Vantage Influencers Podcast

We often hear organizations say they're investing more in people, better pay, broader benefits, and more perks on paper. Yet burnout and disengagement are still everywhere. Somewhere between what's offered and how employees actually feel, something isn't landing. That's where I want to start today, by exploring what's missing and what needs to change for total rewards to truly support well-being. To help us explore this, Meera Mohandas, India Head of Rewards at Wipro, joins me. She's someone who works closely with rewards in practice, so I am very sure that her perspective will bring a very real, on-the-ground view.  Host of this Episode- Sanjeevani Saikia

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, Aatmada Singh, Total Rewards Leader at Visteon Corporation, shares practical insights on how AI is transforming total rewards into a more personalized and employee-centric experience. The conversation explores how organizations can use data, automation, and intelligent HR systems to move beyond standardized reward models and design offerings that truly align with individual employee needs. 

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, Jeri Doris, Chief People Officer at Just Works, shares valuable insights on how motherhood and marathons shape compassionate leadership in HR. The conversation delves into the personal experiences that inspire empathy, resilience, and a people-first approach to leadership. Jeri discusses how these life lessons influence her leadership style, fostering a culture of support, understanding, and growth within organizations, ultimately enhancing employee well-being and engagement. 

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, Karie Willyerd, Head of Strategic Engagements at GP Strategies Corporation, shares valuable insights on how AI transformations can be aligned with organizational goals. The conversation delves into the key strategies organizations can adopt to ensure AI adoption enhances overall business performance, culture, and employee engagement. 

The more we look at how work is evolving, the more obvious it becomes that tech isn't just something HR uses anymore. It's basically shaping decisions, workflows, and even culture in real time. And HRBPs are kind of right at the crossroads of all of this. Their role has shifted from being mostly people-focused to this really interesting mix of strategy, data fluency, and emotional intelligence.  For this episode, I'm joined by Jessie Lloyd Roberts, Head of Talent Development at Nextdoor. She's someone who is living that evolution up close and has a front-row view of how the HRBP role is being redefined from the inside. Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia

We talk a lot about fairness at work, equal opportunities, unbiased pay, all the right things. But somehow, even with all the progress and policies, the numbers still tell a different story. The pay gap lingers quietly, but persistently.  And it really makes us wonder, if we already have audits, data, and so many conversations around pay equity, what's still holding organizations back from closing the gap for good?  To dive into that and a lot more, I'm joined by Arshiya Singh, Director of Global Compensation at Boston Consulting Group. 

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, Kriti Mehrotra, Senior Lead – Total Rewards at Synamedia, shares practical insights on how Total Rewards strategies are evolving to meet the demands of hybrid and remote work. The conversation explores how organizations are rethinking compensation, benefits, well-being, recognition, and flexibility to remain relevant in a distributed workforce. The speaker explains how modern Total Rewards programs can balance personalization with fairness, align with changing employee expectations, and support long-term engagement and retention.  

Acquisitions look great on paper. But most of them fail where it actually matters-people, culture, and execution. And that's where HR is usually brought in too late. More as a support function, not a strategic one.   Today's conversation is about flipping that narrative.  We're talking about why HR should lead integration and performance after an acquisition.  Joining us for this conversation is Maher Sabbagh, Head of Human Resources and People & Culture Advisor at AmicaVerse. With deep experience across acquisitions, integration, and culture-led transformations, Maher has worked closely with leadership teams to turn complex people challenges into performance outcomes 

For a long time, HR has been seen as the function that manages policies and paperwork. But what if HR could actually influence how fast a business grows, how well teams perform, and how sustainable that growth really is? As expectations from HR continue to rise, the real question is: what needs to change for HR to move from a support role to a business growth driver? To unpack this shift, I'm joined by Kareem Galal, a senior HR and Organizational Development leader with over 17 years of experience across the Middle East. 

