Richa Sethi

This article narrates how Growth Mindset Leadership has guided the organization through unprecedented challenges, propel forward thinking, alternative thinking and create people centricity. #growthmindset

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Navigating Workplace Harassment: Awareness and Carefulness for Female Employees Sexual harassment in the workplace is a troubling issue that affects countless women around the world, including in Indian corporates. While legal frameworks like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) exist to protect employees, it is crucial for female employees to be aware of their rights and to take proactive steps to protect themselves. This blog aims to raise awareness and provide guidance on how female employees can navigate and safeguard themselves in the workplace. Real-Life Scenario: A Case Study Meet Asha, a senior software developer at a leading IT firm in Pune. Asha had worked at the company for four years and was known for her dedication and professionalism. However, her situation changed drastically when the company owner, Mr. Kapoor, began making inappropriate comments and advances. The harassment escalated to physical molestation, with Mr. Kapoor touching Asha inappropriately. Asha felt trapped, fearing retaliation and doubting whether her complaint would be taken seriously without hard evidence. Awareness: Know Your Rights You can familiarize yourself with the POSH Act: The POSH Act requires that you form an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in companies with more than 10 employees. This committee is responsible for addressing complaints of sexual harassment. Understand the provisions of the POSH Act, your rights under the law, and the procedures for reporting harassment. Know the Reporting Channels: Identify the designated points of contact for reporting harassment within your organization. This could be a member of the ICC, the HR department, or an external helpline. Carefulness: Proactive Steps for Safety Seek Support from Colleagues: Confide in trusted colleagues or friends within the workplace. Having a support system can provide emotional strength and corroborate your experiences if needed. Set Boundaries: Be clear and assertive in setting personal boundaries. If someone’s behaviour makes you uncomfortable, communicate your discomfort directly and firmly. Avoid Isolated Situations: As much as possible, avoid being alone with individuals who make you uncomfortable, especially in isolated settings like after-hours meetings or social gatherings outside of work. Educate Yourself and Others: Participate in training sessions on workplace harassment and encourage your peers to do the same. Knowledge empowers you to recognize and respond to inappropriate behaviour effectively. Together, we can build workplaces where respect and safety are paramount. If you have faced a similar situation or have insights on how to handle it, please share your experiences. #WorkplaceSafety #SexualHarassment #Empowerment #POSHAct #WorkplaceCulture #Accountability #Support Let's create safer workplaces, one step at a time. 🌟

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Evolution of the #CHRO role in India is an insightful article. Of the trends highlighted in the article, two stand out and make me curious. Firstly, the rise of female CHROs is encouraging, but what is the underlying factor? Is it merit-based hiring or positions set out for women only? Additionally, we should deep dive into the impact of this trend on business performance. The quote, "CEOs and boards expect CHROs to be their proactive and strategic advisors, bringing a 'business ownership' mindset as opposed to focusing only on the HR agenda," should be a wake-up call for all #HumanCapital professionals. Another valuable insight is the underrepresentation of CHROs on #boards. The strategic value of Human Capital professionals goes beyond hiring and retention and is an untapped potential. I hope several people read this article and give CHROs a chance. 😀 #breaktheglassceiling Thank you, Atul and Sachi, for your astute viewpoint.

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Anant Chaturdashi: A Moment for Reflection and Growth As we bid farewell to Lord Ganesha on this Anant Chaturdashi, I’m reflecting on the valuable lessons this 10-day festival teaches us—both personally and professionally. In my role in HR, these lessons deeply resonate with how we build people, culture, and growth within organizations. Embracing New Beginnings: Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, teaches us to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether it's a new hire, a shift in company strategy, or personal development, I’m reminded that every transition brings a chance to evolve. Resilience and Adaptability: Ganesha’s departure symbolizes the impermanence of life, a reminder that change is inevitable—whether it’s in the business landscape or team dynamics. As HR professionals, our role is to help people navigate these changes with resilience, providing support and tools for personal and professional growth. Wishing everyone a blessed Anant Chaturdashi and continued success in all your journeys! 🙏 #AnantChaturdashi #Skill&will #Coaching#Leadership #Resilience

