“I am actively involved in setting up HR operations in new countries based on the company’s geographical expansion. Creating strategies with business to generate career opportunities for existing resources to cope up with the dynamic work environment by upskilling and multi-skill training is my forte”, says, Megha Kurup, Director APAC-HR, Mouser Electronics when asked about how she has been able to make a name for herself in the global HR realm. Through the formulation of bespoke, result-oriented HR processes and functions, she has been able to play a crucial role in the success of Mouser Electronics.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur, Megha gives detailed insights into her professional journey and her work life as a pioneering HR leader.

1. Take us through your educational and professional background. Also, how did the journey lead you to come on board mouser electronics as the director apac - HR?

I grew up to be an aspiring Techie due to the IT Boom (we called it that way in the 1990s!) as every family wanted an IT Engineer at home at that time. I was successful to keep that honor tag for my parents and graduated in Information Technology through Mumbai University. However, I realized that instead of reading the IT journals and getting geared for the gargantuan IT kickstart, I found myself browsing through all the HR magazines, Manuals, HR articles and books which I flicked from my HR Dad’s space at my Mumbai home. This was the beginning of my journey towards HR and my Father who is my PathFinder realized that I was born to serve and not code.

Gearing towards my new aspirations, I successfully completed my Masters in HR through Mumbai University. The master’s degree was a turning point where I acknowledged my strength in understanding and connecting to the science of People. I am also a certified specialist in HR Analytics from IIM Rohtak. The ‘Info Tech – HR’ combo in me turned out to be the real star striker in my career as I could understand business, process and the needs of any technology company.

I started off as a Talent Acquisition Specialist in MindCraft which enlarged my vision to understand Stakeholders and Employees’ conforming needs and bridging them towards a common goal. I have worked in companies like SNC Lavalin Inc, Captronics, Webb India, and Starcom Inc, where I gathered enriched experience in industrywide HR affairs, HR legal crux and employee growth paradigm. In 2015, I joined Mouser Electronics as an HR Manager for the India branch and later within few months I was given responsibility to manage the HR operations of the Asia region. I was then promoted as Director- APAC HR in 2018. I have also been responsible as the Director of India operations for around a year post which I continued to focus on the aggressively growing needs of the People Paradigm in Mouser.

“I have always been an enthusiast to learn and believe in the philosophy of going one step ahead of what your mind commands you”

2. Tell us about the various roles and responsibilities you hold as the director apac - HR at mouser electronics? Also, what are some essential requisites one requires to flourish as an hr leader?

I am currently responsible for managing HR operations for 11 countries in Asia-pacific region of Mouser Electronics. The countries include India, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Japan, Singapore, Seoul, Taipei, Penang, Bangkok, Philippines and Vietnam in association with my superlative team consisting of HR Management and HR Operations.

From my experience, I have learnt that the core essence of any business depends on Information and Communication. There have been innovative technologies build around Information management and Communication, but the crux remains in consistently creating value and adapting to the dynamic needs of the world environment which is purely driven by Stakeholders. I have always been an enthusiast to learn and believe in the philosophy of going one step ahead of what your mind commands you. This mantra stimulates my growth sigma.

3. In Your Opinion What Are Some Critical Trends Developing In The Indian Hr Landscape Currently? What Opportunities Does The Market Hold And How Do You Align Yourself With The Evolving Trends In The Industry?

As pandemic has ensured that we give up our legacy operating models and myths of people paradigm, we need to Unlearn and Reassess the People Quotient as well as our Flexibility Quotient. Today, the need of the hour for every organization is a dynamic approach, which will be an acknowledged joint initiative between stakeholders by creating a culture of Learning and Carving your people and work to cope up with business needs. Learning will enable the employee to broaden their skill expertise and improve their Employee Flexibility Quotient. Business, in turn, needs to carve and redesign work.

4. What is the roadmap ahead for your professional journey as an hr leader?

Going forward, I want to implement strategies to clear the primary barriers of advancement for business and people which is by focusing on:

Mentoring Leaders on the importance of a dynamic environment and its significance to all stakeholders.

Jointly work with management to reevaluate their critical roles and resources and ways to redesign their work breakdown structure.

Train Leaders and encourage them to learn the new definition of Work & Work Environment.

Megha kurup, Director APAC-HR, Mouser Electronics

Her expertise is in coaching business leaders on the core aspect of HR such as Employee Momentum & Lifestyle. And leveraging her business acumen and industry experience, Megha has been able to develop into a well-established HR leader in the Indian corporate realm.