The CHRO Mindset

In this episode of the CHRO Mindset podcast, Pulkit Joshi sits down with Janani Prakaash, Head of People and Culture at Genzeon, a seasoned HR leader with over 17 years of experience.  Janani shares insights into her leadership journey, drawing parallels between HR and the element of fire, symbolizing warmth, illumination, and transformative power. She highlights the importance of continuous learning and diverse experiences in personal growth amidst a dynamic professional landscape. Janani discusses pivotal career decisions and the value of calculated risks, underscoring the role of diverse experiences in professional development. The conversation delves into navigating mergers and acquisitions (M&A) from an HR perspective. Janani emphasizes the significance of effective communication, transparency, and culture integration in ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the benefits of M&A. She provides actionable strategies for HR leaders to balance stakeholder needs and foster a positive employee experience during such transitions. Additionally, Janani shares insights on motivating employees during unprecedented challenges, advocating for supportive leadership, transparent communication, and employee engagement as key pillars. She explores the role of company culture in supporting leadership resilience and discusses the transformative impact of HR technology on the function, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation.

In this podcast, Prosenjit shares insights on crucial HR skills for 2025, emphasizing the shift from support roles to strategic business enablers post-COVID. He highlights the importance of aligning HR practices with business objectives and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Regarding fostering community among remote employees, Prosenjit discusses their hybrid work setup and flexible location policy to accommodate diverse needs. He emphasizes quarterly meetups and family engagement to promote cohesion and belongingness.  Prosenjit also addresses the rise of remote work and technological advancements, advocating for a balanced approach that combines technological tools with human touch. He emphasizes continuous learning and strategic thinking to drive meaningful impact within organizations.  In discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Prosenjit shares strategies for minimizing biases in recruitment and promoting gender diversity. He emphasizes the business benefits of diversity and inclusion, highlighting success stories from diverse teams. Regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, Prosenjit discusses their commitment to sustainability and initiatives to reduce carbon footprint. He emphasizes the importance of aligning ESG practices with market needs and integrating sustainability into core business practices. Prosenjit also addresses challenges like layoffs, emphasizing transparency, ethical practices, and unwavering support for employees. He shares strategies for maintaining morale and productivity during challenging times. 

In our conversation with Krishna, we explore various facets of HR and organizational leadership.  From identifying fictional HR characters to discussing lessons learned from mentors, Krishna shares profound insights. He delves into the application of design thinking principles to talent attraction and retention, emphasizing the importance of keeping the employee at the center of HR practices.  Drawing from his experiences, Krishna illustrates how design thinking can reshape traditional HR processes, such as onboarding and benefits programs, for the better. Krishna also reflects on the connection between employee engagement and overall business performance, highlighting the role of happy employees in driving positive outcomes.  He discusses strategies for balancing professional growth opportunities with work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of empowering employees to make choices aligned with their aspirations.  Furthermore, Krishna sheds light on the transformative potential of generative AI in talent management and career progression, citing practical examples from his tenure at Flipkart.  Finally, he shares insights into the book "Good to Great" by James Collins, a cornerstone of his leadership journey, and its profound impact on shaping enduring, exceptional companies. 

In this podcast, we delve deep into the future of HR, exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the age of automation and evolving workplace dynamics. Our guest, Aravind Warrior, a seasoned HR professional, shares invaluable insights garnered from his extensive experience. From envisioning the future of HR amidst the rise of AI and Generation AI to discussing the crucial role of leadership in fostering resilience and adaptability, Aravind provides thought-provoking perspectives on navigating the ever-changing landscape of human resources. Through engaging discussions on topics ranging from emotional intelligence in leadership to the intersection of diversity, inclusion, and equity in the age of automation, Aravind emphasizes the importance of aligning technological advancements with human-centric values. Drawing from personal experiences and influential literature such as "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek, Aravind underscores the significance of purpose-driven leadership and its profound impact on organizational culture and success. Join us as we explore the intricate interplay between technology, leadership, and human capital, gaining valuable insights into shaping the future of HR in a rapidly evolving world. 

