In today’s hyperconnected world, every scroll brings a new voice. But amid the noise, what truly makes a brand believable?
In this episode of Moments That Inspire, branding strategist Debbie Yong joins Dolon Mitra to explore how leaders and organisations can rise above trends, shape authentic narratives, and build trust that lasts longer than algorithms.
What they uncover: The 5Vs Framework – Where Authenticity Meets Intention
Debbie’s 5Vs — Vision, Values, Voters, Voice, and Visibility.
When these five align, a brand stops performing and starts resonating.
It becomes recognisable, consistent, and believable — a reflection of who leaders are.
Strategic Vulnerability – Give People a Reason to Root for You
Sharing one true story of rejection, rebuilding, or redirection humanises a leader’s journey. It invites people to walk beside them. As Debbie says, “People don’t root for perfection; they root for honesty.”
Momentum that Matters – Depth Over Digital Noise
In a world obsessed with likes, Debbie reframes success: “DMs over vanity metrics.”
The real impact of a voice isn’t in public applause — it’s in the quiet conversations it sparks. That one message, one note of resonance, can lead to the most meaningful opportunities.
About the Guest:
Debbie Yong is a branding strategist and former journalist with over 15 years of experience helping leaders and organisations move from description to distinction and from image to influence.
About the Host:
Dolon Mitra is a Transition Coach and Change Expert who helps leaders navigate reinvention with clarity, confidence, and presence.
This episode goes beyond a pep talk. It provides leaders with concrete steps to convert hidden struggles into strategic momentum.
Here’s what you’ll take away:
About the Speaker: Ritu Mehrish
Coach, author, and global speaker helping leaders spot stuck points and return to purpose and impact. Author of "Leaders Block and Rewrite the Rules," she equips leaders with practical tools for building confidence, increasing visibility, and achieving momentum.
About the Host: Dolon Mitra
Executive Coach, Transition Specialist, and HR Leader. At Change Et Al, she helps leaders navigate high-stakes transitions with purpose and presence.
Power isn’t always where it is labelled.
Sometimes it’s in a cc line, A glance across the table, Or a quiet “I’ll check with them” after the meeting ends.
This episode isn’t about corporate clichés. It’s about pulling back the curtain on how influence actually moves—and how women can claim their place without permission
Here’s what we unpack:
The uncomfortable truth about politics,
If you think you’re above it, you’re probably outside it. Because politics isn’t about playing games. It is about understanding who moves what, when, and why you weren’t told.
Sponsorship isn’t generosity—it’s a strategic bet.
You earn it by making your sponsor look smart, not just kind. That means showing up prepared, delivering at high stakes, and making your ambition crystal clear.
You don’t get invited into the shadow organization. You earn your way in.
Not with titles. But with quiet consistency—by doing exactly what you said you would, and showing your value before anyone asks for it.
This episode is a masterclass in navigating unspoken power with clarity, courage, and strategy. Real leadership doesn’t play loud; it plays smart.
About the Speaker: Uma Thana Balasingam
Founder of The ELEVATE Group and creator of Lean In Singapore, Uma is a former VP who led a billion-dollar tech business across APJ. Today, she builds platforms and tools that help underrepresented leaders own their voice, presence, and power on their terms. Information to understand Uma's impact better -
From Outsider to Insider: Master Workplace Politics - First Moves Edition. https://bit.ly/wpl2025
Uma's Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@RAWwithUMA
About the Host: Dolon Mitra
Executive Coach, Transition Specialist, and HR Leader with extensive facilitation and coaching experience. At Change Et Al, she helps leaders navigate transitions with purpose and presence—and anchors Moments That Inspire, where sharp strategy meets real human stories.
You don’t need more content. You need a hook to be remembered.
Marketing Yourself and Your Team for Impact,
with Kasper Sierslev (Chief Commercial & Creative Officer at ZITE)
In this no-fluff episode of Moments That Inspire, Kasper unpacks what it really takes to break through noise, build brand authority, and stay consistent—whether you're a Fortune 500 or flying solo.
Here’s what we explore:
Real-World Impact > Digital Noise
A car flipped upside down in the middle of Sydney.
A billboard with a working beer tap.
These aren’t stunts—they’re strategy.
When everyone’s online, the offline becomes unforgettable.
AI Won’t Replace Creativity—But It Will Force It to Evolve
AI gives you 50 ideas in 5 minutes.
But only human instinct can spot the one worth building on.
Great creative today is about discernment.
Pillars Before Platforms
Want to be consistent, clear, and credible?
