We urgently need more iconic women HR leaders of the calibre of Neera Bali, with the dedication to fostering a progressive and empowering work environment in every sector, paving the way for a future where HR is not just about process but about people and purpose.
What sets Neera apart is her empowering attitude, pragmatic acumen, and people-centric, compassionate leadership approach. She is an inspirational leader who is redefining the landscape of human resources.
Neera, the Director of Human Resources and Administration at Pahle India Foundation, is making waves in the non-profit sector by inspiring others to follow the suit. In fact, in the dynamic realm of Human Resources and Administration, few individuals have made as profound an impact as Neera. With a career marked by innovation, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to organizational excellence, she stands out as a transformative leader in the field of HR.
At Pahle India Foundation, a premier think tank dedicated to economic policy research and advocacy, Neera’s role is pivotal. She not only oversees the HR and administrative functions but also drives initiatives that align the Foundation’s human capital with its overarching mission of fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
The Making of a People’s Leader: An Enchanting Saga
Neera’s path to becoming a people-centric leader wasn’t a straight line but rather a story of discovery and an innate pull towards human connection. “Being a people-oriented person,” she says, “the Human Resources field had always fascinated me.” This fascination stemmed from a desire to be in constant touch with teams, understand their needs, and manage a vast pool of talent—a resource pool with the potential to achieve great things.
Her career trajectory initially took her through various departments at HSBC Bank, including Corporate and Retail Banking. However, it was her decade spent within the bank’s HR department in the 90s that truly ignited a passion within her. Working under the guidance of HR stalwarts like Ram Kumar and John Curricut, Neera began her hands-on education in the world of human resources. This formative experience, where she learned by doing and found immense joy in managing HR responsibilities, became a pivotal moment. It wasn’t just a career choice, she reflects, but a feeling of destiny – “I think HR chose me rather than I chose HR.” Through this experience, Neera’s leadership style began to take shape, emphasizing human connection, growth opportunities, and a deep understanding of the people she worked with. Today, her leadership is characterized by a unique blend of empathy, strategic vision, and
A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence: Neera’s Leadership Philosophy
Neera emphasizes the critical role of continuous learning and professional development in the ever-changing HR landscape. She advocates for engagement with senior HR thought leaders to stay abreast of best practices, emerging trends, and the latest technologies. Neera believes that organizations must prioritize brainstorming and seeking innovative solutions to ensure smooth HR processes and seamless organizational function.
Neera Bali’s leadership style is not just admired; it’s considered a driving force behind the Pahle India Foundation’s success. Her approach is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, with a strong emphasis on building a cohesive and empowered team. “Leading by example is a leadership trait I believe in,” she states. This philosophy translates into a collaborative environment where inclusion reigns supreme.
Neera understands the simple yet powerful truth – a happy team leads to a productive organization. Therefore, fostering a culture of mutual respect and support is paramount. This includes maintaining an open-door policy where active listening and constructive feedback are encouraged. Neera believes in staying connected with her team, keeping “her ear to the ground,” as she puts it. Adding to this, empathy and transparency are crucial elements in her leadership philosophy. By creating this supportive and inclusive environment, Neera empowers her team to excel, ultimately propelling the entire organization forward.
A Strategically Optimum Approach: Balancing Stakeholders and User Experience
Neera views HR as a strategic discipline that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. She emphasizes the importance of striking a delicate balance between stakeholder expectations and user experience – a challenge that lies at the heart of a successful HR strategy.
“Ensuring the right talent for the right project is a match made in heaven,” she says. However, achieving this ideal state is a persistent pursuit. Neera highlights how customer and employee satisfaction hinges on this perfect fit alongside factors like advanced technology and data-driven talent acquisition. Neera advocates for a strategically crafted approach to navigate this complex landscape. This strategy prioritizes maximizing satisfaction on both stakeholder and user fronts without compromising the quality of work or employee morale.
Building a strong support system plays a vital role in achieving this balance. Management commitment and a well-functioning HR team are crucial for organizational success. Neera emphasizes the importance of workshops, continuous technology updates, and motivational initiatives. These elements, coupled with recognition through awards and incentives, propel the organization towards achieving its goals. Ultimately, Neera’s strategic approach ensures alignment between client expectations and deliverables, leading to a win-win situation for both the organization and its talent.
