Rolling Stories : The HR Podcast

One CEO, one CFO, one CHRO and one CIO. Four companies, and one question none of them owns alone.For over 100 years, the salary line has been the biggest cost on most P&Ls. That line is now splitting. As AI agents take on real work, some of it moves to agents and some of it stays human. So who in the company actually decides where that line sits?Season 6 of Rolling Stories starts here. We left the studio and recorded live in front of students at Singapore Polytechnic, with four leaders who did not always agree. That was the point.In this episodeSatyaki Banerjee, CEO, LUXASIAKwek You Cheer, CFO, AEM GroupTan Toi Chia, CHRO, StarHubBharathi Viswanathan, CDIO, SuntoryHosted by Adrian Tan and Manu Khetan.What you will hearWhy LUXASIA does not keep a long-term AI strategy, and how one team took 2.5 hours of midnight work off 150 people.The CFO’s test for AI spend. Capability comes first, then risk, and accountability means a human stays in the loop.Three things you should not do with AI, including “don’t AI bomb another person” and the risk of wisdom obsolescence.A CIO who says the line between human and AI is not blurring at all, and whose IT cost as a share of revenue has not moved in 4 years.The real disagreement on the people cost line. Will it go up, go down or stay flat once the subsidised price of AI catches up?If you are a student wondering where you fit, start at 4:05. The move is not up, it is sideways.

In this episode of Rolling Stories, hosts Agent Tan and Manu Ketan sit down with Dr. Nora Manaf, Former Group Chief Human Capital Officer at Maybank, to unpack one of the most impactful HR transformation journeys in Asia.From starting her career as a chartered accountant to becoming a globally respected HR leader, Dr. Nora shares how humane leadership, data-driven decisions, and courageous action helped Maybank double revenue per staff while maintaining strong employee engagement.This conversation explores:

• The future of work and AI
• HR’s role in driving hard business outcomes
• Monetizing skills through internal marketplaces
• Employee moonlighting and rapid prototyping
• Building trust across generations—from 30s to 70s

If you’re a CXO, HR leader, or transformation professional, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples you won’t want to miss.⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction to Rolling Stories00:27 Introducing Dr. Nora & her achievements02:41 From CA to CHRO – Dr. Nora’s journey04:50 Transforming Maybank: strategies & challenges10:37 Why people drive business success13:16 Courage & leadership in HR24:40 Future of work & AI29:19 Monetizing skills & capabilities30:34 Skills marketplace success stories33:26 Trust, seniors & inclusion36:54 Prototyping & moonlighting50:02 Confidence, action & rapid fire#RollingStories #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipPodcast #HRPodcast

In this episode of Rolling Stories, we sit down with Chee-Wei Tan, Chief Human Capital Officer at SATS Ltd, to unpack one of the most ambitious global HR transformations in recent times.Following a major acquisition, SATS expanded from 17,000 to 70,000 employees, bringing together diverse cultures, systems, and ways of working. Chee-Wei shares powerful insights on adaptive leadership, HR integration, and building a unified global organization at scale. In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• Managing large-scale HR transformation after acquisition
• Blending legacy systems across geographies
• Building a strong global culture amid rapid growth
• Overcoming resistance to change
• Reward integration and talent mobility challenges
• Leadership lessons from navigating complexity
• Career advice for future HR leaders

Whether you’re a CHRO, HR leader, business leader, or HR tech enthusiast, this conversation is a masterclass in leading change at scale.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy conversations on leadership, people strategy, and HR transformation.

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:14 – The Ambitious HR Transformation

01:48 – Initial Challenges and Assumptions

05:23 – Co-Creation and Integration

09:50 – Building a Global Company

13:24 – Leadership and Cultural Shifts

22:43 – Challenges in Reward Integration

24:03 – Enabling Talent Mobility

25:07 – Addressing Resistance to Change

27:38 – Moments of Encouragement

27:56 – Global Events and Recognition

32:57 – Leadership Insights & Career Advice

35:27 – Rapid Fire

#HRTransformation #CHRO #LeadershipPodcast #GlobalHR #PeopleStrategy #RollingStories #SATS #HRLeadership #FutureOfWork #TalentManagement

In this episode of Rolling Stories, hosts Adrian Tan and Manu Ketan sit down with Adrian Ole, Chief People Officer at Inscape Shipping Services, to explore what HR transformation really looks like inside a private equity environment.