Don’t start with a post—start with your pillars.
Define 2–3 themes that everything you create ties back to.
If you can’t name your anchor message, neither can your audience.
About the Speaker: Kasper Sierslev
Kasper is an award-winning marketeer who’s built powerhouse in-house creative agencies across brands like Apple, LEGO, George Jensen, and Maersk. As Chief Creative & Commercial Officer at ZITE, he helps brands craft stories that cut through—and build systems that scale creativity without chaos.
About the Host: Dolon Mitra
Executive Coach, Transition Specialist, and HR Leader with extensive facilitation and coaching experience. At Change Et Al, she helps leaders navigate transitions with purpose and presence—and anchors Moments That Inspire, where sharp strategy meets real human stories.
Not the DEI playbooks. Not the slide decks.
But in hiring decisions, everyday conversations, and unconscious habits that quietly shape who gets heard and who does not.
Demystifying Inclusion for the Contemporary World with Eric Way, Global DEI Leader, in conversation with Dolon Mitra
In this deeply grounded episode, Eric peels back the layers of what it really takes to lead inclusively in today’s global, cross-cultural workplaces.
Inclusion Is a Leadership Skill, Not a Buzzword
Inclusion isn’t a training—it’s how leaders show up. It lives in the everyday: who gets mentored, who’s interrupted, who’s given space to speak. It’s not what’s on the agenda. It’s how the agenda is run.
The Power of Letting Leaders Experiment
Mindset doesn’t shift through mandates—it changes through experience.
Giving leaders room to test small acts of inclusion—like mentoring a colleague from a completely different background outside their function, or having an honest conversation about diversity with someone several levels down—builds real insight and accountability.
Inclusion Thrives With Boundaries
Free speech doesn’t mean free rein.
Inclusion grows in spaces where candor meets respect and disagreement does not cost dignity.
It’s not about policing opinion. It’s about holding the space with care.
If you’ve ever wondered how to move DEI from concept to culture—this episode is your playbook-in-disguise:
About the Speaker: Eric Way
From mechanical engineering to global DEI leadership, Eric brings decades of frontline insight into building truly inclusive systems. His work spans Volvo, Schindler, and coaching leaders to lead across culture, identity, and complexity—with empathy and rigor.
About the Host: Dolon Mitra
Executive Coach, Transition Specialist, and HR Leader with 700+ hours of coaching and facilitation experience. At Change Et Al, she helps leaders navigate transitions with purpose and presence—and anchors Moments That Inspire, where leadership gets real.
“Equality is not an intellectual discussion. It’s a critical, lived need.”
It shows up in performance reviews, promotion shortlists, and who gets the benefit of the doubt. True equality isn't just about shared ambition. It’s about shared costs and consequences.
Power Without Permission: New Rules for Women
To unpack these truths, Jingjin Liu, CEO of Zazazu and Elevate, joins Dolon Mitra for a radically honest and unfiltered episode of Moments That Inspire—a bold conversation on what real power, allyship, and leadership look like for women today.
“When equality shows up as exhaustion, it’s time to reset the rules—not just play harder.”
Confidence Begins at Home
“If you can’t express your needs in intimate spaces, you’ll struggle in the boardroom.”
Reclaiming your voice at home isn’t just personal—it’s leadership training in disguise.
Fixing the System ≠ Fixing the Woman
The problem isn’t women’s ambition—it’s the outdated rules of the game.
We don’t need to teach women how to lead. We need to change how leadership is measured.
Redefining Resilience: From Hustle to Wholeness
Leadership isn’t about how much women can endure.
It’s about leading with emotional fluency—not endless hustle—and setting boundaries without apology.
This episode doesn’t just explore the ‘what’—it comes alive through the ‘WHO.’
Tune in now and let’s change the conversation on power and possibility: [Insert Link]
About the Speaker: Jingjin Liu
Founder & CEO of Zazazu and Elevate, Jingjin Liu is a bold voice challenging long-held norms around leadership, confidence, and gender dynamics. With a background spanning corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, she empowers women to lead on their own terms and helps organisations rethink how they enable equity and inclusion.
About the Host: Dolon Mitra
Executive Coach, Change Expert, and HR Leader with 700+ hours of coaching and facilitation experience, Dolon helps leaders navigate transitions with purpose and presence. She leads Leadership Development at Change Et Al and anchors Moments That Inspire, turning leadership theory into practical impact.”
You’re not running out of time. You’re entering your prime.
