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The Global HR Innovation & Strategy and AI Catalyst at Bayer says a good day at work is not measured by how busy it is, but by what has been built.
For Sundara Srinivas (pictured above), Global HR Innovation & Strategy and AI Catalyst at Bayer, a good day at work is not measured by how busy it is, but by what has been built.
I am a ‘builder’ at heart.
She describes how much of her professional energy comes from creating and shaping. That could mean building a product, designing an experience, developing new ideas, or refining existing initiatives so that people and the organisation can grow. The act of building something that helps others move forward gives her genuine joy.
Sustaining that drive, however, requires strong support systems. While many employees look to HR for guidance, Sundara is candid about the need for leaders to have their own circles of support. For her, that means people she can be fully herself with, without judgement, and who offer thoughtful listening and perspective. At the same time, she notes that as you grow in the organisation, your internal choices become more limited, and you need more support mechanisms outside the organisation.
Looking ahead to her session at #TalentMobility, Sundara tells Mary Ann Bundukin that she believes the future will be unpredictable and fast. She urges HR leaders to approach it with curiosity and to challenge long-held assumptions about talent mobility, taking shared ownership in shaping what comes next.
Q What does a “good day” at work look like for you, that kind of day that reminds you why you love what you do in HR?
I am a 'builder' at heart. It comes from my background, passions and interests which also reflects on how I enjoy a work day. A good day at work is where I 'build' something. Could be building a product , an experience, a set of ideas or iterate on topics which helps people & organisation move, grow, and get better. This gives me pure joy.
Q People often turn to HR for support, but who or what helps you recharge and stay inspired?
We all need our support mechanisms at work, outside of work and at home to keep ourselves sane and balanced. Support for me, always comes from people who I can be myself with — no judgements, good listening and thoughtful perspective sharing. I have identified people who help me with this. At the same time, as you grow in the organisation, your internal choices get more limited and you need more support mechanisms outside of the organisation.
Q If you could describe your leadership philosophy in three words, what would they be, and how do these guide your approach to developing mobile, future-ready teams?
Humility, curiosity and determination. For me, in any situation or period of change, using these principles as a North Star has helped me grow and thrive, while also setting an example for my team to role model.
Q As a speaker at #TalentMobility, what is the key message you hope attendees will take away from your session?
The world that lies ahead is going to be very unpredictable, very fast and sometimes scary. Approach it with curiosity and willingness. Let go of some of our tightly held ideas from the past so you can move towards the future. When you close your eyes and think about talent mobility, challenge the first words and ideas that come to mind, as many of them may not reflect what it will become going forward . What we do know is we all need to think this together to accelerate (this shift). Let's shape it together and own our place as HR to do so.
Human Resources Online is proud to host the 12th edition of our annual Talent Mobility conference – an exclusive event that brings together senior workforce mobility and HR professionals to discuss the latest trends and strategies in global mobility space. It will be taking place on 4 March in Singapore. You can find out more about the event here.
I want to attend the conference: If you're keen to attend this closed-door conference, kindly register your interest here. For speaking opportunities, please write in to Mary Ann Bundukin. We look forward to welcoming you!
I want to sponsor: Engage in meaningful dialogue through dedicated speaking slots, roundtable discussions, and at your booths! If your organisation provides any mobility talent solutions and products, you’ll fit right into this event. To learn how you can sponsor, please reach out to a member of our team now!
Lead image / Provided
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