In this episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast, we will be discussing HR's real role in acquisitions, not as a support function, but as a strategic force driving integration, culture, and performance turnarounds.  Host Shabana is joined by Maher Sabbagh, a leader who has not only witnessed acquisitions, but also led people transformations across some of the most complex markets in the world.  This episode unpacks HR's true influence in making or breaking acquisitions from early involvement and cultural integration to rebuilding trust during uncertainty. Drawing from real-world turnaround experiences, we explore how HR aligns leadership, manages tough people decisions, and accelerates post-acquisition performance.

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, Host Shabana is joined by Srijith Nair, who draws on nearly three decades of his professional experience, and busts the most prominent myths about 'leadership' in the corporate world. Whether you're an HR leader or a decision-maker, this episode offers actionable insights to optimize your leadership strategy and drive success within your organization. Tune in for expert advice on designing leadership structures that propel your business forward!

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, Pooja Malhotra, Head HR India at StoneX Group Inc., shares practical insights on how employee feedback can be leveraged to shape effective policies and enhance engagement. She discusses the growing importance of structured feedback systems in understanding employee needs, building trust, and creating policies that reflect real workplace realities. Pooja Malhotra explains how feedback-driven decision-making can strengthen HR practices, improve the employee experience, and drive sustainable engagement, offering actionable insights for HR leaders and decision-makers looking to create more responsive, people-centric organizations. 

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, Kiran Steven, COE - Talent Management at Jockey & Speedo, shares valuable insights on how leadership architecture is a key driver of organizational success. He discusses the critical role of designing effective leadership models that foster a strong company culture, enhance decision-making, and build high-performing teams. Kiran Steven highlights how leadership architecture can transform HR practices and drive long-term success within organizations, offering actionable advice for HR leaders looking to optimize leadership frameworks and achieve sustainable growth. 

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, John Sansoucie, Chairman and CEO of CogNet, shares valuable insights on how back office outsourcing is quietly redefining the way HR teams work. He discusses the significant impact of outsourcing non-core HR functions, enabling HR leaders to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and focus on more strategic priorities. John highlights how this shift is transforming HR practices and driving long-term success in organizations, offering actionable advice for HR leaders looking to leverage outsourcing for a more effective and impactful HR function. 

We're talking about burnout in healthcare, not just the long hours and exhaustion we always hear, but the deeper layers that often go unnoticed. And more importantly, how resilience can move from being a crisis response to something that's genuinely built into the culture.  To help us explore this, I'm joined by someone who's been closely involved in understanding these challenges and supporting those on the front lines — Dr. Amit Singh, Chief Human Resources Officer, CARE Hospitals 

Frontline hiring has always been fast-paced, but lately it feels like we're in the middle of a complete reset. Candidates are choosing jobs differently, expectations are shifting, and the old playbooks really aren't holding up anymore. Even with better tools, more data, and smarter strategies, companies are still struggling to attract and keep frontline talent. So clearly, something deeper is going on beneath the surface.  And to break this down with us, I'm joined by someone who's been watching these changes unfold in real time, Trent Cotton, Head of Talent Acquisition Insights & Analyst Relations at iCIMS. 

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, David Hanrahan, Senior Vice President of People Success at SolarWinds, shares valuable insights on how embedding mental health into company culture drives business success and long-term resilience. He discusses how HR leaders can create a supportive environment that enhances employee engagement, productivity, and overall organizational well-being. David highlights the critical role of prioritizing mental health in fostering a thriving workforce and building resilience in today's dynamic business landscape. 

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, Jason Desentz, Chief Human Resource Officer at Toshiba, shares valuable insights on how listening, learning, and vulnerability help build trust in HR leadership. He discusses how HR leaders can foster deeper connections with their teams and navigate change with empathy and authenticity. With his vast experience in leading HR functions globally, Jason emphasizes the critical role of active listening, continuous learning, and vulnerability in developing leadership that inspires trust and collaboration in today's fast-evolving work environment. 

