Breaking down complexity
The world is full of complexity, Padmaja Palekar learnt early in her HR career. Her advice to her younger self would be simple: don’t try to solve all complex problems. Focus on what counts, and deliver by breaking down one complex problem into smaller, simpler problems. Pivot as situations demand but don’t lose focus, never give up your values. And last but not least—speak up.
Today, as people experience global mobility manager Asia at Unilever, Palekar leads with a philosophy forged through challenges that tested not just her professional capabilities but her very identity as a contributor to business.
The insult that became opportunity
A senior leader once said to her: “Even if you don’t find a new role or a new job or a new project, you have your husband to lean on.” To Palekar, this was the most insulting comment—where a woman is not looked at as a contributor to business.
How did she turn this into an opportunity? She took up one of the most challenging projects, an area where most people did not want to enter for its complexity. And it reached a stage where the CEO of the company appreciated her for stepping in and driving stability outside of her comfort zone.
Her message to all women out there is clear: you have much more to yourself than the world knows. All you have to do is believe in yourself and push through.
“Know that you have much more to yourself than the world knows. All you have to do is believe in yourself and push through”
The toughest decision
Palekar recalls revisiting the performance-management approach in an organisation that operated in an unstructured way of managing people’s performance. The CEO insisted on a “performance-driven” approach. They aligned on the framework, but the toughest part of the delivery was getting buy-in from the most senior leaders in the organisation.
It was tough because she was young, and the people who needed to buy in had more than 30 years of experience—more than her age. The toughest decision for her was whether to go in herself or seek help from a senior leader to drive this. She pushed through to lead the initiative herself, believing in her knowledge, capabilities and approach. She knew they were doing the right thing for the organisation. She believed in herself and took that decision.
There were mistakes made, and lessons learnt, but in the process she grew as a professional and as a person.
Quick Fire Round
One book that changed your perspective on leadership?
You Must be Joking by Richard P. Feynman. This book isn’t a typical leadership book, but it inspires as it teaches
how curiosity helps someone become a better version of oneself.
Your mantra for difficult days?
There is something better in store.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be yourself.
One thing you wish people understood about being a woman in HR leadership?
That women leaders bring effectiveness and efficiency with heart.
Morning ritual that sets you up for success?
Fit body and fit mind—exercise is the key!
Experience over automation
The future of work is dynamic. With digitisation and automation becoming the centre of everything, one thing that the HR function should be careful about is moving away from the experience factor. Palekar’s view is clear: treat digitisation as an enabler and not a replacement to your jobs as HR professionals. Technology will support you in generating capacity to problem-solve with heart and mind, keeping experience at the centre stage of everything you do.
When it comes to workplace culture, Palekar’s non-negotiables are simple: respect, fairness, and integrity.
“Technology will support you in generating capacity to problem-solve with heart and mind, keeping experience at the centre stage of everything you do”
Sources of Inspiration
Palekar credits her parents and teachers who taught her to be grounded, have strong foundations, and always do the right thing, no matter how complex the scenario. But she looks for inspiration in scenarios around her. There are times when a young innocent child teaches her to think simplistically and ask questions fearlessly, and there are times when an elderly person inspires her with the way they adapt to the constant and rapid changes to technology in today’s world.
She believes inspiration is everywhere—you just need to spot it.
Her advice to young women starting their HR careers today? Be bold, be curious, and speak up.