24th-26th May 2019
Hotel Alila Diwa, Goa
With the General Election results out just a day before IMA India’s 2019 CHRO Roundtable in Goa, this is a time of continuity amidst change. The world economy is slowing, geopolitical tensions are rife, and the free-flow of goods, capital and people across borders is under threat. Set against this background, the Roundtable examines medium-term priorities for Chief Human Resource Officers, and what they might expect of the year to come.
Agenda
3:00pm
- Registration and High Tea
Come together over high tea to kick off the 2019 offsite, a weekend of shared learning or, as we prefer to call it – collective wisdom.
3:30pm-5:00pm
- The Economy: India in the Context of A Changing World
ADIT JAIN, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, IMA INDIA
As the CHRO’s role has evolved on broader, strategic issues we begin the 2019 CHRO Roundtable with a session on important global developments and those within India’s economy. Adit Jain will explain some of the challenges that businesses will face in the context of their operating environment. He will examine five megatrends shaping the global economy and how these will impact India and its business environment. Adit is IMA’s Editorial Director and has authored over a thousand pieces on business and policy issues over the years.
As the CHRO’s role has evolved on broader, strategic issues we begin the 2019 CHRO Roundtable with a session on important global developments and those within India’s economy. Adit Jain will explain some of the challenges that businesses will face in the context of their operating environment. He will examine five megatrends shaping the global economy and how these will impact India and its business environment. Adit is IMA’s Editorial Director and has authored over a thousand pieces on business and policy issues over the years.
5:00pm-5:30pm
- Discussion Break
5:30pm-7:00pm
- Creating and Protecting the Employer Brand
KIRAN KHALAP, AUTHOR, TEACHER, CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, CHLOROPHYLL BRAND CONSULTANCY
Corporate brands are no longer limited to their products. Employees constitute the prop of what creates brand equity and, increasingly, CHROs are according top priority to employer branding. In this session, Kiran Khalap will examine the issue in detail, providing case studies of how brands have blossomed or suffered to illustrate the principles of successful brand custodianship. Kiran is a leading brand specialist and has been involved in over 30 transformations specifically involving employer branding over the years.
Corporate brands are no longer limited to their products. Employees constitute the prop of what creates brand equity and, increasingly, CHROs are according top priority to employer branding. In this session, Kiran Khalap will examine the issue in detail, providing case studies of how brands have blossomed or suffered to illustrate the principles of successful brand custodianship. Kiran is a leading brand specialist and has been involved in over 30 transformations specifically involving employer branding over the years.
7.30pm
- Cocktails and Dinner
7:00am
- Morning Yoga (optional)
Multiple studies have confirmed the many mental and physical benefits of yoga. Incorporating it into your routine can help enhance your health, increase strength and flexibility and reduce symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. Kick-start your day with an expert-led yoga session.
9:30am–11:00am
- Elections 2019: a new Government,
new expectations
With election scores having just been announced, a commentary on the new Government that will assume office is over-ridingly relevant. This session will explore the likely constituents of India’s new administrative leadership and consequently the impact on policy and political stability. R Jagannathan will offer a perspective based on 40 years of experience in political, business and financial journalism. He is the Editorial Director of Swarajya, an independent magazine and, previously, was editor-in-chief of all Network18 publications including FirstPost.com, Moneycontrol.com and Forbes India.
11:00am–11:30am
- Discussion break
11:30am-12:30pm
- Enduring Organisations: Leadership Lessons
Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, The Hindu Group
History tells us that even the best-performing organisations fall into two categories: those that endure over long period of time and those that rise to prominence but falter when faced with a major challenge or disruption, often fading away into complete oblivion. ‘Enduring organisations’ are those that have the ability to survive and prosper under a variety of economic and business conditions; the ability to reinvent themselves over time and deliver ongoing value to shareholders, employees and customers. What are the attributes that enable them to do this and how can senior management, including the HR leadership, develop these in their organisations?
Rajiv Lochan, MD and CEO of the 140-year old The Hindu Group, is a fine example of a leader who has spent much of his career in enduring organisations such as Sundaram Finance (60+ years), McKinsey (90+ years) and IFMR (40+ years). He will share his experiences and lend deeper insights into the leadership learnings from enduring organisations.