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, Shubhra Singh, Head HRBP – Global Business at Sonata Software, shares insights on the skills leaders need to stay relevant in the age of transformation. She discusses how leaders can stay credible and human as technology, teams, and business expectations continue to shift. With her extensive experience in shaping global people strategies, Shubhra highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and emotional intelligence in future-ready leadership.

Mentoring and coaching, two words often used interchangeably, yet they shape workplace culture in profoundly different ways. When you look closer, the nuances reveal powerful insights into how organizations can drive equity, nurture belonging, and boost retention. To dive into this layered conversation, I'm joined by Lindiwe Davis, Google's Culture Coach and a podcaster who's spent years guiding leaders and teams to build inclusive, thriving workplace cultures. With her expertise and passion for people, we explore how intentional mentoring and coaching can spark real, lasting change. Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, Surobheet Bhowmik, an HR leader with a decade of cross-industry experience, shares his insights on building a talent strategy that aligns with business goals. He discusses how HR leaders can bridge the gap between people, performance, and purpose to drive sustainable growth. Holding experiences across MNCs, Indian conglomerates, and high-growth startups, Surobheet highlights how aligning talent priorities with organizational vision can create a more agile, high-performing workforce. 

Whenever we talk about the future of work, technology almost always takes center stage, AI, data, automation, all of it. But there's one important question: if everything becomes digital, then where does the human side of work fit in? Because at the end of the day, what makes work meaningful isn't just the tools we use, it's how we feel, how we connect, and how we grow.  And that's exactly what we're exploring today: how do we build a workplace that's digitally enabled, but still deeply human?  Joining us for this conversation is someone who knows this balance inside out- Sangeeta Shetty, Head of People & Culture (HR) – Global Practice & Delivery at Ascendion.  Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia

HR is more than just policies and paperwork—it's about people, purpose, and performance coming together to create workplaces where everyone wants to show up.   Joining host Shabana in this episode is Ayesha Tallat, Founder of LinkedUp, sharing how a human-first HR approach transforms workplace culture, boosts engagement, and drives real business results. Discover how recognition, empathy, and agile leadership are reshaping the future of work.  Tune in to learn practical strategies from a seasoned HR leader with 17+ years of experience across multinationals, startups, and family businesses in the Middle East, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia. Ayesha blends sharp business strategy with deep human connection—proving that when people feel valued, performance follows.   Host: Shabana Shahnaz Guest: Ayesha Tallat, HR visionary, fractional HR partner, and career coach, passionate about building workplaces where people truly want to show up. 

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, Courtney King, Senior Vice President of People & Culture at BeatBox, discusses how recognition plays a crucial role in scaling company culture without losing its authenticity. She shares how HR leaders can drive growth while preserving core values during periods of hyper-growth, ensuring culture stays strong from the inside out. 

You know, we often talk about company culture like it's this one big, unified thing. But the reality inside most organizations is way more nuanced. Sometimes, what you feel in one team is completely different from what you'd experience in another, even though they're technically part of the same company. That's where the idea of micro-culture becomes really interesting—and honestly, really important.  So, to dive deeper into this, I'm really excited because today we have with us Rashi Ramani, Head of Human Resources at Care Insurance. She's someone who has seen these dynamics play out firsthand, and I think her perspective on how micro-cultures form, evolve, and even sometimes turn toxic is going to be super insightful.  Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia

Dive into the fast-evolving world of learning in the Middle East, where diverse cultures meet cutting-edge technology. This episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast features our guest, Parth Sachdeva, Assistant Manager of Learning and Development at Americana Restaurants. Our host, Shabana, in conversation with Parth, discovers how companies are breaking barriers to build powerful, adaptable learning programs that spark growth, ignite mentorship, and prepare talent for the future—across borders and beyond expectations.

