ultimate expression of my belief that sustainable growth is achieved when great strategy is activated by exceptional leadership.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Effective leadership isn't about a single style but about deploying the right strategy for the proper context Drawing from my experience in consulting and senior corporate roles, I've found these principles to be universally effective:
Lead with Clarity: The most significant enabler of performance is a clear understanding of the mission, roles, and success metrics. A leader's primary job is
to create this clarity, translating complex strategy into simple, actionable priorities
Balance High Standards with High Support: Set an ambitious bar for leadership and quality, but simultaneously provide the resources, coaching, and psychological safety your team needs to clear it. Accountability and empathy are two sides of the same coin.
Master Decisive Execution: In a world of infinite analysis, the ability to make sound decisions with incomplete data and drive focused execution is a superpower This requires courage, a bias for action, and rigorous follow-through
Coach, Don't Just Command: The modern leader is a coach who develops talent, asks powerful questions, and builds the team's capabilities.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been the bedrock of my career.
My journey across management consulting and the IT industry was shaped by those who taught me invaluable lessons
In my early consulting days at firms like Deloitte, a partner taught me the art of structuring ambiguity, transforming a client's complex problem into a clear, solvable roadmap
Later, a senior business leader in the tech industry modelled how to manage stakeholder politics with grace and lead with integrity during high-stakes turnarounds.
INTERVIEW
These relationships taught me that mentorship provides perspective, while collaboration provides momentum. Now, as an ICF PCC coach and founder of Transform Ahead®, I pay this forward by creating structured coaching frameworks for my clients, helping them build their own "personal board of directors "
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The most critical mindset is one of relentless curiosity, driven by a bias for action. In today's landscape, knowledge has a short half-life It's no longer enough to be an expert in one domain; you must be a world-class learner who can connect disparate ideas and transform them into value
For me, this means constantly shifting between a 30,000-foot strategic view and a ground-level operational view
It's about reading a financial report and seeing the human story behind the numbers It's about understanding a new AI technology, not just for its features, but for how it could reshape a client's business model
This mindset requires intellectual humility, the willingness to unlearn old rules and the courage to take calculated risks and experiment.
It's less about having all the answers and about asking powerful questions, synthesising insights from diverse fields, and applying them with pragmatic speed
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice is to build your career with the
discipline of a portfolio Instead of chasing titles, focus on acquiring a diversified portfolio of valuable experiences.
First, master your craft and build a core spike of deep expertise. For me, this was finance and strategy, thanks to my XLRI MBA
This becomes your anchor of credibility. Second, actively seek roles that provide breadth My moves between consulting and industry, and across the US, UK, Singapore, and India, were intentional choices to build strategic agility and cultural fluency Don't stay in a comfortable role for too long.
Third, learn to speak the language of business, i.e. numbers. Regardless of your role, understanding how your work affects the P&L and balance sheet makes you a more valuable and strategic partner
Finally, deliver with impeccable integrity Your reputation for being reliable, ethical, and excellent is the most powerful asset you will ever build. Recognition is a byproduct of consistently delivering value
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Raahuul Gupta, Founder & Head Coach at Transform Ahead®, brings 23+ years of experience in coaching, corporate strategy, M&A, and consulting An ICF PCC and DiSC® Certified Trainer, he has empowered 500+ professionals worldwide to enhance leadership, set meaningful goals, and drive growth.
A published thought leader in Entrepreneur, CFO Connect, Business World, and Money Control, Raahuul is known for his inspiring talks and practical coaching approach He partners with leaders at all levels to uncover personal drivers, build lasting skills, and craft roadmaps for success
CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF
BUSINESS OFFICER, TALVOY PARTNERS
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant achievement was scaling a young HR technology firm from a 3member team to a 30-member organization with an annual recurring revenue This journey was not straightforward, in early 2020, just before the pandemic, I lost my father Soon after, COVID-19 struck, and the business was severely disrupted
Alongside the CEO, I took responsibility for bringing the company back on its feet We focused on retaining existing clients, acquiring new ones, and launching India’s first gamebased assessment at a time when the industry was looking for innovation. Beyond sales and delivery, my role extended to keeping the team motivated, addressing their anxieties, and ensuring they remained engaged in uncertain times.
Managing my own resilience while supporting others was the toughest part. Yet, the experience taught me that leadership is not tested in growth alone, but in moments of crisis too. Rebuilding revenue and restoring confidence reinforced my belief that perseverance, empathy, and focus can turn setbacks into platforms for long-term growth.
I consider this as my achievement as it reshaped me from being a sales professional into a resilient business leader capable of scaling organizations even in adversity
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
The three (3) principles that have guided me are Focus, Consistency, and Clarity with Care. During the pandemic, when business was disrupted and teams were anxious, I
learned the importance of focus: not getting distracted by uncertainty, instead concentrating on what could be controlled: retaining clients, building new opportunities, and supporting my team That focus kept the organization moving forward at a time when many were standing still.
The second principle is consistency. In 2020, I showed up every day with the same energy for clients and the team, even when circumstances were difficult personally That reliability gave people confidence and created stability in an unstable environment
Finally, clarity and care. I made sure goals were clear, but I also recognized the personal challenges colleagues were facing Listening to them and checking in. These same principles shaped my transition from being a sales leader to co-founding TalVoy Partners
These principles continue to define how I work today by staying focused on outcomes, consistent in delivery, and clear while caring about the people behind the numbers.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration are two of the strongest forces shaping my professional journey. I see mentorship in three forms:
Managers who guided me with discipline, Friends who supported me with honesty, and Executive Coaches who challenged me with perspective, and gave me tools and techniques From all of them, my top three Mentorship lessons: Stay Focused, Channel your Energy to what truly matters, and Always Ask better Questions Collaboration, on the other hand, has taught me that growth is never a solo pursuit. My top three Collaboration lessons: build Ecosystems that make Everyone Stronger, Asking for Help is often the fastest way forward, and understand that not Everyone is Selfish - few people genuinely want you to succeed
I am deeply grateful to those who have mentored, collaborated, and stood by me in different phases of life. Among them are (in alphabetic order): Anubhav Ahuja, Ayo Adeduro, Gyanendra Singh, Magesh Moorthi, Navjit Singh, Satya Sinha, Shanti Sharma, Vikas Jain, and my Friends: Arvind Sawant, Rahul Mansur, and Simranjeet Singh Each, in their own way, has shaped how I live today.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
I believe the most critical skill is using the “KEY” – Keep Educating Yourself. The world is moving too fast for anyone to rely only on past experience Constant learning, applied with intent, is what keeps a professional relevant. As Brian Tracy said, “Knowledge isn’t power until you apply it”, and Jim Kwik said, “If knowledge is power, then learning is your superpower but only if you apply it.” Hence, Knowledge without application is information; knowledge applied with discipline creates results For me, this breaks into three areas:
• Focus and Discipline: The ability to cut through noise and concentrate on what drives
results In sales and business, discipline is what converts potential into performance
• Consistency and Time Management: Innovation is rarely about a single big idea It comes from doing the right things, consistently, with respect for time and priorities.
• Courage to Take Risks: Growth requires stepping into uncertainty. Whether in business development or building TalVoy Partners, progress came from taking risks and moving forward despite challenges Innovation and relevance are not about chasing trends They are about learning continuously, applying that learning with discipline, and having the courage to keep moving ahead
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice to young professionals can be summarized in one word: C.H.A.R.M.
1. Choose and Commit: Decide what you want to become, what you want to do, and the lifestyle you want to lead. Your goals must be defined by you, not by how others will perceive you
2. Have a Written Plan: Once you decide, write it in detail Define the milestones, anticipate challenges, failures, and read it every day. A written goal shapes your actions.
3. Act with Focus: Plans are useless without execution Work on your goals consistently and don’t get distracted by noise.
4. Resilience & Character: Build a strong character Success is tested most in times of success and failures. How you act under pressure defines you.
5. Move Forward with Discipline: Success comes to those who keep showing up every day, improving daily, and refusing to quit.
Most importantly, remember that recognition is not the goal it is a reflection of your Focus, Consistency, and Character.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Raghav Pandit is reshaping how organizations in India listen, learn, and act on the employee voice At TalVoy Partners, he operates at the forefront of the peopleinsights movement, bringing boardroom precision to a space long clouded by vanity of generic surveys. With 23+ years of experience, including an earlier career grounded in HRtechnology sales and solutions design across Online Assessments, Surveys, and e-Learning; Raghav has worked with 70+ HR Leaders across industries in India This journey gave him the conviction to create TalVoy Partners (Talent Voyage), a New Delhi based People Insights and Talent Development firm specializing in customized surveys, analytics, and integrated leadership journeys that translate employee signals into business outcomes Raghav is regarded as a trusted third-party partner to CHROs and HR Leaders for his strategic acumen, consultative approach, and ability to scale business impact; a different breed of data-driven, outcome-obsessed, and unafraid to challenge convention.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR- HR
NOISE
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant professional achievement has been spending over a decade managing HR at Noise, where I had the unique opportunity to build the entire HR function, processes, and policies from scratch and then scale them to support a fast-growing business. When I first joined, there were no structured systems for recruitment, onboarding, performance management, or compliance. Over the years, I established the foundational policies and governance frameworks, and as the business expanded, I transitioned HR into a strategic growth partner
During the company’s hypergrowth phase I designed and implemented a scalable HR operating model supported by digital tools Alongside this, I led the “Define and Protect the Company Culture Early” initiative, embedding values into recruitment, onboarding, recognition, and performance systems. Impact on the Organisation Created end-to-end HR processes and policies that remain the backbone of the organisation Time-to-hire reduced by 40%, enabling the business to meet aggressive growth targets. Employee engagement scores improved substantially within one year of culture integration.
Impact on My Career This achievement reflects not just a project but a journey of transformation evolving from establishing HR basics to driving large-scale strategic initiatives. It positioned me as a builder and transformer, someone who can take a blank slate and create systems that scale It also earned me industry recognition, opportunities to mentor others, and the confidence to influence both business and people strategy at the highest levels.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
1 Lead with Clarity and Vision I’ve found that teams perform best when they understand the bigger picture and how their work connects to organisational goals I make it a point to communicate vision clearly, set measurable objectives, and revisit priorities regularly. This alignment builds ownership and accountability
2 Empower, Don’t Micromanage One of my guiding principles is to trust and empower teams. I focus on building systems and processes, then allow people the autonomy to execute This not only accelerates decisionmaking but also fosters innovation. In my own experience, giving HR managers the freedom to redesign parts of the onboarding process led to creative solutions that reduced new hire ramp-up time by 25%.
3 Culture as a Leadership Strategy I believe culture is not a “soft” element but a strategic lever for growth Leading the “Define and Protect the Company Culture Early” initiative reinforced my belief that embedding values into daily practices strengthens engagement, retention, and performance
4. Data-Informed, People-Centered Decisions I combine analytics with empathy in leadership For instance, AI-driven sentiment analysis provided early signals of disengagement, but the real change happened when I paired that data with manager check-ins and listening sessions. It’s this balance of data and human insight that drives lasting impact.
5. Coaching and Mentorship Mindset I prioritise building future leaders. I mentored high-potential employees and gave them
INTERVIEW
stretch opportunities Many of them now hold senior roles, proving that investing in people builds sustainable organisational success.
6 Resilience and Adaptability High-growth environments are unpredictable, so I practice and promote resilience addressing challenges without losing momentum I encourage teams to see change not as disruption but as an opportunity to innovate. In essence: My leadership is guided by clarity, empowerment, culture, data-driven empathy, mentorship, and resilience principles that have consistently enabled me to lead teams through rapid growth while sustaining long-term success
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been central pillars of my professional growth and leadership journey I strongly believe that no leader succeeds in isolation growth happens when we learn from others, share experiences, and build collective strength. Throughout my career in HR leadership, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with visionary business leaders who trusted me to shape people strategy from the ground up Their guidance not only sharpened my business acumen but also reinforced the value of aligning HR with long-term organisational goals One particular mentor encouraged me early on to see HR not just as a support function but as a strategic driver of growth. That mindset has defined my approach ever since Collaboration has been equally powerful. From co-creating a Culture Handbook with employees to working with cross-functional leaders on scaling recruitment during hypergrowth, I’ve seen firsthand that the best outcomes emerge when diverse perspectives come together Today, I carry that forward by mentoring young HR professionals
and startup founders, offering them the kind of guidance I once received It’s my way of giving back, ensuring that the cycle of mentorship and collaboration continues to shape the future of our profession
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
In my view, the most critical mindset for staying innovative and relevant is a combination of adaptability and continuous learning, anchored by curiosity Industries today evolve at a pace where yesterday’s best practices can quickly become obsolete. What keeps a professional relevant is not only technical expertise but the willingness to unlearn, relearn, and experiment without fear of failure
For me, this has meant staying deeply curious about new technologies, workforce trends, and cultural shifts and proactively seeking knowledge through certifications, peer forums, and reverse mentorship with younger professionals I approach challenges with a mindset of “what can we do differently?” rather than “this is how it’s always been done ” Equally important is cultivating resilience and openness to change within teams.
