Leaders

XLRI, one of India’s premier business schools, is a beacon of excellence in management education. Renowned for its rigorous academic programs and its emphasis on developing leadership qualities, XLRI has produced some of the most influential leaders in various sectors. Their accomplishments in both corporate and entrepreneurial spheres highlight the profound influence XLRI has on shaping industry leaders who drive change and foster growth. One such alumna who embodies this spirit of leadership is Arunima Malhotra, the Managing Partner at Activos Consulting.

Arunima's career began at 18 when she entered the startup world, taking on administrative operations. This hands-on experience provided her with a solid foundation in understanding the complexities of corporate dynamics. Driven by the desire for broader challenges, she transitioned into the education sector as an Academic Counsellor. Here, she learned to combine resilience with empathy to help students realize their dreams. Alongside this role, Arunima ventured into business development, refining her skills in persuasion and relationship-building. Her growing interest in human behavior and talent led her to Talent Acquisition within the hospitality industry, where she discovered her passion for connecting people with the right opportunities. After five years, she transitioned to Corporate HR as Head of Talent Acquisition at a leading real estate firm, a role she had long aspired to.

 Her journey then led her to XLRI’s Executive MBA program. Though she initially aimed for a full-time MBA, Arunima chose the executive route to balance her professional growth with learning from one of the best HR institutions. The rigorous selection process made her acceptance even more fulfilling. The immersive campus experience in Jamshedpur transformed her perspective on people management, organizational strategy, and leadership, ultimately equipping her with the knowledge and confidence to excel in HR and leadership roles. Let’s read on.
 

Could you share your extensive experience in the Indian HR industry with us? What key areas of expertise do you offer as an HR leader?
Being an effective HR leader requires a blend of business acumen and people-centric leadership. My approach focuses on empathy and teamwork, ensuring I understand employees’ needs while fostering a collaborative environment. I prioritize inspiration and motivation, driving positive change and cultivating an engaging workplace culture. Strategic decision-making is crucial, aligning HR strategies with broader business goals. Building strong relationships at all levels enhances retention and productivity, while attention to detail and problem-solving skills help address complex HR challenges. I embrace HR tech and trends to stay innovative and uphold ethical leadership, guided by the values instilled by my former CHRO at Emaar.

 Could you tell us about Activos Consulting and the key roles and responsibilities you manage as the Managing Partner?
Activos Consulting, meaning 'Human Assets', is an executive search firm I founded three years ago, driven by a long-stand ing entrepreneurial passion and a deep connection to the hos pitality industry. The firm focuses on challenging executive placements, leveraging my strong network and people-ori ented approach to foster meaningful connections. In today’s competitive, technology-driven landscape, many candidates are either misassessed or unaware of opportunities across various domains. I firmly believe that 'Human Assets' are the cornerstone of organizational growth, and investing in them leads to greater success. Guided by the mantra 'Hire for atti tude and train for knowledge', I emphasize this philosophy to clients when executing search assignments. As Managing Partner, my responsibilities include overseeing operations, managing client relationships, and leading executive search assignments, with a primary focus on headhunting, execu tive placements, and talent advisory.

 How do you approach talent acquisition and retention in the current competitive business environment?
 The best approach to talent acquisition involves being proactive and well-networked. While job portals play a role, our success in hiring comes from networking, referrals, and thorough background checks. To attract and retain top talent, we focus on building a strong employer brand that showcases company values, culture, and mission. Additionally, we maintain a pipeline of potential candidates, use data-driven recruitment to refine strategies, ensure regular communication and timely feedback, and adapt our approach to meet evolving industry demands.

How do you envision the Indian HR landscape evolving in the near future?
The Indian HR landscape is rapidly evolving, shaped by several key trends. The adoption of AI and automation is transforming recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement. Remote and hybrid work models are becoming essential, with a focus on flexible, technology driven solutions. There is also a growing emphasis on employee well-being, including mental health, work-life balance, and inclusivity. Additionally, personalized learning and development programs are being introduced to upskill employees for the future of work, while diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are gaining momentum in creating more inclusive workplaces.

Which industry trends do you believe will have the most significant impact in the future?
Key trends shaping the future include a strong focus on diversity and inclusion to attract and retain top talent, as well as the transformative impact of generative AI on content creation and decision-making. Remote and hybrid work models are redefining workplace structures, while upskilling and reskilling are addressing skill gaps. Additionally, employee well-being is becoming a priority, with companies emphasizing mental health and work-life balance initiatives.

Reflecting on your professional journey, what have been the key milestones? What would you consider your ‘success mantra’?
My career journey has been one of continuous growth, spanning Operations, Sales, HR, and Talent Acquisition. Each role has contributed to my development, making it hard to identify a single 'most crucial' milestone. My success mantra revolves around staying adaptable in an ever-changing world, embracing lifelong learning, and viewing every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Resilience and a growth mindset have been key to overcoming professional hurdles, as I believe learning never truly ends.

Arunima Malhotra,  Managing Partner, Activos Consulting
With a diverse background spanning Operations, Sales, HR, and Talent Acquisition, Arunima Malhotra has built a successful career focused on people development and organizational growth. As Managing Partner at Activos Consulting, she specializes in executive search, talent advisory, and leadership.