How is IIM transforming its students into prolific industry leaders? This query is best addressed when you look at the success statistics of its alumni; the benchmarks they’ve set and the path of change they’ve followed. Producing such leaders is only possible with top-notch faculties and an environment with the best minds that chisel every bit of humans to be leaders, change-makers, and achievers. It’s no sub-rosa that IIM promises numerous opportunities to interact with the sharpest minds in the country and gain the necessary skill sets to emerge as new-age leaders. After spending over a decade in the training and people development space, Radhika Sharma Makker joined IIM Lucknow to hone her industrial proficiencies, acquire additional lenses and frames of business, review and re-examine her own experience, and prepare herself as a strategic HR leader.

Acknowledging IIM Lucknow’s contribution to her professional endeavours, Radhika admits that her tenure at the management institute enhanced her ability to look at things from multiple perspectives. As a leader with remarkable attributes to communicate an inspiring vision and lead the team into a high-performing family, Radhika is currently heading the HR function (North, East and Hyderabad) at Chai Point- scaling the brand towards the zenith with her result-driven HR strategies. To know more about her illustrious professional journey, kindly peruse the snippet of the exclusive conversation between Women Entrepreneur India and Radhika.

Take Us Through Your Early Educational Journey And The Prior Industry Experience That You Bring To The Table. What Motivated You To Foray Into The Field Of HR?

I have completed my Master's in English Literature and I started my career as a Trainer with Hutch (Vodafone now). Initially, I explored Learning & Development of all lengths and breadth. During these transition years, I got an opportunity and exposure to understand the field of HR as well. I decided to prepare myself as a strategic HR leader and professional and joined IIM Lucknow for a Strategic leadership program, which profoundly helped me in my next and preferred career journey in the field of HR. Since then, I have worked with various brands at different appellations within the space. People connect and talent development was always a link which helped me to do this transition.

What Are The Various Roles That You Currently Shoulder At Chai Point? What Are Some Of The Most Pressing Responsibility You Face?

Having built an able team, I lead as an HR for 3 regions – Delhi NCR, Kolkata& Hyderabad and manage end-to-end HR functions through people processes such as employee Hiring retention, employee relations, engagement & opportunities, talent attraction, training and leadership development, rewards & recognition, health & safety. Keeping the Talent funnel planned, channelized and engaged is one of the most pressing requirements of my role at all times.

What’s Your Goal For Chai Point? What Are Some Important Features Of Your Expertise As An HR Business Leader?

I’m focused on positioning the company as an employer with value-driven culture, positivity, empowerment, equal opportunity, trust, flexibility, and accountability. My major interventions through my expertise have been in strategic planning and supporting business transitions with agile frameworks. Some of the other most vital expertise I’ve gathered is: -Understanding the impact of the latest economic and financial transitions in the dynamic competitive environment. -Thinking systemically and holistically, thinking about relationships and groups as well as the individual, thinking about culture and capabilities. -Realizing employee pulse, focusing wellbeing, and agility & meritocracy as an approach. -Hiring the right talent based on skills, organizational values, and culture fitment to create supercharged teams.

What Have Been Some Of The Most Significant Milestones That You Have Achieved So Far In Your Professional Journey?

My agile leadership style and exposure to various industries have only helped me to enrich my  experience and understand the business and people better. Building better teams and workplaces at each of these have been the most gratifying experiences.

What Has Been The Driving Force Behind Your Success As A Business Leader?

 The driving force is the happiness I get by brightening lives of people within my organisation and also around. It can be by empowering them or at times just being a listening ear. I truly believe that 'The more you give, the more you receive!'

"My agile leadership style and exposure to various industries have only helped me to enrich my experience and understand the business and people better"

How should one keep well aligned with the periodic evolutions occurring within the Indian HR landscape and the tech landscape? A lot is happening in the HR landscape – you can stay glued if you observe the following: Industry and Vertical News blogs, Competition Study, Connect with your mentors and listen to your people. Quote: My agile leadership style and exposure to various industries have only helped me to enrich my experience and understand the business and people better.

 Wise Words To Aspiring Women

• Don’t always live in comfort zones, shed the weight to be perfect and try being a little brave!

• Be a Role Model and Mentor to other women.

• It starts with YOU. Believe in yourself and take the journey!

Awards Of Recognition

• Chai Point – Centre of Excellence Award - True North – An award for a leader who is a team player, shows humility, demonstrates strong ownership and has a keen eye for details. Achieves superlative results.2022

• IIM Lucknow - 1st runner for Best Project Award 2017

• Askme – Chairman's Excellence Award in Business Support & Service.2016

• Certified Frontline Trainer – Michael David 2009 & Sales Trainer – Dale Carnegie 2018

• Vodafone – IMAD – I Made a difference – Bringing the Change-2008 • Best Trainer Award – Hutch 2007

Radhika Sharma Makker, Head Hr - North, East & Hyderabad, Chai Point

Scaling Chai Point towards the zenith with her result-driven HR strategies.