The Shape of Work

"To establish a genuine connection with your customers, it's imperative to convey that you comprehend their needs and will deliver precisely what they require. It's about offering a transparent and trustworthy relationship, where accountability is paramount.”

In today’s episode of The Shape Of Work podcast, we have Deepanker Mahajan, Co-Founder and CEO of CoverYou. He boasts a rich work history spanning more than fifteen years, commencing with his tenure at Citifinancial Consumer Finance. Subsequently, he contributed his expertise to esteemed organizations including ICICI, Bharti AXA, SecureNow, and JLT Independent. Deepankar’s entrepreneurial journey is a wealth of insights for anyone interested in customer relationship management, particularly in the insurance industry.

In this episode, hear firsthand, how Deepanker cultivates trust and transparency in his interactions and successfully handles industry challenges and trends. He also shares his perspective on the transformative effects of the recent pandemic on the industry.

Episode Highlights

• Importance of customer relationship management in the insurance industry
• The growth of the insurance industry in India
• The growth of India’s insurance industry
• Why is it important to create a sense of belongingness for employees?

Follow Deepanker on Linkedin

Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast Host: Archit Sethi

About Springworks:

Springworks is a fully-distributed HR technology organisation building tools and products to simplify recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention. The product stack from Springworks includes:

SpringVerify— B2B verification platform

EngageWith— employee recognition and rewards platform that enriches company culture

Trivia — a suite of real-time, fun, and interactive games platforms for remote/hybrid team-building

SpringRole — verified professional-profile platform backed by blockchain, and

SpringRecruit — a forever-free applicant tracking system.

Springworks prides itself on being an organisation focused on employee well-being and workplace culture, leading to a 4.8 rating on Glassdoor for the 200+ employee strength company.

"Operating under constraints is a reality at this stage, and sometimes, I have to be the bearer of tough news, allocating resources judiciously. It's about making the most with what we have and prioritizing strategically."

Have you ever wondered about the thrilling journey of being among the first few employees at a tech startup? In this episode of The Shape Of Work, our guest Jereme Holiman, VP of People of Shardeum Foundation, shares his riveting tales from the trenches of Web 3.0 startups and the promising future they hold. Join us as we embark on an exploration of his experiences, right from the adrenaline rush of early-stage tech startups to the enlightened philosophy behind the vision of Web 3.0. With a rich professional background spanning over two decades, he has contributed his expertise to distinguished organizations including UrbanStems, Clyde, and Struck Crypto, among others.

As we continue the discussion, Jereme uncovers the inner workings of Shardeum's rapid expansion, detailing his role in managing people operations, shaping internal culture, and mastering the art of recruitment. Learn about Shardeum's diligent hiring process and its strategic approach to attracting top talent.

Episode Highlights

• Web 3.0 and its potential to give users more control over their data
• Hiring process and talent acquisition at a startup
• Hiring strategy for a Web 3.0 company
• Web 3.0 opportunities and global work culture

Follow Jereme on Linkedin

Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast Host: Archit Sethi

About Springworks:

Springworks is a fully-distributed HR technology organisation building tools and products to simplify recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention. The product stack from Springworks includes:

SpringVerify— B2B verification platform

EngageWith— employee recognition and rewards platform that enriches company culture

Trivia — a suite of real-time, fun, and interactive games platforms for remote/hybrid team-building

SpringRole — verified professional-profile platform backed by blockchain, and

SpringRecruit — a forever-free applicant tracking system.

Springworks prides itself on being an organisation focused on employee well-being and workplace culture, leading to a 4.8 rating on Glassdoor for the 200+ employee strength company.

"To effect change and gain stakeholder buy-in, learning the art of implementation and adeptly addressing challenges is paramount. This is especially crucial for an HRBP striving to align with the business goals."

Imagine charting a course for a career in physics, only to find your true calling in the field of Human Resources. That's the story of our guest in today’s episode of The Shape Of Work, Ankit Menaria, HR Business Partner at BYJU’S, whose journey has been anything but conventional. With over eight years of extensive professional experience, Ankit has demonstrated his expertise in diverse organizational settings, including notable stints at Lipi Data Systems, Jindal Stainless, and Darwinbox. He pursued his B.Sc at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, followed by an M.S.W from the prestigious Udaipur School of Social Work.

In this episode, Ankit discusses the hurdles he faced bringing e-learning to HR groups and how he overcame them with awareness and agility. From setting small, achievable goals to finding an accountability partner, he shares practical advice on making remote work, work for you.