I encourage my colleagues to test ideas, pilot new processes, and treat setbacks as opportunities to learn. This mindset has allowed me to successfully introduce digital HR tools, embed culture into high-growth systems, and design leadership programs that remain relevant in shifting environments
Ultimately, innovation thrives when leaders combine curiosity, adaptability, and courage and I’ve made it my personal principle to model that every day.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My top advice to young professionals is to focus on building substance before seeking recognition Recognition is a by-product of consistent effort, integrity, and impact If you want to stand out, commit to three things: Be Curious and Keep Learning Stay adaptable and invest in continuous learning. Industries evolve rapidly the ability to unlearn and relearn is what keeps you relevant Deliver with Consistency Show up, follow through, and focus on excellence in execution. Recognition comes when people know they can rely on you to deliver results that matter Build Relationships, Not Just Careers Mentorship, collaboration, and teamwork amplify growth. Seek mentors who challenge you, and be open to collaborating across functions some of my most meaningful successes came from co-creation. Live Your Values Your credibility is your strongest asset Integrity, empathy, and authenticity will earn you trust and trust leads to influence.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rahoul Srivastav is a seasoned HR leader with extensive experience in building and scaling people practices for high-growth organisations For more than 10 years at Noise, he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s HR function from the ground up, creating policies, processes, and frameworks that enabled the organisation to scale rapidly His leadership helped Noise grow from an emerging startup into India’s No.1 wearable brand, while sustaining a strong culture and people-first approach Rahoul is recognised for embedding culture as a strategic driver through initiatives such as “Define and Protect the Company Culture Early”, which strengthened engagement and retention during hypergrowth He has also championed digital HR transformation and people centred practices, positioning HR as a key enabler of business growth Passionate about mentorship, he continues to influence industry practices, guiding the next generation of HR professionals and shaping inclusive, future-ready workplaces
SR. AVP | HR HEAD – INDIA, SOUTH AFRICA AND GLOBAL VERTICALS, SUTHERLAND
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
Some leaders count achievements in successful initiatives and awards; I count mine in lives impacted. and yes, it can be measured in numbers Reducing attrition by almost 40% and boosting eNPS scores by 200% or enhancing Gender diversity from 29% to 43% didn’t just make for great dashboards it earned me a real seat at the business table Managing a span of 30,000+ engaged employees across India seamlessly, being entrusted with additional responsibility of HR for mutlple Countries and verticals, with a highly motivated, tenured team, while maintaining excellent stakeholder relations that’s what I call scale with soul
The real icing on the cake? Today, we lead on people and business metrics within the industry and are considered the role model for 17 other countries on retention and engagement best practices So, who said HR leaders can’t have it all business results, people loyalty, and a seat at table proves it beyond doubt.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
If I had to distill my leadership style into a few principles, it would be these: listen twice as much as I speak, get brilliant at the basics, resilience, and high EQ like knowing who wants what and which lever to press to get the desired result Equally crucial is to apply these principles with clarity, accountability, and empowerment. Clarity, so people know the ‘why’; accountability, to know the “who” and empowerment, to guide the “how” so teams can run faster. Listening has been my biggest gamechanger. When I set up operations in South Africa, We walked in thinking that we can nail it like other countries. A local partner told me gently, ‘Don’t just implement adapt.’
That advice saved me months of missteps It reminded me that true leadership isn’t about giving answers it’s about asking better questions and hearing what’s often left unsaid The brilliance in basics comes from doing the simple things consistently well clarity in goals, transparency in communication, fairness in decisions
Once, a business leader asked me why he should care about people metrics. I quipped, ‘Because your sales numbers don’t sell themselves ’ We built dashboard to link retention, engagement, and productivity to Revenues, and suddenly HR wasn’t a cost it was a catalyst
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
I often say I’m one of the privileged ones I’ve been fortunate to receive executive coaching and to be chosen among the top 50 leaders across 18 countries in my organization Those opportunities didn’t just polish my skills they gave me perspective and confidence. I’ve been blessed with mentors who gave me two invaluable gifts: the courage to challenge norms and the space to experiment. One of them once told me, ‘Don’t just fit into the room expand the room ’ That single line shaped my leadership voice. It taught me not to play small, but to take space and create space for others to thrive alongside me
Collaboration has been equally powerful. Whether it was setting up operations in South Africa or redesigning performance systems, every success came not from a solo play but from co-creation with business leaders and teams I’ve learned that HR works best when it stops operating as a support function and starts acting as a business partner, shoulder-toshoulder And now, I want to pay it forward I lead multiple mentoring programs because I believe careers today aren’t ladders they’re
ecosystems. You can grow your own tree, but the real legacy is in watering others’ too That’s how workplaces transform not through policies, but through people lifting each other up.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
If I had to pick one mindset, it would be curiosity with courage as its sidekick.
Curiosity keeps you asking, ‘What if? Why not? What’s next?’ I still remember enrolling in an AI fundamentals course, not because I had to, but because I was genuinely curious I learnt that I could run any kind of analytics with a tool like Julius AI and build excellent presentations through Gamma app in minutes Just that 3 hours course on an eve, saves me 50 hours of work per month!
But curiosity alone isn’t enough you also need courage. Because sometimes curiosity will lead you to uncomfortable truths: that a beloved process is outdated, that a long-standing practice is slowing you down, or that you need to unlearn before you relearn Courage is what allows you to act on those discoveries In my view, staying relevant isn’t about knowing everything it’s about staying endlessly curious and brave enough to challenge the status quo Curiosity asks the right questions; courage makes you do something about the answers.
My advice is simple: impact over image, growth over comfort, duty before pleasure, progress over perfection, authenticity over pretense
Early in my career, I spent hours crafting the perfect CV, thinking my image would carry me Turns out, no leader is remembered for their font choice. Impact over image, always be the person who solves real problems, creates value, not just the one who looks good in meetings.
Growth, I realized, lives outside comfort The best learnings of my life came from that stretch assignment I almost wanted to run away from. So “Bring in on” is my answer to all new opportunities
Duty before pleasure, too because nothing builds credibility like lining up to do the work no one else wants to do.
Progress over perfection is my everyday HR mantra. Don’t miss out the good in the pursuit of exquisite.
But authenticity is the secret sauce Once, I fumbled through a leadership townhall, admitting I didn’t have all the answers Instead of losing trust, I gained it because in HR, nothing is more attractive than honest intent over polished pretense and sincerity gets us more respect than any shiny façade
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Renu Jethani is the Sr AVP & HR Head – India, South Africa & Global Verticals, Sutherland.
Q: What’s your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you’ve earned in your field?
Renu leads HR for 40,000+ employees across 14 countries at Sutherland, driving inclusive, digital, and performance-driven workplaces. Under her leadership, the company has been ranked among GPTW’s Top 50 IT/ITES employers, achieved record-high retention, tripled employee experience scores, and advanced gender diversity to 40% in India
SENIOR DIRECTOR - HR FLIPKART GROUP
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant accomplishment has been the fact that in all my assignments I have received acceptance, affection and trust of my team, that has helped me channelize their collective strength, competencies and energy into building highly performing, exceptionally passionate and extremely engaged teams
I have also been fortunate to get opportunities where I could lead high-impact HR and Technology transformations, thereby getting hands-on exposure to large-scale project management and learning intricate nuances of the specific domain
Establishing robust and compliant processes, instilling operational discipline and experience-driven delivery, fostering a positive and inclusive culture, building trustworthy and well-respected partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders, and performance-excellence have also been consistent facets of my leadership
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Simple thinking and aiming high
Staying true to the purpose of the org / function
Being rooted and focus on establishing a strong foundation
Curiosity and keen learning; being handson and not shying away from hard work
Discipline in work and meaningful disruption
Resilience and agility
Values such as honesty, integrity, trust, courage, empathy and genuine care for people
All of these will continue to be the thriving principles of success and leadership effectiveness, irrespective of the dynamics that affect the workplace
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
My parents have been my first set of mentors who have helped me imbibe values of life and have helped me shape up into a responsible person. They were my earliest teachers who also taught me the importance of co-existence and collective growth
Through my professional career, I have had the privilege of being formally or informally guided by several people who have contributed to honing my leadership skills and to my individual growth My teams have been a significant source of inspiration to constantly evolve as a person and as a leader and continuously develop my skills and competencies
I have been an enthusiastic leaner who has benefitted from mentoring and reverse mentoring. The exchange of views, ideas and experiences on fraternity networks also serve as a great source of learning The support and free sharing extended by fraternity is one step ahead of collaboration. Its exemplifies ‘sharing is caring’ attitude and signifies peer camaraderie Last but not the least, my family and friends have had a very positive and
nurturing influence on me and have made me the person I am!
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Thinking aloud, and, in no order of priority:
Accept change, resistance is futile
Adopt new ways of working to be more efficient and effective
Business acumen helps you stay connected to the organization’s goals, strategy, vision and challenges
Be curious and willing to learn from anyone, anywhere, anytime
Productive and progressive mindset takes you far, believe in collective success
As much as the common belief may be that ‘perception is reality, the fact is that perceptions don’t get you results, real work does! Be responsible and accountable for your work
Value yourself, invest in your physical and mental well-being
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Young professionals should focus on becoming business-savvy strategic partners rather than just task administrators. The key is to connect HR initiatives directly to business results.
If you aspire to be an HR professional, start by specializing in a niche area like people analytics, compensation, talent acquisition, or HR Ops to become a subject matter expert This allows you to stand out and provide unique value. Simultaneously, build a strong internal network with peers and leaders across departments and external network through relevant forums. This expands your thinking, influence and exposure.
Master the art of communication and data storytelling Learn to present your work and its impact in a clear, compelling way that resonates with business leaders Embrace a proactive, problem-solving and innovative mindset, always looking for opportunities to improve the organization and willing to take additional responsibilities
Stay ahead of industry trends, invest in selfdevelopment, seek mentorship, and consistently assess your success quantifiably Be realistic, resilient and empathetic in your approach to handling difficult situations, value and respect others to earn it back
Finally, cultivate a ‘giving and genuine intent’ Even the smallest of gestures of humility go a long way in making this world a better place!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Richa Verma is a seasoned HR leader with 27 years of experience spanning IT Services, HR Shared Services, and HR COEs. She is known for building high-performing teams, scaling functions, and driving transformation across the Hire-to-Retire spectrum from payroll and onboarding to HR tech, compliance, DEI, and employee experience
Currently heading the People Experience function at Flipkart, Richa has previously held leadership roles at Honeywell, Deutsche Bank, ANZ, J.P. Morgan, Hewitt Associates, Convergys, Wipro, and Dundee Mutual Funds
A passionate mentor and industry speaker, she actively guides students and professionals on HR digitization, innovation, and personal development.
Outside work, she enjoys traveling, connecting with people, and spending time with family and friends
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of my most significant professional achievements as Head of HR in a startup was leading the development and execution of a comprehensive people strategy that enabled the company to scale rapidly from a small team of 5 to over 100 employees in less than two years while preserving our core values and building a resilient, high-performance culture.
When I stepped into the role as one of the first 5 employees of the company, we had limited HR structure and no clear roadmap for managing people through growth
I started by aligning closely with the founders and leadership team to understand the business vision, then built our HR function from the ground up. This included designing our talent acquisition strategy, introducing scalable HR systems (like an ATS and HRIS), formalizing performance management, and launching our first leadership development and employee engagement initiatives
A key highlight was reducing our attrition rate by over 35% in the first year through improved onboarding, better communication, and a proactive focus on culture and manager training
I also played a critical role in shaping our employer brand, helping us attract top-tier talent in a competitive market
This achievement shaped my career by reinforcing my ability to lead HR as a strategic partner to the business balancing structure with flexibility, and growth with culture It also strengthened my belief that in a startup, HR isn’t just a support function it’s a growth engine.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
As a people leader, several key leadership principles have consistently guided my approach to building successful teams and organizations:
Lead with Clarity and Intent: In a fastpaced startup environment, ambiguity is common I’ve found that clearly communicating the “why” behind decisions especially during times of change builds trust and alignment I always aim to tie people strategies directly to business objectives so teams understand their impact
Empower, Doing a culture of ownership. Whether it was empowering first-time managers with coaching or giving teams autonomy in their roles, I’ve seen the best results when people are trusted to lead with accountability
Culture is Strategy: Especially in earlystage companies, culture isn’t a byproduct it’s a strategic lever I’ve been intentional about cultivating a culture based on mutual respect, transparency, and continuous learning. These values helped us attract and retain top talent, even in a competitive market.
