Vantage Influencers Podcast

Civility involves showing respect and consideration in interactions, fostering harmony and constructive communication. In this episode, host Susmita joins Mike Horne, Executive Coach and Organizational Development Consultant, to share insights and strategies for creating a respectful and positive workplace culture. Whether you're a leader or a team member, this podcast offers valuable tips for enhancing workplace relationships. Join us on this journey to cultivate civility!

In this episode we’ll be discussing the practical steps, strategies, and inspiring stories of women who’ve carved their own paths to leadership. And to help us through this conversation, we’ve Rekha Radhakrishnan with us. She is currently Group Director of HRBP at the London Stock Exchange Group.  Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia  Timestamps (01:35) Rekha introduces herself and shares insights into common challenges women encounter on the path to leadership. (08:12) She reflects on her journey with self-advocacy in leadership and offers valuable advice.   (10:47) Essential leadership skills that women should focus on to excel and thrive in senior roles.  (20:21) Importance of building strong networks and alliances, sharing tips for women looking to expand their professional connections.  (24:06) Strategies for addressing and overcoming bias and stereotypes while staying authentic in leadership are explored.  (27:52) Rekha finally provides her perspective on necessary organizational changes to help more women not only access but succeed in leadership positions.

This episode explores the vital concept of "scaling with soul" —growing your business while staying true to its values and culture. Discover how leaders can foster engagement, collaboration, and a shared purpose as their teams expand. Our guest, Christina Luconi, shares practical strategies for building high-growth teams without losing the heart of their culture. Tune in for valuable insights!

In this podcast episode, Matt Burns and Sandrine Bardot discuss the significant shifts in workforce dynamics over the past few years, particularly in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). The conversation covers the growing adoption of remote work, changes in labor laws in regions like the UAE, and evolving attitudes towards work-life balance and employee well-being. Bardot highlights the complexities of managing total rewards systems in a world increasingly focused on flexibility, fairness, and alignment between organizational values and employee expectations. Key challenges include rethinking performance management, adapting to hybrid work models, and addressing employees’ financial and mental well-being.

In this episode of the Vantage Influencers podcast, host Susmita speaks with Akram Abdelmonem, Regional HR & Talent Acquisition Manager at Americana Restaurants. They dive into what drives or hinders employee acceptance of change during organizational transformations. Akram shares valuable insights on fostering engagement, promoting diversity, and navigating the complexities of effective change management. Tune in for strategies that can help organizations thrive in today’s dynamic environment!

HR has always been a vital part of any organization, but the role it plays is evolving lately. We are witnessing a significant shift from descriptive HR, which focuses on analyzing historical data to understand past performance, to prescriptive HR, which leverages advanced analytics to deliver actionable insights and inform future decisions.  Now, this transition is more than just a trend. It’s a strategic move that can revolutionize how organizations manage their people, forecast challenges, and create proactive solutions.  To explore this transformation in depth, we're thrilled to have Manisha Kelkar with us for this episode. As the Head of Corporate HR at Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., Manisha brings extensive experience in driving HR strategy.    Timestamps (01:52) Introduction to Manisha Kelkar and her role at Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd.  (02:58) The difference between Descriptive HR and Prescriptive HR, and why it’s important in today’s workplace.  (07:56) Discussion on how Prescriptive HR goes beyond identifying trends to provide actionable advice, with examples.  (10:19) Insights into the crucial role data plays in both Descriptive and Prescriptive HR practices.  (12:30) Challenges HR teams encounter when transitioning from Descriptive to Prescriptive HR.  (19:09) How HR can apply Prescriptive HR while maintaining a human-centered approach and avoiding over-reliance on technology.  (21:36) Manisha’s thoughts on the future of HR analytics and whether Prescriptive HR will become the new standard.

Matt Burns and John Petrov discuss HR challenges in healthcare, focusing on employee engagement and the impact of fixed pricing due to Medicare and Medicaid. They explore strategic HR planning, AI's role in recruitment, and the importance of maintaining culture during mergers. Despite AI's growth, they emphasize the ongoing need for human interaction in HR.

Have you ever thought about how understanding your personality type could unlock your potential? In this episode, we explore how the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can enhance team dynamics, boost collaboration, and align careers with unique strengths. Our host talks to Dr. Mohamed Hassan, a leader in compensation and rewards management, about his journey and the transformative power of MBTI in HR.

Matt Burns and Heidi Hauver discuss leadership, HR, and the pandemic's impact on work culture. Heidi reflects on her 25-year HR career, emphasizing innovation, recognition, and managing growth in startups. They also explore AI's role in enhancing HR productivity and driving strategic initiatives.