Episode Highlights

• Importance of data accuracy in HR and the impact of culture in an organisation
• Importance of dressing professionally and highlighting benefits for stakeholders
• Challenges of facilitating skills development and learning opportunities for employees
• Why is adapting to digitalization in the workplace important?

Follow Ankit on Linkedin

Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast Host: Riddhi Agarwal

About Springworks:

Springworks is a fully-distributed HR technology organisation building tools and products to simplify recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention. The product stack from Springworks includes:

SpringVerify— B2B verification platform

EngageWith— employee recognition and rewards platform that enriches company culture

Trivia — a suite of real-time, fun, and interactive games platforms for remote/hybrid team-building

SpringRole — verified professional-profile platform backed by blockchain, and

SpringRecruit — a forever-free applicant tracking system.

Springworks prides itself on being an organisation focused on employee well-being and workplace culture, leading to a 4.8 rating on Glassdoor for the 200+ employee strength company.

"Staying informed about the real estate market is paramount for making the right property choices. We rely on robust data analysis, tracking every transaction and trend in each building. This forms the bedrock of our decision-making process, allowing us to move forward with confidence."

In this episode of The Shape Of Work podcast, prepare to be illuminated as we chat with Shiv Parekh, Founder of hBits, a revolutionary venture that's redefining the real estate market in India. Raised in Mumbai, educated at Stanford and Harvard, and seasoned in New York, Shiv's journey from finance to entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. He has held positions at distinguished organizations including Stanford Management Company, Citi, Workloft, and Raycon Infrastructure.

The conversation gets riveting as Shiv shares how they've created an end-to-end digital experience for investors. From property exploration to financial modeling and from transaction handling to tracking and exiting strategies, HBITS has made every step seamless and online. Shiv's insights on selecting the right properties, understanding market trends, and maintaining tenant relationships are a gold mine for anyone interested in real estate investments.

Episode Highlights

• How to ensure that the foreseeable exit strategy is well-addressed?
• Strategies to stay updated about the industry trends
• How to adapt to the changes taking place in the market?
• How to handle unexpected setbacks or market downturns in real estate investment?

Follow Shiv on Linkedin

Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast Host: Archit Sethi

About Springworks:

Springworks is a fully-distributed HR technology organisation building tools and products to simplify recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention. The product stack from Springworks includes:

SpringVerify— B2B verification platform

EngageWith— employee recognition and rewards platform that enriches company culture

Trivia — a suite of real-time, fun, and interactive games platforms for remote/hybrid team-building

SpringRole — verified professional-profile platform backed by blockchain, and

SpringRecruit — a forever-free applicant tracking system.

Springworks prides itself on being an organisation focused on employee well-being and workplace culture, leading to a 4.8 rating on Glassdoor for the 200+ employee strength company.

"In a rapidly growing industry, adaptability is key. Our dynamic approach to responsibilities allows team members to seize opportunities and excel. It's a source of immense pride to lead such a capable and resilient group through adversity and triumph, knowing they will be the bedrock of our future success."

In today’s episode of The Shape of Work, hear how Jaideep Wadhwa, Director of STERLING GTAKE E-MOBILTIY LTD, charts a compelling course from his family business to becoming a business leader and entrepreneur. With 30 years of experience, he takes you on a fascinating journey through the world of international business management and the electric vehicle industry. He earned his BA degree from the esteemed St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, followed by an MBA from the prestigious University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Throughout his career, he has contributed his expertise to renowned organizations including Ingersoll Rand, Actis, Max Speciality Films, and Pravah Advisors, among others.

In this episode, Jaideep shares the secrets of his successful management style, focusing on building and nurturing a dynamic team. He talks about how he gives his team the liberty to achieve results while endorsing a healthy work-life balance.

Episode Highlights

• How to ensure that the business remains focused on meeting the needs of the customer?
• How to approach building and leading effective teams within the organisation?
• Importance of leaders being aware of what their team needs
• Strategies for maintaining work-life balance

Follow Jaideep on Linkedin

Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast Host: Archit Sethi

About Springworks:

Springworks is a fully-distributed HR technology organisation building tools and products to simplify recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention. The product stack from Springworks includes:

SpringVerify— B2B verification platform

EngageWith— employee recognition and rewards platform that enriches company culture

Trivia — a suite of real-time, fun, and interactive games platforms for remote/hybrid team-building

SpringRole — verified professional-profile platform backed by blockchain, and

SpringRecruit — a forever-free applicant tracking system.