Build for Scale, But Stay Human: While I introduced systems, policies, and processes to support scale, I never lost sight of the human element. Regular check-ins, listening sessions, and opendoor leadership helped ensure people felt heard and valued even during periods of rapid change.
In summary, I’ve found that combining clarity, trust, culture-first thinking, and empathy has been the most effective way to lead teams through growth, uncertainty, and transformation
INTERVIEW
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been incredibly important throughout my career, especially in my role as an HR leader in startup environments.
I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with multiple founders each with different leadership styles and business visions. Collaborating with them not only shaped my strategic thinking but also taught me how to adapt, stay solution-oriented, and approach HR with a business-first mindset These experiences helped me understand how to align people strategy with rapidly evolving company goals.
Each founder taught me something valuable whether it was how to make tough decisions under pressure, communicate with radical transparency, or maintain a strong culture during high growth. These lessons continue to influence how I lead, build teams, and mentor others
Early in my journey, I had the privilege of working closely with a founder who believed deeply in people-first leadership Their trust in me, especially during the foundational phase of building the company’s HR function, shaped how I approach strategic thinking, decision-making under pressure, and leading with empathy. That mentorship taught me to view HR not just as a support function, but as a core driver of business success.
On the collaboration front, working in crossfunctional settings with product, tech, and operations teams has been key I’ve learned that the best solutions come from bringing diverse perspectives together, and I always
strive to create space for open dialogue and shared ownership
Overall, mentorship and collaboration have been essential in shaping not only my leadership style but also my ability to influence and drive meaningful change across the organization
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
In my experience across fintech, IT, and GIS startup environments, the most critical mindset for staying innovative and relevant is a combination of continuous learning, adaptability, and strategic curiosity. Each of these industries has evolved rapidly in its own way with fintech redefining financial services, IT pushing technological boundaries, and GIS driving innovation through location intelligence Working across these diverse domains has taught me that no matter the sector, staying relevant means being open to change, willing to learn, and quick to pivot I actively invest in upskilling whether it's keeping up with evolving HR tech,
ROSYDASH
compliance shifts, or data-driven talent strategies so I can anticipate trends and support the business proactively. At the same time, I encourage a growth mindset across teams: creating space for experimentation, learning from failure, and iterating quickly, especially in startup environments where change is constant
Ultimately, staying innovative isn’t just about keeping up with industry trends it's about staying grounded in the business context, being willing to challenge old assumptions, and continuously evolving how we lead, engage, and support our people.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My top advice for young professionals, especially those building a career in HR or leadership is this: don’t wait for the perfect title or conditions to lead Start where you are, add value, and stay relentlessly curious. In startups, I didn’t have a blueprint I had to build from scratch What helped me grow was being proactive, learning on the go, and taking full ownership of the outcomes. Young professionals who go beyond their job description, seek feedback, and stay solutionoriented naturally stand out.
Also, never underestimate the power of emotional intelligence. Technical skills matter, but your ability to listen, adapt, and connect with people will define your leadership trajectory.
Finally, stay humble and hungry The recognition comes not from chasing titles, but from consistently showing up, solving real problems, and helping others grow along the way When you focus on building trust and delivering impact, recognition follows.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ms. Rosy Dash is a seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of rich experience across diverse industries including IT, Telecom, Fintech, GIS/CAD, Microfinance, ITES/BPM, and Infrastructure working with companies of global repute Known for her strategic mindset and people-centric approach, she has successfully built HR functions from the ground up in startup environments and led large-scale HR transformations in established organizations.
Her core strengths lie in aligning HR strategy with business goals, driving employee engagement, and fostering a highperformance culture With deep expertise in talent management, change management, and HR digitization, she partners closely with leadership teams to create sustainable people solutions
Respected for her strong “people connect” and business acumen, Ms Dash has worked closely with founders and CXOs, translating vision into actionable HR strategies that support growth and innovation
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of the most impactful accomplishments of my career has been pioneering and successfully integrating tech-driven talent strategies and research-based analytics into human resources management. Leading largescale tech driven HR transformations as Corporate HR Manager at Reliance Retail and HDFC Life, impacting over 27,000 employees in total, was a defining milestone that shaped my career trajectory Additionally, as a Global HR Specialist at PAteam, I spearhead research and techpowered recruitment, training & talent analytics including AI-powered workforce management solutions, significantly improving efficiency and engagement. These experiences solidifies my reputation as a forward thinking thought leader in HR technology, research-based analytics and digital transformation, enabling me to consult with leading organizations like Godrej, Tatas, ITC, FocusU etc.
Q: In your experience, what principles or strategies in leadership have proven most effective in steering teams and organizations toward success?
In my experience, Integrity must be at the core of any leadership anchored by empowerment and EI charged communication for our team. One must walk the talk, our actions being consistent with our thoughts and in turn with our words Even as leaders under pressure, if we do not compromise our values, we will leave the situation stronger and truer to ourselves and trustworthy for others in the team. Also, creating an environment where team members are empowered and encouraged to take initiative and ownership of their work creates high performing teams and wonders in any
workplace Another important skill which influences team outcome effectively is leaders’ strong communication skills supercharged by EI (emotional intelligence), which not only motivates the team in fostering a collaborative work environment but influences better relationships with customers & other external stakeholders
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
In my journey as a Human Resources
Professional, some of the most pivotal moments occurred early on when my mentors, who were wise enough to identify my core strength could guide me towards opportunities that align with my passions and abilities Say my Chief People Officer identified my ability to streamline processes with sustained quality standards, followed by my divisional VPs who noticed my technology bound analytical bent of mind Add to this my functional head expressing her joy in my research bound, creative problem-solving skill and adaptability This automatically filled my profile portfolio with exciting forward thinking large scaled HR projects like psychometric assessments, competency mapping & framework, E- learning module development, SAP Implementations, building employee referral schemes, designing career & growth path for sales, assessment centre designs, performance management trainings, internal job postings implementation, unconventional recruitment strategies, HR process & policy design, surveys & analysis, talent dashboard metrics with enormous data gathering etc
What stood out the most was how she taught me to align HR initiatives with the company’s overall goals, and how to influence key stakeholders without being overbearing.
Through such tasks, I also learned how to collaborate, navigate complex relationships across departments including that of external consultants or vendors I’ve experienced firsthand how essential teamwork is in driving HR initiatives that require both creativity and operational precision.
On the other hand, I strive to pay it forward by mentoring my team members in my leadership along with numerous other HR professionals sharing the lessons I’ve learned, actively engaging in aspiring youth through my involvement with Vidya NGO, Lions International, National HRD, XLRI, HR Consulting projects and other Alumni networks
In addition, I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with inspiring leaders across organizations such as Tata, ITC, FocusU, Amazon, Godrej etc. where I led, delivered, and mentored critical HR initiatives. This has provided diverse experiences and perspectives, enriching my core HR expertise Learning from industry veterans and peers has strengthened my ability to navigate challenges, drive innovation, and create meaningful impact in the HR and business landscape. Mentorship and collaboration, in essence, are not just the cornerstones of my career, rather the foundation that supports everything in HR.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Play to win, not to defeat anyone. Keep ego at home while you are working. Ego pulls us back from doing right Once we keep ego aside, we will be looking at things with very open mind, listen not to argue, and then action This will help being innovative and relevant because we will always stay close to challenges.
Q: In navigating an industry that continually evolves, what, in your view, is the key skill or mindset crucial for staying innovative and pertinent?
The key skill is adaptability, coupled with a mindset of continuous learning. In an evolving industry, it's crucial to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and to be willing to embrace change. My transition from engineering to HR and entrepreneurship is a testament to the importance of reinvention and agility. Embracing emerging trends & technologies like AI, Gamification, E-learning, digital HR solutions, automation, predictive assessment, hybrid & remote working, unconventional recruitment strategies, and workforce analytics has been instrumental in my career growth. Leading HR for dynamic organizations across diverse industries like Retail, BFSI, ITES, Services, healthcare, manufacturing has taught me the importance of anticipating industry trends and proactively adapting strategies to ensure success
Additionally, fostering curiosity and staying ahead of trends through certifications such as recently my AI in People Management certification from Wharton has helped me lead change effectively I encourage aspiring professionals to embrace lifelong learning, seek cross-functional experiences, and remain open to change to thrive in a rapidly evolving world of work
“In an evolving industry, it's crucial to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and to be willing to embrace change.”
INTERVIEW
Q: For aspiring professionals seeking recognition like yours, what advice would you offer as the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your field?
Here is my key advice as 7 step pointers for professionals aspiring to excel in any role:
1.Continuous Learning is Crucial: Build Expertise with a Growth Mindset. No matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn Stay curious, whether it’s through formal education, hands-on experience, continuously upskill, certifications, thought leadership contributions or by simply keeping up with industry trends. The best professionals are lifelong learners
2.Build Relationships and Network: Your success is often shaped by the relationships you build Cultivating meaningful professional connections, whether through mentorship, peer collaboration, or industry networking, can open doors, provide invaluable insights and add immense value
3.Find Your Unique Value: Understand what sets you apart There’s always competition, but what makes you special? Whether it’s a unique skill set, perspective, or approach to problem-solving, hone that strength
4.Stay Resilient & Adaptable: Failure is part of the Journey, don’t fear Learn from it Learning how to navigate them with agility and innovation is key to long-term success. Each setback is an opportunity to grow, adapt, and improve Resilience is key to longterm success.
5.Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Whether it's the work you produce, the clients you work with, or the number of projects you take on, quality often trumps quantity Highquality work will lead to more meaningful opportunities.
6.Develop Strong Leadership and People Skills: Success is not just about technical knowledge but also about the ability to collaborate, inspire and lead teams effectively Whether you're sharing an idea, giving feedback, understanding issues or collaborating, being able to convey your thoughts clearly and empathetically is invaluable. Consciously practise active listening, model empathy to enhance your EQ and in turn people skills
7.Give Back Through Mentorship and Community Engagement: Being a mentor and engaging in social impact initiatives not only helps others but also enhances your own leadership journey Strive to make a positive impact in your community through your work always.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sahana Rao is a dynamic HR leader, techdriven people strategist, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in global talent management, HR technology, and business leadership. As the Global Human Resources Specialist at PAteam Software Consulting, she drives AI-powered workforce solutions, recruitment, and training across multiple geographies. Her career includes impactful HR transformations at Reliance Retail and HDFC Life, influencing over 27,000 employees. As a freelance consultant, she has advised 45+ organizations, including Amazon, Godrej, and ITC Beyond HR, she co-founded Ideas4Energy (sustainable solutions) and Skippity Jumppity (experiential learning for children)
Actively engaged in social causes, she volunteers with Vidya NGO and Lions International Recognized as a thought leader, she has been featured on Selecthub USA, Business Manager HR Tech, and LinkedIn Top Voice HR, and is a recipient of the Women Achievers Award 2025 by HRAI.
GROUP CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, NARAYANA HEALTH
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
Rather than framing success as a single achievement, I see it as a quest to progress, to learning, and even more so, to unlearning. The harder part of any day isn’t just acquiring knowledge, but letting go of what no longer serves you. To me, the real question is: “Are you better today than you were yesterday?”
That’s the standard I hold myself to It’s in the small shifts, in mindset, behavior, and awareness, that lasting transformation happens Whether leading large-scale changes or navigating quiet decisions behind the scenes, I’ve found the most meaningful growth in staying curious, staying humble, and staying open.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Very early in my career, I learned a powerful concept from Nitin Paranjpe that has stayed with me ever since the idea of A > R, where Ambition is always greater than Resources.
This philosophy has stayed with me Managers often focus on constraints, the resources they have or don’t have, but leaders start with ambition They imagine what could be possible and then find ways to mobilize people, processes, and tools to bridge the gap.
I’ve carried this principle through every stage of my journey. Whether it’s driving largescale transformation, implementing technology to reimagine workflows, or unlocking cross-functional collaboration or simply getting by the regular deliverables of the day, I’ve always tried to push beyond perceived limitations.
