Shreyas has varied interests – an avid reader, debater, quizzer and also a sportsperson. Passionate about music, he also went and formed a rock band while being equally eloquent with playing multiple instruments. Armed with an Engineering degree, his first exposure to HR was when he started preparing for his MBA exam. But HR resonated with his ideas and thoughts and he decided to take it as his career choice after thorough discussions with his seniors and professors. He has been in this profession for more than 4.5 years. 

Shreyas Haridas, HR Business Partner, Star India Pvt Ltd.

One thing you will:

Start in HR: ROI measurement for all HR initiatives wherever possible

Continue in HR: The increased focus on HR analytics

Stop in HR: Bell curve in Performance management systems

As an emerging HR leader, one thing which brings great pride to you: 

I have been a core team member of the HR Transformation project at RIL. I was in the team that included employees of RIL, BP Plc and consultants, which completely revamped most HR processes and policies at RIL. I am proud of how well the transformation was planned and executed and the systematic change management exercise along with it.

Biggest flaw in the way organizations operate today, and how do you plan to fix that: 

A major flaw I have observed is over-dependence on specific individuals. There is usually not a good talent pipeline in place and a senior level exit leaves the organization in trouble.

I plan to fix this by ensuring that a proper talent pipeline and a HiPo program are in place and there is no reliance on only a certain set of individuals in an organization.

What makes the difference while you are in HR in a corporate set up:  

To stand out from the clutter and to make a difference being in HR in a corporate set-up, it is extremely essential to know the business inside-out. The business will always appreciate an HR person who can speak their language and understand clearly what they do.

In 5 years, you see yourself as:

Heading HR for a business/vertical of a large organization. I see myself as an HR professional who adds value to the business. Also teaching HR and doing career counselling for students.

The ‘Are You in The List’ Journey: 

The “Are you in the list” journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. It has been an enriching and interesting experience which I’m sure will add a lot to me as an HR professional. The journey has been a reward in itself.

FIRE SHOT QUESTIONS:

• As an emerging HR leader, what keeps you up at night: So much in HR that is yet left to learn!
  
  
• Describe today’s HR in one line: Relevant and important yet underutilised
  
  
• Who is your inspiration to be an HR professional: Dr TV Rao
  
  
• Qualities which differentiate you from other participants: Huge thirst for knowledge and a solution-oriented approach.
  
  
• A stranger’s first impression of yours would be: Friendly, laid-back guy
  
  
• Who or What are your biggest strengths: I’m a quick learner and very adaptable.
  
  
• One weakness you can do without: My time management skills could do better!
  
  
• If we have to automate you and ask you to keep one human quality, what should that be: Empathy
  
  
• Your Favourite book: Maus by Art Spiegelman
  
  
• Your Hobby: Playing the guitar and other music instruments
  
  
• One word that describes an HR professional: Enabling

For the entire list of Are You in The List Awards 2016, please click here.

Here are the profiles of other winners (not based on ranking): 

 Here’s the list of India’s 15 future HR leaders:

1. ABHISHEK BUDHARAJA, Associate Director, HR (Talent Management, OD & OE) at Snapdeal
   
   
2. ANKITA PODDAR, HR Business Partner, Amazon
   
   
3. APOORVA PRADHAN, Assistant Manager, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd
   
   
4. MEGHA GUPTA, HR Business Partner, Sapient Corporation Ltd
   
   
5. RAVI BAJPAI, Practice Lead Talent Acquisition, Infosys
   
   
6. SALIL RAHEJA, Deputy General Manager, Essar Steel India Ltd
   
   
7. SHAVETA ARYA, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition, PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt. Ltd.
   
   
8. SIDDHARTH BHASIN, HRBP, G&A Business, APAC Region, Google
   
   
9. SOUMYA MALKANI, Deputy Manager – Organisation Development, Tata AIG General Insurance Company
   
   
10. ADITYA ADYAR, Chief People Officer, Faasos
    
    
11. NIYATI GOEL, Regional Rewards, AMEA (Asia Middle East & Africa), Mondelez International 
    
    
12. APEKSHA JAIN, Senior HR Business Partner, PepsiCo
    
    
13. RAJESHWARI RAMACHANDRAN, HCM Consultant
    
    
14. SNIGDHA SINGH CHAUDHURI, Sr. Manager, HRBP for Sales team, Cipla