History tells us that even the best-performing organisations fall into two categories: those that endure over long period of time and those that rise to prominence but falter when faced with a major challenge or disruption, often fading away into complete oblivion. ‘Enduring organisations’ are those that have the ability to survive and prosper under a variety of economic and business conditions; the ability to reinvent themselves over time and deliver ongoing value to shareholders, employees and customers. What are the attributes that enable them to do this and how can senior management, including the HR leadership, develop these in their organisations?
Rajiv Lochan, MD and CEO of the 140-year old The Hindu Group, is a fine example of a leader who has spent much of his career in enduring organisations such as Sundaram Finance (60+ years), McKinsey (90+ years) and IFMR (40+ years). He will share his experiences and lend deeper insights into the leadership learnings from enduring organisations.
12:30pm–1:30pm
- Luncheon
1:30pm–2:30pm
- Transforming HR: The Role
of Technology
Ganesh Natarajan, Founder and Chairman, 5F World & Skills Alpha
The greatest disruption of this century is the rise of the digital world. It offers unparalleled opportunity to maximise performance – the use of self-service applications for processes like performance, career management and learning. – by freeing up HR time spent on transactional activities to focus on more strategic work. But does the theory hold up when tested by the realities of the workplace? How can the right technology power HR’s success?
Ganesh Natarajan, Founder & Chairman of 5F World & Skills Alpha and former CEO of Zensar Technologies and APTECH, is known for his capacity to create engaged workforces and build globally competitive organisations. Ganesh will share best practices drawn from leading organisation on leveraging technology tools to drive the talent agenda.
The greatest disruption of this century is the rise of the digital world. It offers unparalleled opportunity to maximise performance – the use of self-service applications for processes like performance, career management and learning. – by freeing up HR time spent on transactional activities to focus on more strategic work. But does the theory hold up when tested by the realities of the workplace? How can the right technology power HR’s success?
Ganesh Natarajan, Founder & Chairman of 5F World & Skills Alpha and former CEO of Zensar Technologies and APTECH, is known for his capacity to create engaged workforces and build globally competitive organisations. Ganesh will share best practices drawn from leading organisation on leveraging technology tools to drive the talent agenda.
2:30pm–3:00pm
- Discussion Break
3:00pm–4:30pm
- Diversity and Inclusion: More than Buzzwords
ANURADHA DAS MATHUR IS FOUNDING DEAN OF VEDICA SCHOLARS PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN
The gender debate in India is not a gentle one. It is a nation which consistently has one of the world's lowest labour participation rates for women. To change the narrative, one woman decided to take matters in her own hand. Cofounded by Anuradha Das Mathur, the Vedica Scholars Programme for Women is an 18-month residential alternative to a traditional MBA programme based in New Delhi solely for women. The goal of Vedica is to ensure that its students are equipped intellectually and emotionally to climb the ladder of social and economic independence in the workplace.
Join Anuradha in an inspiring discussion – beyond the conventional D&I conversation – as she busts myths about women, shares her journey, the challenges overcome and the vision of making Vedica a hub of professional research on women’s issues and crucially, an agent of change.
The gender debate in India is not a gentle one. It is a nation which consistently has one of the world's lowest labour participation rates for women. To change the narrative, one woman decided to take matters in her own hand. Cofounded by Anuradha Das Mathur, the Vedica Scholars Programme for Women is an 18-month residential alternative to a traditional MBA programme based in New Delhi solely for women. The goal of Vedica is to ensure that its students are equipped intellectually and emotionally to climb the ladder of social and economic independence in the workplace.
Join Anuradha in an inspiring discussion – beyond the conventional D&I conversation – as she busts myths about women, shares her journey, the challenges overcome and the vision of making Vedica a hub of professional research on women’s issues and crucially, an agent of change.
5:00pm–7:00pm
- The Perfect Sundowner: Utorda Beach
Utorda beach is a tiny bit of paradise hidden away from the hustle bustle of the city. Just a 10-minute drive from the hotel, this peaceful and picturesque beach is surrounded by coconut palm trees, rolling sand dunes and offers place for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. We will be visiting an award winning sea facing restaurant – Zeebop – that offers the best seaside experience with great music and sumptuous food.
