Chai Break

Nirupama VG
Nirupama VG
Ad Astra Consultants - Founder & Managing Director

Nirupama is a serial entrepreneur and the brain behind Ad Astra. She co-founded Ad Astra in 2007 and today Ad Astra is the largest Women-Owned full suite Recruitment Solutions firm in India.

She has more than 25 years of experience and has been a pioneer in building HR and Recruitment solutions firms from scratch and scaling them up. She co-founded & built three of India's largest HR and Recruitment Consulting firms which were acquired by Randstad, Aon Hewitt, and ADP. She is considered a thought leader in the recruitment industry and her firm Ad Astra has placed candidates in 43 Countries worldwide.

She was on the executive council of the Executive Recruiters Association and a career mentor with Monster- the worlds' largest job portal. She has been recognized as one of the top 25 women entrepreneurs building India Globally by Silicon India. Her firm Ad Astra was featured as a case study by the world-renowned Oxford Economics. Ad Astra was featured in the prestigious Forbes Marquee India as to how women are going the extra mile in building firms globally.She mentors family businesses, especially woman entrepreneurs to strategize and scale. She has served on the board of a USD 1 Billion firm and consults with several other large organizations in coaching their leadership team.

Q:How do you think PeopleFirst HR Excellence awards contributes towards felicitating exceptional contributions towards HR fraternity?
A:The PeopleFirst HR Excellence Awards play a pivotal role in recognising and celebrating the innovative efforts within the HR community. In my years of experience in HR and recruitment, I've seen how these awards can spotlight exceptional strategies and initiatives, inspiring the entire fraternity. They serve as a benchmark for best practices, encouraging HR professionals to strive for excellence and innovation in their work.
Q:What do you think about the process adopted by PeopleFirst HR Excellence awards, while selecting the final winners?
A:The rigorous selection process adopted by the Awards stands out for its thoroughness and fairness. The involvement of industry experts, HR leaders, and academicians ensures a comprehensive evaluation of submissions. This multi-level scrutiny guarantees that the awards truly honour the best in the field, reflecting a recognition of quality and innovation in HR practices.
Q:What role does leadership development play in your HR strategy, and how do you identify and nurture leadership talent within your organisation?
A:Leadership development is a cornerstone of our HR strategy. Identifying and nurturing leadership talent involves a mix of structured training and real-world exposure. We look for individuals who not only demonstrate technical skills but also embody our core values and show potential for strategic thinking and innovation. Through mentorship programs, leadership workshops, and cross-functional projects, we provide aspiring leaders with the tools and experiences they need to grow and succeed.
Q:Mentorship and leadership development are crucial for organisational growth. Can you share your insights on how HR can facilitate leadership development programs effectively?
A:In facilitating leadership development, HR's role is to create a framework that aligns with the organisation's goals and culture. This involves offering diverse learning opportunities, from formal training sessions to mentorship and on-the-job experiences. Effective leadership programs are tailored to address the specific needs of the organisation and its potential leaders. Regular feedback and a supportive learning environment are crucial for the success of these programs.
Q:What role, according to you, does an award play in boosting the morale and productivity of the employees?
A:Awards play a significant role in boosting employee morale and productivity. They serve as a tangible recognition of hard work and achievement, which can be incredibly motivating. Awards also foster a culture of excellence, inspiring employees to aim higher and push their limits. They contribute to a positive work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated, which in turn enhances productivity and job satisfaction.