A Mighty Emergent Champion: Neera Bali’s Resilience and Resourcefulness
Neera’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Looking back on her impressive journey spanning three decades, she highlights a period that truly exemplifies her strength as a leader. As a young working mother of two, Neera faced the constant challenge of balancing personal and professional commitments. However, she did not falter. Instead, she shattered the glass ceiling, achieving outstanding results while navigating the complexities of work-life balance. The recognitions year after year for her dedication and excellence served as a sweet validation of her efforts.
Neera’s leadership prowess shone brightly during the Y2K scare. Fears of a global financial systems meltdown gripped the world, with anxieties surrounding technological glitches and potential system shutdowns. This unprecedented situation demanded a calm and collected leader. Neera, along with her team, understanding the gravity of the situation, took charge by arranging various workshops and training sessions for both customers and internal stakeholders. The focus was on ensuring smooth banking operations and maintaining a sense of composure amidst the panic. Neera acknowledges that managing hordes of irate and nervous customers during this period presented the bank with a unique challenge, a challenge bank’s hadn’t faced until the demonetization event years later.
Neera’s experiences, both personal and professional, have shaped her approach to leadership. She draws inspiration from her life journey and leverages this understanding to manage employees and teams effectively. This ability to connect with her team on a human level, coupled with her strategic thinking and unwavering resolve, has earned her consistent recognition throughout her career. Neera’s story is an inspiration – a testament to the power of resilience, resourcefulness, and a commitment to excellence.
Embracing the Superfast Digital Times: Staying Ahead of the Curve
Neera recognizes the transformative power of technology in Human Resources. She emphasizes the importance of staying abreast of the latest advancements, particularly software and applications, to maximize efficiency. “Recognizing their usage and efficiencies and implementing them in the best possible way,” she says, “is the only way to stay ahead of the curve in these data and technology-driven times.” Neera understands that HR professionals must be agile and adaptable to thrive in this ever-evolving digital landscape.
The post-pandemic world has ushered in a new era of work, one that transcends the limitations of physical location. Neera acknowledges this shift, highlighting the positive aspects of digital transformation. “The entire work culture has changed post-COVID-19,” she says, “and I would say it’s changed for the better.” Remote work opportunities, facilitated by advancements in technology, have opened doors for flexibility and collaboration. Businesses today can engage more effectively with customers through digital channels, providing a seamless virtual user experience. The rise of e-commerce, fast-service apps, and sophisticated customer and information management systems further enhances service offerings for both employers and employees.
However, Neera also acknowledges a potential pitfall in this fast-paced digital world – shrinking patience levels for both deliverables and expectations. “You gain some, you lose some,” she says, recognizing the trade-off between speed and thoroughness. The challenge lies in navigating this new normal and adapting to a world that demands constant learning and evolution. Neera’s message is clear: embrace the superfast digital times, continuously learn and adapt, or risk falling behind. Buckle up, she advises and move with the times – it’s the only way to succeed in this dynamic landscape.
Conquering Challenges: Neera Bali’s Leadership During Crisis
Neera’s leadership journey is not without its share of challenges. As she readily admits, “As a leader in human resources, challenges were inevitable.” One such defining period was the global COVID-19 pandemic. The nation and the world grappled with unprecedented circumstances, and she was working in a Senior leadership role at the Vice Chairman’s office at NITI Aayog, the government’s apex think tank.
NITI Aayog was at the heart of the action as Vice Chairman and Dr V.K. Paul, a Member of NITI Aayog, led the National Task Force for COVID-19, reporting in to the Prime Minister. She witnessed and participated first hand in the immense work being done to ensure the safety and well-being of countless individuals impacted by the virus across the country. The primary focus was on ensuring NITI Aayog provided the crucial physical and material support needed during this critical time. Neera credits the unwavering guidance of the Vice Chairman and Dr. Paul for enabling seamless operations amidst the crisis.
Leading through the pandemic demanded innovative solutions. To prioritize employee safety while maintaining operations, teams adopted staggered work hours and department-based rosters to minimize physical presence. Units remained functional but with a relentless commitment to employee well-being. Regular communication became a cornerstone of her leadership strategy through those dark times of Covid-19. Ensuring safe transportation with vaccinated drivers and sanitized vehicles for working staff, offering access to on-call doctors, and arranging home visits for staff, regular check ups at the office, arranging oxygen at short notices, all these measures underscored her unwavering concern for her team. Balancing business continuity with employee safety and personal safety from the Covid-19 virus was a constant challenge, but she emerged from this period with a profound sense of accomplishment. Looking back, she acknowledges, “The resilience of the team, if there were a personification, that would be it!” Neera’s experience underlines the power of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to one’s team in overcoming even the most formidable challenges.