Midlife isn’t about mourning missed milestones—it’s about rewriting the script with clarity and courage
In this episode of Moments That Inspire, Dolon Mitra connects with visionary coach and leadership expert Aneace Haddad to explore Midlife Momentum: Leading with Purpose and Power.
From tech CEO to transformative coach, Aneace shares how reinvention, reflection, and relevance shaped his second act.
What’s Inside:
The Winds of Change
Midlife brings a trio of powerful shifts—physiological, neurological, and parental. The third wind—parental is particularly revealing. As children grow, our role transforms from directing to empowering. This mirrors the evolution of leadership from control to inspiration.
The Flex-Executive Mindset
Traditional paths are fading. Whether you're pivoting, building a portfolio, or eyeing a board seat, the real breakthrough starts by asking: What will still excite me at 100? Then build your path around that spark and not by following someone else’s playbook.
Joyful Rejuvenation
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about moving forward with joy. Midlife gives us a chance to shed old patterns, own our wisdom, and lead with authenticity. It’s not a comeback. It’s a conscious renewal.
This conversation will move you—and help you move forward with purpose.
Listen now: [Insert Link]
About the Speaker: Aneace Haddad- From global tech entrepreneur to sought-after executive coach, Aneace helps C-Suite leaders embrace transformation, step into flexible roles, and lead with power, presence, and deep purpose.
About the Host: Dolon Mitra- Leadership coach and transformation expert helping executives thrive through change, navigate transitions, and build a legacy in a fast-evolving world.
Although the workplace has evolved dramatically, many of us still use compensation models built for a very different world of work. So what needs to change?
In this episode of Moments That Inspire, global rewards expert Fermin Diez joins Dolon Mitra to discuss what a truly modern, strategic compensation system should look like and why now is the time to rethink total rewards.
These three insights offer a glimpse into what the next chapter of rewards could look like:
1. The Future of Work Is Already Here: Pay for Skills, Not Roles
It is time to move beyond role-based pay and start recognizing skills, capabilities, and potential. Paying for roles alone overlooks what truly drives performance—and retention.
2. Transparency and Personalization: The Game-Changers
Fairness is being redefined through flexibility, allowing employees to choose how they receive their pay, as well as by openly sharing salary structures to build trust and attract the right talent
3. Taking Money Off the Table Is the Real Goal
Compensation should feel fair and just enough to stop being the central focus. That’s when managers should lead with purpose and collaboration rather than relying on pay as the only lever for performance.
The systems we build today will shape the organizations we lead tomorrow. It is time to stop tweaking the old models—and start imagining what’s genuinely possible around total rewards.
About Our Speaker:
Speaker: Fermin Diez - PhD, SPHR, GRP, IHRP-MP, FSID
With over four decades of experience in compensation and human analytics, Fermin has shaped reward systems across industries, regions, and economic cycles, spanning both corporate and academic arenas. Known for his ability to challenge legacy thinking with forward-looking solutions, he brings deep expertise to what drives performance and fairness in modern organizations.
About the Host:
Dolon Mitra: Director Leadership Development @ Change Et Al.
She is an executive coach and facilitator specialising in talent management, career transformation, organizational design, and optimizing people processes for efficiency. She helps leaders and organizations navigate change and achieve sustainable growth.
Success is visible. Fulfilment is quieter—but no less essential.
In this powerful conversation on Moments That Inspire, Dolon Mitra and strategist and transformative coach Nancy Ho unravel why so many professionals excel outwardly yet feel something is missing. It's time to decode the professional paradox and learn how to balance ambition with meaning.
What’s Inside:
Positive or Negative, You Can not Hold Both
Ever feel weighed down despite success? Nancy shares why cultivating gratitude is the key to rewiring your mind. You can’t carry negativity and positivity at the same time. Choose to focus on small wins and watch how they shift your energy and outlook.
The Ego Trap
The constant need for recognition or approval often comes from our ego. But authentic leadership starts when we stop worrying about what others think and focus on what truly matters to us. When we lead with intention, the need for validation fades away.
Compassion Starts With You
Empathy is often seen as something we extend to others—but how often do we offer that same compassion to ourselves? Real understanding and generosity begins inward.
When we practice self-compassion, it strengthens our decisions, relationships, and, ultimately, our sense of fulfilment.
Listen now and rethink how you define achievement: ………………
About the Speaker: Nancy Ho
Strategist & Transformative Coach Helping Leaders Balance Success and Fulfillment
Nancy Ho is a sought-after coach known for guiding high-performers to align professional excellence with purpose-driven living. She specializes in helping leaders craft meaningful, values-based careers without burning out in the process.
