Managing an ever-growing team can be a difficult task in and of itself for organizations, and the role of the HR Manager is critical to business performance and employee management. From managing the workforce-to ensuring that employees add value to the growth of the company the role of HR is very important. Focusing on employee experience and various other aspects of the company, Ankita Singh is proficiently helping build the best talent for MX Player, India’s largest digital entertainment ecosystem Ankita earned a BTech degree in computer science before deciding to pursue an MBA She is responsible for achieving corporate objectives through the use of people, whether as a strategic business partner or aiding executives in designing the best people strategy.

 In her role as the Talent, Culture & People Operations leader at MX Player, Ankita Singh recently engaged in a one-on-one interaction with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, here’s the highlight from the same.

Tell Us About Your Educational Journey And Prior Industry Experience. What Motivated You To Foray Into This Field?

Like most people in my generation, I too, am an engineer -I have a Btech degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Nagpurt post which, I spent around two and a half years working for Oracle Financial Services. However, I've always wanted to pursue higher education, which led me to pursue an MBA from IIM Lucknow. I graduated from IIML with a degree in General Management, and a job in Management Consulting. However, it was here in this first role of mine where I was exposed to the HR discipline through projects. So, I really did not study or start out in HR - I fell in love with the field and decided to pursue it thereon. It was in the first assignment that I realized the depth, breadth, and complexity which comes with this field. I always felt that Product movement, market movement, and even consumer trends are still simpler to foresee, but human motivation - which is the key input for any HR practitioner is impossible to predict. Learning how to create value for organisations using this most valuable yet difficult asset motivated me to become a student of this discipline, and I'm still learning something new every day.

Throw Some Light On Your Vast Experience In The Field Of HR.

I began my journey as a Management Consultant which led to various HR and Change-related projects throughout India and the Middle East. I've worked in positions that have exposed me to Talent Management, Leadership Development and earning, Change Management, Recruitment, and, of course, the full spectrum of HR Business Partnering. Across every organization I have worked in, I have also had the good fortune of crafting new businesses or new organizations - so one of the key skills that I have gathered throughout my career, in addition to the above is how to start a new organization (or function or a department) from a people perspective. These assignments pushed me to look at HR from a strategic business angle, and assess and establish how the function can contribute to the growth of any new organization. As a result of this experience, I believe that every HR leader is also a business leader whose role is equally important in achieving the stated company objectives. In my current position, I oversee all aspects of HR, allowing me to not only build on my previous knowledge but also venture into hitherto uncharted territory such as compensation and benefits, HR operations and compliances, employer branding, and so on.

Highlight On Your Responsibilities As The Head Of HRBP, HR And COE And How Do You Face The Challenges Related To It? How Do You Stay Attuned To The Evolutions Occurring In Your Line Of Work?

I am responsible for driving business outcomes through people scope, whether as a strategic business partner helping leaders build the right people strategy, or in HR operations building the right compliances, processes, and outcomes to enhance employee experience or through the various COEs (Talent, Org effectiveness, Analytics & HR tech, Engagement, Employer branding or Rewards) - trying to push the bar even higher to make the organization a great place to work through exceptional culture and change management.

"As a leader, be courageous to call out biases and barriers and keep pushing the envelope when it comes to making an inclusive culture around you"

My main goal is to work with stakeholders and business leaders to instill the cultural embodiment of what we stand for as an organisation and to foster a collaborative and inclusive community of high-performing individuals. I also stay up to date with what's going on in this industry and try to adapt to shifting trends through the internet/HR forums/Business conclaves etc. I also push myself to network well both within and outside of my organization, get to know people, and have a symbiotic relationship with them has proven advantageous not only professionally, but has also helped me form countless friendships over time.

What Are The Significant Milestones That You Have Achieved So Far? What Has Been Your Driving Force?

As I previously stated, my first job was in management consulting which was a thrilling experience that felt more like an adventure. My first assignment was in Patiala, Punjab, a city I never expected to visit on my first job. However, the assignment's hurdles along with the opportunity to meet some incredibly amazing people kept the momentum rolling. Later, one of the projects I worked on took me to construction sites in several locations across the Middle East which had zero women employees!!. These assignments allowed me to study and experience the human side of organizations first-hand, rather than just reading about it in books and papers. Learning how to figure out my picture of success and curate my journey path by myself. Following the unconventional is what pushes me to take more risks and keeps me unperturbed when things go awry.

What Would Be Your Advice To Young Girls And Women Who Are Aspiring To Be HR Leaders Of Tomorrow?

While it may sound quite cliché, it’s immensely important to believe in yourself. I have met fantastic women who are inhibited by nothing else but a sense of 'not-me'. I want to tell them that it is our attitude towards ourselves that makes all the difference - we already have several people around us judging and critiquing our choices, and we should not add to it by self-criticism. All it needs to be successful is to have a personal cheerleader - and our biggest cheerleader should be us, ourselves. At work, dream big! And then follow it through your actions despite the odds.

When it comes to your professional achievements, the world should be your oyster, and nothing short of that should you accept as your limit. As a leader, be courageous to call out biases and barriers and keep pushing the envelope when it comes to making an inclusive culture around you. Those who aspire to build a career in HR should embrace a strong value-driven approach and growth-focused mindset but should not compromise on having a passion for people, forging connections, being empathetic, and most importantly being kind - since these traits will never get old for success as an HR.

Ankita Singh, Head-Hrbp, HR Operations & Compliance, & Coe Mx Player

As a leader, be courageous to call out biases and barriers and keep pushing the envelope when it comes to making an inclusive culture around you