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Recent developments at Poonawalla Fincorp underscore a reality that every leader faces—the complexities of navigating conflicts at the top. While I won't speculate on the specifics, situations like these remind us of the collective responsibility of leadership to foster alignment and trust across the board. Leadership at any level is not about silos; it’s about collaboration. When conflicts arise between key functions, the ripple effects are felt organization-wide— → operations, → impacting morale → even external perception, as seen here. Such scenarios call for: → 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 Every leader has a stake in creating an environment where differences are discussed constructively, not divisively. → 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Misalignment often stems from unclear priorities. Open and honest dialogue is key. → 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 Addressing challenges together ensures decisions are grounded in the organization’s best interests. These moments test not just individuals but leadership as a whole. They are opportunities to model resilience, empathy, and integrity—qualities that ultimately shape the culture of the organization. To all leaders, let this serve as a reminder -> the strength of any team lies in its ability to face challenges together, with a shared commitment to growth and collaboration. #Leadership #Collaboration #OrganizationalCulture

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🎯 The Future of Compensation & Benefits: #Trends for 2025 💬 It was an honor to join SightsIn Plus recent panel discussion alongside industry stalwart Harish Kukreja and our insightful moderator Romesh Srivastava. ✨ Key highlights included: 📈 Emerging Trends in Compensation & Benefits: Staying ahead of shifting workforce needs and market disruptions. 🤖 The Transformative Role of Generative AI: Redefining how we approach rewards, personalizing benefits, and driving efficiencies. 🛠️ Technology's Impact on Total Rewards: Innovative tools are reshaping compensation strategies to enhance employee experience and retention. 🚀 These dynamic shifts challenge HR leaders to rethink traditional reward frameworks and embrace agility to align with future-ready organizations. 🎥 Catch the full #conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gpXNsTS8 🔍 I would love to hear your thoughts—how do you see technology and AI transforming C&B in your organization? #Compensation2025 #TotalRewards #EmployeeBenefits #HRTrends #GenAI

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Empathy-belongingness-AI SHRM India #SHRMTECH24 BYOAI risks, responsible AI Principles...Monalisa Sengupta Empowering, Enabling employees to meet career aspirations, democratizing talent marketplace.... @SanjeevJain Google 3 things organizations need to define- permissions, usage policy, model specs Sachin Gaur very meaningful discussion 👍

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7 powerful hacks to 10x your HR career Employee Experience goes beyond happiness, influencing morale, engagement, and retention. There’s more to it! HR builds a positive EX through streamlined onboarding, competitive benefits, and open communication. Building connections involves fostering a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration – leading to a more enjoyable and productive work environment. But that's not all. Clear strategic alignment ensures employees see how their work contributes to the company's goals. Check out these seven hacks to be a successful HR practitioner and maximise your HR career 10x. Read more about my latest article at: https://shorturl.at/KDcQ5 Peoplestrong Academy #HR #career #hacks #talentmanagement #employeeexperience #engagement #AI #employee #10x PeopleStrong Taggd #PeopleStrong #DEI #data #diversity

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Just wrapped up an epic session last evening with two of the sharpest HR minds I know — Ramesh Soundararajan and Somnath Baishya— where we dove into their book, Thriving on Talent. We brought the real talk on HR, leadership, and everything that’s broken (and fixable) in talent management. Here’s a sneak peek of what we unpacked during the session: ⚡ Why cookie-cutter HR strategies FAIL in the Indian context—and what actually works. ⚡ The capability framework that’ll transform how you think about growth and change. ⚡ How to ditch policy-driven HR and build #humanfirst, experience-driven cultures. ⚡ The secret to balancing #purpose, #profitability, and #people strategies. Their stories, frameworks, and practical advice will make you rethink how HR and leadership should truly function in today’s evolving workscape. Missed the live session? Don’t worry, watch it here: https://lnkd.in/gAYfDM_D Trust me, whether you're in HR, a business leader, or someone who’s passionate about shaping the future of work, this session is a must-watch. Let me know what resonates most with you in the comments! 💬 #Leadership #TalentManagement #HRInsights #FutureOfWork #HR #PeopleStrategy #Leadership #Culture #ThrivingOnTalent #HRTransformation #GrowthMindset #RealTalk #HappinessHabits #HappinessAtWork #OurHappinessMatters