Rising Resolute: Navigating the Post-Pandemic World
The global pandemic left an indelible mark on every industry. Neera, a leader who thrives on challenges, emerged from this period not just resolutely but with a renewed perspective on business continuity and adaptation. Reflecting on these unprecedented times, she states, “If there’s one thing Covid has taught us, it’s that ‘the show must go on.”
Undeterred by the hardships faced by the workforce Neera led her team through a period of profound transformation. “We learned the immense possibilities of business continuity through digital communication technologies,” she says. The pandemic forced a global experiment in virtual collaboration, and Neera witnessed firsthand its transformative power. Gone were the days of in-person meetings as the world embraced virtual platforms. This period of “virtual peak” highlighted the potential for seamless communication and continued workplace engagement, albeit with some minor initial glitches.
This shift was particularly significant for countries like India, where physical meetings were the norm of the day and virtual meetings were unheard of. COVID-19 accelerated the acceptance of hybrid work models, offering greater flexibility and accessibility to the workforce. Digital service offerings became an integral part of the HR landscape, with organizations utilizing technology to provide remote work options, transportation support, and flexible work hours. These measures, once considered novelties, became the new normal.
Neera’s story is one of rising resoluteness—a leader who not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger, embracing the lessons learned and forging a path forward in this transformed work landscape. Her experience inspires, demonstrating the importance of adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement in the face of unforeseen challenges.
An Ever-Flowing Wisdom: Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Neera, a leader who embodies continuous learning and growth, offers invaluable wisdom for young Indian entrepreneurs venturing into the dynamic world of business. Her message is a wellspring of inspiration, urging them to cultivate three key qualities: resilience, curiosity, and adaptability.
She emphasizes, “Be resilient.” The entrepreneurial journey is paved with challenges, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is crucial. Curiosity fuels innovation and keeps one abreast of the ever-evolving business landscape. Adaptability allows young leaders to navigate change and seize new opportunities.
Neera further stresses the importance of integrity and dedication. “Work with integrity,” she advises, reminding aspiring entrepreneurs that ethical conduct is the cornerstone of success. “Give your all to the task at hand,” she adds, encouraging them to approach their endeavours with unwavering commitment.
The ever-changing business world demands agility. Neera encourages young leaders to be prepared to “pivot” when necessary, adjust their strategies, and chart a new course as circumstances require. They must learn to “block the white noise” to filter out distractions and focus on their chosen path.
Finally, Neera reminds them of the power of hard work. “There is no substitute for hard work,” she declares, underscoring the dedication needed to achieve success. The rewards of such hard work, Neera concludes, are undeniably sweet – the satisfaction of seeing one’s efforts come to fruition. Neera’s wisdom serves as a guiding light for aspiring leaders, urging them to be resilient, curious, adaptable, and dedicated as they carve their path to success.
Looking to the Future
Neera’s leadership extends beyond the present. She possesses a clear vision for the future of the Pahle India Foundation, an organization she is determined to propel to even greater heights. “My vision,” she says, “is to take the organization to a higher level in terms of employee efficiency.” To achieve this, Neera emphasizes the importance of embracing the latest digital technologies. “Adapting to these technologies through innovative employer/employee engagements is the way forward,” she states.
Neera aspires for the Pahle India Foundation to become a recognized thought leader in the HR domain. She envisions fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace environment where best practices are championed. ”Advocacy of best practices and contributing to creating a cohesive working environment,” she declares, are the “two pillars” on which organizational success rests.
Neera’s leadership has already borne fruit. Despite restarting operations in 2022 post-pandemic, Pahle India Foundation has witnessed significant growth and expansion. This is a testament to Neera’s strategic vision, her commitment to continuous improvement, and her unwavering dedication to empowering both the organization and its workforce. Looking ahead, Neera Bali remains focused on propelling the Pahle India Foundation towards a future marked by efficiency, innovation, and a commitment to its employees.