Adrian shares his journey from consulting to in-house HR leadership, revealing how HR teams can operate at high velocity, manage compressed timelines, and leverage technology and AI — all while keeping people at the heart of transformation. This conversation dives deep into:

• How HR operates in PE-backed organisations
• Balancing short-term pressures with long-term strategy
• The role of technology and AI in HR transformation
• Effective change management in high-stakes environments
• HR’s role as a strategic business partner
• The importance of storytelling, employee feedback, and leadership engagement

Whether you are a CHRO, HR leader, transformation consultant, or CEO, this episode offers practical insights on driving business value through people and culture.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Rolling Stories

01:09 Adrian Ole's Journey from Consulting to In-House Leadership

04:45 Private Equity and HR: Navigating Compressed Timelines

10:10 Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term HR Strategies

15:06 The Role of Technology in Transformation

20:42 AI in HR: Tools and Transformation

25:03 Change Management in Private Equity

26:28 Key Elements of Effective Change Management

27:32 Challenges and Solutions in Change Implementation

28:44 The Role of HR in Business Strategy

29:50 HR's Strategic Importance and Business Value

30:34 Engaging with Business Leaders

36:41 Storytelling and Employee Feedback

38:02 Rapid Fire Round

41:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#HRTransformation #PrivateEquity #HumanResources #PeopleStrategy #ChangeManagement #AIinHR #HRLeadership #FutureOfWork #TransformationLeadership #WorkforceStrategy #PEBackedCompanies #HRTech #LeadershipInsights #RollingStories

Unlock a fresh perspective on leadership in this episode of Rolling Stories, where hosts Adrian Tan and Manu Ketan speak with HR veteran Gaurav Sharma — former leader at PepsiCo and Coca-Cola — on why the future belongs to star teams, not just star performers. Gaurav challenges conventional leadership thinking and shares actionable insights on:

• Building high-performing and diverse teams
• The evolving role of leaders in modern organisations
• Why job descriptions may be outdated
• How to develop talent using the R7 framework
• What the future profile of effective leaders looks like
• Balancing agility, culture, and performance in fast-changing environments

This conversation is a must-watch for CHROs, HR leaders, founders, and people managers looking to reshape leadership mindset, talent strategy, and organisational performance.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction

00:08 – Why Star Teams Outperform Star Individuals

00:29 – Meet Gaurav Sharma

01:43 – Leadership Philosophy: Defining Moments

03:20 – Building High-Performing Teams

05:41 – The R7 Framework

08:06 – Evolving Leadership Models

20:24 – The Role of Leaders in Team Performance

25:27 – Success, Resistance & Change

27:13 – Are Job Descriptions Still Relevant?

31:52 – Hiring for Will, Building for Skill

40:22 – Future Leader Profile

42:06 – Rapid Fire

43:19 – Key Takeaways

👇 If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

#LeadershipPodcast #FutureOfWork #HRLeadership #TeamPerformance #TalentManagement #WorkplaceCulture #PeopleStrategy #StarTeams #LeadershipDevelopment #RollingStories #HRTech

From brewing coffee to leading HR in banking — Rayyan Irwan’s story is a masterclass in transformation, resilience, and people-first leadership.In this episode of Rolling Stories Season 5, hosts Adrian Tan and Manu Khetan sit down with Rayyan Irwan, SVP & Head of Human Capital at Bank Muamalat and a 2025 HR Leaders of the Year nominee.Rayyan shares his unconventional journey from restaurant floors and fitness centers to becoming a senior HR leader in the banking sector. He opens up about:

• His early career lessons and rapid growth
• Building a people-first HR culture
• Programs like “First Time Managers” and “Reset” that drive employee development
• Challenging traditional compliance-first HR mindsets
• Why genuine care is the foundation of effective HRThe conversation ends with a fun Rapid Fire Q&A, where Rayyan reveals his favorite unwind ritual, HR superpower, and the best career advice he’s ever received!

⏱️Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

03:37 – Rayyan’s Journey: From Barista to HR Leader

06:28 – Developing Talent and Organizational Growth

11:56 – Innovative HR Programs and Strategies

29:57 – The Importance of Genuine Care in HR

30:57 – Challenging Compliance-First HR Mindsets

32:30 – Income Brackets and Compliance in HR

36:42 – Rethinking Traditional HR Playbooks

39:50 – Benchmarking Beyond the Industry

43:02 – Facing Professional Setbacks

51:40 – Rapid Fire

🎧 Tune in to discover how passion, persistence, and a people-first mindset can redefine HR leadership!

#RollingStories #HRLeadership #HRTransformation #RayyanIrwan #HumanCapital #BankMuamalat #LeadershipJourney #CareerGrowth #HRPodcast #PeopleFirst #HRInnovation

MUST WATCH for HR Leaders, Talent Professionals, and Future-Ready Thinkers!

In this explosive episode of Rolling Stories, hosts Adrian Tan and Manu Khetan sit down with Anish Lalchandani, Global Head of Talent Management at AP Moller Maersk and author of “The Skills Advantage.” Together, they uncover the brutal truths behind HR’s biggest myths — from the death of degrees to the rise of skills-based hiring and AI’s real role in workforce transformation.