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I recently had the opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking table talk organised by ETHRWorld and Darwinbox on skill-based talent management, and it was a transformative experience. The session shed light on how organisations are evolving from traditional role-based structures to more agile, skill-focused models, ensuring that talent is effectively matched with organizational needs. One of the key insights I gained was the critical role of skill mapping within a skill-based organisation. By identifying and cataloging the specific skills that drive success, companies can deploy talent more flexibly and strategically. For instance, rather than being confined by job titles, employees can contribute to various projects based on their skill sets, leading to more dynamic and innovative outcomes. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also empowers employees to pursue skills that align with their career aspirations and the organization's evolving needs. Moreover, the discussion emphasised the importance of continuous learning. In a skill-based organisation, fostering a culture of ongoing development is essential. This involves providing employees with the tools and resources they need to acquire new skills, stay ahead of industry trends, and adapt to changing market demands. By doing so, companies can maintain a competitive edge while keeping their workforce engaged and motivated. Darwinbox is playing a crucial role in this space by offering a comprehensive platform that supports the transition to skill-based talent management. Their technology enables organisations to effectively map skills, track employee development, and match talent with opportunities in real-time. With Darwinbox, companies can easily identify skill gaps, promote continuous learning, and create a more agile and responsive workforce. Their platform not only streamlines talent management processes but also empowers employees to take charge of their growth and career development. Overall, the table talk highlighted the immense potential of skill-based talent management and how platforms like Darwinbox are driving this transformation. By focusing on skills rather than just roles, organisations can unlock new levels of productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction.

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Many thanks for including me in this insightful article. The diverse perspectives shared by the leaders featured here underscore the importance of understanding and appreciating the unique strengths and challenges faced by each generation in the workplace. I look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration on how to best cultivate the leadership potential of both millennials and Gen Z. #NextGenLeaders #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment"

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𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨. 𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩. Another life lost. 42-year-old Tarun Saxena took his life after enduring severe work pressure and mental distress for 45 sleepless days. His tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the harsh reality many employees face—pressure to meet unrealistic targets under toxic workplace conditions. Workplace stress is not just a side effect of ambition, it’s becoming a killer. This is not the first, nor sadly will it be the last, if we don’t change how we treat our people. I’m deeply disturbed by how easily some organizations push employees to the brink, all in the name of “productivity.” Where is the humanity in that? Too often, incompetent leaders push people to their limits instead of guiding them. Targets become more important than the well-being of the individuals working tirelessly to achieve them. This is a systemic failure that HR, leaders, and organizations at large need to address immediately. HR, the supposed guardian of culture, is frequently reduced to nothing more than paper-pushers. Culture, leadership, and well-being have become words that we say but don’t act upon. We need to shift the conversation from “meeting targets at all costs” to achieving those targets humanely. How? By implementing compassionate leadership, setting realistic goals, and most importantly, creating an environment where employees feel psychologically safe. It’s time to stop glamorizing burnout. Success should never come at the cost of someone’s mental and physical health. Leaders, this is your wake-up call. You are responsible for the well-being of your teams. It’s your duty to eliminate toxic workplace practices and focus on creating psychological safety. When employees are healthy, they are productive. It’s not rocket science. Begin by • Start normalizing conversations around mental health. • Train managers to lead with empathy, not fear. • Foster a culture of feedback, where employees can speak up without fear of retribution. To anyone suffering from extreme workplace stress: 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, and 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧—𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. The aftermath of such a decision leaves your loved ones in a limbo of pain, while those responsible for toxic behaviors go unchallenged. By taking that step, you allow workplace bullies to get away with their actions. 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡-𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜.Your life is far more valuable than any job. https://shorturl.at/jGgaH #MentalHealthMatters #WorkplaceStress #Leadership #PsychologicalSafety #WellBeingAtWork #WorkplaceCulture

