Within the dynamic field of human resources (HR), there are a select few individuals who are redefining how businesses approach talent management, employee engagement, and strategic planning. Among these outstanding leaders, Richi Singh stands out.

Richi Singh, the Director-Recruitment at Ivanti, has over 15 years of experience in the recruitment field and a deep understanding of hiring trends. Her career is marked by extensive experience in various key roles across the industry. With a proven track record, Richi has recruited talents across all spheres and has led several projects and advised management on hiring recommendations.

Embarking on a distinctive exchange with Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine, Richi divulges the intricate facets of her transformative journey as a prominent leader in the country. Let's explore further.

How did your time at Delhi University shape you as an individual and as a professional?

Studying at Delhi University was truly a transformative step in my life. It was the first time I stayed away from my home. So, stepping out of the bubble to handle various aspects of my life on my own was the first step towards an independent life.

I lived in a private hostel which exposed me to students from various colleges. This helped me to gain a wide range of ideas and perspectives. The diversity of people I interacted with helped me broaden my horizons and become more open-minded and inclusive.

My time at Delhi University was filled with immense learning both academically and personally. We had frequent in-person events/competetions that helped me enhance my social skills and taught me about teamwork and leadership.

What were some of the most crucial junctures throughout your professional journey as a recruitmentr expert?

I started my professional journey at Careernet. My time there exposed me to the intricacies of how companies build their talent pools and what they look for when hiring. I experienced rapid professional growth at Careernet. I always ensured to deliver my best by keeping my motivation high in a dynamic business like ours. Having a solution finding approach helped me in dealing with any challenges that came my way.

In 2015, I started seeking new growth opportunities and joined Mobileiron. This helped me to shift my perspective from recruiting for an organization externally at Careernet to hiring internally at Mobileiron. I helped grow the talent pool significantly.

In 2020, when Ivanti acquired Mobileiron, I became a part of Ivanti and started contributing extensively to the organizations' growth. The past three years at Ivanti have accelerated my professional growth and have equipped me with unique insights and skills.

What are some of the key areas of expertise that you have developed in the recruitment function over the years?

My success has been largely due to the primary areas of knowledge I have gained over the years in the recruitment function. Having excellent leadership abilities has been essential in my journey. Having led teams and managed people since the beginning of my profession, I know how to encourage, inspire, and lead others to accomplish group objectives. Business acumen is another essential skill set. I need to make sure that the talent we choose will help the business succeed in the long run. I have also developed a critical skill of understanding markets and industries. As recruiters, we search the wider market continuously for talent.

I have come to realize how crucial adaptability is. The world of recruitment is dynamic and changes quickly. It is possible that what worked a few years ago doesn't apply today. One major advantage has been the ability to quickly adjust to changing trends, technologies, and techniques.

Lastly, I have developed an attitude that sees change as inevitable. I have been able to maintain my competitive edge and keep my talents sharp by stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Tell us about Ivanti. What are the key responsibilities you shoulder as the Director, Recruitment at the company?

Ivanti enables productivity and security for employees regardless of their location. In today's world where remote work is a norm, Ivanti ensures that employees can work from anywhere while keeping the devices secure.

I head recruitment for the APAC region and my responsibility entails hiring best talent across the region. I collaborate with our HR functions and business units to ensure that our recruitment strategies are aligned with our organizational goals. Apart from this, in my role, I ensure attracting top-tier candidates who can support us on a mission to secure a productive work environment.

What have been the most critical challenges that you encounter in your profession? How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

One of the biggest challenges in my profession is the competitive market and the high demand for qualified professionals. How you differentiate yourself from others is the key to attract and retain top talent. Since we operate in a niche industry, it is critical to communicate why working with us is an amazing opportunity for their career advancement. Being open and honest helps build trust and makes a strong case for talented people to work with us. It is also very vital to craft a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP) that defines why your company is a great place to work, touching on company values and employee benefits.

A leader you admire:

For me a leader is someone who have high values, set superior standards and always think ahead. The only person who I have seen these three qualities consistently and up close has been my mother, there is way more to being a leader than experience or position within an organization. She has coached me through difficult times and always shown me the bigger picture, that is where I get my strength and resilience from.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders:

You must have heard it so many times but 'Believe in yourself', only when you are confident about yourself, others can be confident about you. Always speak up and don’t be afraid to share your opinion, people may or may not like it but the minute we start doing things to please people it will derail us from becoming a true leader.

Richi Singh, Director-Recruitment, Ivanti

Richi Singh has an MBA in Human Resources from ICFAI University and a BA in English from Delhi University. Currently serving as Director-Recruitment at Ivanti, Richi has over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition. Richi has held key roles at Mobileiron and Careernet Consulting, previously.