About the Host: Dolon Mitra
Helping Leaders Navigate Change & Unlock Their Potential Dolon Mitra is a leadership coach and transformation expert who works with executives and organizations to future-proof their leadership, build high-impact cultures, and drive change in an era of disruption.
Imagine waking up in a world where AI handles your emails, robots build skyscrapers, and algorithms predict your next career move. Exciting? Terrifying? Maybe both.
But guess what? We’re almost there.
In this power-packed episode of Moments That Inspire, Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, one of the world's top futurists, talks with Dolon Mitra to discuss the seismic shifts already transforming work, leadership, and life as we know it.
Whats Inside
The Human Economy: What Happens When AI Takes Over?
If AI and automation replace millions of jobs, who will sustain businesses and drive economic growth? We’re heading toward a future where human work could become a luxury—so how do we design an economy that actually works for people?
Short-Term Thinking is Dead—The Future Belongs to Long-Term Players
Companies chasing quarterly wins are playing a dangerous game. The real winners? Those who plan 15-20 years ahead, reimagine job structures, and redefine leadership for a tech-driven world.
Beyond AI: Ethics, Power & The Big Leadership Test
This isn’t just about technology—it’s about who controls it and how it's used. Trust, truth, and ethical leadership will determine whether AI empowers humanity or deepens existing inequalities. Leaders who ignore this will be left behind.
Will you embrace lifelong learning, stay curious, and adapt to the shifts ahead?
Or will you be caught off guard,
Listen now—because the future isn’t waiting.
About the Speaker: Dr. Mark van Rijmenam
A Futurist Who Sees What’s Coming Before the Rest of Us
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, the world's top futurist, helping Fortune 500 companies and governments decode the future of technology, AI, and digital transformation.
His expertise spans AI, the metaverse, blockchain, and the shifting nature of work—offering a bold and clear-eyed vision of what’s next. Mark's insights are a must-listen if you’re looking to future-proof your career, business, or leadership strategy.
About the Host: Dolon Mitra
Helping Leaders Navigate Change & Unlock Their Potential
Dolon Mitra is a leadership coach and transformation expert who works with executives and organizations to future-proof their leadership, build high-impact cultures, and drive change in an era of disruption
#FutureOfWork #Leadership #Innovation #AI #TechRevolution #DigitalTransformation
Despite the rise in wellness programs, many companies still miss the mark when it comes to addressing the real factors behind motivation, engagement, and happiness at work. What’s missing? In this thought-provoking episode, Sha-En Yeo, in conversation with Dolon Mitra, shares key insights into what truly drives well-being at work—and what leaders need to get right
1. Leadership’s Blind Spot: Walking the Talk on Well-Being
"Only 20% of employees believe their leaders truly prioritize well-being." - When leaders ignore employee concerns or prioritize short-term goals over people, trust erodes. Employees see through performative efforts, without real action, engagement and morale plummet.
2. What Is Our Gut Telling Us, and What Do We Need to Do About It?
"I always wanted to be a painter, but my mom said it wouldn’t make money, so I went into finance—but the creative world offers countless opportunities beyond just painting." - Many suppress their instincts out of fear or societal pressure, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. Instead of ignoring the gut, individuals must acknowledge it, trust it, and realign with it.
3. The Communication Gap: The Root of Workplace Dysfunction
"A goal without clarity leads to confusion—or worse, inaction." - Without a clear why, how, or what, employees either misdirect efforts or disengage entirely. Leaders must ensure communication is precise, purpose-driven, and actionable to drive alignment and performance.
It’s time to move beyond surface-level well-being—tune in for a game-changing conversation on what truly makes workplaces thrive
About Our Speaker:
Sha-En Yeo – Happiness Scientist | Positive Psychology Expert | TEDx Speaker
Sha-En, Singapore’s first happiness scientist, has trained 40,000+ professionals in building resilience, well-being, and leadership effectiveness. She is passionate about helping individuals and organizations thrive by applying science-backed happiness strategies
About the Host:
Dolon Mitra: Director Leadership Development @ Change Et Al.
Is an executive coach and facilitator, she specializes in talent management, career transformation, organizational design, and optimizing people processes for efficiency. She helps leaders and organizations navigate change and achieve sustainable growth
What makes a leader stand out? Is it charisma? Authority? Strategy?
In this thought-provoking episode, in conversation with Dolon Mitra, Frank Koo dives deep into the essence of leadership presence, uncovering the qualities that make leaders truly impactful.
