Every inspiring leader’s guiding philosophy is grounded in some core human values. For Rashmi Taksande, the Director of People Team—India and AJP, at Acquia, success is rooted in three guiding principles: Empowerment, Inclusion, and Continuous Growth.
In fact, Acquia, being recognized as a Great Place to Work, reflects Rashmi and her team’s unwavering commitment to their people and culture. She says, “Our priorities are embedded into our:
~People Team Vision: We make it possible for all Acquians to thrive and create a lasting impact.
~People Team Mission: To deliver the Acquia Employee Experience that fuels the growth of our business and fosters a culture of community and innovation.”
Rashmi emphasizes the importance of empowerment in driving innovation at Acquia. “We believe that empowered employees are the key to driving innovation,” she states. The company fosters a culture where every team member is encouraged to take ownership of their work and contribute ideas that propel the organization forward. By providing the necessary tools, resources, and support, Acquia ensures that every voice is heard and every idea can make an impact, creating a dynamic workplace where creativity and initiative are celebrated.
A Compassionate Culture at the Core
In addition to empowerment, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to Acquia’s identity. The leadership actively promotes diversity in hiring, career development, and team building. Through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and a commitment to transparency, Acquia ensures that everyone feels included and understands how their unique contributions support the company’s success. The company also prioritizes employee well-being, offering wellness programs, mental health support, and work-from-home benefits that respect diverse needs.
Continuous growth is another pillar of Acquia’s success. The company invests in professional development through training programs, mentorship, and career development plans. By fostering a culture of continuous feedback and regular career discussions, Acquia ensures that every employee has a clear path for advancement.
What makes Acquia a great place to work is its dedication to a culture of trust, empowerment, and excellence. The firm trusts its employees to do their best work, empowers them to contribute meaningfully, and invests in their growth. These principles have created a workplace where people feel valued, respected, and inspired to achieve great things together.
Also, Rashmi’s leadership philosophy is grounded in empowerment, trust, and inclusivity—the pillars that have driven Acquia’s success. She believes in empowering employees by giving them autonomy and encouraging initiative, fostering an environment where everyone feels they can make a meaningful impact. Trust and transparency are fundamental to her leadership style, with clear communication ensuring alignment and confidence in the company’s direction. Inclusivity is key, with a focus on diversity and collaboration to drive innovation and create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. By leading with purpose and integrity, Rashmi has cultivated a culture where people thrive, driving Acquia’s continued success.
The Inception of a People’s Leader
Reflecting on her HR journey, Rashmi recalls how natural it felt to enter this field. She was drawn to HR because it revolves entirely around people—understanding their needs, unlocking their potential, and creating thriving environments. From the start, she was motivated to make a difference in the workplace, fascinated by the unique challenges HR presented. The ability to influence individual careers and the overall health of an organization was incredibly appealing. She recognized that people are the most valuable asset, and she wanted to ensure this asset was nurtured and aligned with business goals.
Rashmi began her career in an entry-level HR role, gaining exposure to recruitment, employee relations, and talent management. These experiences shaped her understanding of HR’s impact on individuals and organizations. She realized that HR is about understanding motivations, helping people grow, and connecting them to the organization’s mission. As she progressed, she sought to broaden her understanding of HR’s role in driving business success by working closely with leadership to align HR strategies with organizational objectives.
Throughout her career, Rashmi has been dedicated to building cultures where employees feel valued and empowered. She has led initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion, leadership development, and employee engagement, all aimed at creating workplaces where people can thrive. Today, her motivation remains rooted in the belief that HR is about more than policies; it’s about creating environments where every employee has the opportunity to succeed and grow. This belief has guided her from the beginning and continues to drive her passion for HR.
A Turbulence Triumphing Team
In the fast-paced world of technology, challenges are inevitable, and how we respond to them defines us as a company. Rashmi recalls a particular instance that stands out as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of her team at Acquia. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it turned the corporate world upside down, bringing unprecedented challenges to businesses worldwide. As Rashmi emphasizes, “In the face of adversity, it’s our people who make the difference.”
The uncertainty was daunting, and the stakes were high. Acquia needed to maintain operations, deliver on commitments to clients, and rapidly transition to a fully remote work model. This required not just logistical adjustments but also a deep understanding of the human element—ensuring that employees felt supported and connected despite the physical distance. As Rashmi states, “We now proudly continue to be a remote-first organization.”
Acquia’s team response was remarkable. A cross-functional task force was quickly formed to address immediate challenges and plan for long-term impact, focusing on three key areas: technology, communication, and employee well-being.
The IT and operations teams worked tirelessly to set up secure and reliable remote access, distribute necessary equipment, and provide ongoing technical support. Within days, Acquia had successfully transitioned to a remote work model without any disruption to its services.
Communication has become more critical than ever. Regular virtual town halls, team meetings, and check-ins were implemented to keep everyone informed and aligned. Leadership made a concerted effort to be visible and accessible, addressing concerns, sharing updates, and providing reassurance during uncertain times.
Understanding the stress and uncertainty employees were facing, Acquia placed a strong emphasis on well-being. Mental health support programs, remote working policies, flexible work arrangements, and virtual social activities were introduced to keep morale high. Managers were encouraged to have regular one-on-one conversations to offer support and address any challenges.
Through resilience and ingenuity, Acquia’s team not only maintained business continuity but also strengthened its organizational culture. The company emerged from the crisis with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger bond as a team. As Rashmi reflects, “We now proudly continue to be a remote-first organization.”
The Success Guidebook
As the HR Leader of Acquia India, Rashmi recognizes the pivotal role HR plays in shaping successful organizations. For aspiring HR professionals, especially women entering the corporate sphere, she offers valuable advice drawn from her experience.
Embrace a Growth Mindset
The HR landscape is constantly evolving due to changes in technology and workplace culture. Adopting a growth mindset is essential—stay open to continuous learning and seek professional development opportunities.
Develop Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in HR. Strong verbal and written skills help navigate negotiations, manage conflicts, and present initiatives. Active listening and clear articulation build trust and credibility.
Cultivate Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) is vital for HR professionals. It involves understanding and managing emotions while empathizing with others. High EI aids in conflict resolution and relationship building, enhancing your ability to manage complex situations.
Build a Network and Seek Mentorship
A robust professional network is invaluable. Connect with HR professionals and seek mentors who can provide guidance and support. Networking opens doors for learning and career advancement.
Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion
Championing diversity and inclusion should be a core focus. Promoting an inclusive workplace drives success and fosters a thriving culture. Be proactive in creating equitable policies and practices.
Balance Confidence with Humility
Confidence is essential in HR but should be balanced with humility. This balance allows you to advocate for your ideas while remaining open to feedback and improvement.
Pursue Passion with Purpose
Finally, pursue your HR career with passion and purpose. Your work impacts lives and organizational success. Stay focused on your motivations, whether fostering a positive culture or advocating for employee rights. Your passion will guide you through challenges.
Rashmi envisions Acquia’s future as a leader in digital experience management. She emphasizes sustainable growth, employee empowerment, and technological advancement as key pillars. Acquia aims to scale responsibly, foster a high-performance culture, and drive digital transformation through innovation and cutting-edge technology. This commitment to excellence will ensure Acquia‘s continued success and positive impact.