Springworks prides itself on being an organisation focused on employee well-being and workplace culture, leading to a 4.8 rating on Glassdoor for the 200+ employee strength company.

“The advent of technological progress has bestowed upon us a powerful toolset for talent acquisition. Market research and talent mapping, fortified by data-driven insights, have emerged as catalysts for our leaders, empowering them to make decisions of greater precision and foresight when recruiting for executive positions."

In this episode of The Shape Of Work podcast, get ready to gain a wealth of knowledge from a seasoned professional in the executive search arena. Listen in as we converse with the brilliant Sanjoli Mangat, Global Executive Search Partner A.P Moller – Maersk. Sanjoli brings close to 15 years of overall experience. Sanjoli has worked in leading executive search firms like Odgers Berndtson (HQ in UK with presence across 35 countries) and currently serves as a Global Executive Search Partner at A.P Moller Maersk (a leading shipping and integrated logistics company; HQ in Denmark with a presence across 130 countries).Sanjoli holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and organisational Analysis from the prestigious Kings College London and has a Bachelor’s degree from Jesus & Mary College, Delhi University. She completed her schooling at a premier residential boarding school; The Lawrence School Sanawar.


In this episode, we delve into how the industry has transitioned over the last decade, with executive search metamorphosing from a mere HR support function to becoming a reliable business advisor. Sanjoli gives us the lowdown on the pressing need for diversity and inclusion in leadership roles and the role of technology in reshaping the field.

Episode Highlights

• The evolution of the executive search industry
• How is talent mapping and candidate assessment done for senior-level positions?
• Advice for individuals looking to build a successful career
• The importance of networking and having multiple mentors

Follow Sanjoli on Linkedin

Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast Host: Riddhi Agarwal

About Springworks:

Springworks is a fully-distributed HR technology organisation building tools and products to simplify recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention. The product stack from Springworks includes:

SpringVerify— B2B verification platform

EngageWith— employee recognition and rewards platform that enriches company culture

Trivia — a suite of real-time, fun, and interactive games platforms for remote/hybrid team-building

SpringRole — verified professional-profile platform backed by blockchain, and

SpringRecruit — a forever-free applicant tracking system.

Springworks prides itself on being an organisation focused on employee well-being and workplace culture, leading to a 4.8 rating on Glassdoor for the 200+ employee strength

"Crafting an unbiased interviewing process is an art rooted in understanding human psychology. Addressing this requires interviewers to undergo training, guiding them to pose essential, experience-based questions. The key to eliminating bias lies in standardizing the interview and assessment process, fostering fairness and equality in candidate evaluations."

In this episode of The Shape of Work podcast, prepare to be enthralled by our conversation with Kanika Bains, Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Edelman. Her journey from studying psychology to holding the reins of a marketing team and now acing the hiring game is truly an inspiration. With an extensive professional journey spanning nearly two decades, she boasts a wealth of experience garnered from diverse organizations such as Bennett Coleman and Co, Paytm, Reliance Brands, and more.

In this episode, Kanika advocates for role-based questioning over personal inquisitions and emphasizes the role data and analytics play in shaping recruitment strategies. She gives us a peek into how an Applicant Tracking System can help identify patterns and optimize the hiring process.

Episode Highlights

• Future of work and talent acquisition
• Importance of interview training to eliminate unconscious bias in the recruitment process
• Importance of using recruitment tracking systems to improve hiring outcomes and reduce costs
• Recruitment strategies and networking

Follow Kanika on Linkedin

Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast Host: Riddhi Agarwal

About Springworks:

Springworks is a fully-distributed HR technology organisation building tools and products to simplify recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention. The product stack from Springworks includes:

SpringVerify— B2B verification platform

EngageWith— employee recognition and rewards platform that enriches company culture

Trivia — a suite of real-time, fun, and interactive games platforms for remote/hybrid team-building

SpringRole — verified professional-profile platform backed by blockchain, and

SpringRecruit — a forever-free applicant tracking system.

Springworks prides itself on being an organisation focused on employee well-being and workplace culture, leading to a 4.8 rating on Glassdoor for the 200+ employee strength company.

"Stakeholder engagement is the heartbeat of any successful project. Their involvement, insights, and alignment are integral to seamless progress. Regular communication, robust feedback loops, and inclusive decision-making keep the project's pulse strong."

