Confidence over readiness
When Simantika Mukherjee says, “If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: Don’t wait to feel ready,” we know she really means it. She does not hide the fact that in the early years of her career, she used to equate readiness with perfection. However, over the years she learnt that “confidence isn’t something you find before you step forward. It’s something you build because you step forward.”
Today, as group CHRO, Tribeca Developers, Mukherjee leads with a philosophy forged in boardrooms where her leadership style was often misread—until consistency proved otherwise.
The power of consistency
Having encountered moments in the boardroom where assertiveness was interpreted as aggression and empathy was interpreted as being too emotional, Mukherjee learnt a valuable lesson. She learnt that the most powerful response isn’t reaction. It is consistency.
She experienced the power that came from preparation, composure and sustained excellence.
“Empathy is not softness. It is awareness. And awareness makes better decisions.”
Not soft, just aware
Asked how she would describe her leadership style, and how it has evolved over the years, Mukherjee says: “My leadership style today is empathetic, but outcome-driven.”
She is very clear that “empathy is not softness. It is awareness. And awareness makes better decisions.”
Whilst Mukherjee admits that women in HR leadership have definitely progressed, with more visibility, more voice, more ambition, the real shift is needed elsewhere.
“We are not just culture custodians but business leaders shaping growth, risk, and resilience.” So, that is where she feels women need to push harder.
Quick fire round
One book that changed your perspective on leadership?
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg where one idea resonated deeply with me—’Don’t leave, before you leave!’
Your mantra for difficult days?
Never let a setback define you; let it prepare you for your next comeback.
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
Control your narrative through your consistency. It is consistency that builds credibility.
One thing you wish people understood about being a woman in HR leadership?
That empathy is strength, not weakness, when used with intention.
Morning ritual that sets you up for success?
Definitely, micro-learning. 15 minutes of reading, listening or reflecting on something new sharpens my thinking and preps me up for the day with confidence.
If not HR, what career path would you have pursued?
I would have been a classical dancer, performing in stage productions. Leadership, much like dance, demands presence, discipline and emotional intelligence.
“Confidence isn’t something you find before you step forward. It’s something you build because you step forward.”
Understanding the numbers
To young women starting in HR, Mukherjee has only this to say: “Build business acumen early, irrespective of the industry you are part of. Understand the numbers.”
It is her strong belief that without an in-depth understanding of the business and its real-time challenges, it will be impossible to move the needle for the HR function from becoming a support function and culture custodian to a strategic business partner driving real impact in business outcomes.
After all, as she states: “Leadership isn’t about fitting into the room. It’s about expanding it.”
Mukherjee could have become a classical dancer, performing in stage productions. She chose to become a leader instead—consistent, composed and confident, ready to expand the room rather than fit into it. Yet the parallel remains: leadership, much like dance, demands presence, discipline and emotional intelligence.