In this Podcast (The CHRO Mindset), Anupam shares his personal HR mantra, drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the importance of performing duties without attachment to outcomes and maintaining equanimity in challenging situations. We explore Anupam's experience in convincing leadership to invest in new HR initiatives, where he navigated the balance between cost considerations and scalability, ultimately driving adoption for long-term benefits. Anupam also shares a compelling story of revitalizing a struggling HR department, where he implemented innovative solutions to improve offer acceptance rates and streamline recruitment processes. Furthermore, we discuss strategies for cultivating emotional intelligence (EI) among HR teams, emphasizing the importance of workshops, leadership development, feedback mechanisms, and inclusive culture. In addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Anupam underscores the need for collaboration between employees and leadership, leveraging data-driven strategies, community outreach, and talent development. The conversation extends to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in streamlining HR processes, where Anupam highlights opportunities for automation in recruiting, onboarding, training, employee engagement, performance management, and administration. Lastly, Anupam shares his insights into literature that has shaped his leadership journey, citing "3 Idiots" as a movie recommendation for following one's passion and the Bhagavad Gita as a timeless guide for understanding human behavior and living a fulfilling life. 

In this episode, Sanketh shares valuable insights on fostering a culture of continuous learning within HR and his guiding principles in decision-making. He also discusses promoting inclusivity in smaller companies and handling resistance to inclusive policies.  Furthermore, Sanketh Ramkrishnamurthy explores how HR leaders can encourage employee ownership of learning and development. He delves into the evolving relationship between human workers and intelligent technologies in the era of automation, AI, and machine learning.  Lastly, Sanketh recommends insightful literature, including "The Talent Code" and "The Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle, emphasizing the i mportance of deliberate practice and continuous learning in talent management. Tune in for an enriching conversation on HR leadership and navigating the ever-changing landscape of human resources.

 In this enlightening episode of the CHRO Mindset Podcast, host, Pulkit Joshi, engages in a captivating conversation with Sara Boueri, a distinguished HR leader with over 15 years of experience spanning various industries. Sara's innovative approach to HR and her commitment to fostering employee well-being shine through as she shares her insights on a diverse array of topics. The episode kicks off with an unexpected hypothetical scenario: if HR were an Olympic event, what would it be, and how would you prepare for it? Sara's imaginative response transports listeners into a world where everyday challenges transform into competitive events, reflecting her belief in the importance of finding joy and camaraderie in the workplace. As the conversation unfolds, Sara delves into personal stories of leadership during times of crisis, offering valuable lessons on transparency, communication, and adaptability. She shares anecdotes from her experiences in industries heavily impacted by the pandemic, highlighting the pivotal role of transparent communication in fostering unity and resilience among teams. The discussion seamlessly transitions to Sara's reflections on HR-related challenges and innovative strategies for enhancing employee engagement and total rewards. Her emphasis on understanding employee needs and implementing creative solutions resonates deeply, underscoring the importance of prioritizing human connection amidst technological advancements. Throughout the episode, the dynamic exchange between host and guest is punctuated by moments of introspection and shared wisdom. From navigating generational differences to fostering trust and transparency in automation processes, Sara's insights offer invaluable guidance for HR professionals striving to create inclusive, empowering workplaces. The episode concludes with a heartfelt exploration of literature's influence on leadership journeys, as Sara candidly shares her unexpected source of inspiration: Harry Potter. Her reflections on the timeless themes of teamwork, resilience, and ethical leadership encapsulate the essence of her leadership philosophy, leaving listeners inspired and enlightened. 

