The warrior princess
Known to be fearless, Rajita Singh learnt to speak up, stand her ground and take on tough conversations early on. Little wonder that she was called Xena the Warrior Princess. And yes, she wore the title like a crown, although she wondered whether she needed to loosen up or soften a bit just to fit into corporate expectations.
But now, having reached where she is, she knows that the thought should not have cropped up at all in the first place. So, her advice to youngsters: “Don’t dilute it. Channel that resilience, courage, and clarity with intention. Strength and empathy can coexist, and when you bring both into the corporate world, that’s when real impact happens.”
The biggest risk Singh ever took was stepping out of her comfort zone. Whilst she didn’t tick every box on paper, she has always believed in her ability to learn and adapt. In the process she learnt that growth rarely comes from playing safe, that potential often matters more than perfection, and that courage is a critical career skill.
“Lead with curiosity not perfection. Challenge assumptions with confidence”
From protector to co-creator
Singh enjoys playing strategic coach and supportive partner. Her leadership style is all about being courageous, people-centric, and purpose-driven. Right from her early days she led with passion and drive, protecting her teams with all her might. Although she earned respect, she realised it took a toll on her.
And therefore, she let her style evolve over the years into something richer. She has allowed collaboration to take over. She sets the direction and then co-creates solutions with her team instead of delivering them top-down.
She has learnt to ask questions instead of answering them, realising that the best solutions often come from the collective intelligence of the people around you.
She is now leading with her people instead of leading for them, letting empathy, psychological safety, and inclusion sit at the centre of her operations.
Today, as CPO-India & head-HR, global delivery at Kyndryl, Singh leads with this evolved philosophy.
“Leadership is a living practice that grows as our teams, challenges, and contexts evolve,” she observes. “And the more I learn, the more I lean into humility and shared ownership.”
“Empathy doesn’t cancel authority—it upgrades it”
Pushing harder
Indeed, women are increasingly visible in HR leadership roles today, shaping strategy, driving culture, and influencing the C-suite. “But they need to push harder,” says Singh.
Yes, there is greater recognition of the value women bring—emotional intelligence, collaboration, and resilience—not just as stereotypes, but as strategic strengths. But when it comes to equal representation at the topmost tiers, where women are still underrepresented in global leadership roles outside HR, women need to strive harder.
It is not just mentorship that women need but also pay parity and sponsorship. They need leaders to actively advocate for their advancement. There is unconscious bias and also systemic barriers that affect women differently across regions, generations, and backgrounds. So, whilst the progress is real, the journey towards true equity is ongoing.
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Quick Fire Round
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Back yourself—confidence grows faster than perfection.
One thing you wish people understood about being a woman in HR leadership?
We’re not just “good with people”—we’re sharp, strategic and decisive.
Morning ritual that sets you up for success?
Meditation, chai first, mindset check, then let’s go.
If not HR, what career path would you have pursued?
Something fast-paced and bold—maybe motorsport or leadership coaching.
What energises you most about your work?
Watching people find their voice and level up—it’s the best kind of win.
Curiosity over perfection
“Lead with curiosity not perfection,” says Singh to every young woman beginning her HR journey. She wants young women to “challenge assumptions with confidence.” Whilst it is important to find mentors, it is equally important to “be your own champion.”
She wants women to “be the person who sees possibility where others see protocol.” She believes women should “build relationships before titles.” It is important for women to remember: “Your voice is your power. Use it thoughtfully—and don’t apologise for being impactful.”
Leading with dignity
Inspired by those who blend intellect with heart, Singh seeks to be a leader who doesn’t just solve problems but elevates others in the process. She is energised by the actions of everyday heroes in her network who lead with dignity through adversity, pioneers who break ceilings quietly but consistently, and mentors who challenge her to be better not just in skill, but in character.
Her sources of inspiration have taught her that leadership is about persistence, presence and purpose.
What energises her most about her work? “Watching people find their voice and level up—it’s the best kind of win.”