Nadia Uberoi, Head of People at Garner Health

Transforming HR: From Support Function to Strategic Business PartnerHR is no longer a support function — it’s a business engine.In this episode of Built by People, Nadia Uberoi breaks down how modern HR leaders can move from “running the machine” to driving real organizational transformation using AI, leadership alignment, and business-first thinking.Drawing from her background in psychology and organizational development, Nadia explains why operational excellence in HR is table stakes — and how improving the HR machine unlocks time, energy, and credibility for higher-impact work. We explore the role of AI and automation in people operations, why transformation fails without clearly defined business objectives, and how HR leaders can align performance management, employee well-being, and business strategy.If you’re an HR leader, people ops professional, or executive navigating growth, complexity, or transformation, this conversation will help you rethink how HR creates value — not just support.Why HR must operate as a strategic business partner, not a service functionThe difference between running vs. improving the HR machineHow AI and automation should support clear business objectivesWhy leadership alignment is critical to successful HR transformationHow efficient people operations free up capacity for transformational workWhat organizational development looks like when aligned to business strategy00:00 — Nadia’s career journey and the evolution of HR03:26 — Running vs. improving the HR machine06:10 — What transformational HR work actually means08:54 — Aligning HR, AI, and business objectives11:16 — The future of people leadershipMemorable moments:“Running the machine is table stakes.”“Clearly defined business objectives are crucial.”“Improving the machine is about intentional changes.”🎧 Whether you’re rethinking performance management, scaling people operations, or exploring AI in HR, this episode offers a practical blueprint for building an HR function that drives results.