Step inside a candid conversation that unpacks the high-stakes world of Pay Transparency—where trust, power, and reputations hang in the balance.   Join our host, Shabana in talks with our guest, Debolina Bhattacharya, a Senior Talent Acquisition Manager from BETSOL, as they peel back the layers of what it really takes to open the books on compensation without triggering chaos.   From bold company experiments to hidden fears and game-changing strategies, this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast reveals why the future of fair pay is both a challenge and an opportunity you can't afford to ignore. Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about compensation transparency.

You know, starting a new job used to mean getting your laptop, a quick orientation, and maybe a few awkward intros over coffee. But now? Onboarding has become a whole different game, especially in a world where remote work, AI tools, and culture-first thinking are reshaping the employee experience from Day One. So today, we're diving into what great onboarding actually looks like in 2025. What's changed, what matters more than ever, and how companies can get it right. And to unpack all of this with me is Aakash Thakur, Managing Director & CEO, TheHRBP Consulting & Advisory someone who's been in the HR space for years and brings some rich, real-world insight into what employees truly need when they're just getting started. Host of this Episode: Sanjeevani Saikia

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, HR Head 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.   

In this episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast, Sarah Katherine Schmidt, Vice President of Customer Experience at Peoplelogic, shares her insights on the transformative power of data into guiding strategic decisions. Tapping into insightful data allows companies to anticipate outcomes and drive decisions that keep them ahead in the race for top talent and operational excellence. 

You know that feeling when you step into your first job, excited and ready to take on the world, only to realize that things aren't exactly how you imagined? The rules aren't always written down, success isn't just about how good you are at your work, and handling feedback can sometimes feel more personal than professional. And let's not even get started on the whole work-life balance thing because, honestly, does anyone really figure it out early on? That's precisely why I feel conversations like these are important. Because instead of learning all of this the hard way, what if we could get a head start? What if someone can guide us while we navigate the ups and downs of the corporate world.   With that in mind, we bring you this episode—"Corporate Survival Guide: What They Don't Teach in College." And to help us unpack it all, we have Kriti Sarna, Senior Associate Consultant – Human Capital Solutions at AON. 

In this podcast episode, Ian O'Keefe, a leader in people analytics, discusses the transformative role of data, AI, and organizational network analysis in the modern workplace. With experience at Amazon, JP Morgan, Google, and more, Ian shares his journey from human capital consulting to leading analytics teams at top firms. He explores how data-driven decision-making enhances employee experience, retention, and business outcomes. Through real-world examples, Ian highlights the intersection of psychology, technology, and workforce analytics in shaping the future of work.

The world of Learning & Development (L&D) is evolving fast, bringing both new opportunities and challenges. We all want training programs that truly engage learners and leave a lasting impact. But let me be honest, sometimes, it feels like we're just throwing information out there, hoping something sticks.  That's why I find the idea of gamification and microlearning so fascinating. But I have some basic questions   Could they be the game-changers we've been looking for? Do they actually work together to create better learning experiences? That's exactly what we're diving into today!  And to help us with this, I'm thrilled to welcome Sahar Khan, Assistant General Human Resources Manager at BMW Group. Sahar brings a wealth of experience  and today, she'll help us explore the real impact of gamification and microlearning.    Timestamps (02:00) Sahar shared her corporate journey so far. (03:11) Why do gamification and micro-learning make such a perfect duo for learning and development? (06:18) The magic behind gamification, how it makes learning more engaging, especially when paired with quick, bite-sized lessons. (12:02) Sahar shared real-life examples where gamification and micro-learning completely transformed an organization's L&D efforts. (15:28) Navigating the overwhelming number of learning tools—how L&D teams can choose the right ones without getting lost in the noise. (21:23) Sahar wrapped up by discussing how organizations can effectively measure the success of combining gamification with micro-learning.    

In this episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast, Thad Price, CEO at Talroo, shares his insights on infusing AI in recruitment.  The discussion explores how AI is revolutionizing recruitment, making the hiring process faster, smarter, and more efficient for companies, while also enhancing the experience for both recruiters and candidates.  

