Vantage Influencers Podcast

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