To me, leadership is about creating belief, in
the goal, in the team, and in each individual’s capacity to deliver more than they thought possible. When ambition leads the way, resources have a way of catching up
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
I’ve had the privilege of learning from many mentors throughout my career, from supportive managers and inspiring colleagues to senior leaders who shaped my thinking Each has contributed in unique ways, and I carry fragments of their wisdom with me even today
But what’s been most meaningful for me is the power of collaboration. It’s very energising to have people you can reach out to, for guidance, perspective, or even just a sounding board. I’ve found that some of the most transformative ideas and decisions come from conversations where diverse viewpoints converge. Over time, I’ve also learned that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness Whether you’re tackling a complex problem or navigating uncharted territory, it’s meaningful, and often necessary, to lean on others For me, mentorship and collaboration aren’t formal structures; they’re a network of trust built on openness, curiosity, and shared intent
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The one skill that never goes out of style is the ability to learn continuously. In my own journey, I’ve found that being a student of everything, from emerging technology trends to deepening technical skill, is what keeps you ahead of the curve.
The industry will keep evolving; the real question is whether we evolve with it. Every few years, I’ve consciously sought out new experiences, mostly within the same organization, other times across industries, whenever the timing felt right These shifts have stretched my perspective, challenged my assumptions, and helped me stay adaptable.
To me, staying relevant isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about staying open, and having the courage to reinvent yourself when the world around you demands it
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice to young professionals is to focus on acquiring a multitude of experiences that shape you into a better, more rounded professional. Careers are no longer linear, every role, project, and challenge adds a layer to your perspective and capabilities
In today’s world, there are endless distractions but also unprecedented opportunities to learn. The differentiator lies in how you prioritize your time and energy. Invest it in things that make you better, seek out roles that stretch you, projects that challenge your thinking, and people who inspire you to grow
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandhya Jayaraman is the Group CFO of Narayana Health with 20+ years of experience across FMCG, technology, and global business services A Chartered Accountant and All India Rank holder, she has held leadership roles at Unilever and Wipro, driving finance strategy, digital transformation, governance, and investor relations.
At Narayana Health, she leads financial strategy, digital adoption, ESG initiatives, and stakeholder engagement Recognized among the Top 100 Global CFOs and Top 10 Women CFOs in India, she is also “CA Woman of the Year” (ICAI) Sandhya actively contributes as a speaker at global forums, guest faculty at IIMs, and advocate for diversity, responsible leadership, and technology-enabled finance
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant achievement was designing and executing impactful sales strategies and hence was able to drive a substantial increase in business volume while building and nurturing a high-performing team from the ground up. The experience deepened my conviction that team development and clear strategic direction are essential drivers of sustainable growth. Achieving a marked improvement in productivity and expanding market presence was extremely rewarding. Receiving recognition as a Great People Manager further validated the impact of this work, demonstrating the value of fostering empowered, cohesive teams that consistently deliver outstanding results This milestone has had a lasting influence on my leadership approach and career trajectory, opening avenues to greater responsibilities and broader industry recognition
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
I believe true leadership is about empowering people and fostering accountability. My approach blends a clear vision with measurable goals, supported by transparent communication and active mentoring At Varthana Finance and Religare Finvest, I developed scalable processes and nurtured high-performing teams that consistently surpassed targets. I set performance benchmarks, encouraged innovation, and prioritized ongoing training Celebrating small wins and learning from challenges cultivated a culture of resilience and collaboration This people-centric strategy has repeatedly unlocked new business growth and lasting team loyalty.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship has been critical at every stage of my career. Early guidance from senior leaders at Axis Bank and Religare Finvest helped me avoid common pitfalls and rapidly develop business acumen. Later, collaborating with diverse teams spanning product, analytics, and operations enabled transformational projects, like process digitization and strategic market expansion I now pay it forward by mentoring emerging professionals, emphasizing adaptability, cross-functional learning, and business integrity These relationships have not only shaped my leadership style but also fueled outstanding business outcomes.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Adaptability paired with a continuous learning mindset has been my cornerstone. The fintech and lending landscape evolves fast regulatory shifts, digital transformation, and changing customer expectations are constants. I proactively embrace change, upskill myself (such as my Executive Program
at IIM Lucknow in Fintech & Risk Management), and experiment with technology-driven solutions This mindset ensures both personal relevance and organizational competitiveness, from streamlining onboarding processes to launching new products in dynamic markets.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Pursue excellence through mastery and impact. Don’t just meet targets understand the “why” behind your work and its broader business value Build genuine relationships across the industry, seek diverse feedback, and stay open to new perspectives. Challenges are growth catalysts embrace them Most importantly, consistency and integrity matter as much as ambition. Recognition follows when you consistently solve meaningful problems, support your team, and lead with authenticity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Saroj Kumar Dash is a respected business leader with over 20 years of experience in India’s retail lending space. Known for his strong vision and dedication to building talented teams, he has helped some of the country’s leading financial institutions achieve impressive growth and operational excellence Saroj specializes in creating smooth business processes, driving sales, and making sure teams work well together In 2021, he was recognized among Forbes India’s Top 100 Great People Managers, a testament to his focus on mentorship and developing others Saroj is admired for his integrity, positive attitude, and practical approach to leadership. Passionate about guiding and inspiring young professionals, he continues to help organizations reach new heights through collaboration and innovation
MASTER PRINCIPAL SOLUTION ARCHITECT - APAC
SOLUTION ENGINEERING HUB , ORACLE – INDIA
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
A mega deal ULA customer, prior to renewal, challenged Oracle to provide a solution for their business use case: replicating source data to four different targets in under 20 seconds, surpassing the performance of a competitor product. To address this, we positioned Oracle GoldenGate for the Proof of Concept (PoC) The objective was to replicate approximately 8 TB of data from the customer’s on-premise environment to four distinct targets ADB@OCI,BigQuery@GCP, AlloyDB@GCP, and GCS@GCP.
Technical Challenge : This engagement was truly first-of-its-kind:
• No prior blueprint or documentation existed
• Complex multi-cloud setup executed only at the customer’s site, without internet access.
• Strict timelines with strong competition
• Collaborating with multiple stakeholders across the customer’s team, Oracle Sales, Product Management, Development, COE, and Cloud Engineering
• Continuous on-site effort of 12+ hours daily over several weeks. Despite every challenge and high risk of failure, being individuallyphysically present alone at customer site and took leadership , delivered outstandingly successfully completing the PoC, outperforming the competition, and positioning Oracle as the preferred choice.
This achievement is not just a technical win, but also a testament of collaboration, determination, and resilience under pressure. It marks a milestone on my career along with strengthens Oracle’s credibility and customer trust in India and beyond. The entire set of stakeholders, from customers to Oracle internal team has highly appreciated me bearing spear head putting myself on the front line and going the extra mile
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
My top advice to young professionals is to focus on three things: Curiosity, Consistency, and Collaboration.
• Stay curious and keep learning technology and industries evolve fast, and those who continuously upgrade their skills stay relevant
• Be consistent in your efforts, because recognition doesn’t come overnight; it’s built over years of perseverance and delivering value
• Finally, collaborate generously Building trust, sharing knowledge, and working as a team not only accelerates your growth but also amplifies your impact. Recognition is simply the byproduct of doing meaningful work with passion and integrity
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been integral to my career. I have been fortunate to learn from leaders and peers who not only shared their expertise but also instilled values of resilience, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
Working with diverse teams has enabled me to deliver impactful solutions that would not have been possible alone I believe in the philosophy, ‘What you give is what you receive’ the more you share and contribute, the more you gain in return.
This mindset has shaped my journey and continues to inspire me to mentor and support others in their growth Thanks to Almighty for providing such amazing people in my life. I have many guru’s , and follows their philosophy
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Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
I believe, below skills are most critical to be success in any industry
• Continuous Learning: Stay curious and commit to lifelong learning to keep pace with rapid technological and industry shifts
• Adaptability: Embrace change with agility, seeing challenges as opportunities to evolve.
• Customer-Centric Thinking: Focus on solving real problems and delivering value, not just adopting trends.
• Collaborative Mindset: Innovation thrives when diverse ideas and perspectives come together.
• Growth Philosophy: “What you give is what you receive” sharing knowledge and contributing generously leads to greater insights, growth, and relevance.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
As previously stated, be a continuous learner According to my experience, Success never comes immediately. However, consistent, uninterrupted endeavors are invariably successful. It is important to be a smart
worker rather than merely a hard worker, always remaining open to new ideas and ready to learn from every opportunity.
I follow the Lord Krishna principles rather than Lord rama philosophy . Wisdom lies in balance knowing when to stand firm and when to bend Always being rigid does not help, and always yielding does not command respect. It is ok to make mischiefs / mistakes , learn to correct it Play while play, sleep while sleep Enjoy the moments Harvest in right time. Dream big, If you need success, don’t shy to speak, don’t hesitate to ask
You are always watched, live with awareness. Don’t let others to overtake you , at same time don’t pull others down
Be focused . .. be agile… be driven… be discipline be cultured be spiritual
Develop multi-skills and work on strengthening both the mind and body, for they are deeply interconnected Great success requires strong mental intention, and strong intention requires a resilient body Do mediation regularly, Do exercise regularly, Be fit. Increase your aura and strengthen the inner chakra’s. Always live with inner-fire that naturally attracts success
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sathishkumar is a seasoned Data Engineer and solution architect with over 20 years of experience He specializes in multi-cloud and multi-database data migration, particularly in Oracle With dual Master's degrees in MCA and MBA and a Bachelor's in Commerce, he is committed to demonstrating the business impact of his solutions, fostering collaboration within Oracle, and automating processes for simplicity. He has also developed a tool for Easy Migration from MongoDB collections to Oracle Database and PostGIS to Oracle Spatial.
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
Satish considers his most significant professional achievement to be leading a large-scale workforce transformation that integrated business strategy, technology adoption, and cultural change into a unified framework. The initiative aligned talent capabilities with long-term growth, improved productivity, and enhanced organizational agility.
By implementing scalable talent models and AI-driven workforce planning, he enabled the company to respond swiftly to market shifts while empowering employees with futureready skills. This milestone reinforced his belief that transformation succeeds only when both people and systems evolve in harmony It shaped his career trajectory, positioning him as a trusted advisor to leadership teams navigating change The experience also deepened his commitment to human-centric leadership ensuring that transformation journeys are not only strategically sound but also empathetic, inclusive, and sustainable For Satish, the true impact was not just the measurable business gains, but the cultural resilience built across the organization
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Satish’s leadership philosophy rests on authenticity, empathy, and strategic foresight He believes that leaders must inspire trust through transparency while creating environments where people feel safe to challenge ideas and contribute. He practices servant leadership, placing the growth of people at the center of decision-making, and combines it with data-driven insights to guide strategy. Satish also champions V-shaped skill
development within teams helping individuals build deep expertise in one area while expanding adjacent capabilities to foster versatility He believes high-performing cultures are driven by clarity of purpose, wellcommunicated goals, and empowering autonomy. His approach blends coaching, structured capability building, and recognition systems that celebrate both results and behaviors. Satish often draws on his experience as a mentalist and organic farmer leveraging observation, patience, and adaptability to lead teams through uncertainty By aligning personal values with organizational goals, he ensures that success is sustainable, impactful, and future-ready.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been central to Satish’s professional journey He credits much of his growth to mentors who challenged his thinking, broadened his perspective, and held him accountable for stretching beyond his comfort zone These relationships helped refine his strategic acumen and people leadership skills. Satish believes collaboration is the multiplier of innovation bringing together diverse expertise to solve complex problems faster and more creatively Throughout his career, he has actively mentored emerging leaders, guiding them to develop both technical depth and leadership maturity He fosters full-stack competency within his teams by pairing crossfunctional exposure with personalized learning paths. His collaborative approach extends beyond organizational boundaries, working with industry peers, academia, and technology partners to co-create solutions. Satish sees mentorship as a two-way exchange leaders grow as much as they guide while collaboration ensures that collective
“Innovative and relevant is a blend of curiosity, adaptability, and authenticity.”
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Satish believes the most critical mindset for staying innovative and relevant is a blend of curiosity, adaptability, and authenticity In a rapidly changing world, he emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, unlearning outdated practices, and embracing emerging technologies before they become mainstream.
He advocates for building full-stack competency integrating technical, functional, and soft skills to solve problems end-to-end For Satish, authenticity is equally vital; innovation thrives when people feel empowered to bring their true selves to work, fostering trust and creativity He encourages leaders and professionals to explore intersections where different disciplines, industries, and cultures meet because that is where breakthrough ideas often emerge.
