Sandeep Kulshrestha
Vice President Human Resources
A leading company in Internet Vertical
Sandeep Kulshrestha is a member of:
Could you tell us briefly about your family background?
I come from a family rooted in education. My father is a retired Professor of Political Science and my mother used to work as a Librarian. Hence, my interest in life-long learning has direct co-relation to my family influence. Besides that, my wife is a key driver in my success.
Prized Accomplishment(s):
I tried to change the work culture in one of the organizations I worked for and was fairly successful in giving a "personal touch" and developed tools through which the employees felt empowered and flexible.
Growth Strategy:
I make sure that I work effectively and ensure that all the deliverables are met within the stipulated time-line. I also analyze the situation with a neutral perspective and arrive at a rational solution. I have also recently added on an MBA in Leadership as well.
Career Profile:
I am heading the HR and Organizational Effectiveness role in an exciting, growing company. The role is different as there were a lot of things which needed implementation and I started practically on a blank slate. I have been successful in rolling out new processes and practices which will be useful in enhancing effectiveness at work.
The Decisions That Matter
I worked with Non profit organizations at the critical juncture of my career, as I felt that I should contribute to the society in my own way and i reached leadership positions in those organizations. This equipped me with a new level of skills and expertise.
Degrees That Matter:
I feel a MDP program or any short term specialized program from Institutes like IIM/XLRI can be useful for any Human Resource professional who wants to move up the ladder. I have also taken a Certified HR Manager (CHRM) certification from VSkills (A Govt of India Initiative)
Other Thoughts:
I feel empowering employees by delegating, making their timings flexible and providing automation in HR services are the keys for the success of a HR Professional.
Job Profile:
I head the HR role and I am in a senior management role, reporting to the CEO of the company. I have more of a Generalist profile and I am accountable for the Team deliverable's as well as for rolling out of new processes, practices and policies
The Journey So Far:
My journey in the corporate world has been exciting and I have been privileged having worked with dynamic organizations and people. I carry a 19 years of experience in HR, having worked for diverse sectors, from Hospitality, Consulting, IT to Non-profit
Role Model:
People who are leaders in true sense are my role models. People like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, Gandhi are few of many whom I admire.
Working Life Management:
I try to finish my tasks by the end of the work-day without working additional hours and then I do yoga, meditate, write poetry, listen to music and go on a drive.
Done Differently:
I would probably have more wisdom in working with more creativity.
Required Reading:
http://www.hr.com/
http://humanresources.about.com/od/humanresourcesmanagement/Human_Resources_Management_HR_FAQs_HR_Basics_Strategic_HR.htm
http://www.humane-resources.org
http://www.businessballs.com
Advice For New Professionals:
Be detailed oriented, Involve and empower employees, Be organized.