“The concept of work has evolved. People seek jobs that make an impact and inspire them. Showing the big picture and fostering a sense of purpose is crucial” says Sudhir Mishra, Vice President and Head of HR – India at IDEMIA. With his experience of facilitating M&As, he shares that acquiring a company involves more than just buildings; it's about the people. He believes that aligning different cultures is a significant challenge for HR professionals during mergers and acquisitions. HR plays a critical role in achieving this by managing change, retaining talent, and harmonizing everything. Sudhir’s advice for early career professionals is to: ➡️ Prioritize learning and growth over money in your career choices. ➡️ Look for a company or job that prepares you for the future and pushes you beyond your comfort zone. ➡️ Acquire valuable skills and competencies that will lead to financial rewards in the long run.

Shift focus to finding the right place to build your future and achieve corporate success. Here, patience is key, as companies typically reward exceptional skills and commitment.

Sudhir adds that he thrives on continuous innovation and exploring new initiatives in his job.

“I enjoy making a difference and creating positive changes. The opportunity to implement new ideas and see them come to life fills me with pride. A fulfilling job is one that allows me to make a meaningful impact and drive improvement.” We at Athena Executive Search & Consulting (AESC) are a global consulting firm with vast experience in supporting organizations looking to onboard leadership talent across critical business functions. We commenced a series that seeks to highlight some of the most distinguished leaders in human resources. This series will bring a spotlight on their journey, learnings and perhaps answer some pertinent questions for aspiring HR leaders.