His own approach involves combining behavioral science, AI insights, and leadership principles to create future-ready organizations
By staying purpose-driven while remaining flexible in execution, Satish ensures his strategies remain both visionary and relevant in a constantly evolving business landscape.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Satish advises young professionals to build Vshaped skills depth in a core area complemented by adjacent expertise and to develop full-stack competency aligned to their role. He emphasizes being authentic while remaining curious, adaptable, and open to continuous growth Embracing technology, strengthening emotional intelligence, and seeking mentors who challenge perspectives are key to accelerating development Satish highlights the value of delivering consistent results and pursuing stretch assignments to expand capability and confidence He stresses anchoring one’s career in purpose and values so that recognition and titles become byproducts of meaningful impact Authenticity, he says, is a differentiator genuine relationships, built early, often open doors that skills alone cannot.
By combining deep expertise with crossfunctional fluency, young professionals can stand out in an evolving marketplace while contributing to organizational success in impactful and sustainable ways.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Satish Rajarathnam is a transformational People & Culture leader, doctoral fellow, avid organic farmer, and professional mentalist & illusionist with over 1,300 global performances With more than two decades at the intersection of business strategy, talent development, and technology, he serves as Head of People & Culture at Myridius, driving organizational change, workforce transformation, and digital adoption strategies that align talent capabilities with business growth. A TEDx speaker, life coach, patent holder, and author of Harvesting Leadership and Talent Transformation through AI, Satish blends human-centric leadership with AI and behavioral insights to unlock human potential He draws leadership lessons from farming and trekking to foster resilience, empathy, and adaptability in teams Holding management credentials from ISB Hyderabad and NUS, and pursuing his doctorate at the Swiss School of Business Management, Geneva, Satish is a trusted advisor to executives and a recognized voice on the future of work.
COMMERCIAL HEAD CIS RUSSIA, BIOCON BIOLOGICALS
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
Being a leader in industry I have always tried to do something new every now and then.
Couple of instances of paper publications in the area of small molecule and large molecule has helped me to be in first in line to be for patient first approach Pharma being close to my heart always considered contributing more in this area .
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Leading with strong values and principles, crisp approach to the subject and being empathetic leader with patience
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Without the right mentor its always a challenge to be very strong in your area and lead with aggressiveness. 2-3 mentors played a major role in my career development and they are still mentoring me.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Stay agile, don’t be perfectionist and be ready to unlearn and relearn things as and when required.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Focus on goals without diversion, stay disciplined and plan well for every task that you carry
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Seema Bhandarkar is an enthusiastic and energetic professional with over 21 years of strong techno-commercial expertise Alongside her corporate journey, she is a proud mother of two teenage boys who constantly keep her on her toes
A certified corporate yoga trainer and a confident speaker, she balances professional excellence with personal growth As a passionate Rotarian, she strongly believes in women’s empowerment and dedicates her free time to social development initiatives
She is committed to continuous learning and actively mentors the new generation to bridge the gap between academia and industry
Her guiding principle and punchline in life is simple yet powerful: “Live life fruitfully with purpose and strong values.”
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of my most significant professional achievements has been building the Agency Channel at my current organization from the ground up As Head HR, I led the design and execution of a scalable people framework that ensured quality hiring, cultural alignment, and high productivity This journey gave me a strong sense of ownership and purpose, and establishing the HR function as a strategic driver of growth We built a culture rooted in ownership, agility, and purpose
Through structured onboarding, capabilitybuilding programs, and continuous engagement, we achieved exceptional productivity. The channel recorded the highest Trust Index score across the organization and delivered ₹1,000+ million in business in its first year. It’s a testament to the strength of our people strategy This experience reinforced my belief that HR is a strategic lever for business success. It sharpened my ability to align talent with outcomes, build culture at scale, and deliver measurable impact. It also positioned me as a business-aligned HR leader, capable of shaping future-ready organizations through people-first strategies.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
I believe impactful leadership begins with a deep, functional understanding of the business. I make it a point to view sales through the lens of a sales manager, capability building from a trainer’s perspective, and strategic planning like a business strategist This multi-dimensional approach enables me to identify where HR can drive real value.
Leadership is not about operating in isolation; it’s about integrating with every function, anticipating challenges, and uncovering opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation This mindset fosters collaboration, builds trust, and ensures that HR remains a proactive partner in driving business success It has helped me lead with empathy, clarity, and measurable impact.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been foundational to my professional journey I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who’ve guided me with clarity, challenged me to think differently, and helped me grow through both successes and setbacks.
My CHRO, in particular, has played a pivotal role in shaping my strategic thinking and aligning HR with business outcomes.
I believe mentorship is about learning from others’ experiences avoiding pitfalls and accelerating growth through shared wisdom. Collaboration has also been key to every milestone I’ve achieved.
Whether it was building the Agency Channel or launching transformation projects, success came from working closely with crossfunctional teams sales, strategy, legal, finance, and shared services
These partnerships enabled us to co-create solutions, drive innovation, and deliver results that were both people-centric and businessaligned. Together, mentorship and collaboration have helped me evolve into a more agile, empathetic, and impact-driven leader.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The most critical mindset is the ability to see through the customer’s lens. When we understand what the customer truly needs not just what we want to deliver we begin to anticipate challenges and opportunities ahead of time. This proactive, empathetic approach leads to meaningful innovation
Staying relevant isn’t just about adopting new tools or trends; it’s about solving real problems with foresight and agility Listening actively, staying grounded, and creating value before it’s asked for that’s what keeps us ahead in a dynamic industry
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice to young professionals is two-fold First, treat the business like it’s your own. Every decision, initiative, and action should come from a place of ownership Ask yourself not just what’s expected, but what you would do if it were your own enterprise. This mindset fosters accountability, innovation, and long-term thinking qualities that set you apart. Second, you don’t need to be the most intelligent, skilled, or talented person in the room to succeed
What truly matters is having a strong purpose and giving your absolute best to achieve it If you’re driven by intent and consistently put in 200% effort, you’ll create an impact that speaks louder than your designation Recognition follows those who lead with purpose, persistence, and integrity. Recognition doesn’t come from chasing titles or visibility it comes from making a meaningful difference, day after day. Stay curious, stay grounded, and let your work speak for itself
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Seemanta Sarkar is a seasoned HR leader with over two decades of experience in driving strategic human capital initiatives across diverse industries. Currently serving as the Head HR - Agency Channel at IndiaFirst Life Insurance Co Ltd, Seemanta plays a pivotal role in shaping the talent landscape and fostering a high-performance culture within the organization
Known for his innovative approach to HR transformation, he has consistently championed employee engagement, leadership development, and digital HR practices A recipient of the prestigious HRAI 50 under 50 award, Seemanta is passionate about building inclusive workplaces and mentoring future HR leaders. His career reflects a deep commitment to aligning people strategies with business goals, making him a respected voice in the HR community.
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
Giving back to society is not just a responsibility, it's a privilege and a source of deep fulfillment. Through the transformative vision of “Society 5 0” a human-centered approach fusing technological innovation with the resolution of real-world challenges we are reimagining what it means to serve both economic progress and the greater good
My journey leading innovation at Rakuten India, especially incubating the DRONE, UAV, and UGV platforms under NEBID, is a testament to what focused leadership and teamwork can achieve. From a handful of pioneers, we grew into a thriving Center of Excellence, diversifying into four major product lines and directly supporting Japan’s most pressing logistics and societal challenges
Our work driven by relentless purpose and collaboration has profoundly impacted Japanese communities, especially its aging population In a nation where nearly 40% are over 60 and where rugged landscapes make access a daily struggle, our drone technologies have revolutionized delivery. We slashed delivery timelines by over 80%, turning ten-hour journeys into twenty-minute flights even across mountainous terrain
Our unmanned ground vehicles brought hope and essential supplies to over 2,000 households during the pandemic, ensuring safety and dignity for senior citizens when it was needed most. This is more than innovation; it is tangible social impact. It is proof that what we build here in India can empower citizens thousands of miles away, reduce the carbon footprint, and redefine what’s possible for a new era. Expansion into more regions shows that our solutions are
not local they’re global
For me, the journey isn’t just about groundbreaking technology, but about nurturing and upskilling homegrown talent There's an immense pride in equipping India’s workforce to be not just job-ready, but future-ready contributing to international industries and transformative projects.
Let us, as leaders and change-makers, see ourselves in this story: determined, compassionate, and committed to engineering a better world. Every challenge overcome, every life improved, and every milestone reached is a victory for humanity.
Together, we aren’t just advancing technology we’re advancing society
This is the spirit of Society 5.0. Let’s rise to the challenge and continue to make an extraordinary difference
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Throughout my journey of personal and professional growth, I have embraced a guiding principle: “Inspire the team by sustaining individual credibility.”
Leadership, for me, is not about holding a title it’s about consistently living the values that inspire trust and excellence in those around me
I have made these core principles my daily practice:
Be Proactive: I anticipate change and act with purpose, never waiting for opportunities but creating them.
Begin with the End in Mind: Every goal is set with clarity and vision, ensuring my actions are always aligned with the ultimate objective
Put First Things First: I prioritize what matters and maintain unwavering focus on what drives impact for the team and
INTERVIEW
organization
Think Win-Win: Success is sweeter and more sustainable when it’s shared. I champion solutions that lift the whole team
Seek to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Listening comes before telling; I strive to truly hear my colleagues so that their voices shape our path forward.
Collaborate and Synergize: I value the power of partnership, actively seeking opportunities to combine strengths and multiply results
Practice Patience and Humility:
Achievements mean more when earned with humility and thoughtful perseverance
Show Mutual Respect and Cultural
Sensitivity: I honor the uniqueness of every individual and foster an inclusive, respectful environment.
Act with Integrity and Build Trust: Trust is the cornerstone of leadership; I am committed to honesty in every interaction
Nurture Relationships: Connections matter I invest in meaningful relationships with stakeholders, colleagues, and team members.
Lead Situationally: Every challenge is unique I adapt my leadership style to meet the moment and empower others.
By living these principles, I have earned the privilege of being seen as an inspirational leader and a go-getter someone my team can count on not just for solutions, but for guidance, mentorship, and genuine support I am always available as a coach, mentor, and well-wisher because leadership is about empowering others to reach their full potential. Together, we achieve more, grow stronger, and inspire one another to greatness. This is the kind of leadership that builds highperforming teams and resilient organizations
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been the cornerstones of my professional journey empowering me to grow, overcome barriers, and reach goals I once thought beyond my grasp.
My greatest mentors have been my parents, whose wisdom, encouragement, and belief in me laid the foundation for everything I have achieved From an early age, I was captivated by the prospect of working in Japan’s vibrant market and witnessing its technological marvels firsthand Despite a humble upbringing, my parents un-wavered support; they honored my passion and nurtured my dream, guiding me with their hard-earned experience and invaluable insight. It was their mentorship always present, always patient, always profound that helped me navigate the unknown, embrace challenges, and make thoughtful decisions at every crossroads They taught me the power of perseverance, the importance of learning from failures, and the value of becoming a better version of myself with each step forward Collaboration has further enriched my journey. Every partnership, every shared project, and every cross-cultural exchange has been a catalyst for growth reminding me that truly remarkable achievements are the result of collective effort, trust, and shared vision
As leaders, we must recognize that our paths are rarely walked alone By nurturing mentorship and fostering collaboration, we not only unlock our own potential we inspire those around us to dream bigger, aim higher, and leave a lasting impact in the world.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
In today’s fast-moving, ever-evolving world, staying innovative means embracing a mindset that thrives on change, champions collaboration, and radiates resilience. I believe the key is to be relentlessly proactive always anticipating shifts, exploring new frontiers, and creating opportunities rather than waiting for them to arrive. Success in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environment requires more than technical know-how. It demands visionary thinking beginning with the end in mind and disciplined prioritization. By putting first things first, staying focused on what truly matters, and always seeking win-win outcomes, we build momentum that lifts not just ourselves, but our entire team. Effective innovation starts with understanding: seeking first to listen, then to be heard. It grows from collaboration actively looking for ways to synergize talents, harness diversity, and multiply results. It flourishes through patience, humility, and perseverance even when the going gets tough, we never give up until our goals are achieved. Respect, cultural sensitivity, and situational leadership create a climate where every voice is valued and every challenge becomes a shared journey. Above all, I inspire my team to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset seeing every obstacle as an invitation to innovate, every setback as a lesson, and every achievement as fuel for the next big idea By weaving these principles into our daily work, I empower my team to not only see the big picture but master the details, and to act with ownership and accountability This mindset doesn’t just keep us relevant;
it keeps us at the forefront agile, adaptable, and always ready to turn possibility into reality.
