On the latest episode of the HerStory podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sneha, the inspiring Head of HR at Raintree Foundation. From her journey into HR to her thoughts on leadership, talent development, and career transitions, Sneha shared invaluable insights that resonate with professionals at every stage of their careers.
Why HR? A Journey of Discovery
When asked why she chose HR as a career, Sneha laughed and admitted, “HR came across as the easiest option during my post-grad.” But over the last 16 years, she’s realized that HR is anything but easy. It’s a dynamic field that requires empathy, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of both people and business.
Her journey into HR began at AdLabs Films Limited, where her first assignment—understanding the post-production services vertical—taught her the importance of diving deep into business processes. “That first presentation in front of 30 HR professionals gave me the confidence I needed,” she recalled. It was a turning point that shaped her career.
The Intersection of HR and Business
Sneha emphasized the critical role of understanding business in HR. “If you don’t understand the processes, you’re just an admin department passing on profiles,” she said. From recruitment to talent management, knowing the business helps HR professionals add real value.
At Raintree Foundation, Sneha has implemented innovative talent development programs. One standout initiative was a six-month intervention to prepare the team for a massive expansion. “We divided employees into cross-functional groups and gave them live problem statements to solve,” she explained. The result? Raintree earned the Great Places to Work certification—a testament to the program’s success.
Coaching: A Game-Changer in Talent Development
Coaching has been a cornerstone of Sneha’s approach to talent development. “In the last 10 years, coaching has become integral to leadership growth,” she noted. At Raintree, employees at all levels, including mid-management and junior executives, have benefited from coaching.
Sneha herself is a trained coach and has seen firsthand how coaching can transform individuals and organizations. “It’s about helping people become self-aware and invested in their own growth,” she said.
Navigating Career Transitions with Courage
Sneha’s career has been marked by bold transitions. From HR to program leadership at Tata Strive, she embraced roles that pushed her out of her comfort zone. “My boss literally pushed me into facilitating workshops,” she shared. Despite her initial stage fright, she discovered a passion for coaching and facilitation that shaped her career trajectory.
Her advice for those navigating career transitions? “Experiment, but be prepared to face the consequences of taking risks. It’s okay to restart where you left off—don’t compare your journey to others.”
Leadership: Empathy and Pushing Boundaries
When it comes to leadership, Sneha believes in balancing empathy with pushing people to their limits. “Growth happens outside the comfort zone,” she said. Her leadership style has evolved from being soft-hearted to flexing her approach to get the best out of her team.
“Emotional intelligence is non-negotiable for leaders today,” she added. Whether leading a team or an organization, empathy and self-awareness are key to building strong interpersonal relationships.
Challenges as a Woman Leader
Sneha considers herself fortunate to have worked in inclusive environments where her growth was never hindered by gender. “If you’re good at your work, you’ll survive,” she said. Her mantra is simple: stick to the basics, deliver results, and let your work speak for itself.
Inspiration from Everyday Heroes
Sneha draws inspiration from the people around her. From her aunt, who completed her education after 60, to her first boss, who now runs a successful HR consulting firm, she believes in learning from both successes and failures. “It’s never too late to start or restart,” she said.
Advice for Tier 2 and Tier 3 City Professionals
Coming from Kolhapur, a tier 3 city, Sneha understands the challenges of limited opportunities. Her advice? “Don’t sit idle. Explore remote work, short-term consulting assignments, or upskill yourself. The key is to keep learning and doing something meaningful.”
Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Restart
Sneha’s parting wisdom was profound: “If there’s a comma or a full stop in your career, it’s okay to restart where you left off. Don’t compare your journey to others—it’s a long race.”
This conversation with Sneha was a reminder of the power of resilience, empathy, and continuous learning. Thank you, Sneha, for sharing your story and inspiring us to embrace change and growth.
Stay tuned for more empowering conversations on HerStory. Until next time, keep believing in your journey!
Listen to the full episode of HerStory for more inspiring stories!