Himadri Roy is a seasoned HR leader, currently associated with Hindustan Pencils Private Limited as Head of Human Resources. He comes with strong HR domain knowledge and a proven track record of strategic business partnering, culture building, and organizational transformation. He started his career with Asian Paints Ltd. and subsequently worked with various Indian and MNCs including The Oberoi Hotels, PepsiCo, Hilton Hotels and Jubilant Footwork’s Limited (Domino’s Pizza). He has been conferred with various professional awards and accolades and has also authored a book “Life of an HR”.
Having worked in different industries, how has your approach to HR become more adaptable to meet the unique needs of each sector?
Human Resources, at its core is all about people. When it all comes down to it, people are the same no matter the industry or workplace, with mostly the same behaviours, needs and desires. Regardless of industry or sector, there are multiple HR skills that are transferrable. It is only a matter of “adjusting” parts of it based on industrial context. You just need to understand the specific characteristics of the industry you are working in. Regulatory requirements vary, but the underlying principle of ensuring your team delivering to such codes of compliance is the same. Having worked in different industries has made me versatile. In my experience, having moved between several industries, I have always tried to quickly adapt to the precise needs of the industry. I feel that life experiences in different industries rounds out your knowledge and add substance to many tasks within your present position.
What is your leadership philosophy, and how do you implement it within your HR team?
My leadership philosophy centres on empowering team members to reach their full potential. I strive to lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to both hard work and strategic thinking in meeting deadlines. I foster a productive and stress-free work environment by delegating tasks with clear expectations and providing the autonomy needed to excel. By sharing my professional experiences, I actively mentor and invest in the growth of each team member. This approach cultivates a high-performing team environment where individuals feel valued and supported in their professional development.
What are the unique HR challenges in managing teams across different states and regions?
Leading geographically dispersed teams presents both opportunities and complexities. A key challenge from an HR perspective is navigating cultural diversity. Regional variations in communication styles, decision-making preferences, and conflict resolution approaches can impact team dynamics. Cultivating cultural intelligence is essential. This involves fostering understanding and respect for these differences, adapting communication methods, and embracing diverse viewpoints. Building trust and promoting open communication channels are crucial for mitigating misunderstandings. Fortunately, my extensive domestic travel experiences throughout my upbringing have exposed me to a variety of cultures. This has proven invaluable in my professional career, particularly when collaborating with colleagues from across the country.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
I consider myself a highly committed professional and go all the way in fulfilling my professional responsibilities. But my family is always my priority. Professional life gives you identity and financial support, but family gives you the much-needed emotional support. I prefer to spend quality time with my family and close friends. I prioritize all my professional and personal commitments well in advance and then plan accordingly. At work, I set my own deadlines according to my commitments so that I can comfortably execute my plans both on personal and professional fronts. During the initial days of my career, I used to spend most of my time in work related things. Of late I have started prioritizing my hobbies and interests. I have a long list of hobbies. Listening to old bollywood music, playing harmonium and keyboard, attending live music concerts, following political events, watching sports both on television and from the playgrounds and stadium, watching movies etc. keeps me motivated. Besides, an avid traveller, I frequently go on a short trip which keeps me refreshed.
What advice would you give to aspiring HR professionals aiming for leadership roles?
According to me, HR professionals aiming for leadership roles should remember and follow one simple philosophy called “LEAD” – Learn, Engage, Appreciate and Discipline. Learning is a never-ending process and for HR professionals, every day is a new learning experience, because their role is to manage human emotions, for which there is no ready-made theory. You must deal according to the situation and how you handle it, that is a learning. Engage – HR professionals must learn to engage with everyone in the organization by caring, connecting, coaching, contributing and congratulating. These are the five Cs of engagement, and every HR professional must follow these principles. Appreciate- HR leaders are the flag bearers of culture and motivation in the organization and one of the key elements of motivation is appreciation. So, appreciate your team, appreciate your people, learn to appreciate even the small things. Discipline – HR leaders should lead by example in demonstrating good conduct, behaviour, integrity and work ethics. A disciplined approach towards work, not only for HR professionals, but for everyone is the main key to success. While external recognition is certainly appreciated, my primary focus lies in achieving impactful results and continuously refining my skillset. My internal drive and passion for my work fuel my dedication to excellence. Ultimately, while external validation holds merit, my greatest satisfaction stems from exceeding my own standards and delivering exceptional results.
