Degrees Are Dead? From Barista to Banking: A Transformative HR Leadership Journey with Rayyan Irwan

In the latest episode of Rolling Stories, hosts Adrian Tan and Manu Khetan sit down with Rayyan Irwan, SVP & Head of Human Capital at Bank Muamalat and a 2025 HR Leaders of the Year nominee, to explore his unconventional and inspiring HR journey.

From his early days working in restaurants and fitness centers to leading HR transformation in the banking sector, Rayyan’s story is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and people-first leadership.

An Unconventional Path to HR Leadership

Unlike traditional HR career paths, Rayyan’s journey began far from corporate offices. His early experiences on the frontlines of customer service helped him develop empathy, communication, and problem-solving — qualities that now define his leadership style.

His transition into HR was not just a career move but a purpose-driven shift — to create workplaces that value growth, inclusion, and human connection. This journey underscores a powerful truth: great leaders are shaped by experience, not just titles.

Building a People-First Culture

Throughout the conversation, Rayyan emphasizes that authentic care and empathy are at the core of effective HR. For him, HR isn’t about compliance and policies — it’s about enabling people to succeed.

He shares his philosophy that employees thrive when they feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow. This mindset has guided the creation of several impactful initiatives at Bank Muamalat.

Driving Employee Development through Innovative HR Programs

Rayyan discusses key initiatives like the “First Time Managers” and “Reset” programs — designed to empower leaders and employees to continuously evolve.

• First Time Managers Program: Equips new leaders with the mindset and tools to lead effectively.
• Reset Program: Encourages self-reflection, resilience, and growth to help employees realign their purpose and performance.

These programs reflect his belief that HR should be a catalyst for transformation, not just administration.

Rethinking HR: Beyond Compliance and Benchmarks

Rayyan challenges traditional compliance-first mindsets in HR. He advocates for a balance between structure and empathy, where policies enable people instead of limiting them.

He also discusses benchmarking beyond industry standards, encouraging HR leaders to learn from diverse sectors to drive innovation and employee engagement.

This forward-thinking approach is redefining how organizations view HR — not as a support function, but as a strategic driver of culture and performance.

Leadership Lessons and Career Advice

Rayyan’s journey offers valuable takeaways for aspiring HR professionals:

• Learn continuously – Every experience, big or small, shapes your leadership.
• Lead with care – Genuine concern for people builds trust and performance.
• Challenge assumptions – Growth happens when you ask “why not?” instead of “why.”

He also shares that his best career advice was simple yet powerful:

“Take the opportunity, try it out, and do well.”

A Glimpse into the Person Behind the Leader

In the Rapid Fire segment, Rayyan reveals lighter sides of his personality — his love for coffee, passion for running, and his wish to automate replying to emails if he could. These moments remind us that behind every HR leader is a human who keeps learning and evolving.

Final Thoughts

Rayyan Irwan’s story is a powerful reminder that HR leadership is not defined by where you start but by how you grow and inspire others along the way.

His approach to human capital management, built on authenticity, care, and continuous learning, is a blueprint for the future of HR.

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June 24, 2025