NHRDN - Happy HRs

The NHRD Podcast continues to bring together visionary leaders shaping the future of work, talent, and organizations. In this episode, the spotlight is on the evolving world of hiring with Ankit Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Unstop, India’s largest early talent engagement and hiring platform connecting millions of users. At the heart of Unstop’s value proposition lies a simple yet powerful mission: connecting the dots between employers and talent by improving access, discoverability, and hiring outcomes in an increasingly complex talent landscape.The conversation explores how hiring has transformed in recent years, revealing a striking paradox: while organizations continue to face hiring challenges, a significant portion of graduates remain unemployable. According to Ankit, the issue is not merely about finding top talent but identifying the right talent. Skill gaps, limited access to opportunities, mismatched salary expectations, and growing AI readiness gaps continue to shape the recruitment ecosystem, particularly for candidates from Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 institutions. The discussion also highlights how traditional interviews often fail to uncover critical capabilities, creating a need for more effective methods of assessing potential.A particularly insightful aspect of the episode is its perspective on the emerging workforce. Contrary to common perceptions, today’s young professionals are not confused; they are more intentional about seeking meaningful work, growth, and long-term career development. Ankit emphasizes the importance of the first 90 days in shaping employee success and retention, offering valuable insights for HR leaders navigating the future of work. As organizations rethink talent strategies in the age of AI and evolving expectations, this episode serves as a timely guide for building future-ready workplaces.

The NHRDN Podcast brings together some of the most relevant voices shaping the future of work, leadership, and HR. In this episode, the spotlight is on how artificial intelligence is redefining leadership in today’s business landscape. Featuring Dr. Sandeep K Krishnana, CEO & Partner, People Business, the conversation dives into a powerful idea: AI is no longer just a technology conversation, it is fundamentally a leadership challenge. What distinguishes impactful leaders in the AI era is not just their knowledge, but the sharpness of their questions, clarity of thinking, and courage to act.The episode explores how organizations must move beyond treating AI as an IT initiative and instead embed it into leadership thinking and strategy. From understanding different stages of AI adoption among leaders to practical tips like effective prompt engineering, the discussion offers actionable insights for professionals at every level.For the HR fraternity, the conversation is especially significant. It highlights the urgent need for reskilling, fostering AI literacy, enabling organizational change, and reimagining talent strategies in a rapidly evolving world of work.At its core, this episode reflects the NHRDN mission, enabling leaders and organizations to stay future-ready. As AI continues to reshape industries, the podcast serves as a timely guide to navigating this transformation with purpose and impact.

India is at a defining moment in its economic journey. In this power-packed episode of the NHRDN Podcast, powered by ZingHR, we unpack one of the most transformative policy shifts in recent times—the consolidation of 29 labour laws into four comprehensive Labour Codes.Joined by industry stalwarts Mr. Prasad Rajappan, Founder of ZingHR, and Dr. Israel Inbaraj, veteran HR and compliance leader, we explore how the Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Code on Social Security, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code are reshaping India’s compliance landscape.From enabling ease of doing business and driving digital transformation to enhancing worker dignity, women’s workforce participation, and social security coverage, this episode examines how the new Labour Codes serve as foundational infrastructure for a sustainable, high-growth India.Whether you are a CHRO, HR practitioner, compliance leader, or HR Tech innovator, this conversation offers strategic insights on moving from compliance policing to compliance enablement and preparing for a unified “One India, One Compliance” era.Tune in to understand how India’s labour reforms can redefine the global benchmark for HR excellence.

Professor Dr T V Rao, founder president of NHRD Network, reveals how he and Dr. Udai Pareek created India's first HRD department in 1975. Discover the '3 Cs' framework that transformed Indian organizations, why identity matters more than money, and why getting results is overrated.As we mark Dr. Pareek's birth centenary, hear the untold stories behind India's HR Revolution and what it means for the future of work.Brought to you by ZingHRWhere India's HR community finds its voiceThe NHRDN Podcast is the official audio platform of the National HRD Network - India's largest and most vibrant community of HR professionals. Through candid conversations, thought-provoking insights and stories from the field, we explore what it truly means to build organizations where people thrive.Each episode brings you face-to-face with the thinkers, practitioners and pioneers shaping the future of work in India and beyond. From foundational philosophies to cutting-edge practices,  this podcast series bridges the gap between doing and thinking, because sustainable success requires both.Our conversations explore The minds and movements redefining work, leadership and human potential in India Big ideas that challenge conventions from boardrooms to the National Stage How Indian organizations are writing new rules for purpose, performance and people Whether you're an HR veteran, a business leader or someone curious about the human side of enterprise, you'll find wisdom worth your time in The NHRDN Podcast.