Let us be leaders who transform challenges into opportunities and inspire those around us to pursue innovation with purpose and passion
Q: What’s your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you’ve earned in your field?
If you’re striving to earn recognition and success in your chosen field, my first and foremost advice is: pursue your passion relentlessly. Find what truly excites you, hone your strengths, and build your career around that never let peer or parental pressures steer you from your authentic path.
SHAMANTHS.N
True growth happens when you embrace an attitude of incremental improvement
Stop comparing yourself to others; instead, focus on becoming a better version of yourself with every single day Define your goals with clarity shortterm, near-term, and long-term and create actionable roadmaps to achieve them.
Be a lifelong student. Make continuous learning and professional development your personal commitment Seek out mentors and role models whose wisdom can guide your journey, and surround yourself with friends who encourage a positive mindset. Build a robust professional network opportunities are often found through meaningful relationships.
Don’t wait for doors to open. Take initiative, embrace challenges, and actively seek new opportunities that stretch your capabilities. Focus on gaining mastery and expertise, not just ticking boxes strive for excellence in everything you do.
Your personal brand matters: make it a reflection of your skills, values, and unique perspective. Be open to feedback, and see criticism as an opportunity for growth, not discouragement
Above all, be patient and persistent. Success is a marathon, not a sprint it requires resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment, even when obstacles arise. Stay positive, stay focused, and keep working consistently toward your dreams
Remember: Recognition is built on hard work, integrity, learning, and relationships Stay true to what drives you, remain adaptable, and enjoy the journey of growth. The world belongs to those who are passionate, resilient, and willing to learn Your potential is limitless embrace it and go create your success story!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shamanth SN is a distinguished bilingual leader with proficiency in Japanese and over 26 years of expertise in Digital Transformation and Business Development, specializing in the Japan, Israel, and APAC regions His diverse experience spans industrial automation and social infrastructure, with a proven track record across sectors such as Intelligent Transportation Systems, power, water, mining, gas, agriculture, and geospatial decision sciences At Hitachi, Shamanth excelled in managing large-scale bids and complex techno commercial engagements, working closely with government bodies and enterprises in India and Japan to drive social infrastructure projects. Currently, as the Director of New & Emerging Business at Rakuten India, he leads innovation and business growth, collaborating with multicultural teams across Japan, APAC, and the US to advance emerging business areas. Shamanth’s leadership has been recognized by several prestigious awards, including India's Top 50 Great Manager by Economic Times (2020), India's Top 100 Great People Manager by Great Manager Institute & NHRDN (2023), and the Top 50 Under 50 Outstanding Trailblazer Leader by HRAI (2023/24). He has also received the Corporate Titan Award (2024) for Social Innovation Excellence and Visionary Leadership, as well as the Globex Business Award (2024) for Sustainability Leadership and Leadership in Education. In addition to his extensive professional accomplishments with leading organizations such as Rakuten, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric Nagoya Works, Toyota Motor Corp Japan, NDR Japan, Larsen & Toubro Medical, and NAL, Shamanth is a certified NLP Master Practitioner and life coach. He is deeply committed to fostering industry-academia collaboration and has a passion for mentoring and teaching
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant professional achievement is leading the digital transformation initiative at Netcore Cloud, which involved implementing AI-driven HR solutions This project significantly streamlined our Talent Acquisition efficiency, enhanced decisionmaking ability &, improved data driven decisions across the organization It not only demonstrated my ability to drive impactful change but also solidified my expertise in leveraging technology for HR innovation, paving the way for more strategic leadership.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Lead by Example: Demonstrating the desired behaviours and work ethic.
Clear Communication: Ensuring messages are understood and expectations are clear.
Psychological Safety: Creating an environment where team members feel safe to express ideas and concerns without fear of judgment.
Empowerment over Micromanagement: Giving team members autonomy and trust to complete their tasks.
Vision with Flexibility: Having a clear long-term goal while being adaptable to changing circumstances.
Continuous Feedback Culture: Regularly providing and receiving constructive feedback for growth and improvement.
Recognize and Celebrate Wins: Acknowledging achievements and milestones to boost morale and motivation.
Invest in Development: Supporting the professional growth and learning of team members.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been foundational to my professional growth. Mentorship has consistently offered me guidance, perspective, and encouragement during pivotal moments in my career. One of my early mentors played a key role in helping me bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application in the workplace offering insights and wisdom that no textbook could provide
Collaboration, meanwhile, has been instrumental in sharpening my problemsolving abilities and deepening my appreciation for diverse perspectives. Working across disciplines and with cross functional teams has not only expanded my knowledge but also strengthened my communication and leadership skills.
I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with individuals who pushed me to think bigger and approach challenges from new angles particularly during a major project where synergy and team alignment were essential.
Their influence underscored the power of collective effort in achieving outcomes far beyond what any individual could accomplish alone In short, mentorship and collaboration continue to be cornerstones of my personal and professional development and I actively seek out opportunities to both learn from and contribute to others.
SHILPATAWTE
INTERVIEW
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
A critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry is continuous learning and adaptability.
The ability to embrace new technologies, methodologies, and market shifts is crucial for sustained success and at the same time being grounded and able to understand human mindset shifts is also vital.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
a) Continuous Learning: The professional landscape is constantly changing. Commit to lifelong learning
b) Build a Strong Network: Networking can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and offer support throughout your career.
c) Develop Adaptability and Resilience: Cultivate the ability to adapt to new situations, learn from mistakes, and bounce back stronger
d) Seek Mentorship: Find experienced professionals who can offer guidance, share their knowledge, and provide support as you navigate your career.
e) Focus on Value: Go the extra mile, take initiative, and look for ways to contribute meaningfully.
f) Embrace Feedback: Be open to receiving feedback, both positive and constructive. Use it as an opportunity to learn and improve
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shilpa Tawte is currently working as Senior Vice President – Human Resources, with Netcore Cloud Pvt Ltd. She is responsible for handling Global Talent Acquisition, Corporate L&D & also handles a few strategic initiatives for HR.
In her previous tenure, she has held several Senior HR Leadership roles working on strategies globally with a focus on creating value for the organisation She has diverse industry experience comprising of Consulting, Telecom and IT sectors. She has also worked on several assignments for many Fortune 500 clients in the field of Human Resources during her tenure with big IT/ Telecom companies like GCX, Datamatics Global Services Ltd, Patni, Syntel Inc & Mastek, to name a few. Her last job was as Global Talent Acquisition & India Head – HR for Global Cloud Xchange, a Reliance Group company
Shilpa is actively involved in inculcating a performance-driven culture to enable the organisation to achieve exemplary results
She has been part of many HR groups across Pan India & is recipient of few industry awards like Best in class Leadership award for Recruitment, Women Super Achiever Award from World Women Leadership Congress presented by Femina as well as Dr. Tarita Shankar Award for Excellence in HR Sector for Making of Developed India by ET NOW & World HRD Congress
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of my most significant professional achievements has been leading Digital Engineering transformation, where I am responsible for shaping and driving strategic initiatives such as Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Engineering Information Management, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Component Engineering and tool consolidation. These programs were not just technological upgrades; they represented a fundamental shift in how engineering teams across the organization collaborate, manage information, and execute the product development lifecycle. The achievement was impactful on two levels. For the organization, it created business value by enabling better engineering collaboration, reducing cycle times, enhancing data traceability, and laying the foundation for a true digital solution across the enterprise It helped accelerate product development efficiency and strengthened our competitive position in an increasingly digital world On a personal level, this experience was transformative.
It allowed me to apply my technical expertise in product design while developing deeper leadership skills to influence global stakeholders, manage change, and align diverse teams around a common vision It strengthened my experience as a change leader and digital transformation champion and positioned me to take on broader responsibilities in shaping the future of engineering practices within organization. This achievement reaffirmed passion for solving complex problems and creating scalable impact, while also opening opportunities to take on broader leadership roles within organization and in the wider engineering ecosystem.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Over the years, I have found that three leadership principles have been most effective in driving teams and organizations toward success:
(1) Clarity of Purpose and Vision – People perform at their best when they know why their work matters. I focus on creating a clear vision, aligning it to business strategy, and translating it into actionable goals for the team.
(2) Empowering and Developing People – I strongly believe leaders should create more leaders. By building trust, delegating ownership, and investing in skill development, I enable my teams to innovate and take accountability. This approach has helped me build resilient, high-performing teams.
(3) Driving Change with Empathy and Data –Transformation, especially in areas like Digital Engineering, requires both emotional intelligence and analytical rigor I combine data-driven decision-making with empathy to address resistance, listen actively, and ensure people feel included in the journey
These principles have consistently helped me deliver business impact while nurturing engaged, motivated teams. For me, success is not only about achieving results but also about creating an environment where people grow and feel proud of their contributions.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have played a central role in my career growth. I believe no leader achieves success in isolation Our progress is shaped by the people we learn from and the teams we build along the way. I have been fortunate to work with mentors who challenged me to think beyond immediate goals and helped me develop a strategic, enterprise-wide perspective Their guidance taught me the value of patience, resilience, and continuous improvement principles I still carry today
Collaboration has been equally impactful Leading large-scale digital engineering initiatives such as MBSE, PLM, and tool consolidation required working across businesses, functions, and geographies Success came not just from technical solutions but from creating a culture of shared ownership, where diverse perspectives were valued and aligned toward a common vision.
These experiences reinforced my belief in paying it forward I actively mentor young engineers and conduct communication skills workshops for students, aiming to positively impact future professionals just as my mentors did for me. Mentorship and collaboration, to me, are not side activities; they are core to sustainable leadership and long-term success.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
I believe the most critical skill for staying innovative and relevant is a combination of continuous learning and adaptability Technology and industries evolve faster than
ever, and what worked yesterday may not be sufficient tomorrow Staying curious, open to new ideas, and willing to unlearn old practices is essential for innovation Along with this mindset, I see systems thinking as a critical skill.
In complex environments like digital engineering, it’s not enough to optimize one part you need to see the bigger picture, understand interdependencies, and design solutions that scale across the enterprise
Equally important is fostering a collaborative and experimental culture Innovation thrives where people feel safe to share ideas, experiment, and learn from failures As a leader, my role is to create that environment and ensure innovation is tied to business value.
In short, adaptability, systems thinking, and a culture of collaboration form the foundation for staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry
SHRIKANTKET
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My top advice to young professionals is to focus on building depth, breadth, and impact in your work. Depth comes from mastering your core domain and continuously upgrading your skills. Breadth comes from being curious about adjacent areas, embracing digital tools, and understanding how your work connects to the larger business Impact comes when you combine both to solve real problems that matter to your organization and its customers
Equally important, developing strong communication and collaboration skills technical expertise alone isn’t enough The ability to influence, align stakeholders, and work across boundaries is what transforms good work into recognized achievements
Finally, seek out mentors and stretch opportunities early in your career Don’t wait for recognition to find you; instead, take the initiative, deliver consistently, and add value beyond what’s expected Recognition is a byproduct of making a meaningful difference
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shrikant has 20 years of experience in product design and development and leads Digital Engineering at Eaton, driving MBSE, EIM, PLM, and productivity initiatives Since joining in 2007, he has held diverse leadership roles across Aerospace, building teams, capabilities, and launching global products. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Trainer, his expertise spans engineering, innovation, operations, and digital transformation.
