The Power of Adaptability and Empathy in a Multifaceted Career
Oct 04 ,2023
Explore the importance of adaptability, empathy, and work-life integration in building a successful multifaceted career. Learn from HR expert Nina Bhaskar’s insights on trust, change, and personal growth.
Join Adrian Tan and our esteemed guest Nina Bhaskar, Head of HR for a leading soft contact lens company in Southeast Asia. We dove deep into the topics of adaptability, empathy, and the art of balancing a multifaceted career.
Embracing Change: Similarities and Differences Across Industries
Regarding the processes and technologies within organisations, certain similarities transcend industries. Automation, simplification, and time efficiency are key themes that organisations strive for. Nina explains, “It’s all about cost and time efficiency.” However, the differences lie in the company philosophy and decision-making processes. Some organisations take a one-size-fits-all approach, while others recognise the importance of tailoring decisions to specific markets. Nina emphasises the significance of understanding the cultural nuances and involving stakeholders from different regions to ensure the success of technological implementations and process changes.
Building Trust in New Roles: The Power of Listening and Flexibility
Moving into a new industry or role can be both exciting and challenging. One of the critical factors in successfully navigating these transitions is building trust with stakeholders. Nina shares her insights on establishing trust as a business partner, especially when you are new to the organisation. She advises, “At the onset, don’t say no. Allow your stakeholders to be in the driver’s seat and find your voice on the table.” By being approachable, consistent, and solution-focused, HR professionals can build credibility and foster strong relationships with their stakeholders. Nina also highlights the importance of being fair and impartial, balancing meeting stakeholders’ needs and maintaining fairness within the organisation.
Work-Life Integration: Balancing Multiple Roles and Responsibilities
Nina’s career journey is a testament to the possibility of successfully balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. Even as a mother, HR leader, MC, model, and executive coach, she believes that 24 hours is enough to pursue one’s passions and fulfil various commitments. She emphasises the importance of planning, leveraging support systems, and including loved ones in different aspects of life. Nina’s approach is rooted in discipline, routine, and making the most of the time available. She encourages others to be open to opportunities, evaluate their time investment, and strive for personal growth despite failure.
The Transformative Power of Empathy
Empathy is a quality that Nina holds dear and believes is essential in today’s world. While some may argue that empathy is an intrinsic trait, she believes it can be honed through self-awareness and self-reflection. Nina shares her experience pursuing a coaching certification to deepen her understanding of empathy and its role in HR. She explains, “The more self-aware you become, the more you realise how your actions and decisions impact others.” HR professionals can create a culture of psychological safety, choice, and respect by cultivating empathy.
The Value of Experience and Transferable Skills
Nina challenges the notion that HR certifications are necessary for career advancement. Drawing from her extensive experience across industries and roles, she questions the value of additional certifications when one already possesses a wealth of practical knowledge. Instead, she advocates for pursuing opportunities that align with personal passions and contribute to professional growth. Nina decided to become an executive coach because she wanted to enhance her advisory skills and embrace the growing trend of coaching cultures within organisations. She believes that experience, self-awareness, and a commitment to continuous learning are more valuable than certifications.
Conclusion: Embracing a Multifaceted Career
Nina Bhaskar’s journey exemplifies the power of adaptability, empathy, and work-life integration in building a multifaceted career. Her insights shed light on the importance of understanding the similarities and differences across industries, building trust in new roles, and embracing opportunities for personal and professional growth. By honing transferable skills, such as communication, resilience, and flexibility, professionals can confidently navigate various industries and roles. Ultimately, the key lies in finding a balance that allows for personal fulfilment, meaningful contributions, and the cultivation of empathy in all aspects of life.
As we look to the future, the ability to adapt, empathise, and integrate various roles and responsibilities will become increasingly valuable. Professionals who embrace change, build trust, and cultivate empathy will be well-equipped to thrive in the dynamic and interconnected world of work. So, let us embark on this journey of self-discovery, growth, and compassion and unlock the full potential of our multifaceted careers.
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About Rolling Arrays
Rolling Arrays has been driving SAP SuccessFactors-led HR Transformation since 2009. The company specialises in SF consulting, implementation, and support and also builds applications to enhance the utility of the SuccessFactors platform. It is committed to designing systems that help its customers to attract, develop and retain talented individuals. In 2021, Rolling Arrays was recognized as one of the top 75 fastest-growing companies in Singapore by The Straits Times & Statista.