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A rather nice thing happened to me last Friday. As we were winding up after completing an employee engagement festive quiz for a corporate client in Kolkata, a senior participant came up to me and said, "Souvik, I really enjoy your quizzes. You ask questions from things that are known to us, yet often unknown to us in some way. I always felt that quizzes were difficult and questions were asked on nerdy subjects, but your quizzes have changed my perceptions. This is the third year you hosted this quiz for us and I have liked them every year. Also, I like the way you encourage the teams to attempt your questions and you look genuinely happy when someone gets it right. Hope to participate in your quiz next year too." Thank you Sir for your nice compliments and I also hope to see you next year. You made my day! As a quizmaster, I have always believed that most questions in a quiz, if not all, should be from topics which majority of the participants have heard of. And, this is something I try to incorporate in every quiz I do. Also, I am REALLY happy when my questions get answered as a correct answer always shows a connect among participants, audience and quizmaster. Thank you Sir for your kind words, they will serve as encouragement for my future quizzes. #Quiz #Quizmaster #TriviaTales #employeeengagement #funatwork #corporatequiz

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As the Indian and global markets face challenges due to elections and geopolitical conflicts, some corporate leaders are quick to blame external factors for their poor performance. Interestingly, these same leaders were quick to take credit for their leadership when external factors were favorable. True leadership means taking responsibility for both the highs and lows, and actively seeking solutions to overcome challenges. Instead of making excuses, leaders should focus on strategizing and leading their teams through difficult times. #Leadership #Accountability #Adaptability #Business #Economy #GlobalMarkets

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What a match to experience and profound learning. Snapshot of my learning. What is yours? Share & Inspire us!

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The essence of respect. One day, a European colleague asked me, "Why do Indian employees fear seniors so much and believe in hierarchy? Perhaps they don't challenge seniors out of fear." While another senior leader was feeling embarrassed and apologetic about it, I explained, "It's not about hierarchy and fear; it's about the respect we give to our elders. We Indians value the knowledge, experience, and contributions of our seniors in our development." To illustrate, I shared a few examples: In India, it's common for young professionals to seek advice from their seniors (mentors), not just for career decisions but also for personal growth. This is similar to how a tree grows strong and tall by drawing nourishment from its deep roots. Our seniors are those roots, providing stability and wisdom. Another example is the traditional Indian family structure. Elders are seen as the pillars of the family, guiding the younger generations with their life experiences. This respect naturally extends to the workplace, where senior colleagues are often treated with the same reverence as family elders. I also recounted a personal story. Early in my career, I faced a challenging project. Instead of struggling alone, I turned to a senior colleague for guidance. His insights, drawn from years of experience, not only helped me overcome the challenges but also taught me valuable lessons in problem-solving and decision-making. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of learning from those who have walked the path before us. In our families and in many Indian companies, it’s customary to touch the feet of elders or keep standing till they seat as a sign of respect. This act, though symbolic, highlights the deep-rooted cultural practice of honoring those who have accumulated wisdom over the years. This doesn't mean we won't challenge their views or tolerate wrongdoing. In fact, it's common for children to disagree with their parents, and the same happens in companies. This cultural aspect shapes our workplace interactions and fosters a deep sense of respect and gratitude. It's a reminder of the rich heritage and values that guide us in both personal and professional spheres. By respecting our seniors and valuing their contributions, we create a collaborative and supportive environment that benefits everyone. It’s a tradition that bridges generations and strengthens our community. In similar incident, Indian chess masters Gukesh D and R Praggnanandhaa are earning global acclaim for their recent international achievements. In a viral video, the young grandmasters shared the stage with their mentor, Viswanathan Anand, and displayed a heartwarming gesture of respect by standing up as Anand rose to speak. This moment underscores the deep reverence and gratitude they hold for their mentor. https://lnkd.in/dzE96Ca7 #Respect #WorkCulture #Leadership #IndianValues #Mentorship #CulturalHeritage

