Leaders
HR comes with its own set of challenges that require a strategic and adaptable approach. One of the biggest is talent acquisition and retention in a highly competitive market, where increasing skill gaps and a limited talent pool make it harder to find and retain the right people. Additionally, rapid digital transformation is making certain skills obsolete while creating demand for new ones. Adding to that, managing a multi-generational and hybrid workforce presents complexities in communication and collaboration, as Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z have different work styles and expectations.
Recognizing these challenges, Poonam Dhanavati, a seasoned HR leader with around two of experience across diverse industries, has co-founded HRT Consulting to help organizations navigate HR complexities. She has built strong organizational cultures, fostered employee development, and led mergers and acquisitions at leading global firms. Through HRT Consulting, she focuses on employer branding, organization culture, career development, and impactful learning programs to help businesses cultivate a high-performance workforce and sustainable growth. The goal is to help global companies establish and expand their operations in India by bridging global expertise with local insights and driving long-term success through tailored human capital strategies.
Take us through the formative years of your life. What early influences shaped you as an individual?
I was born into a family of social workers. Nearly 40 years ago, my father left a leadership position in an international NGO to start his own, which is now one of the most reputed NGOs in Odisha. Inspired by this legacy, I chose to step away from a conventional job to build a path that aligns with my passion, values, and true calling.
My father influenced the way I think about leadership, whether it’s reflecting on my actions, setting a vision, or pushing myself to grow. My mother, on the other hand, dedicated 35 years working with differently-abled children, an incredibly rare path at those days. From her, I inherited care, compassion, and empathy, which are part of both my life and approach to leadership.
The values I grew up with have shaped who I am, both personally and professionally. Facing challenges, experiencing the joy of giving, and understanding the importance of giving back to the society were all part of my early lessons.
True strategy only succeeds when it resonates with employees and drives tangible, meaningful impact across the organization
Give us a glimpse of your educational journey. How has your Alma Mater, XLRI shaped your personal and professional growth?
Right from school, discipline has been a major factor in my life. I was actively involved in NCC, sports, and Students Union that required structure and commitment. That has served me well, teaching me the importance of effective execution. I believe that with discipline, execution becomes seamless and timely, and this principle has become an integral part of my value system.
Alongside my professional journey, learning has always been a parallel track, and it still is. I’m currently pursuing my doctoral degree at XLRI, having completed my first year and moving into the next. XLRI is one of the top institutions for HR, known as a place where great leaders are shaped. Being part of it has added a different level of rigor to my thinking. Their courses aren’t just about academics. They push you to think critically, challenge ideas, and develop a structured thought process.
What makes XLRI stand out is its forward-thinking faculty. Having conversations with such professors has helped me see new possibilities, different ways to approach challenges, and how to move ahead strategically. My journey with XLRI, from PGCSL to now the doctoral program, has shaped my strategic approach, and the way I navigate complexity in HR.
Share your professional journey and key HR expertise.
Professionally, I have 18 years of corporate experience, having led high-stakes HR projects across Stellantis, McDonald's, FedEx, Doosan Infracore, Essar Telecom, and Airtel. At Stellantis, I played a pivotal role in establishing the Software Division in the India, Asia Pacific & China region, setting up offices in multiple locations and building a strong HR team to drive talent acquisition, on boarding, and talent management. I have also led HR strategies for the IT Division in India and the Jeep brand, overseeing culture transformation, organizational restructuring, and large-scale talent initiatives.
My expertise spans strategic execution, stakeholder management, and outcome-driven communication, which are the key pillars of HR. From pioneering HR operations in new markets to designing total rewards frameworks and implementing HR systems, I have consistently prioritized last-mile delivery and effective employee communication. Now, I am channeling this experience into my entrepreneurial journey.
Introduce us to HRT Consulting. What are your key responsibilities as a Partner?
HRT Consulting, short for Human Resources and Transformation Consulting, helps organizations integrate HR, technology, and strategy to optimize operations. We assist global companies in establishing and scaling in India with tailored HR solutions that combine international expertise with local understanding.
As a Partner at HRT Consulting, my role spans three key areas, namely strategic leadership and business growth, client advisory and consulting excellence, and thought leadership. I work closely with clients to deliver high-impact consulting solutions. Additionally, I actively contribute to knowledge sharing, leveraging my extensive HR experience to shape industry best practices and drive meaningful engagement with clients and peers.
What are your key career milestones, and your success mantra?
Conferred with the prestigious HR 40 Under 40 recognition by Economic Times, I have consistently led transformative HR initiatives that have garnered industry-wide acclaim. At Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, I was honored with the Excellence Award for driving organizational harmonization and benefit programs. During my tenure at FedEx, I received the HR Global Award for spearheading Job Level harmonization between acquired entities and successfully driving the India Integration Project.
My success mantra revolves around a people-first approach. Having been in HR for so long, I firmly believe that no strategy truly succeeds unless it reaches employees and creates meaningful impact. It’s just like last-mile connectivity in logistics, where the real impact is felt only when a package reaches its final destination.
Which industry trends will significant impact the field of HR going forward?
AI is everywhere, and HR is no exception. It is transforming the field with the adoption of chatbots, HR analytics, predictive analytics, and AI-powered virtual assistants, streamlining many routine HR tasks. Re-skilling and up-skilling is also gaining traction as companies recognize the gap between academic degrees and required skill sets. Many are investing in in-house learning academies to bridge this divide. Employee experience is another priority, with a stronger focus on mental well-being and personalized career paths.
Poonam Dhanavati, Co-Founder & Partner, HRT Consulting
Poonam Dhanavati is a seasoned HR leader and an entrepreneur in the HR solutions space. Armed with around two decades of industry experience, she specialises in building strong organizational cultures, fostering employee development, and has led mergers & acquisitions at leading global firms. With her entrepreneurial venture, Poonam renders strategic HR solutions that helps global companies establish and expand their operations in India by merging global expertise with local insights.
Current Issue
