Kanpur, December 14, 2024, Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania Institute of Management and Research (GHS-IMR), a leading business school committed to excellence in management education, proudly hosted its 8th National HR Conclave HumanOurce-2024, on its vibrant campus. The conclave brought together alumni and industry leaders for an insightful discussion on this year’s theme: “HR Evolution: Leadership in Transition.”
The event was designed to emphasize the growing importance of evolving leadership practices in HR to adapt to the shifting landscape of business and workforce dynamics. As organizations grapple with transitions and unprecedented challenges, the conclave aimed to shed light on the pivotal role of HR leaders in driving change, fostering innovation, and navigating complex transformations in the modern workplace.
Inaugural Session
The inaugural session began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by all the dignitaries. In his welcome speech, Dr. (Prof.) Rahul Goyal, Director (GHS-IMR), said that a proactive approach we could look into the future and drive benefits from there. Time is a witness that organizations which could anticipate the prospect could only turn the table. The current scenario for boosting the eagerly awaited industrial growth summit theme is very relevant and will give the needed directionality shaping the HR Strategy for the organizations.
The keynote addresses set the tone for the conclave. Mr. Shubhank Gupta, Director of Vertical Dimension, discussed how HR leaders must embrace digital transformation to stay competitive. “In today’s business world, the ability to adapt and lead through change is no longer optional but a necessity,” he said, underscoring the value of agility and innovation in HR practices.
Expert Insights
The event featured a dynamic panel of eminent HR professionals who shared their expertise and experiences:
- Anchal Anand, an experienced HR manager and HR consultant, emphasized the transformative role of strategic HR planning in achieving organizational success. She highlighted how aligning HR practices with evolving business objectives ensures resilience and adaptability in a competitive environment. Ms. Anand stressed that proactive workforce planning, talent management, and a focus on employee development are critical for creating value-driven organizations capable of navigating challenges and seizing emerging opportunities in dynamic markets.
- Ankur Gupta, HR Manager, Aditya Birla L&D shared valuable insights into effective workforce transition strategies in the context of rapid global and technological disruptions. He emphasized the importance of fostering adaptability within teams, leveraging technology to streamline transitions, and ensuring clear communication to minimize uncertainties. Mr. Gupta highlighted that proactive planning and reskilling initiatives are crucial for helping organizations and employees thrive amid evolving business landscapes and industry transformations.
- Chandni Srivastava, a talent acquisition expert at Deloitte, highlighted the evolving expectations of modern employees,
- emphasizing the shift towards workplaces that prioritize well-being, flexibility, and inclusivity. She stressed that organizations must adopt a people-centric approach by fostering a culture of trust, providing growth opportunities, and ensuring work-life balance. Ms. Srivastava underlined that aligning workplace practices with employee aspirations is essential for attracting and retaining top talent in today’s competitive market.
- Manoj Srivastava, HR Manager at Superhouse Ltd., addressed the complexities of managing diverse teams in the evolving hybrid work environment. He emphasized the importance of effective leadership in fostering collaboration and maintaining productivity across geographically dispersed teams. Highlighting challenges such as communication barriers and varying cultural perspectives, Mr. Srivastava underscored the need for empathetic leadership, clear goal-setting, and leveraging technology to ensure seamless operations and employee engagement in hybrid settings.
- Kuldeep Pathak, an experienced HR professional from Lohia Group, emphasized the critical need for reskilling and upskilling in today’s era of rapid technological advancements. He highlighted how evolving technologies are transforming job roles, making continuous learning a necessity for both employees and organizations. Mr. Pathak advocated for proactive training programs that equip the workforce with relevant skills, enabling them to adapt to emerging trends and maintain a competitive edge in dynamic industries.
- Anil Singh, Senior HR Manager at Pepsico, delved into the evolving dynamics of performance management systems in today’s digitally empowered workplaces. He emphasized the role of advanced tools and analytics in providing real-time feedback, setting clear goals, and tracking employee performance effectively. Mr. Singh highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, where digital innovations enable personalized development plans and drive enhanced productivity and employee engagement.
- Farhan Ahmed, HR Manager at RSPL, offered valuable insights into cultivating a culture of innovation and inclusion within organizations. He emphasized that fostering creativity through open communication and diverse perspectives drives innovative solutions and competitive advantage. Mr. Ahmed highlighted the role of inclusive practices in building cohesive teams, where every individual feels valued. He stressed that combining innovation with inclusion not only enhances employee engagement but also ensures long-term, sustainable organizational growth.
Interactive Sessions
The event also included interactive sessions with students and faculty, providing an opportunity for aspiring HR professionals to engage directly with the experts. Participants posed questions about emerging trends, career growth, and overcoming challenges in the HR field. The experts offered practical advice, motivating students to stay proactive and adaptable in their professional journeys.
Alumni Engagement
HumanOurce-2024 served as a vibrant platform to honor and celebrate the remarkable achievements of GHS-IMR alumni, who have made significant strides in the HR domain. Their notable contributions, spanning diverse industries, underscored the institute’s legacy of producing impactful leaders. The alumni’s presence at the conclave offered students invaluable insights into real-world challenges and opportunities in HR. By sharing their journeys, they not only showcased the immense potential for growth in the field but also motivated the current batch to strive for excellence. Their experiences highlighted how dedication, adaptability, and continuous learning can lead to meaningful and transformative careers.
Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments
In their closing remarks, Prof. Anmol Chopra, Summit Chair, and Prof. Smriti Saxena, Co-Summit Chair, extended heartfelt thanks to the esteemed guests, alumni, and participants for their active and enthusiastic participation. They reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to nurturing a learning ecosystem that seamlessly integrates academic concepts with real-world industry practices. The success of HumanOurce-2024 highlighted GHS-IMR’s role as a pioneer in the HR field, promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