What You’ll Learn:

• Degrees vs. Experience – What really matters in today’s job market?
• The mindset shift from reskilling to lifelong learning
• How AI is changing HR efficiency and human-centered decision-making
• Frameworks for building skills ecosystems and driving retention
• The ethical side of AI in hiring, education, and the future of work

Anish also shares key insights from his book “The Skills Advantage” — revealing how organizations can thrive by focusing on curiosity, adaptability, and practical skills.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:23 – Degrees vs. Experience

02:50 – Writing The Skills Advantage

05:08 – Reskilling vs. Upskilling

08:43 – AI’s Role in HR

12:50 – Skills-Based Hiring

18:44 – Building Ecosystem-Based Strategies

23:34 – Strategic Workforce Planning

32:42 – Evergreen Skills for the Future

Subscribe to Rolling Stories for more thought-provoking conversations with global HR leaders and innovators redefining the world of work.

#HRPodcast #AnishLalchandani #RollingStories #DegreesVsExperience #FutureOfWork #SkillsBasedHiring #AIinHR #Reskilling #TalentManagement

In this explosive episode of Rolling Stories HR Podcast, host Adrian Tan sits down with Kareena Kaur, Chief Human Resource Officer at AEON Bank Berhad, to uncover the brutal truths behind performance management—one of HR’s most misunderstood and dreaded topics.

With 15+ years of experience in leading financial institutions and spearheading Malaysia’s first Islamic Digital Bank, Kareena shares unfiltered insights into:

✔️The biggest pitfalls of poor performance management

✔️ Why continuous feedback beats annual reviews

✔️ How HR must evolve from being a “postbox” to a true business partner

✔️ Adapting performance systems in startups vs. traditional companies

✔️ Best practices that drive real performance and business success

Whether you’re a CHRO, HR leader, or manager looking to fix performance nightmares, this episode is packed with actionable strategies, raw truths, and inspiring takeaways to transform the way your organization manages people.

Timestamps

01:41 – Diving into Performance Management

02:07 – Challenges in Performance Management

03:31 – The Importance of Continuous Feedback

05:53 – Personal Experiences and Insights

14:38 – Best Practices for Effective Management

20:38 – Balancing Tech and Banking Cultures

22:47 – Challenges in HR Communication

24:23 – Adapting Performance Management in a Startup

25:39 – Team-Based KPIs and Generational Issues

26:28 – Change Management and Feedback

29:50 – Steps for Traditional Companies to Adapt

30:13 – The Importance of Regular Check-Ins

31:43 – Constructive Feedback and Communication

33:24 – The Role of HR in Business Success

Don’t forget to like, share & subscribe for more HR insights from top global leaders!

#PerformanceManagement #HRLeadership #KareenaKaur #RollingStories #HRTips #CHRO #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleManagement

How can organizations attract, engage, and retain Gen Z talent?

In this episode of Rolling Stories Season 5, host Adrian Tan sits down with Luz Mercurio, Chief People and Culture Officer at Monde Nissin Corporation, to explore what Gen Z employees expect in today’s workplace. Luz shares her firsthand experiences across the Asia Pacific region, debunking myths about Gen Z and offering strategies HR leaders can use to build meaningful, future-ready workplaces.

Key topics covered in this episode:

00:00 Introduction to Rolling Stories

00:36 Meet Our Guest: Luz Mercurio

01:27 Gen Z Priorities in the Workplace

06:30 Regional Differences in Gen Z Workforce

10:47 Misconceptions About Gen Z Talent

15:23 Effective Retention Strategies for Gen Z

20:21 Leveraging Technology for Gen Z Recruitment

22:47 Purpose-Driven Work and Gen Z

25:49 Advice for Companies on Gen Z Retention

27:00 Rapid Fire Questions with Luz Mercurio

28:40 Conclusion and Farewell

If you’re a CHRO, HR leader, or business executive looking to understand the next generation of talent, this episode is a must-watch.

#RollingStories #GenZWorkforce #HRLeadership #FutureOfWork #PeopleStrategy #EmployeeEngagement #TalentRetention

Join us on this insightful episode of Rolling Stories as we sit down with Angelina Chua, HR Director APAC at COFCO International. Angelina shares her expertise on a topic that's more critical than ever: company culture.

Discover how to identify, shape, and evolve your organizational culture to drive success and create a workplace where people thrive. From timeless HR philosophies to the latest trends in leadership and AI, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for HR professionals, leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of work.

In this episode, we cover:

02:44  Angelina’s Journey in HR

06:05  Philosophies that Stand the Test of Time

10:05  Identifying and Shaping Organizational Culture

15:16  Steps to drive culture change

17:55  The Role of AI in HR

20:29  Evolving Leadership Development

24:17  The Power of Curiosity in the Age of AI

25:20  Navigating leadership development

25:57  The importance of agility and anticipation in leadership

27:35  Adopting leadership strategies for organisational success

29:45  Retaining High Performers: Strategies & Insights

34:48  Challenges and Resilience in Leadership

Connect with Rolling Stories:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rollingstories/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/31rlp2vofpgu3jsn6hgwnhjl6poq

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rolling-stories-the-hr-podcast/id1822914912

#CompanyCulture #HRExpert #HRLeadership #FutureOfWork #OrganizationalDevelopment #TalentRetention #LeadershipDevelopment #RollingStories #HRPodcast #AngelinaChua