 In this insightful interview, the guest, Sanjay Jha, discusses key HR insights and experiences. Addressing the first question, they debunk the myth that HR alone is responsible for employee happiness, emphasizing the collective effort required from both the organization and individuals. Sharing impactful leadership experiences, Sanjay Jha, recounts a transformative role at Tata, leading business excellence, and their leadership during the COVID era at Mahindra First Choice Wheels, focusing on employee well-being. On organizational change, Sanjay outlines steps for successful change management, emphasizing leadership unity, meaningful dialogue, and perseverance through challenges. They stress the importance of measuring cultural transformation through tangible indicators such as revenue, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement. The interview delves into the impact of technology on cultural transformation, highlighting its potential as a catalyst when strategically implemented. Sanjay advises clear intent, careful planning, and continuous oversight to avoid pitfalls. Discussing AI in HR, Sanjay urges organizations to prioritize employee well-being over organizational benefits. They stress ongoing feedback, pilot programs, and ensuring alignment with user needs for successful technology integration. Addressing automation challenges, Sanjay recommends holistic employee development, transparent communication, and balancing efficiency gains with employee concerns to foster a harmonious work environment. 

In this comprehensive podcast, HR professional Sharmila Thakur engages in a wide-ranging discussion with Pulkit Joshi. The conversation spans her experiences in organizational diagnostics and cultural change projects, underscoring the challenges of instigating mindset shifts in a cross-functional and cross-border context.  Ms. Thakur delves into fostering diversity and inclusion, highlighting the importance of open communication and training programs. The interview explores her strategies for staying agile amid evolving HR trends, advocating for continuous learning, collaboration, and data-driven decisions.  She also addresses her commitment to DNI, emphasizing equal opportunity policies and mentorship programs. The discussion delves into her leadership journey, detailing approaches to inspire continuous learning and navigate resistance to DNI initiatives.  The interview concludes with insights into the challenges and solutions of implementing generative AI in HR processes, with Ms. Thakur emphasizing the need for HR professionals to embrace change and effectively utilize data in the evolving HR landscape.  

In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Saurabh Kale, a seasoned HR professional with over 15 years of experience in talent management and organizational development.  In the interview, Saurabh shared his dream HR sabbatical destination and passion for volunteering in remote areas, establishing schools and libraries, reflects his commitment to meaningful causes beyond the workplace. 

In this episode of the CHRO Mindset Podcast, hosted by Pulkit Joshi, Indranil Sen, Co-Founder at Alter Ego Accelerators, shares insights on the CHRO Mindset podcast.  Focused on shaping modern workplaces, the interview delves into Indranil's advocacy for employee-centric workplace culture. He emphasizes the equation EX equals CX, linking the quality of employee experience (EX) to customer experience (CX). Drawing from his extensive corporate experience with companies like American Express and IBM, he underscores the importance of prioritizing employee well-being.  Indranil envisions a future HR technology platform (like an HR software system) rooted in employee experience, leveraging intuitive design, voice commands, and AI to capture the employee lifecycle.  The discussion extends to HR excellence, diversity and inclusion, employee value proposition, and the evolving role of generative AI in HR. 

In this comprehensive podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Renu Bohra, a seasoned HR leader with a diverse background spanning public and private sectors.  The conversation kicked off with a unique twist as Ms. Renu shared her HR-themed superpower, envisioning herself as Lord Hanuman. Drawing parallels between the mythical superhero's abilities and the demands of her role, Ms. Renu discussed the importance of flexibility, resilience, and the delicate balance between business and employee needs.  Shifting gears, Ms. Renu delved into a personal growth milestone that pushed her out of her comfort zone. Narrating her journey in handling labor compliances and industrial relations, she emphasized the value of embracing challenges and the transformation it brought to her role as an HR leader. Reflecting on her extensive career, Ms. Renu shared key lessons learned, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and openness to ideas. She highlighted the need for HR professionals to step out of their comfort zones, engage with diverse perspectives, and actively contribute to organizational change and transformation. The conversation then delved into managing resistance to change within organizations. Ms. Renu provided insights into a successful global transformation initiative, emphasizing the importance of vision, effective communication, and a commitment to addressing concerns raised during the process. In exploring inclusivity in change management, Ms. Renu emphasized the need for a continuous journey rather than a checkbox approach to diversity. Sharing experiences from the organization's diversity celebrations and actionable outcomes, she underscored the importance of tangible steps to ensure diversity becomes an ingrained part of the company culture. Transitioning to HR technology, Ms. Renu discussed the critical role of employee involvement in the design and testing of automated HR systems. She shared experiences from the organization's selection of an HCM partner, highlighting the importance of including end-users in decision-making processes to ensure maximum adoption and success. Overall, the podcast concluded with a personal touch as Ms. Renu shared three impactful books that shaped her perspective as an HR leader.  