7:45pm–9:00pm
- Inspiring Change
Temsutula Imsong, Founder, Sakaar Sewa Samiti
(This will be hosted as a joint session with spouses over cocktails)
One of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet initiatives – the Clean India Mission or Swachh Bharat Abhiyan – has been making headlines for some time now. We have seen celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan pick up brooms and sweep sections of streets after being asked to serve as a sort of brand ambassador for the mission. But this time, it is not celebrities who are in the news. A young woman from Nagaland decided to take up the task of cleaning the Prabhu Ghat, one of the filthiest ghats in Varanasi, the PM’s constituency. She started her mission in 2013 after quitting her fulltime job, and ended up cleaning the Prabhu Ghat in 2015. Engage with Temsutula in a discussion over drinks and snacks as she shares her spirited efforts that earned the personal praise of PM Modi.
(This will be hosted as a joint session with spouses over cocktails)
One of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet initiatives – the Clean India Mission or Swachh Bharat Abhiyan – has been making headlines for some time now. We have seen celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan pick up brooms and sweep sections of streets after being asked to serve as a sort of brand ambassador for the mission. But this time, it is not celebrities who are in the news. A young woman from Nagaland decided to take up the task of cleaning the Prabhu Ghat, one of the filthiest ghats in Varanasi, the PM’s constituency. She started her mission in 2013 after quitting her fulltime job, and ended up cleaning the Prabhu Ghat in 2015. Engage with Temsutula in a discussion over drinks and snacks as she shares her spirited efforts that earned the personal praise of PM Modi.
9:00pm
- Dinner
7:00am
- Morning Yoga (optional)
Option to attend an expert-led yoga session
9:00am–10:30am
- Leadership Lessons from the
Armed Forces
Capt Raghu Raman, President, Risk, Security and New Ventures, Reliance Industries
Are leaders average people? Having the confidence and character to become a better version of yourself and create value for others are key factors that constitute leadership. The armed forces have many lessons to offer because virtually every situation an organisation faces has been previously encountered and resolved in the Army. After all, the Army grooms its leaders to take men into battle without pay hikes, ESOPs or any material incentives. They are expected to deliver each and every time and the price of failure is far higher than in any other human endeavour.
Captain Raghu Raman, with a unique career spanning a decade in the Indian Armed Forces, another decade-plus as CEO of three companies in the Mahindra Group and several years of experience in the Government, will offer valuable leadership lessons that lend themselves to application across domains.
Are leaders average people? Having the confidence and character to become a better version of yourself and create value for others are key factors that constitute leadership. The armed forces have many lessons to offer because virtually every situation an organisation faces has been previously encountered and resolved in the Army. After all, the Army grooms its leaders to take men into battle without pay hikes, ESOPs or any material incentives. They are expected to deliver each and every time and the price of failure is far higher than in any other human endeavour.
Captain Raghu Raman, with a unique career spanning a decade in the Indian Armed Forces, another decade-plus as CEO of three companies in the Mahindra Group and several years of experience in the Government, will offer valuable leadership lessons that lend themselves to application across domains.
10:30am–11:00am
- Discussion Break
11:00am–12:30pm
- Happiness at Workplaces
Open house
Studies show that employee happiness has a direct correlation to a business’ bottom line. However, happiness at the workplace is not about large welfare budgets or fancy offices but the more fundamental things that concern what a person does and why. What can HR do to ensure a culture that promotes employee happiness? The ‘open house’ aims to address these questions by drawing upon the collective wisdom of HR leaders present at the Roundtable. It will be structured as a free-wheeling but organised conversation within the audience, aiming to bring out learnings, practices and anecdotes that participants can take away as tangible ideas for onward implementation.
Studies show that employee happiness has a direct correlation to a business’ bottom line. However, happiness at the workplace is not about large welfare budgets or fancy offices but the more fundamental things that concern what a person does and why. What can HR do to ensure a culture that promotes employee happiness? The ‘open house’ aims to address these questions by drawing upon the collective wisdom of HR leaders present at the Roundtable. It will be structured as a free-wheeling but organised conversation within the audience, aiming to bring out learnings, practices and anecdotes that participants can take away as tangible ideas for onward implementation.
