Bhavya Vasan is always up for a challenge. "My approach to life and work is defined by a never-say-die attitude. It's about facing challenges head-on, learning from setbacks, and persevering until we achieve our goals," Bhavya says.

Currently, the Associate Director—Talent Development at PayU, Bhavya embodies a relentless commitment to resilience and continuous improvement in her personal and professional endeavours. With a career rooted in human resources, she champions the strategic development of talent to drive organisational success and foster a dynamic, inclusive workplace culture. 

Revisiting HR’s core purpose

Bhavya’s journey into HR was driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of people within organisations. "HR plays a vital role in shaping the people strategy that drives organisational success. Being able to develop individuals and contribute to their growth while impacting the organisation positively is incredibly fulfilling," she explains. Highlighting the evolving landscape of work in 2024, Bhavya notes the shift towards hybrid work models and the growing importance of inclusivity. "Flexible work arrangements have become integral, allowing employees to achieve better work-life balance. Additionally, the influx of younger generations necessitates inclusive workplaces that foster psychological safety and diversity," she observes.

Looking ahead to HR in 2025, Bhavya envisions a pivotal role for HR in driving cultural transformation amidst global change. "As the world evolves rapidly, HR will play a critical role in fostering agility, resilience, and ethical compliance within organisations, empowering them to thrive," she states.

Bolstering HR capabilities at PayU

At PayU, Bhavya has been instrumental in enhancing HR capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving landscape. "I've focused on upskilling our workforce in technologies like GenAI and fostering a growth mindset that promotes adaptability and innovation," Bhavya shares. She has also championed a cultural shift towards agility and resilience through initiatives like the 'Move fast, Bounce back faster' mantra, reinforcing ethical values and compliance.

Identifying the foremost challenge facing HR today, Bhavya underscores the need to develop a future-ready workforce capable of navigating technological advancements while maintaining human-centric values. "The challenge lies in preparing our talent for an uncertain future where AI and other technologies are reshaping industries," she explains. Bhavya's initiatives include leadership development programs that equip leaders to drive change and uphold organisational values amidst digital transformation.

Experience at Are You In The List 2024 awards

Participating in the People Matters Are You In The List 2024, Powered by Aon Awards was extremely rewarding for Bhavya, offering profound insights into her leadership strengths and growth areas. "The assessment process provided a comprehensive evaluation of my capabilities through various stages, from tests to coaching sessions," she recalls. The experience not only affirmed her strengths in talent development and strategic HR but also connected her with a network of HR professionals to share best practices and insights.

"The process helped me understand my strengths—like resilience and strategic thinking—and areas for growth, such as fostering even greater inclusivity within our teams," Bhavya reflects. She credits the award process for enhancing her leadership journey by offering new perspectives and opportunities for professional growth.

Bhavya Vasan exemplifies a new generation of HR leaders driven by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping organisational culture and talent development. Her strategic vision for HR in 2025 underscores her dedication to navigating future challenges while ensuring that organisations remain agile, ethical, and empowered to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Meet other HR leaders and winners of the Are You In The List 2024 awards by following #AreYouInTheList