In this podcast episode, Christopher Lind, a leader at the intersection of business, technology, and people, shares his unconventional career journey from software development to corporate learning. He challenges traditional learning models and explores how technology is reshaping professional development. As a father of eight, he also reflects on balancing personal and professional growth. Through his insights, Lind highlights the evolving role of innovation in workplace learning and leadership.

In this episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast, Victoria Pelletier, Vice President of Consulting at Kyndryl and a global leader in Enterprise Transformation, shares her insights on the significance of vulnerability in leadership. The session delves into how great leadership is more about vulnerability, resilience, and authenticity. Victoria emphasizes that embracing vulnerability as a strength can build trust, strengthen teams, inspire loyalty, and ensure all team members feel valued.   

In this special episode of "In Conversation with Partha Neog," Partha Neog, Founder and CEO of Vantage Circle, engages with Idit Duvdevany Aronsohn, Head of ESG and Employment Excellence at Amdocs. Their discussion delves into Amdocs' holistic approach to employee engagement, emphasizing the integration of well-being and organizational success. Idit outlines Amdocs' four key pillars of employee experience: impact, career growth, flexibility, and meaningful connections. They explore the evolution of flexibility, hybrid work models, and well-being initiatives in the post-pandemic era, highlighting the importance of purpose-driven work and belonging. The conversation also covers the distinction between recognition and rewards, the influence of management on engagement, and the role of peer-to-peer recognition in fostering a positive work environment. Partha and Idit conclude by discussing the transformative power of strategic engagement and recognition in building a thriving workplace.

In this episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast, Neetu Choudhury, CEO of Evolvitude Fze, keynote speaker, author, executive coach, and Idea Presentation Advisor. The session delves into the science of leadership and how the new insights from neuroscience consistently reshape the ways we understand and practice effective leadership. Neetu emphasizes how brain science offers powerful tools for leaders that help them improve decision-making under pressure and foster growth mindsets.   

As companies expand internationally, the demand for skilled professionals is intensifying. But a study by Korn Ferry predicts that by 2030, there will be a global human talent shortage of 85 million people, potentially resulting in $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenues.  Now, this looming talent gap underscores the critical importance of effective global hiring strategies. But again, hiring globally isn't that simple. We all know that. It comes with its unique challenges, from navigating cultural differences and compliance laws to building teams that collaborate seamlessly across time zones.  So, to explore how companies can effectively attract and retain top talent worldwide, I'm thrilled to welcome Stefanie Wild, the Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Evonik Industries AG. With her extensive experience in international recruitment, Stefanie will share valuable insights on overcoming cross-border hiring challenges and most importantly, fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.     

In this podcast episode, Dr. Serena H. Huang, founder of 'Data with Serena,' delves into the transformative role of AI and data in today's corporate world. Drawing from her experience as Head of People Analytics at PayPal, she highlights the growing importance of AI-driven decision-making, employee engagement, and data storytelling. Dr. Huang shares her journey from corporate leadership to launching her own business, emphasizing the power of education and training to empower organizations and individuals in leveraging AI for greater impact and innovation.

In this episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast, Ritika Bhandari, HR Head – GCC at Teleperformance, joins us to share her insights on cultivating a high-performance culture. The session delves into how shaping a high-performance culture requires making bold and unexpected decisions and balancing results with values. Drawing from real-world experiences, Ritika offers actionable lessons to help organizations create a culture that thrives on excellence. 

In this episode of the Vantage Influencers Podcast, Amy Bouque, Chief People Officer at Kelly, joins us to discuss her progressive views on AI. The session delves into the importance of shifting mindsets to see AI as an enabler of collaboration, creativity, and growth. Amy emphasizes the need to overcome resistance to AI and embrace it as a partner that can enhance innovation and productivity.