Of late, there’s a question that’s buzzing around- Will Tech Savvy Leaders Dominate the Future?  And the hype around this question is no surprise.   As Sean Gerety wisely puts it, "The technology you use impresses no one. The experience you create with it is everything."   With this perspective in mind, it's intriguing to think about how leaders who excel with tech will influence the future. Will their tech skills give them a major advantage, or are there some challenges and trade-offs we should be aware of?  To help us with these questions, today we’ve with us Sushil Baveja. He is the CHRO at Jindal Stainless. With over 38 years of experience spanning Indian family enterprises to global corporations, Sushil brings a wealth of insight to our discussion.     Host of this Episode- Sanjeevani Saikia Episode Highlights (01:36) Sushil Baveja provides a brief overview of his career highlights so far.  (03:10) A dive into how leaders are reshaping leadership in a world where AI and automation are rapidly becoming the norm. (05:52) The focus turns to the fine line tech-savvy leaders walk between innovation and potential pitfalls.  (11:42) Whether a deep focus on tech enhances innovation or risks stifling creativity- explored.   (17:20) Sushil’s insights on strategies for maintaining organizational agility in the face of rapid technological changes.  (23:20) The episode wraps up with how balancing data-driven decisions with intuitive leadership can help.

What if you could unlock your employees' potential with a few simple learning and development strategy changes? Today, we’ll explore how L&D can enhance engagement and help teams thrive.  Global L&D expert Jessie Osborne will join our host, Susmita in this episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast. She’ll share insights on L&D’s evolution and common gaps organizations overlook.  We’ll also cover budget-friendly ways to boost engagement, the role of gamification and virtual reality, challenges in personalized learning, and the benefits of microlearning.

When decision-making is decentralized, it empowers team members at all levels to take initiative and respond quickly to challenges. An approach like this can lead to faster innovation, more agile problem-solving, and a stronger sense of ownership throughout the organization.  But to truly understand the impact of decentralizing decision making, having an expert’s perspective is invaluable. So, we’re excited to welcome Siddhartha Das. He is the Head of HR Operations for Global People Services at Reckitt.   Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia    Episode Highlights  (01:30) Siddhartha provides a brief overview of his career highlights so far.   (04:28) The discussion shifts to the impact noticed on overall company performance when decisions are decentralized.    (21:30) Some of the biggest hurdles experienced while implementing decentralizing decision-making.    (28:26) Ways to tackle the challenges- Siddharth's take.  (33:05) How does decentralized decision-making help spark innovation and creativity within teams?   (38:59) The episode wraps up with a discussion of the strategies companies can use to balance decentralized decision-making.

Did you know a people-first culture can boost employee satisfaction by 30% and productivity by 20%?  In this episode, host Susmita talks with Mark Edgar about the transformative power of prioritizing people in the workplace. Tune in to learn effective strategies for building a vibrant, people-first culture.

In this episode, Matt Burns and Dr. Keith Keating discuss Keith's inspiring journey from high school dropout to a leader in learning and development. They explore the importance of a supportive learning culture, continuous education, and the potential of AI to enhance personalized learning while emphasizing the need for human connection. Keith’s story highlights how resilience and adaptability can shape a successful career.

Discover the essence of employee engagement with Nancy Zakharia Ohanessian, a Talent and Organizational Development Architect and Leadership Coach, on the Vantage Influencers Podcast. We'll explore what truly drives engagement and define key factors that boost employees' mental and emotional connection to their work. Tune in for actionable insights and expert advice!

Gen Z is bringing a whole new vibe to the workplace with fresh expectations for their leaders. They’re looking for more than just a figurehead. They want leaders who are real, tech-savvy, and genuinely care about their personal and professional growth.   So, in today’s episode, we’re going to break down exactly what Gen Z wants from their leaders. And to help us in doing that, we have the amazing Meenalochani Kumar with us. A neuroscience-based HR practitioner and a visionary talent management and development leader known for her impact on several renowned organizations.  Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia

In this episode, host Susmita sits down with Ghenwa Habbal to explore the intersection of leadership, well-being, and the challenges of our VUCA world. Ghenwa, a prominent figure in leadership and well-being, shares her journey from the Middle East to Dubai and offers insights from her extensive workshops and coaching.

In this episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast, we explore the unique HR and culture challenges that arise in VC-backed organizations. Join us as we chat with Mr. Anish Padinjaroote, Vice President of Culture & Brand Experience at Fractal, about how rapid scaling, investment pressures, and evolving company cultures impact HR strategies.  So, whether you're in HR or just curious about the intersection of venture capital and workplace culture, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating these fast-paced environments. Host of this Episode- Sanjeevani Saikia

It's fascinating to see how the workforce landscape is evolving so rapidly. Traditional employment models are being challenged and redefined by the rise of the gig economy. As more people opt for freelancing, contract work, and temporary positions, businesses are compelled to rethink how they attract and retain talent.   This brings us to yet another episode of Vantage Influencers Podcast. Joining us is Lavanya Nandakumar. She is the Vice President and Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Prodapt.   Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia

In this podcast, Matt Burns and Angela Cheng-Cimini discuss the evolution of HR and its strategic importance in organizations. Angela emphasizes the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a key business strategy, highlighting its benefits for both organizations and society. They talk about the shift in HR's focus from purely administrative tasks to becoming a strategic partner that understands business goals and drives workforce planning. Angela also discusses the impact of AI on HR, stressing the importance of leveraging technology while maintaining a human-centered approach. Additionally, she shares insights on how Harvard Business Publishing revised its values to better align with a global and diverse workforce.