In this episode of the CHRO Mindset Podcast, hosted by Pulkit Joshi, Vatsala Banerjee, lead HR Expert and employee well-being at Samsung Research Institute features discussions on leadership lessons from non-traditional sources like fitness, emphasizing the importance of setting SMART goals and embracing challenges. It highlights the HR role during the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting well-being, empathy, and digital transformation. The importance of psychological safety in the workplace is discussed, focusing on openness, authenticity, and addressing biases. The need for upskilling HR professionals for AI applications is emphasized. The podcast concludes by recommending "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" as a key resource for HR leadership.

In this episode of the CHRO Mindset Podcast, hosted by Pulkit Joshi, Smita Venkatraman, Founder and Chief Advisor of her consulting firm Smita Venkatraman HR Advisory Services shared her invaluable insights on various aspects of HR leadership, ranging from creating a culture of togetherness in HR, managing diverse teams, handling limited budgets for employee development, retaining top talent, using technology to foster inclusivity, measuring ROI for HR initiatives, avoiding common pitfalls, and striking the right balance between HR automation and personalized employee experiences. The perspective offered by Smita reflects a wealth of experience and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of empathy, data-driven decisions, and the human touch in HR leadership. To conclude, Smita also recommends a must-read book, 'Who Moved My Cheese' by Dr. Spencer Johnson, as an invaluable guide for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of change management. This interview is a testament to the dynamic and multifaceted role of HR leaders in shaping organizational success and fostering inclusive and thriving workplace cultures. 

In this episode of the CHRO Mindset Podcast, hosted by Pulkit Joshi, Samit Deb, the cofounder of Navikenz shares his valuable insights and expertise on a transformative journey of Human Resources, HR Software and Artificial Intelligence. As we explore career insights, we’ll understand about culture transformations, and the delicate balance between efficiency-driven technology and human-centric leadership.

In this episode of the CHRO Mindset Podcast, hosted by Pulkit Joshi, Shameela Nafih, Global HR Head at Volopay helped us discover the importance of employee engagement and experience, overcoming challenges in a hybrid workplace, and the impact of technology on HR. Gain valuable insights to thrive in the ever-evolving world of Human Resources.

Listen now to get a hint of what to expect from 'The CHRO Mindset' and get ready to discover the strategic brilliance and leadership wisdom of the most inspiring HR leaders in the industry.

In this episode of the CHRO Mindset Podcast, hosted by Pulkit Joshi, Sulbha Rai, the Chief People Officer at RenewBuy.com, shares her valuable insights and expertise on strategic HR leadership. The podcast delves into various aspects of HR, from building a culture of employee engagement to navigating the VUCA world, and the role of HR automation.

In this episode of the CHRO Mindset Podcast, hosted by Pulkit Joshi honored Amit Mohla, who currently leads HR for the CIO function at Wipro. He unraveled HR's evolving role, including HR software, effective engagement strategies, HR analytics, tech integration, and leadership building. Join us as we explore the strategic mindset, innovative practices, and leadership insights of top CHROs. 

In this episode the CHRO Mindset Podcast, hosted by Pulkit Joshi, Amit Kataria, the Chief People Officer at Minfy. Explore HR insights with Amit as he shares transformative leadership wisdom, the evolution of HR, and the unexpected perks of HR automation. Dive into his impactful book recommendation too.