In this episode, discover how coaching can revolutionize individuals and organizations. Magda discusses the evolution of coaching, its benefits, and practical tips for HR professionals. She also shares inspiring success stories and her vision for the future of coaching.

In this episode, Mr. Shiv Shivakumar, Group Executive President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development with Aditya Birla Group, shares his thoughts and experience on 'Strategy and Leadership' with Lionel Paul David, Hon. Vice President - NHRDN Chennai Chapter.The 18th episode of @NHRDN's #HappyHRs podcast treasures some valuable thoughts and advice for young leaders too.

Coming fresh from round 8 of the Global HR Competency Study (HRCS), Dr. Wayne Brockbank of University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and Partner Emeritus at RBL group,  in his chat with Mr. Lionel Paul David Hon VP of NHRDN Chennai Chapter, discusses the HR Competencies for present and future of work. The 17th Episode of #HappyHRs also provides valuable takeaways and a glimpse into the warm personality of Prof.Wayne during the rapid-fire. 

Happy HRs Episode 16 is on Unpacking High Potential Strategy with Marc Effron - President of Talent Strategy Group & the Talent Management Guru. In a conversation with Nikita Doshi, he shares practices & ideas organizations can do to define, identify, differentiate & develop High Potential Talent. The podcast ends with a fun rapid-fire where he shares his interests & advice to talent management professionals.

Happy HRs Episode 15 is on catapulting your career with Gangapriya Chakraverti - India center head & Managing Director at Ford’s Global Business Services. In a conversation with Nikita Doshi, she shares her inspiring journey from being the only woman in her HR team in early 1990 to now being a business leader, the challenges she faced & how she navigated them. The podcast ends with a fun rapid-fire where she shares her multiple interests & passion. 

Presenting the 14th Episode of NHRDN's exclusive podcast #HappyHRs!This #podcast features Mr. Madhu Raghunath, President & Chief Operating Officer, Dealership Businesses, Group Head – Human Resources and Organizational Capability, TVS Division, TVS & Sons Ltd, Chennai. (LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhu-raghunath-087b969 & Twitter - @madhuraghunath)Having successfully maneuvered the transition from the #HR function to a business leader, Madhu’s illustrious close to two-and-a-half-decade long career across #automobile and #FMCG sectors has several valuable takeaways.  During his chat with Nisha Kurup at NHRDN, he discusses his professional journey thus far and shares precious nuggets of learning for listeners to benefit from. 

Tune into the 14th Episode of NHRDN's exclusive podcast #HappyHRsThis #podcast with Mr.Hemant Sachdev, Former JMD of Microsoft India, is a part of our “Becoming a strategic positioner” micro-series, intended to build the strategic & business orientation amongst #HR professionals.Hemant has over 3 decades of experience during which he has held a variety of leadership positions in Marketing and Business operations. currently wears multiple hats as Investor, Coach, Mentor, and Strategist being deeply involved with #start-ups in the #tech and consumer space.During his chat with Lionel Paul David Hon VP of NHRDN Chennai Chapter, he discusses his priorities for 2021, trends that will shape the #FutureofWork, and some advice for young professionals. 

This episode is about building strategic & business orientation amongst the HR community. Manoj Kohli who is one of India’s most respected business leaders with over 4 decades of experience shares his mantras & tips on HR Professionals making the shift from Winning Hearts to Winning Markets. A leader who started his career in HR shares multiple learnings & examples from his inspiring career journey and his wishes for 2021 for HR. The podcast ends with a power-packed rapid-fire which you may not want to miss. 

This episode is about building strategic & business orientation amongstthe HR community. Manoj Kohli who is one of India’s most respected business leaders with over 4 decades of experience shares his mantras & tips on HR Professionals making the shift from Winning Hearts to Winning Markets. A leader who started his career in HR shares multiple learnings & examples from his inspiring career journey and his wishes for 2021 for HR. The podcast ends with a power-packed rapid-fire which you may not want to miss. 

NHRDN is happy to present this special podcast as part of our ‘Mind Matters Week’.During this chat with Lionel Paul David, Hon VP of NHRDN Chennai Chapter, our guests Dr. Anthony Jorm (An Emeritus Professor at the University of Melbourne) and Betty Kitchener (Former CEO of MHFA Australia) share perspectives from their work and research over the last two decades covering the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, the looming mental health crisis, what organizations and HR professionals can do to improve the mental health of their workforce.

As we continue to profile the who’s who of Indian thought leadership on Happy HRs, In this episode, we speak with S V Nathan, Partner and Chief Talent Officer, Deloitte India.Alumni of the XLRI, Jamshedpur, and with over 3 decades of leadership experience, Nathan gets candid and shares nuggets of wisdom in this free-wheeling chat with Lionel Paul David, Hon VP of NHRDN Chennai Chapter.We are sure you will find inspiration from oodles of wisdom Nathan shares during this chat.

