Finding Passion And Growth In A New Role: L'Oréal & Bosch HR Leaders

No matter the individual's talent, one is often caught at the crossroads of passion and profession, struggling to marry the two. Even the thought of experimenting with a new domain is alien to some employees, especially young talent. 

But HR leaders, Roshni Wadhwa, HR Transformation Director - L'Oreal SAPMENA, and Suresh B R, Country Head - HR, Bosch India provide unique insights about switching domains and succeeding at it. 

The conversation, inspired by their experiences, provides an inside track into finding passion and growth in a new role. 

The Key Insights

Roshni and Suresh believe that the young talent today has a different approach to career and life. “The talent today is not looking for (job) security but rather something higher, could be passion or purpose,” says Suresh. 

Roshni echoes the sentiment, adding that today’s generation wants to connect with the world, be authentic in their pursuits, and enjoy what they do. 

Charting a new course 

Suresh succinctly puts it that it’s important for employees to not be fixed in their approach, but rather go with the flow. He calls the first few jobs, "learning jobs", each of them adding some value. 

It’s only after these jobs that individuals should pick a direction. And if it doesn’t work out, "change course". 

“Have a direction, but don’t worry if it doesn’t work out. You have the option to change course, it’s your life!” - Suresh

Roshni lends her own experience to the conversation, talking about how she decided to switch from finance. For Roshni, switching boils down to three main things, a willingness to take the risk, finding the right people for guidance, and continuously honing the skills required for a new role. 

Grabbing on to internships, opportunities and mentorships

Both Roshni and Suresh believe that switching and succeeding is as much about finding your passion, as it is about grabbing the opportunity that comes your way. 

“Life will give you opportunities… just step in. Each of these opportunities will change something in you, normally for the better. If you think too much, you will never learn”, says Suresh.

Roshni adds that individuals should leverage the rising wave of “experimental mindset” through internships. 

“People should take up internships and engage a lot during that phase. Today, in an internship, it’s not just the organization testing the individual but the other way also - interns should also evaluate and test if it’s the organization and the people they want to work with,” says Roshni. 

Lastly, both of them believe in the role of mentors. 

Roshni states that mentoring is super important in an increasingly complex world - especially when choosing between multiple choices. In such a situation, somebody who can “unlock a different thinking in your mind, and help you make an informed decision, is the best.”

Suresh adds that a mentor, while a virtual or physical setup makes it easiest for mentors and mentees to meet, life offers you multiple mentors. Even one you meet in an informal setting, like a grandmother or an aunt, can help you grow. 

All About The Guests

Roshni has shaped HR policies across various organizations for over two decades. The last decade saw her progress from a General HR manager of the consumer products division at L'Oréal to its HR transformation director of South Asia, Pacific and MENA regions. 

A fan of traveling, music, and books, Suresh is the current country head - HR, Bosch India. The former Convenor of the People Excellence Panel in the CII Karnataka State Council, Suresh has been with Bosch for 37 years and holds an avid interest in mentoring and coaching for leadership development.

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