Leaders

In an era defined by digital disruption and evolving workforce expectations, the recruitment and HR consultancy industry is at the forefront of talent innovation. By providing specialized staffing solutions, employer branding strategies, and learning interventions, companies are empowered to stay competitive in a dynamic global talent landscape. Understanding industry trends and candidate expectations is crucial for success in today’s competitive business environment. For over two decades, Vidya Kesari’s recruitment solutions firm, Scalations, has excelled in doing just that.

Vidya’s journey in the Indian HR industry has been marked by steady growth and unwavering client loyalty. Earning an MBA from VIT Vellore laid a strong foundation for her professional development, characterized by effective leadership and communication skills. Her deep exploration of HR and recruitment at Digital Alarm Technologies paved the way for her entrepreneurial pursuits.

In 2005, Vidya founded Scalations with a vision to create more opportunities for professionals seeking career advancement. Starting as a solo entrepreneur, she has grown the firm into a cohesive team of 15, exemplifying sustainable growth.

With diverse experience spanning product-based and HR service organizations, she specializes in strategic staffing and candidate branding across various industries, helping organizations thrive amid global change.

What impact did your Alma Mater, VIT, have on your growth as an individual and as a professional?

Over time I have come to realize the critical role my alma mater played in shaping my professional journey. During my BBA and MBA programs, I received exceptional academic training and was encouraged to participate in co-curricular initiatives, ranging from event participation to program anchoring. These experiences not only enhanced my leadership and communication skills but also built the confidence, I needed to enter the job market with clarity and purpose.

When I began my career journey, I quickly recognized the respect VIT Vellore (formerly VEC) commanded in the industry. Just mentioning my education background gave me a distinct advantage, reinforcing my credibility.

What key lessons and values did you imbibe at VIT that continue to be a part of your life?

One of the most valuable lessons I learned as a student at VIT was the importance of showing up, stepping out of your comfort zone, and embracing experimentation. Demonstrating authenticity and a willingness to learn fosters support and collaboration from others.

I was fortunate to be mentored by exceptional faculty members, including Dr Murli Manohar, Dr K.T. Rangamani, and Dr Gomati Vellayudam, whose guidance profoundly impacted my journey. I especially appreciated Vishwanath’s personal investment in understanding each student. The faculty actively engaged students in meaningful dialogues, which fostered self-discovery and critical thinking, shaping my approach to learning and growth.

Take us through your professional journey in the HR and recruitment space.

My professional journey began in 2000. This role offered hands-on learning in professional communication and a well-rounded introduction to HR operations, giving me insights into core functions like recruitment, payroll, and compensation. I gained meaningful experience and clarity for my passion in recruitment sector especially after collaborating with Adecco People-One Consulting. I later launched my own venture in 2005.

What led you to establish Scalations? What is the underlying idea behind the venture?

Scalations was born out of my desire to create more opportunities for professional growth, driven by an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. Encouraged by a supportive family and inspired by my intuitive child, I gained the confidence to launch my own venture.

The name ‘Scalations’ embodies the concepts of elevation and continuous development. It was thoughtfully suggested by my mother during an early-stage discussion, perfectly capturing the essence of the firm’s mission. The foundation of Scalations is rooted in the belief that growth is not always linear, it can happen at any stage of life. Whether someone is just beginning their career or seeking a mid-career pivot, our goal is to support and facilitate their upward professional journey.

What have been some pivotal moments in Scalations’ growth journey?

A pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey came when I began working with a top-tier insurance firm. This opened doors to lasting partnerships with corporate HR teams and helped me establish my niche in non-IT recruitment.

Today, our portfolio includes both IT and non-IT recruitment, complemented by professional training services. We are also actively engaged in training programs across colleges, equipping students with soft skills and interview techniques to ease their transition from campus to corporate. We also support candidates with resume building, client-specific interview preparation and insights into corporate expectations, offered as value-added services.

As the CEO, what responsibilities do you shoulder at Scalations. What is your focus for facilitating the company’s growth?

As Founder & CEO, I have always prioritized staying connected to the ground realities of my business. At Scalations, we eschew rigid hierarchies, whether in strategy, sourcing, or execution, and I work closely alongside my 15-member team.

Our all-women team, comprising talented professionals from across India including Chennai, embodies the spirit of collaboration and shared success. We operate within a digitally connected and flexible environment, where each team member takes full ownership of their responsibilities.

Beyond my roles in administration and business growth, I remain actively engaged in candidate engage­ment. Meaningful conversations with job seekers serve as a powerful motivator for our team and reinforce our com­mitment to impactful career facilitation.

How is the Indian recruitment landscape evolving and what’s your strategy to align Scalations with these evolving needs?

India’s economic trajectory, propelled by initiatives like ‘Make in India’, has opened a floodgate of opportunities. Businesses are expanding, investors are actively engaging, and entrepreneurs are thriving. Although we are a small player in this vast ecosystem, its growth directly benefits us, and we are committed to evolving alongside it by embracing new technologies and adapting to changing recruitment dynamics.

We have faced our share of setbacks, but our consistent efforts and willingness to learn from each experience have kept us moving forward. Flexibility and perseverance remain our greatest strengths.

Vidya Kesari, Founder & CEO, SCALATIONS

Vidya Kesari, currently serving as the Lead (Executive Search) at Scalations, spearheads comprehensive hiring solutions for a diverse pan-India client base. Her core strengths include providing specialized staffing services and enhancing candidate brand positioning through impactful resume transformations. At Scalations, she focuses on delivering customized staffing solutions and resume enhancement services that adapt to the evolving demands of the industry. With its metro-based offices and extensive experience, Vidya is well-equipped to manage large-scale hiring mandates efficiently and effectively.