Listen to the 9th Episode of *Happy HRs* for a strong dose of *Learning Mojo* with *Anuranjita Kumar*, an HR & Business Leader with a refreshing new perspective on being inclusive - appreciate differences & enjoy diverse viewpoints. In conversation with Shweta Pathak. Anuranjita shares new ways of embracing diversity and building an inclusive workplace.Listen to podcasts at multiple channels

Listen to the 8th Episode of 'Happy HRs' for a strong dose of 'Learning Mojo' with Saurabh Kale, a dynamic young HR Leader with a refreshing new perspective for HR professionals to stay abreast with all that's trending in the field of Learning & Development!Discover new ways of embracing technology and being agile in the HR role that's rapidly evolving in these unprecedented times.

Leadership Development is a top priority in organizations currently. In this podcast, Mr. R.R. Nair – CEO Coach & Strategic HR Consultant shares his lessons in Leadership Development from his extensive experience. Listen to this exclusive podcast to know the key trends in Virtual leadership Development, approaches to assess Leadership Potential & strategies to create a Coaching Culture. Learn from his wisdom in a byte-sized Rapid Fire format, which will enhance your capability as a leader or as an HR professional.

Mental Health is an important topic in today’s context. We at NHRD are focusing on creating more awareness about this topic. In this podcast, Dr. Shyam Bhat shares practical solutions to maintain mental health and the role of HR professionals in creating more compassionate workplaces. Through a rapid-fire, Dr. Bhat also addresses few mental health issues people are overwhelmed with. The podcast ends with a very powerful 5-minute meditation to help you build your resilience and balance.

Ganesh Chella speaks about the book 'HR Here & Now' which he co-authors.He shares his experience and excerpts and insights on his book. The vision of this is to engage in a debate on how we see HR as a function and profession here and now, how we see the practice and the practitioner. The intent is to reflect on what we are seeing, hearing, and experiencing the function in an inclusive fashion. This also offers a practitioner’s take to human resources management as a profession and function keeping in mind the most current and contemporary practices, problems, and perspectives in India. 

As we continue to profile the who’s who of Indian thought leadership on Happy HRs,In this episode, we speak with Amit Das, Director-HR & CHRO, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd (Times Group).Alumni of the Kellogg’s School of Management and with over 3 decades of leadership experience, Amit gets candid and shares nuggets of wisdom in this free-wheeling chat with Lionel Paul David, Hon VP of NHRDN Chennai Chapter. We are sure you will find inspiration from oodles of wisdom Amit shares on passion, purpose, success, learning from setbacks, and several other topics.

Amitav Mukherji, Head, Corporate HR, ITC, gets candid in this edition of Happy HRs as he shares his experiences from his early days as a young HR professional as well as a few interesting ways in which he is coping with the lockdown. It's a fun and insightful episode as one of the HR veterans wears his heart on his sleeve in this exciting podcast!

Rajeev Dubey is a singularly bright star in the constellation of the world’s great HR professionals. His illustrious academic trajectory that included St. Stephen’s College, Delhi School of Economics, and Yale University led to his 29-year stint with the Tata Group, and to his current role as President-HR at Mahindra & Mahindra. As we attempt to profile the who’s who of Indian thought leadership on Happy HRs, it was but obvious that we spoke to Mr Dubey. In this episode, he speaks to Seetal Iyer Co-Founder & Head of Content of Timbre Media about his journey, the importance of creating shared value, and life during the pandemic and beyond.

Rajeev Dubey is a singularly bright star in the constellation of the world’s great HR professionals. His illustrious academic trajectory that included St. Stephen’s College, Delhi School of Economics, and Yale University led to his 29-year stint with the Tata Group, and to his current role as President-HR at Mahindra & Mahindra. As we attempt to profile the who’s who of Indian thought leadership on Happy HRs, it was but obvious that we spoke to Mr. Dubey. In this episode, he speaks to Seetal Iyer - Co-Founder & Head of Content of Timbre Media about his journey, the importance of creating shared value, and life during the pandemic and beyond.

Setting the ball rolling on a series of insightful nuggets of learning, listen to Episode 1 - Opening Shots with Krish Shankar - Group Head HR, Infosys & President of National HRD Network where he pours his heart out on ‘happiness at the workplace’ and its salience. It has 2 interesting sections - Bottoms Up & Hangover.  His journey, learnings & their failures are sure to inspire you. The session is rounded off with a few curveballs that Krish maneuvers magnificently! Embracing the ups and downs that one encounters pragmatically, with emotional strength and resource mobilization are among the tips he shares with listeners.