The IT solution industry is highly competitive, with businesses constantly seeking to attract and retain the best talent to achieve growth and success. Mahua Mukherjee, Chief People Officer at Black Box has played a vital role in ensuring the company hires and retains an efficient workforce. She is a senior HR professional with over 28 years of experience and has worked with clients across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and APAC. As a proficient HR transformational leader, Mahua has facilitated organization-wide transformations, streamlining HR operations and leading M&A integrations and growth. Let's read more about her achievements and experiences as highlighted in the following interview excerpts.

Take us through your educational journey and industry experience.

I received my early education in Kolkata & Assam, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics. I am a Post- Graduate in Personnel Management & HR from the Institute of Business Management and Research. Post this, I have worked across various sectors including IT Services & Consulting, Telecom & Hospitality. During the first decade of my career, I was employed at The Park Group Hotels. From 2002 to 2005, I was employed at Reliance Infocomm in Mumbai where I held the position of Corporate HR Manager. From 2005 to 2010, I worked at Capgemini Consulting, where I was responsible for Talent Management in India and later, I worked as the Business HR Head for Nordic & Central Europe. In 2010, I joined Black Box (AGC Networks) as the Head of Strategic and Operational HR.

Describe Black Box to us. Explain the various duties you perform as the company's Chief People Officer.

Black Box is an IT solutions provider that offers technology solutions and consulting services to businesses globally. The company's portfolios include Enterprise Networking, Customer Experience, Digital Workplace, Data Centers, and Connected Building. In my role as the Chief People Officer at Black Box, my responsibilities include overseeing the Strategic People Operations for the regions of India, APAC, and MEA. My main goal is to create a truly human work environment and to re-envision leadership. I have emphasized utilizing technology for the digital transformation of HR-led processes on a global scale, with a particular focus on performance management, rewards and recognition, talent engagement, and retention. Additionally, I have led HR processes to ensure the seamless integration of mergers and acquisitions in various locations.

Tell us about the various challenges you encounter in your current role. How do you overcome the roadblocks that you face?

One of the challenges in talent management is attracting and retaining top talent in a highly competitive market. This involves constantly reinventing recruitment strategies and identifying the right cultural fit for the organization, especially with Gen Z. Another challenge is identifying and developing future leaders who possess the necessary people skills, leadership capabilities, business breadth, and global diversity sensibilities required for leadership today. To address the issue of retaining highly talented individuals, organizations have implemented leadership development programs and have introduced initiatives, such as talent exchange programs, a digital rewards & recognition program, and targeted behavioral development training programs to better meet their needs and aspirations.

Could you tell us about some of the significant pivotal moments in your professional career? What has been the key to your success?

 My success mantras include multitasking, dealing with grey areas, active listening, negotiation skill, clear communication, and strong ethical values. Leadership is not just about being a leader, but also about navigating the path for others. I believe that the future of business lies in the amicability between work, the workforce, and the workplace. My key milestones are talent acquisition, talent management, and rewards and recognition. Despite the pandemic, we have seen a 90 percent increase in headcount in 2022 from 2020. We have a digitalized reward & recognition (R&R) program called ‘iShine’ in place, which inspires, engages, and values employees and functional teams toward the organization's growth. It covers all aspects of peer-to-peer appreciation, manager-to-subordinate recognition, inter-department, and function competition, and CEO Excellence Awards.

"While success often requires a passion for what you do, it's equally important to find rewards in the process & not just the result"

What do you think about the recent rapid changes in the HR landscape? Which market factors have significantly influenced the way the industry runs?

Companies have adapted their compensation and benefits to changing times to remain competitive, offering more flexible and personalized options to meet the needs of their employees. A less formal and more collaborative approach to performance reviews and feedback has also emerged, focusing on teamwork and contributions to others' success. And, with the changing work dynamics, the emphasis is now on getting quality work done in the most efficient manner.

What guidance or message would you impart to young women who hope to run or launch businesses in the future, based on your own experience?

As an entrepreneur, there should be no limits to the directions in which you can take your career. Breaking boundaries and pushing beyond the comfort zone requires bravery and perseverance. While success often requires a passion for what you do, it's equally important to find rewards in the process and not just the result. Keep your ultimate goal in mind, but be prepared to dream even bigger and upgrade your skills. Don't rely on others to teach you everything you need to know; take the initiative to learn and ask for opportunities.

Mahua Mukherjee, Chief People Officer, Black Box

Mahua’s Core Hr Expertise Includes Driving Strategic Policies, Hr P&L Ownership, Cost Re-Engineering, And Digital Transformation. She Has Been Instrumental In Driving Business Growth At Black Box By Leveraging Talent Strategies That Propel Employee Engagement & Experience.