An adventure enthusiast and ultramarathoner, Shrikant also conducts nonprofit communication workshops, impacting 10,000+ students with a vision to reach 1 million
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of my most meaningful achievements has been conceptualizing and delivering innovations that are redefining how enterprise IT services are delivered and consumed I’ve helped shift traditional, manual service models to intelligent, platform-led ecosystems and now toward “services as software” powered by emerging technologies like Generative AI and Agentic AI. These solutions have been deployed across largescale programs, enabling clients to significantly reduce operational spend, improve service reliability, and enhance digital trust while at the same time enabling people focus on more meaningful tasks instead of mundane repetitive tasks. This work has not only driven strategic business outcomes but has also shaped my career around solving complex challenges through scalable, technology-driven approaches that deliver measurable value
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
I lead with a purpose-driven mindset anchored in innovation, excellence, and collaboration. My goal has always been to create meaningful impact whether by solving complex problems, enabling resilient operations, or shaping future-ready capabilities Innovation begins with curiosity and the courage to challenge conventional models. I’ve consistently applied emerging technologies to reimagine enterprise IT services, focusing on scalable solutions that deliver real-world value. Excellence is about aligning technology with strategic outcomes and continuously raising the bar I rely on a feedback-driven approach, engaging with stakeholders to refine solutions and ensure
they deliver measurable impact Collaboration is the foundation of transformation. I’ve mobilized large, crossfunctional teams across geographies and disciplines, fostering a culture of shared ownership, experimentation, and continuous learning. By mentoring professionals and enabling adoption through training, I’ve helped build resilient ecosystems that serve both business and societal goals. These principles guide how I lead, inspire teams, and deliver outcomes that matter driven by a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to shaping the future of enterprise transformation and IT service delivery
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been foundational to my journey. I’ve had the privilege of working with visionary leaders and talented teams who’ve challenged and inspired me. I actively mentor architects, consultants, and delivery leads, fostering innovation through Living Labs and advisory boards. Collaborating across delivery, consulting, and engineering has helped me cocreate solutions that are not only technically sound but strategically impactful.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
Curiosity, adaptability and continuous learning are key. Staying ahead in a fastevolving industry requires a mindset that embraces change, seeks out emerging technologies, learns continuously and aligns them with business strategy I continuously scan emerging technologies like GenAI, blockchain Quantum etc and have participated in executive learning programs
INTERVIEW
from institutions like Stanford, Harvard, and Oxford. I also rely on feedback loops through client workshops, analyst briefings, and internal reviews to refine and evolve our unit strategies and influence our organization and client strategies
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Focus on solving real problems with purpose and persistence Build deep expertise, stay curious, and don’t shy away from experimentation. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, and invest in continuous learning
Most importantly, align your work with meaningful outcomes whether it’s improving user experience, enhancing resilience, or driving innovation. Recognition follows when your impact is felt across teams, clients, and communities
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shyam Kumar Doddavula is a technology leader with a strong track record of driving innovation, transformation, and impact across enterprise IT services With deep expertise in platform engineering and applied research, Shyam has played a pivotal role in evolving IT service delivery models from manual to intelligent, software-driven ecosystems powered by emerging technologies His work has enabled organizations to improve operational resilience, reduce costs, and enhance digital trust Holding multiple patents across AI, cloud, and blockchain, Shyam blends strategic vision with hands-on execution. He is known for fostering collaboration across global teams, mentoring future-ready talent, and delivering scalable solutions that align technology with business outcomes.
SENIOR DIRECTOR, INCLUSION
LEAD - INDIA, CAPGEMINI
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of the most meaningful milestones in my career was leading a company-wide initiative to embed equity into our hiring and advancement practices Early feedback and HR data revealed a critical gap: while diverse talent was applying, they weren’t advancing into leadership roles at the same pace
To address this, I partnered closely with HR, senior leadership, talent acquisition, and employee network groups to redesign our hiring strategy. We implemented structured interviews to minimize bias, launched inclusive hiring training for managers, and collaborated with external consultants to strengthen our approach.
Within a year, the results were tangible: we saw increased representation of underrepresented groups in leadership, improved employee engagement scores around fairness, and stronger retention of diverse talent This experience was transformative it showed me how datadriven, systemic change can reshape workplace culture. It also positioned me as a trusted advisor on equity and inclusion, opening doors to broader strategic roles and deepening my commitment to building inclusive, high-impact teams
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
My leadership is anchored in empathy, transparency, and bold decision-making. I believe that trust is built through open communication, and I actively foster an environment where my team feels empowered to challenge the status quo and take smart,
calculated risks
By nurturing inclusive, collaborative teams where every voice matters, I have consistently built high-performing, client-centric groups that grow together. For me, leadership is about inspiring trust, enabling growth, and creating a culture where people feel supported, motivated and equipped to thrive.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Throughout my career, mentorship and collaboration have been more than just professional tools they’ve been transformative forces in shaping how I lead, grow, and connect.
Mentorship has offered me more than guidance; it’s provided perspective during moments of uncertainty and the confidence to navigate complex challenges with clarity The wisdom and encouragement I’ve received from mentors have helped me evolve not just as a professional, but as a leader who values continuous learning and purposeful growth.
Equally impactful has been the experience of collaborating across multicultural and crossfunctional teams. These interactions have taught me the true power of empathy understanding diverse viewpoints, building trust, and fostering strong relationships that drive meaningful outcomes In today’s dynamic work environment, collaboration isn’t just about working together; it’s about co-creating value through shared purpose and inclusive leadership
As leaders, we thrive not in isolation but through the connections we build and the people who challenge and support us Mentorship and collaboration are not just
INTERVIEW
career accelerators they are the cornerstones of resilient, human-centered leadership
I’ve been fortunate to have influential mentors who shaped my journey, especially in the field of diversity and inclusion. One mentorship, that I received from Dr Rohini Anand (Ex Global Chief Diversity officer, Sodexo) in particular, played a pivotal role in helping me understand the importance of approaching DEI with both a systemic lens and a business lens
Through this guidance, I developed the ability to balance global strategy with local context, ensuring that inclusion efforts resonate across diverse cultures and geographies
This mentorship gave me the confidence to step into roles where I serve as a trusted advisor to leadership It reinforced for me that DEI is about sustainable, long-term transformation and I carry that philosophy into every initiative I lead
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving technology landscape, the most critical skill for staying innovative and relevant is cultivating a growth mindset. This mindset fuels curiosity, and openness to change, which are essential for navigating uncertainty and embracing new opportunities.
Equally important is learning agility -the ability to quickly absorb new information and adapt to unfamiliar situations. It enables leaders and teams to pivot effectively and continuously refine their strategic approach. Together, these qualities foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation In my experience, leaders who model these traits inspire their teams to do the same.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My top advice for young professionals is to lead with both courage and curiosity. In any role or career path, you need the courage to challenge systems and have difficult conversations, but also the curiosity to listen deeply and understand perspectives different from your own Second, ground your efforts in both data and storytelling Data gives credibility, but storytelling builds connection and sustainable change needs both Finally, build strong networks and seek mentors. I’ve learned that no one drives change alone; the most meaningful recognition comes not just from personal achievement, but from how you empower others and create space for voices that aren’t always heard
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sreya Ghosh Oberoi is the Inclusion Lead for Capgemini India, where she drives inclusive workplace strategies across business units focusing on improving gender balance in leadership and fostering inclusion of people with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community. With over 22 years of experience in Operations and HR across industries like IT-ITES, oil & gas, manufacturing, and services, Sreya brings rich and diverse expertise Prior to Capgemini, she led D&I and employee engagement at the JSW Group At Sodexo, she headed Diversity & Inclusion for the APAC region, covering China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, and India. She also served as Co-chair of Sodexo’s Global Disability Taskforce and was an HR Business Partner for the APAC healthcare business. Sreya holds a management degree in HR from IMT Ghaziabad, is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, and has earned a D&I certification from Cornell University.
INTERVIEW
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
One of my proudest achievements has been building OffiNeeds into India’s leading corporate gifting and custom merchandise company When I started in 2005, corporate gifting was seen as a “tick-the-box” activity. Today, we’ve made it a strategic tool for employee engagement and brand building What made the impact bigger was during COVID we launched The Corporate Gift Show and did over 1000 episodes, introducing one new gift idea every single day That consistency not only positioned us as thought leaders but also proved that creativity + persistence beats any market challenge It shaped my career by giving me clarity of vision, credibility, and confidence to keep innovating
And today, OffiNeeds is not just a gifting company it’s a tech-enriched ecosystem We’ve built AI-powered tools that personalize gifting experiences, streamline brandstores, and predict gifting trends based on employee behavior By leveraging technology the right way, we ensure corporate gifting is not only meaningful but also seamless, scalable, and future ready
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
For me, leadership has always been about three things:
Clarity of Purpose – If the team doesn’t know “why” we’re doing something, execution will never shine
Empower, Don’t Micromanage – I hire smart people and trust them. When they own the outcome, magic happens
Consistency Over Brilliance – A one-off brilliant idea is nice, but consistent
performance, processes, and culture win in the long run At OffiNeeds, these principles helped us grow steadily with 100+ employees, multiple verticals, and thousands of happy clients
“Collaboration too has been key whether it’s with suppliers, HR leaders, or even my own employees the best ideas are rarely solo efforts.”
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
I wouldn’t be here without mentors and collaborators Early on, I learned from clients they taught me what real business problems looked like.
Later, I leaned on networks, peers, and even competitors. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who guided me through phases of scaling, hiring, and financial discipline Collaboration too has been key whether it’s with suppliers, HR leaders, or even my own employees the best ideas are rarely solo efforts.
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The most important mindset today? Adaptability with curiosity. The world is changing too fast AI, remote work, sustainability, you name it If you’re stuck saying “this is how it’s always been done,” you’re finished. At OffiNeeds, we went from just delivering gifts to building microsites (GiftKart), BrandStores, eco-friendly packaging, and EV-based delivery. That happened only because we kept asking: What’s next? How do we stay ahead of the curve?
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Three things:
1 Show up consistently – Not just at work, but online. Share your ideas, build your personal brand, and let the world know you exist.
2. Learn the fundamentals – Tools and trends will keep changing, but human connection, creativity, and executional discipline never go out of style
3 Play the long game – Recognition is not built in a month It’s built in years of delivering value, building trust, and adapting.
And one bonus: Don’t be afraid to take risks My own journey began from an April Fool’s prank that turned into a full-fledged business. Life has a way of rewarding boldness
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Srikanth Acharya is the Founder & CEO of OffiNeeds.com, a leading corporate gifting company headquartered in Bengaluru.
Over the past two decades, he's been on a mission to help organizations build stronger cultures and enhance employee engagement through innovative gifting solutions. Beyond business, he's passionate about entrepreneurship, health & fitness, and continuous learning
He loves exploring how technology, AI and digital marketing can transform the way companies engage with employees and clients and writes on these topics regularly on Linkedin OffiNeeds has been a partner to some of India’s most respected enterprises to deliver memorable gifting experiences that strengthen employer branding and relationships
VICE PRESIDENT – NATIONAL
HEAD OF INFORMATION
SECURITY, AUDIT & COMPLIANCE
LEADING NBFC IN INDIA
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
My most significant achievement was architecting a risk-based information security framework for a leading BFSI institution, safeguarding sensitive customer data across national and international markets. I led a team through incremental changes, fostering a culture of continual improvement and learning By integrating global compliance standards and advanced technologies, we transformed our security posture while uplifting awareness among thousands of employees. The project’s success not only shielded the organization from threats but amplified my career, positioning me as a trusted advisor, Mentor, and awarded expert. It reinforced my belief that small, continual improvements, paired with never-ending learning, drive sustainable impact and personal growth.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
My leadership is grounded in continual improvement, psychological safety, and empowering teams through trust and clarity I encourage doing incremental changes, valuing frequent feedback and lifelong learning if you stop learning, you stop growing
As Area Director in Toastmasters and through BFSI leadership roles, I focus on clear communication and inclusive decision-making Recognizing achievements and lessons from failures fosters a culture of growth. By modeling adaptability and encouraging team members to pursue new skills, I’ve seen teams evolve to deliver consistent, innovative results. Incremental progress, openness to new ideas, and relentless learning have ensured long-term success.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been catalysts throughout my journey. Influential mentors have championed lifelong learning and helped me embrace incremental progress. Collaborative projects within international security circles exposed me to diverse viewpoints, driving continual improvement in organizational strategies. As a mentor, speaker, and panelist, I empower others to seek small steps of growth reminding them that learning never stops. These collective experiences have shaped my expertise and reaffirmed my belief that sustained success is built through ongoing collaboration, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another’s growth
“
I encourage doing incremental changes, valuing frequent feedback and lifelong learning if you stop learning, you stop growing.”
