This episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast features Shabana's engaging conversation with Sri Lak Jayathma, Lead – Employee Relations & Compensation, Al Fardan Exchange LLC, UAE, on the evolving dynamics of returning to office.  

The discussion peels back layers on the real motivations driving the return-to-office push and explores shifting power balances between employers and employees. It delves into how workplaces might adapt work models for productivity, flexibility, and collaboration amid evolving employee expectations.

Sri Lak also casts an intriguing gaze toward the future, pondering whether a fully flexible work environment or traditional office setups will prevail. 

Host of the episode: Shabana Shahnaz

This episode of Vantage Influencers Podcast, featuring Andreas Binnmyr, Director of HR Transformation, Strategy, and Digital HR, EY, explores the concept of the "Netflix of HR," which refers to hyper-personalized employee experiences powered by AI, people analytics, and innovative technology. They emphasize the shift from traditional one-size-fits-all HR approaches to individualized, data-driven HR solutions that enhance internal mobility, career development, and productivity. Andreas highlights the importance of business alignment, governance, and change management for successful HR transformation through hyper-personalization.

We often hear people say “HR is evolving.” But when you really zoom into moments of big change like rapid growth, layoffs, restructures, or mergers, it’s clear that HR’s role isn’t just evolving, it’s being tested. And maybe even redefined. The expectations placed on HR go way beyond policies and payroll now. They’re expected to lead through ambiguity, navigate emotional waters, and still keep everything moving forward. 

So, in this episode, we’re diving into what it truly means to lead HR in times of change. Not just from a strategic lens, but from a deeply human one. 

Joining me is Amrita Singh, Head of HR – Infotainment (JV) at Uno Minda. With rich experience across fast-paced, high-impact environments, she brings a grounded perspective on what it takes to steer people, culture, and processes through complexity while still keeping empathy at the center. 

For years, HR has often been seen as the department that enforces policies, handles compliance, and occasionally gets blamed for saying 'no' too often. But that perception? It’s evolving and so is the impact HR has on business. 

In today’s episode, we’re digging into a conversation that’s long overdue: HR as a business enabler. What does it really mean to move beyond policy policing and step into a role that drives business strategy, growth, and innovation? 

To explore this transformation, we’re joined by Shiroz Hamid, Human Resources Manager at Bukhatir Group, who brings a grounded, real-world perspective on how HR can move from the sidelines to the strategic core of an organization. 

Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z don’t just want a job with good pay and benefits.  They’re looking for a more holistic experience. One that aligns with their values, supports their lifestyle, and, most importantly, makes them feel valued as individuals. 

This shift is forcing companies to rethink traditional rewards structures. So, having a conversation on this shift is important and that’s exactly what we will explore in this episode. 

Joining me is Ravi Shankar Singh, Head HR & L&D Retail at Lifestyle International Pvt. Ltd. He brings a wealth of experience and insight into how organizations can evolve their total rewards strategies to meet the expectations of today’s workforce, especially Gen Z.

In this episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast, Dr. Frank Gonzalez, Director of Culture, Opportunity, and Belonging at Yum! Brands explore the impact of unconscious bias on DEIB initiatives. We’ll take a deep dive into how unconscious bias shapes everything from organizational culture to decision-making and discuss how training and adopting new tools can raise awareness and address these biases, as progressive organizations work to strengthen their DEIB efforts. 

We talk a lot about high-performing teams, but are we measuring performance the right way? With evolving workplaces and shifting employee expectations, do traditional metrics like KPIs and performance reviews still reflect real success? 

Maybe it’s time for a fresh approach—one that goes beyond numbers and focuses on culture, collaboration, and individual strengths. So, how do we build teams that don’t just meet targets but truly thrive? 

To break it down, I’m joined by Shiva Sharma, People and Culture Advisor at Superbolter. Shiva brings deep expertise in shaping workplace cultures that drive both individual and team excellence. Let’s dive in!  

Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia 

In this episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast, Vineet Kumar, Regional Manager and Human Resources at AL Rashed Food Company, explores non-monetary motivators for keeping employees engaged. From recognizing achievements in meaningful ways to creating opportunities for growth and leadership, we'll uncover the powerful elements that can inspire greater commitment and passion among teams beyond paychecks.  

What makes a CHRO truly exceptional? Is it their ability to manage people and policies, or is it something more like shaping company culture, driving business strategy, and ensuring employees feel heard and valued? 

Today’s top HR leaders aren’t just enforcing policies, they’re shaping the future of work. They’re the bridge between business goals and people’s needs. But again, being a great CHRO isn’t easy. It takes vision, resilience, and the ability to lead through constant change. 

That’s exactly why we bring you this episode. Our guest, Vinod Bidwaik, knows what it takes to excel in this role. As the CHRO and Group Director of Human Resources, People & Culture at AP Globale & Sakal Media Group, he has led HR transformations that put people at the center while keeping business goals in focus. 

Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia

Timestamps

(02:10) Vinod shares his professional journey so far.  

(07:54) He goes on to share a defining moment in his career that shaped his leadership in HR. 

(14:43) Balancing business goals with people-centric decisions- how Vinod navigates this HR challenge. 

(23:37) The key business acumen skills every HR leader needs to stay ahead. 

(29:48) The toughest cultural challenge he has faced and how he tackled it. 

(38:42) How AI and tech are reshaping the CHRO role. 

 (42:20) Vinod’s one key piece of advice for aspiring CHROs—what he wishes he had known earlier. 

Every year, thousands of young professionals step out of college with degrees in hand, eager to start their careers. But the transition from classroom learning to the fast-paced demands of the corporate world isn’t always smooth, we all know it. Employers often say that fresh graduates lack real-world skills, while graduates feel that companies are expecting way too much, too soon. So where does the disconnect really lie? And more importantly, how do we bridge this gap to ensure that young talent is equipped, confident, and truly workforce-ready? 

To help us unpack these questions, we’ve invited a seasoned HR leader for this episode- Nishant Kalra, Group CHRO at JTEKT India, who has seen this challenge from both sides. With extensive experience in talent management and workforce strategies, Nishant has worked closely with young professionals and knows exactly what it takes to transform fresh graduates into high-performing employees.

Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia

Timestamps

(02:20) Nishant shares his professional journey so far.  

(03:40) He discusses the biggest gap between fresh graduates’ expectations and workplace reality. 

(06:37) Do fresh grads really lack real-world skills, or are companies expecting too much? Nishant breaks it down. 

(09:32) The most common soft skill gaps and how to improve them. 

(12:27) Gen Z’s workplace priorities, do they clash with employer needs? 

(14:46) Are internships and gig work enough? Nishant shares his perspective on what’s still missing. 

(16:50) Key piece of advice for fresh graduates stepping into their first job.