In yet another episode of the Talking Matters, People Matters’ exclusive radio show, Editor-in-Chief Esther Martinez talked to Prabir Jha, President and Group CHRO, Reliance Industries. The show was co-hosted by Vikram Bector, Chief Talent Officer at Tata Motors. The radio show revolved around Prabir’s journey as an HR leader and what lead him to where he is today.

Crediting his parents as the earliest influencers in his life, Prabir said he inherited a sense of integrity, honest work, empathy, a strong people connect and a great sense of work ethics from his environment. He grew up in a family of civil service officers. Prabir was an extrovert. As a student, he was not just interested in studies but also debates, drama, horse riding and other extra-curricular activities. Every activity and interaction was a learning experience, which provided a sense of respect for work and skills of every individual.

Listen to the full radio session here

When talking about the ingredients of success, Prabir credited the people in his life for what he has become. He says that people have been kind and have given him far more support, affection and adulation then he thought he deserved. It was this emotional connect that created the base for his leadership capability. Prabir said he has always been a ‘high touch’ leader. He believes in vesting trust in employees and winning their hearts. It is what drives work from people in the long run. He believes that the measure of success is the impact that you leave behind and the legacy you built. One cannot survive 25 years across different roles in the industry without building a reputation for creating an impact or outcome.

When working in an organization, HR issues are viewed through personal lenses by most people and it is a constant struggle to bring everyone on the same page. One of the biggest challenges that Prabir sees time and again across industries is aligning contradictory thoughts of other colleagues in leadership roles.

Prabir says that one of the biggest lessons learnt is the realization that people work for their own reasons. It is about selling the solution as people see it. Another lesson is that there is never a time when you will always have bouquets coming your way. The fact you might fail is no reason to stop trying.

Key Takeaways:

The measure of success is the impact that one leaves behind and the legacy that one built
• One cannot survive in the industry without building a reputation for creating an impact or outcome
• The fact you might fail is no reason to stop trying