In today’s episode of The Shape Of Work podcast, join us in an engaging conversation with Jennifer D’souza, Amazon's Human Resource Business Partner. Jennifer has an overall work experience of more than a decade. She has worked at various organisations such as L’amar Natural Products, Asian Paints, and Coty. She did her BMS from S.K Somaiya College of Arts, Science and Commerce, and her EPDHRM from Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

In this episode, Jennifer unpacks her journey and paints a vivid picture of the key competencies required to excel in the dynamic landscape of human resources. Get ready to redefine your understanding of business, communication strategies, relationship building, problem-solving, and the art of leading with empathy.

Episode Highlights

• What are the key skills that an HR professional needs?
• What foundational steps are crucial to ensure a seamless and successful launch of HR projects?
• Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Developing learning agility in the workplace

Follow Jennifer on Linkedin

Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast Host: Riddhi Agarwal

About Springworks:

Springworks is a fully-distributed HR technology organisation building tools and products to simplify recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention. The product stack from Springworks includes:

SpringVerify— B2B verification platform

EngageWith— employee recognition and rewards platform that enriches company culture

Trivia — a suite of real-time, fun, and interactive games platforms for remote/hybrid team-building

SpringRole — verified professional-profile platform backed by blockchain, and

SpringRecruit — a forever-free applicant tracking system.

Springworks prides itself on being an organisation focused on employee well-being and workplace culture, leading to a 4.8 rating on Glassdoor for the 200+ employee strength company.

"Focusing solely on qualifications can exclude valuable talent pools with diverse skill sets and experiences. Embracing skills-based hiring broadens the talent horizon and fuels inclusion."

In this episode of The Shape of Work, get ready to reframe your understanding of the work environment with our guest, Abhineet Tyagi, HR Business Partner at Amazon. Abhineet has an overall work experience of over eight years. He has worked at various organisations such as NIVEA India, Beiersdorf, MPL, etc. He did his B.Tech from SRM University and his MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management.

In this episode, we plunge into the world of data and learning agility, and their integral roles in HR. Abhineet sheds light on how data can be a game-changer in root cause analysis and strategic decision-making.

Episode Highlights

• The importance of understanding stakeholders' needs
• Shifting from qualification-based hiring to skill-based hiring
• How to use data to drive HR strategies?
• Fostering learning agility in a dynamic landscape

Follow Abhineet on Linkedin

Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast Host: Riddhi Agarwal

About Springworks:

Springworks is a fully-distributed HR technology organisation building tools and products to simplify recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention. The product stack from Springworks includes:

SpringVerify— B2B verification platform

EngageWith— employee recognition and rewards platform that enriches company culture

Trivia — a suite of real-time, fun, and interactive games platforms for remote/hybrid team-building

SpringRole — verified professional-profile platform backed by blockchain, and

SpringRecruit — a forever-free applicant tracking system.

Springworks prides itself on being an organisation focused on employee well-being and workplace culture, leading to a 4.8 rating on Glassdoor for the 200+ employee strength company.

"As we navigate the intricate web of generations, we must remember that every strand is vital. Each age group brings its own set of perspectives, a palette of colors that paint the canvas of progress. Casting aside the shadows of preconceived notions, we illuminate the path forward.”

In today’s episode of The Shape of Work podcast, prepare for an enlightening conversation as Anurag Jajoo, HR Business Partner at Amazon, spills his secrets to success in the ever-evolving HR world. Anurag has an overall work experience of close to a decade. He has worked at various organisations such as Credit Suisse, DBS Bank, Ola, etc. He did his B.Tech from COEP Technological University and his Post Graduate Diploma from XLRI Jamshedpur.

In this episode, let’s explore together the profound impact of recognizing and catering to diverse groups within our teams, and how fostering an inclusive environment can allow every individual to truly thrive.

Episode Highlights

• Importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture
• How can companies create an environment that promotes a sense of belonging for all employees?
• How to Bridge generational gaps in the workplace?
• Career growth and self-improvement in a busy work environment

Follow Anurag on Linkedin

Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast Host: Riddhi Agarwal

About Springworks:

Springworks is a fully-distributed HR technology organisation building tools and products to simplify recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention. The product stack from Springworks includes:

SpringVerify— B2B verification platform

EngageWith— employee recognition and rewards platform that enriches company culture

Trivia — a suite of real-time, fun, and interactive games platforms for remote/hybrid team-building

SpringRole — verified professional-profile platform backed by blockchain, and

SpringRecruit — a forever-free applicant tracking system.

Springworks prides itself on being an organisation focused on employee well-being and workplace culture, leading to a 4.8 rating on Glassdoor for the 200+ employee strength company.