In the inaugural episode of “HerStory,” a series featuring candid conversations with women in leadership, I had the pleasure of speaking with Aarathi Ajay , Associate Director of HR at IPAS Development Foundation. Aarathi’s journey, leadership lessons, and experiences offer valuable insights for anyone aspiring to excel in their careers. Here’s a summary of our enlightening conversation.
Career Journey in HR
Aarathi’s career in HR spans over 15 years, working with multiple social development organizations like ActionAid, MagicBus, J-PAL, and now leading the HR function at IPAS Development Foundation. Starting as an HR officer, Aarathi transitioned through various roles in HR operations, learning and development (L&D), and organizational development (OD), gaining extensive experience along the way.
Aarathi’s Key Learnings:
- People Skills: Working with people is unpredictable but highly rewarding, providing continuous learning and excitement.
- Passion and Attitude: To succeed in HR, one must have passion and the right attitude. Skills can be learned, but passion drives excellence.
Transitioning to HR
Aarathi’s advice for those looking to transition into HR is simple yet profound: if you’re passionate about HR, make the move and upskill yourself. She emphasizes the importance of understanding which aspect of HR interests you the most—whether it’s recruitment, L&D, or operations—and then focusing on developing the necessary skills.
Common Entry Point:
- Recruitment: Many start their HR careers in recruitment. It requires an eye for talent and the ability to evaluate candidates effectively.
Leadership Style
Aarathi’s leadership style has been shaped by numerous influences, including her seniors, peers, and personal experiences. She draws inspiration from Mother Teresa’s quote, “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Aarathi believes in the power of small actions and attentive leadership to make a significant impact.
Examples of Small Changes:
- Candidate Experience: Ensuring that candidates feel welcomed and comfortable during interviews can leave a lasting positive impression.
- Culture of Care: Creating an environment where people feel heard and valued, and celebrating small joys together, fosters a strong sense of community.
IPAS Development Foundation: A Great Place to Work
IPAS Development Foundation has been recognized as a great place to work multiple times, including being in the top 10 NGOs and winning the best midsize category among for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Aarathi attributes this success to a culture of care, open communication, and a fun work environment that balances work and play.
Employee Engagement Initiatives:
- Climate Surveys: Annual surveys to gather feedback and improve organizational practices.
- Youth Committees and Field Councils: Platforms for employees to express their concerns and suggestions.
- Celebrations: Regular celebrations of personal and professional milestones to build camaraderie.
Supporting Career Transitions
Aarathi shares that IPAS Development Foundation supports employees in making lateral moves and transitioning into new roles, especially after career breaks. Providing emotional support, necessary training, and patience during the transition period has helped many employees succeed in their new roles.
The Importance of a Strong CV
Aarathi highlights the importance of a well-written and formatted CV. It should be clear, concise, and free of errors to make a strong first impression. She also advises candidates to research the organization they are applying to and prepare thoroughly for interviews, showing genuine interest and professionalism.
Work-Life Balance and Personal Interests
Outside of work, Aarathi enjoys cooking and experimenting with new dishes. She finds the process therapeutic and enjoys presenting her creations beautifully.
Celebrating Small joys at work
Managing Career Transition
Aarathi’s insights and experiences are truly inspiring, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers and organizations. Her journey underscores the importance of passion, continuous learning, and a supportive work environment.
Watch the full video here :
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from women leaders in our upcoming episodes of “HerStory.”