In the dynamic landscape of business leadership, the role of leaders, particularly women leaders, is pivotal. Their influence extends beyond conventional boundaries, bringing diverse perspectives and driving innovation. Among such accomplished leaders is Sujata Singh, the Executive Vice President and HR Head at Onward Technologies. Sujata believes that commitment and continuous learning are fundamental to success, shaping both her professional and personal life.

With a career spanning various sectors, from Pharma and BFSI to IT, ITES, and ER&D services, she has consistently embraced continuous learning. Sujata has been unwaveringly committed to organizational success since her early days as an HR executive, and for the past six years, she has served as the EVP & HR Head at Onward Technologies. Remarkably, she manages to uphold this commitment without compromising on personal or family well-being and progress. In her leadership role, Sujata exemplifies the impactful contributions of women leaders in steering organizations towards success while maintaining a balance between professional and personal priorities. Let’s hear more about her in this one-on-one interaction.

Illuminate your academic background and the extensive industry expertise you bring to the forefront.

I hold a master's degree in business administration (MBA) with specializations in HR and Marketing. Over the course of more than two decades, I have forged a career in HR across diverse sectors. Commencing in the pharmaceutical industry, I transitioned to roles in IT services and BFSI, garnering valuable insights. Noteworthy experiences include my tenure in the ITES sector, where I gained profound knowledge in HR processes and automation. Subsequently, I ventured into the global landscape with a Nordic MNC operating in the Oil and Gas sector. This role provided a comprehensive view of the outsourcing industry and introduced me to best practices in employee welfare on a global scale. Following this international stint, I embarked on a rewarding journey with Onward Technologies, marking a pinnacle in my professional trajectory. Witnessing remarkable growth, I became an integral part of the core management team. Throughout this tenure, HR transcended its traditional supportive role to become a genuine business partner.

Tell us about the key business lessons you have learnt over the years in the industry. What are your key areas of expertise as a business leader?

Over the years, I've gathered key business insights. Effective communication proves pivotal for fostering internal and external business relationships. A profound understanding of the business is imperative for any HR leader. Ethical leadership plays a crucial role in establishing trust with stakeholders. Financial acumen is essential for grasping the intricacies of the business, and emphasis on innovation remains paramount.

In terms of expertise, my focus lies in managing human resource capital for manpower-centric industries. I focus on overall talent management and organizational development. Strategic thinking is a cornerstone of my approach, as I develop effective HR strategies to achieve short and long-term goals and maintain a competitive edge. Adaptability and flexibility are integral aspects of my leadership style.

Tell us more about the various responsibilities you shoulder as the Executive Vice President at Onward Technologies.

As the Executive Vice President at Onward Technologies, my responsibilities span global human resource management. My focus includes talent management, employee engagement, learning, and organizational development. I oversee performance management, champion diversity and inclusion, and prioritize employee wellbeing. Compliance, instilling Onward Tech values and culture, and managing change and business continuity are integral facets of my role.

What key challenges do you face in steering the growth strategy for Onward Technologies? How do you address these obstacles?

A paramount challenge is establishing and sustaining a highly relevant and competent talent pool throughout the organization's various levels and functions. This is crucial to support the growth strategy in today's dynamic market. Continuous evolution is necessary to attract and retain top talent, involving the creation of engagement models to keep employees motivated and appropriately rewarded.

Share the notable milestones in your professional journey spanning over two decades.

Some of my noteworthy achievements include assuming the role of HR Head early on, successfully transitioning across diverse industries, and making a seamless shift from a global to an Indian MNC. Over the course of my career, I have effectively managed the balance between professional and personal priorities, particularly in terms of ensuring my child's education and growth aligned with my professional commitments.

What has been your success mantra or guiding leadership philosophy as a business leader?

My success mantra as a business leader revolves around collaborative partnerships with both the business and stakeholders. Building and nurturing the right teams is paramount, ensuring they align with the organization's goals. Fostering a performance-driven culture remains a key aspect, motivating individuals to excel. At the core of it all, I steadfastly uphold organizational values and integrity as the foundation for every decision and action, ensuring a principled and sustainable leadership philosophy.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/ business leader.

First and foremost, maintain clarity on your priorities and ensure those around you are aware of them. Uphold unwavering commitment to your career goals, embracing continuous learning as a lifelong pursuit. Fear not the prospect of taking risks; believe in your capabilities and trust your instincts. These principles, grounded in self-assurance and dedication, can pave the way for success in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and leadership.

Sujata Singh, EVP, Onward Technologies

An experienced leader in the Human Resource space, Sujata brings to table varied experience spanning a host of industries such as Pharma, BFSI, IT, ITES, and ER&D services. She is a staunch proponent of constant learning and has been unwaveringly committed to organizational success since her early days as an HR executive. In her current role at Onward Technologies, she leads HR with a focus on building a cohesive global team and implementing best practices worldwide.

Awards or recognitions won so far

• Top 101 HR Tech Minds - 2019

• Top 101 HR Tech Leaders -2020

• MD’s award – 2020

• MD’s award – 2022