12:30pm
- Brunch and Close
9:00am–10:30am
- Excellence in Efficiency: The Dabbawala Story
Dr Pawan Agrawal, Author and Educationist
(This will be hosted as a joint session with spouses)
Dressed in white outfits and traditional Gandhi caps, an army of 5,000 dabbawalas fulfil the hunger of almost 200,000 Mumbaikars with home-cooked food, daily, on time with an accuracy rate of 99.99% with 100% customer satisfaction. Amazingly, the dabbawalas – with semiliterate workers – have achieved this level of performance at very low cost, in an eco-friendly way and without the use of any IT system or even cell phones. Six Sigma, ISO and many other certifications awarded to this organisation by external organisations only confirm its excellent supply chain and logistics management capabilities.
Dr Pawan Agrawal, who earned his doctorate studying how the dabbawalas operate, will share the lessons that make the 118-year old organisation successful and elaborate on the ideals of passion, teamwork, dedication and hard work.
(This will be hosted as a joint session with spouses)
Dressed in white outfits and traditional Gandhi caps, an army of 5,000 dabbawalas fulfil the hunger of almost 200,000 Mumbaikars with home-cooked food, daily, on time with an accuracy rate of 99.99% with 100% customer satisfaction. Amazingly, the dabbawalas – with semiliterate workers – have achieved this level of performance at very low cost, in an eco-friendly way and without the use of any IT system or even cell phones. Six Sigma, ISO and many other certifications awarded to this organisation by external organisations only confirm its excellent supply chain and logistics management capabilities.
Dr Pawan Agrawal, who earned his doctorate studying how the dabbawalas operate, will share the lessons that make the 118-year old organisation successful and elaborate on the ideals of passion, teamwork, dedication and hard work.
10:30am–11:00am
- Discussion Break
11:00am–12:30pm
- India's Biggest Cover-up
Anuj Dhar, Indian author and former journalist
(This will be hosted as a joint session with spouses)
As the Second World War came to an end in Southeast Asia in August 1945, Subhas Chandra Bose boarded a plane to shift the base of India's liberation struggle to a new territory controlled by the Soviet Union. Officially, the story goes that he died on August 18, 1945 as the plane crashed in the small island of Formosa (now Taiwan), but multiple investigations later there is no certainty about his fate.
Anuj Dhar, a former investigative journalist, has devoted nearly two decades to uncover the mystery behind Bose's disappearance and has documented how India's political establishment kept swinging between its belief in Bose's death and apprehension that he might return: all in strict secrecy. The story spanning seven decades is perhaps even more engaging than that of a James Bond or a Jason Bourne. Dhar will delve into this rollercoaster of a political thriller to share his findings. Apart from his 2012 bestseller India's Biggest Cover-up, Dhar has authored several other books on topics such as the CIA's activities in South Asia and the mystery of Lal Bahadur Shastri's death in far away Tashkent.
(This will be hosted as a joint session with spouses)
As the Second World War came to an end in Southeast Asia in August 1945, Subhas Chandra Bose boarded a plane to shift the base of India's liberation struggle to a new territory controlled by the Soviet Union. Officially, the story goes that he died on August 18, 1945 as the plane crashed in the small island of Formosa (now Taiwan), but multiple investigations later there is no certainty about his fate.
Anuj Dhar, a former investigative journalist, has devoted nearly two decades to uncover the mystery behind Bose's disappearance and has documented how India's political establishment kept swinging between its belief in Bose's death and apprehension that he might return: all in strict secrecy. The story spanning seven decades is perhaps even more engaging than that of a James Bond or a Jason Bourne. Dhar will delve into this rollercoaster of a political thriller to share his findings. Apart from his 2012 bestseller India's Biggest Cover-up, Dhar has authored several other books on topics such as the CIA's activities in South Asia and the mystery of Lal Bahadur Shastri's death in far away Tashkent.
12:30pm
- Luncheon and Close
Children are welcome to join the Partners Programme in the daytime activities (except formal conclave sessions). As indicated at the time of registration, dinner functions are however ‘adults only’ and we would request you to ensure that alternate arrangements have been made– please contact the hotel for baby-sitting facilities if required. The programme mentioned above is intended to provide a holistic set of activities that are both entertaining and interactive. This is however completely optional – partner participants are welcome to plan independent of this programme if desired. Please inform the IMA team of the same if so. All speakers, sessions and timings are tentative and subject to ongoing confirmation. Dress Code : Informal/smart casual, also for the evenings.