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The mindset of continual improvement and relentless learning is crucial to staying innovative in information security I believe that innovation doesn’t always come from radical change, but through consistent, incremental advancement and learning at every step. Certifications like CISA, CDPSE, and AWS reflect my commitment to growth. I encourage myself and my teams to stay curious, experiment, and remain adaptable. When you stop learning, you stop growing a core principle that enables us to anticipate changes, adopt new technologies, and lead in our evolving industry.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
Embrace continual improvement aim for small, steady advancements in your knowledge and skills. Seek mentors who inspire growth, actively participate in professional communities, and never stop learning Certifications and hands-on leadership opportunities accelerate your development, while open collaboration builds a strong network Recognize that setbacks are opportunities to learn and refine your approach Stay curious and ethical; true recognition comes to those who invest in themselves and others through consistent, incremental progress. Remember: if you stop learning, you stop growing dedication to growth will set you apart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Srinivasan is an information security professional with 18+yrs of experience in Information Security, risk management, internal and external audit, Third Party risk management, Operational risk, Compliance and Regulatory management, Security training and awareness He has worked with multinational banks such as Citibank, Standard Chartered bank & Fintech bank Revolut, also with SaaS based company Zuora on various capacities. He currently works for an leading NBFC company as VP – Head of Information Security, audit and compliance He is based out of Chennai, wife works in IT software company and he has a 11yrs old son who is doing is 6th grade Has travelled to 7 countries and foodie Apart from work, he is a passionate Toastmaster wherein he nurtures young generation in there communication and leadership skills Has served as Area Director in handling 100+ professionals and students. His motto "If you stop learning, you stop growing"
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
At Yes Bank, I built a 100-member analytics team that drove data-led decisions across retail, SME, credit cards, and digital banking. We launched scorecards that cut sanction time from days to under a minute, enabling ~INR 24,000 Cr disbursements in three years. This showed me the power of combining analytics and business knowledge to create real impact. More than the numbers, it reinforced my belief that leaders must build ecosystems where innovation thrives That experience helped me grow from a functional leader into a strategic enabler, and today I carry that forward in my entrepreneurial journey as Managing Partner for Dale Carnegie in Pune and Gujarat.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
I believe leadership starts with clarity of purpose, empowerment, and accountability For me, it also means having the courage to try new things whether at work or even with something as simple as food. I focus on three principles: Vision with execution – zooming out to see and show the bigger picture so self/teams understand both the ‘why’ and the ‘how ’ Empowered ownership – giving people autonomy, along with the right tools and trust. Learning mindset – encouraging experimentation, treating failures as lessons, and celebrating progress
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship and collaboration have been cornerstones of my journey. Early at ICICI
and HSBC, mentors challenged me to embrace finance when it was outside my comfort zone an experience that built my foundation in trade and transaction banking Later, in leadership roles, collaboration across product, sales, and technology helped deliver complex deals and digital transformations. Today, I see mentorship as a cycle: learning from peers, leaders, and even my teams while actively guiding the next generation. Collaboration helps achieve bigger results by combining strengths, while mentorship provides guidance to avoid mistakes and move faster Together, they’ve shaped me into a leader who both learns and gives back
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
For me, continuous learning whether in Trade and supply chain, Corporate banking, digital banking, data analytics, or now in entrepreneurship has kept me relevant Skills can be acquired, but curiosity builds perspective, and adaptability ensures longevity Together, they create the agility required to stay innovative and ahead of disruption.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice:
Be the captain of your own ship – If you don’t take charge, your career will drift in someone else’s hands
Invest in yourself – Always set aside time and money to keep upgrading your skills and knowledge
Protect your health – No success is sustainable if you lose sight of your physical and mental well-being.
Seek guidance – Actively connect with mentors, coaches, and senior professionals who can challenge and guide you along the way
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Vinod Khot is a seasoned business leader with over two decades of experience in corporate banking, trade and supply chain finance, data analytics, and digital transformation. He has held senior leadership roles at Yes Bank, HSBC, and ICICI Bank, where he spearheaded large-scale initiatives that drove measurable growth and innovation.
Today, as Managing Partner at Reset Learning LLP, the Dale Carnegie Training franchise for Pune and Gujarat, Vinod has transitioned to creating a broader and lasting impact by empowering organizations and individuals through soft skills and leadership development
Known for his growth mindset and ability to bridge business with technology, he is also an avid endurance athlete reflecting his belief in discipline, resilience, and continuous learning
GM - ADMINISTRATION & SECURITY, BLUPINE ENERGY INDIA PVT LTD
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
Joining Blupine energy was a huge turning point in my career. It shaped me in a way wherein I was able to understand the challenges in setting up an organization right from scratch. My journey with Blupine Energy was more challenging in nature as I was the 3 employee of the organization and it was conceptualized during the last wave of COVID. rd
Being in the support department the most difficult task was to set up each and everything from scratch and then run it in such a way wherein the business doesn’t get impacted and that too at a time when most of the big business houses in the industry were struggling to keep sailing through the COVID wave. I applied the learnings I had gained throughout my career and helped our top management, including team actis in setting up and streamlining things
My hard work paid off and was recognized by the Blupine management by awarding employees of the month award twice in a row and a long-term service award on the completion of 3 years at Blupine Energy I feel proud to be associated with Blupine energy and can proudly say that I have played a major role in establishing this organization and have seen it growing and expanding like anything.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
Effective leadership hinges on a combination of strategic principles and adaptable leadership styles Key strategies include fostering a clear vision, promoting open
communication, and building trust through integrity and transparency Empowering teams by delegating responsibility, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging collaboration are also crucial
Ultimately, leading with empathy, adaptability, and a focus on continuous learning can drive both individual and organizational success. The strategies which I found more effective are as below: -
A. Vision and Strategy: Clear Communication Strategic Thinking
B. Building Trust and Relationships: Integrity and Transparency Empowerment and Delegation Respect and Collaboration. Emotional Intelligence.
C Continuous Improvement: Feedback and Coaching. Learning Agility. Adaptability
D Leading by Example: Walk the Talk.
E Fostering a Positive Work Environment: Recognition and Appreciation Work-Life Balance.
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
In my journey, mentorship has been a guiding light, illuminating the path toward personal and professional growth It has shown me the profound influence that a mentor can have, not only in terms of knowledge transfer but also in shaping one's character, confidence, and network. Mentorship is a two-way street, where both mentor and mentee can learn and grow, and I am immensely grateful for the impact it has had on my life
INTERVIEW
As I continue to be a mentor and seek mentorship from others, I am reminded of the enduring power of this relationship in shaping the leaders of tomorrow
Mentorship is a powerful force that has the ability to shape individuals' lives and careers in profound ways Throughout my personal and professional journey, I have had the privilege of being both a mentee and a mentor, and through these experiences, I have gained valuable insights into the transformative impact of mentorship. Below are the pointers which play a crucial role in the mentor & mentee relationship: -
Learning from Others' Experiences Finding the Right Mentor Expanding My Network.
Gaining Confidence and Self-Awareness. Paying It Forward
I feel myself fortunate enough that my mentors played a crucial role in the shaping my professional journey They guided me whenever I was in doubt and seek their help, they guided me with the knowledge and experience they had gained through out their careers
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
The most critical skill for staying innovative and relevant is continuous learning and adaptability. This includes actively seeking new knowledge, embracing change, and being willing to adjust strategies and approaches in response to evolving industry landscapes. Below are the critical skills, important in todays ever changing / evolving industries: -
1 Continuous Learning:
2. Adaptability:
3 Other important aspects: Creativity and problem-solving:
By cultivating these skills and mindsets, individuals and organizations can position themselves to thrive in an ever-evolving industry and remain at the forefront of innovation.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
To gain recognition in any field, prioritize building a strong foundation of both hard and soft skills, actively seek learning opportunities, cultivate a professional brand, and network effectively. Embrace challenges, strive for continuous improvement, and be proactive in your career development, demonstrating initiative and a positive attitude. Below are some of the pointers
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which are very important for any young professional to get recognised in their respective fields: -
Develop a unique blend of skills
Seek continuous learning.
Cultivate a strong personal brand Network strategically
Be proactive and take initiative.
Embrace challenges as learning opportunities
Be open to feedback and constructive criticism.
Prioritize work-life balance
Be patient and persistent
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Vinod Kumar is an administration and security professional who has over two decades of professional experience working with organization of different sizes and backgrounds. He has been instrumental in setting up organizations right from the conceptual level to a full grown-up organization He has hands on experience and had worked with fast paced organizations who believes in aggressive growth models His professional experience ranges from Indian promoted organizations to multinational setups.
He has worked with organizations of the stature of fortune 100 group. He has a very good exposure in working with organizations having pan India presence and multi-location offices.
His areas of expertise are into corporate administration, Facility Management, Expat management, Local Liasoning, Budgeting, Infrastructure planning, Procurement/ Vendor Management, Policy Formulation, Event management, Travelling & Lodging, Employee transport, Cafeteria operations, Security management, crisis management etc.
LEADER - HUMAN RESOURCES APEXON
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant professional achievement, and how did it impact your career?
For me, the defining achievement has been raising my hand for the most complex and high stakes people challenges - often when there was no clear playbook One such moment was leading a culture and workforce transformation that not only redefined how employees experienced the workplace, but also prepared the organisation for digital disruption and AIdriven HR. We built inclusive practices, introduced automation to free HR from repetitive work and reset manager capability to create a culture of trust and accountability.
Much like taking on the “hard assignments,” these opportunities stretched me beyond my comfort zone. They demanded resilience, empathy and the ability to integrate business outcomes with human impact. This journey shaped my career deeply. It established my credibility as a leader who can navigate ambiguity, drive systemic change and balance technology with the human touch. Most importantly, it reinforced my belief that HR is not just about enabling business - it is about reshaping the future of work in India, one bold step at a time.
Q: What leadership principles or strategies have you found most effective in leading teams and organizations to success?
For me, leadership starts with compassion and inclusivity When people feel respected, supported and safe to speak up, they bring their best ideas and energy forward. Psychological safety builds resilience and fosters the kind of learning environment where innovation thrives. Equally important is adaptability. With AI and digital transformation reshaping the workplace, leaders need to encourage both learning and unlearning.
By making it safe to experiment, I have seen teams become more agile, confident and ready to embrace change. Finally, leadership is about balancing purpose with performance
Clear goals drive results, but it is purpose that sustains commitment and builds long term value When people see the larger meaning in their work, they not only deliver outcomes but also grow in confidence and capability. In my experience, when compassion sets the tone, resilience fuels adaptability and purpose anchors effort, organisations achieve success while enabling people to thrive
Q: What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your career? Have you had any influential mentors or collaborators who've shaped your professional journey?
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career I have been fortunate to have mentors who gave me clarity during complex decisions, encouraged me to take bold risks and reminded me to stay grounded Their guidance shaped not just my professional choices but also my approach to resilience and empathy I now see mentorship as a responsibility to create the same safe space for others that was once created for me. In recent years, I have also found reverse mentoring extremely valuable Learning from younger colleagues about emerging technologies, cultural shifts and evolving workplace expectations has kept me future ready and connected to what truly matters for today’s workforce.
Collaboration has been the other constant Some of the most impactful outcomes in my career have come from cross-functional teamwork, whether designing digital HR solutions with business and technology teams, or aligning people strategies with finance and operations to drive growth
Q: What do you believe is the most critical skill or mindset for staying innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry?
For me, it comes down to being a curious learner with an open mind The world is changing fast-AI is reshaping work, skills have shorter lifespans and employee expectations keep evolving What keeps me relevant is the willingness to learn, unlearn and relearn-without the fear of saying, "I don't know, but I will find out." I hold on to three simple practices:
• Be curious about AI, not afraid of it. Experiment with new tools and learn where they add value, while knowing where human judgment is irreplaceable.
• Invest in skills, not just roles. Titles may change, but skills stay with you. Continuous learning is non-negotiable.
• Stay deeply human. Empathy, fairness and creativity will always set us apart, no matter how advanced technology becomes When curiosity drives you and humanity grounds you, innovation becomes a natural outcome.
Q: What's your top advice for young professionals looking to achieve the recognition you've earned in your field?
My advice would be: focus less on recognition and more on growth-recognition will follow Here are three things I have learned along the way:
• Learn relentlessly Every role, no matter how small, has lessons The skills you build today become your foundation tomorrow.
• Embrace change Technology, AI and new ways of working will keep reshaping our world. Treat change as a chance to grow, not a threat
• Lead with kindness. People remember how you made them feel, more than the policies or processes If you stay curious, adaptable and empathetic, you won't just earn recognitionyou will also enjoy the journey and create impact along the way
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With over 21 years of profound expertise in human resources, Yatendra is an accomplished HR professional renowned for his strategic acumen, operational finesse and transformative leadership within global organizations spanning diverse industry sectors, including IT, ITES, Telecom and Consulting
Throughout his career, Yatendra has seamlessly transitioned through various growth stages of organizations, contributing to their success by taking on strategic, specialist and generalist HR roles
Yatendra excels in scaling organizations, with an expertise in change management, fostering organizational culture and cultivating workplaces recognized as the epitome of excellence.
A trailblazer in the art of making organizations the best places to work, this seasoned HR leader is particularly adept at orchestrating successful mergers and integrations, seamlessly amalgamating multiple entities into a cohesive and thriving singular organization
