“Handling Critical Situations Demonstrates Leadership Qualities”

1. What are the focus areas for you, to ensure effective functioning of your organisation?

First is increasing diversity and inclusiveness in the recruiting and talent acquisition process. I strongly believe that it is important for the cultural growth of a firm that people embrace and are open towards engaging with others who come from different background and have uncommon beliefs.

Two, I would like to focus on creating an internal platform to retain exceptional and high-potential talent, either through re-skilling, up-skilling or moving to new teams, especially during volatile and uncertain times.

During economic turmoil businesses look to resize their teams and, in some cases, bright employees are let go. Retaining such talent who have a lot of potential helps the overall growth metric and increases efficiency of talent management.

2. How has your organisation helped you in bringing out your best potential?

Over the past 10 years of my professional career, I have strengthened my core knowledge and experience in talent landscape, working across various roles right from campus hires, laterals to leadership hiring. This has led me to understand the talent market better and help develop robust talent acquisition strategies.

But I want also want to emphasise that along with opportunities, the preparation that goes behind the scene is also very important. We

need to put the effort and keep ourselves up to date with the latest happening in the firm and outside. I read this somewhere that in a Japanese cuisine preparation, knife sharpening is considered a crucial part. Japanese chefs spend hours sharpening the knife such that when it comes to preparing the food, their knives glid effortlessly through the ingredients, creating precise cuts and producing dishes of exceptional quality.

3. Having won this award, whom do you want to dedicate your learnings to and why?

I dedicate this win to, firstly, my parents who have taught that hard work has no alternative to achieve success; they have instilled in me the warrior that I am.

Secondly, to all my leaders and mentors in my professional career who have given me the right opportunity, taught me to be resilient, supported me to constantly look forward. Special mention – Madhu Menon (Talent acquisition head at Deloitte India), Her relentless commitment towards my growth and success has pushed me to give my best.

And finally, my husband who constantly fuels my ambition.