share on
She talks about the need for L&D to look beyond capability gaps, to prepare people and organisations for future business needs.
Shibani Priyadarshini’s (pictured above) approach to people and development is grounded in a simple belief: people grow when they feel seen, heard, and trusted. She is passionate about creating environments where meaningful experiences, reflection, and real-world application enable individuals and teams to realise their full potential.
As APAC Organisational Development Director at Novo Nordisk, Shibani partners with senior business and people leaders across Asia Pacific to build future-ready organisations and talent pipelines.
With more than 16 years of experience spanning organisational development, talent management, leadership development, and transformation, she helps organisations translate future business ambitions into the structures and leadership capabilities needed to deliver them.
In this interview with Emily Chong-Gupta, ahead of her session at Learning & Development Asia 2026 – Singapore, Shibani shares the L&D principle that has shaped her approach, the mentor who influenced her perspective, the organisational signals she has learned to spot, and why she believes organisations need to build tomorrow’s capabilities today.
Q Which L&D principle has most influenced how you help others or yourself learn best?
Learning happens through experiences and reflection, not just content consumption. I have found that people grow fastest when they are given meaningful challenges, encouraged to reflect on those experiences, and supported in translating these insights into action.
Q Who has been a mentor or coach to you personally, and what is a timeless lesson they taught you?
Aruna Gopakumar, my supervisor in Transactional Analysis, has been an important mentor in my journey. One of the most enduring lessons she taught me is applying an "I am OK, You're OK" lens to all situations.
It reminds me to see people with respect, and compassion, while holding the belief that everyone has value and potential.
Q What is an unexpected or interesting skill you have picked up that colleagues may not know about?
I have developed a knack for spotting patterns and connecting seemingly unrelated organisational signals to underlying culture or leadership challenges. Over time, I have learned that organisational dynamics often reveal themselves through small cues long before they become visible in the data.
Q In fewer than 10 words, what is your number one motto for helping people and teams grow?
People grow when they feel seen, heard and trusted.
Q A quick preview of your session at Learning & Development Asia: What is the one key takeaway you hope attendees will gain?
I hope attendees leave with the conviction that learning and development should be driven by future business needs, not just current capability gaps.
The most effective organisations build capabilities required for the opportunities they expect tomorrow, not just the ones they face today.
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 Emily Chong-Gupta. 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 talent solutions and products that you'd like to showcase, you’ll fit right into this event. To learn how you can sponsor, please reach out to a member of our team now!
Photo / Provided
share on