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Along with my colleague Bhaskar Das, I facilitated a client workshop with their top team. The HR head is a keen OD practitioner as well, and was (as per his note) learning from us along the way. Facilitation skills are learnt over time and each of us need to develop our own style. But some core concepts are useful to remember. At Think Talent Services, we tend to use some principles in facilitation, as in much of our Talent Management work. 1. The Carl Roger's philosophy : Help the helpee help themselves. (Our translation: Any individual or team must set their own agenda and actions, and work through the path themselves, with some nudges and insights from facilitators) 2. The Flow Model : Happiness comes from a deep immersion in one's work and challenges, and should be in the zone of stretch capability. (Our translation: The individual's or team's capability is a key ingredient in the equation of optimal performance, and must be examined with an clinical eye of external facilitators. There is no point in taking any team down a garden path) 3. The facilitator must first think of the client and the effectiveness/outcome of their work than creating an impression of goodness only. (Our translation: Sometimes facilitators can get caught in their own worldview, survival needs and the need to be appreciated as a facilitator, and can lose the larger purpose) We work with many clients and have a pool of great facilitators who work as part of our extended team. They all have their own styles, akin to leadership. There is no one facilitation style, one has to learn to develop one's own style and be comfortable with it. Not all those who come across you as a facilitator will 'like' that style, and many will love it, and find it useful. So choosing one's own path as a facilitator and coach is key to effectiveness. Here is a video about different styles of "orchestrating". This is one of my favourites and has helped me learn a lot in working with teams, as a leader, and as a facilitator. #facilitation #leadership #topteams Saurav R Mohanty Supreet Malhotra Rustom Vesavevala Shivin Tikoo Bhaskar Das Joe Chacko https://lnkd.in/gK3iq9Wm

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An Inspirational Tale of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar: A Beacon of Leadership As we navigate through our professional and personal journeys, it's imperative to draw inspiration from leaders who have made a lasting impact on society. One such leader is Perunthalaivar Kamarajar, whose life and work continue to inspire generations. Kamarajar, known as the “Kingmaker” and the architect of Tamil Nadu’s development, rose from humble beginnings. Born into a poor family, he faced numerous challenges, yet his determination and vision led him to become one of India's most revered leaders. His dedication to education was unparalleled. Kamarajar understood that the key to uplifting society lay in empowering the youth through education. He revolutionized the education system by introducing the mid-day meal scheme, which not only increased school enrollment but also addressed malnutrition among children. His efforts ensured that even the most underprivileged children had access to quality education. His leadership was characterized by simplicity, integrity, and a deep sense of service. Kamarajar’s contributions extended beyond education; he was instrumental in developing infrastructure, improving agriculture, and promoting industrial growth in Tamil Nadu. His selfless service and visionary policies laid the foundation for the state’s progress, making it a model for others to follow. Kamarajar's life teaches us the importance of resilience, empathy, and commitment to the greater good. His story is a reminder that true leadership is not about power or position, but about making a difference in the lives of others. As we strive to achieve our goals, let us remember the values that Kamarajar stood for and strive to emulate his dedication to service and excellence. We are incredibly thankful to have had such a leader, whose legacy continues to inspire us to build a better future for the generations to come. #Leadership #Kingmaker #Agriculture #Infrastructure #PerunthalaivarKamarajar #resilience #simplicity #integrity #QualityEducation

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