1️. Building a Leadership Brand
A leadership brand isn’t built overnight—it’s forged through consistency, intent, and alignment with purpose, values, and passion. Authenticity and transparency are vital, as every action shapes how others perceive you, building the trust and credibility essential for impact.
2. Leadership Beta: Embracing the Paradox
Leadership isn’t about absolutes; it is about embracing a constant state of evolution. It is where consistency meets adaptability, confidence aligns with humility, and authority coexists with openness. Today, leadership demands a permanent beta state.
3. Solving Wicked Problems through Co-Creation
Today’s complex, “wicked” problems can’t be solved alone. They require co-creation—collaboration driven by curiosity and humility. Foster spaces where shared ideas spark innovation and lead to collective success
So, tune in to explore how leadership presence helps you bring out the best in others
About Our Speaker:
Frank Koo: Speaker | Trainer | Coach | Founder of Nextplay
With over three decades of experience leading organizations and teams, Frank has developed deep insights into elevating performance, building capabilities, and driving meaningful change. Driven by a passion for growth and transformation, Frank is on a mission to help organizations and individuals achieve lasting, positive change.
About the Host:
Dolon Mitra: Director Leadership Development @ Change Et Al.
She is an executive coach and facilitator specialising in talent management, career transformation, organizational design, and optimizing people processes for efficiency. She helps leaders and organizations navigate change and achieve sustainable growth.
#Leadershippresence #Culture #Coaching #Changemanagement #Authenticleadership
In this episode of Moments that Inspire, Atul Khosla joins the conversation that redefines what it means to lead authentically. Drawing from his remarkable journey across industries and continents,
Atul shares hard-earned lessons, thought-provoking insights, and a fresh perspective on leadership.
• Human connections are the foundation of leadership. Building meaningful relationships directly impacts team dynamics, productivity, and outcomes, creating a stronger and more cohesive work environment.
• Be comfortable sharing who you are. Leaders often hide behind credentials, but people connect with the human behind the title. Being open and authentic creates the hooks for genuine connection and inspiration.
• Ambition in service of purpose. Leadership is not just about chasing ambition but aligning it with a higher purpose. When ambition fuels meaningful goals, it becomes a powerful engine for sustainable success
About Our Speaker:
Atul Khosla: Founder at Leadership et` Humanite` LLC
Atul Khosla is a globally recognized coach, faculty member, and thought leader specializing in leadership transformation and senior executive coaching. With extensive experience across Asia, Europe, and the United States, he has successfully led change management, business modelling, team building, and large-scale post-acquisition integrations.
About the Host:
Dolon Mitra: Director of Leadership Development, Change Et Al.
An executive coach and facilitator, Dolon specializes in helping leaders master the art of Leading Self and Leading Others to foster personal growth and drive team success. She equips leaders to navigate challenges, build high-performing teams, and achieve sustainable growth through strategic vision and self-awareness.
This episode is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and purpose. Tune in now to discover how to navigate challenges, inspire teams, and lead.
#authenticleadership #Culture #Coaching #stroies #narrative #Futureofwork
In this episode, Azran Osman Rani shares his powerful insights on resilience, curiosity, and strategic foresight that every leader can learn from.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
Manage Energy, Not Just Time: In a world where time is finite, energy—our renewable resource—is essential. Leaders can stay at their best by recharging with purposeful pauses, focusing on high-impact tasks, and sidestepping the trap of endless busy work.
Embrace the Learner Mindset: Real growth happens when leaders shift from being “knowers” to “learners.” By staying curious, inviting fresh perspectives, and learning from their teams, leaders cultivate innovation, adaptability, and shared success
Build a Culture of CARE: Check, Actively Listen, Reassure, and Encourage. This approach creates a supportive environment where everyone looks out for one another rather than expecting individuals to seek help alone. Such a proactive culture strengthens resilience and nurtures a genuine sense of belonging.
About the Speaker:
Azran Osman Rani is a trailblazing entrepreneur and CEO who led AirAsia from a startup to the world’s first public-listed, low-cost, long-haul airline, achieving over $1 billion in revenue. Now, as Co-Founder of Naluri, he’s redefining digital health through mental resilience and sustainable lifestyle solutions. Known for his visionary approach, Azran continues to push boundaries in every industry he touches.
About the Host:
An executive coach and facilitator, Dolon specializes in helping leaders master the art of Leading Self and Leading Others to foster personal growth and drive team success. She equips leaders to navigate challenges, build high-performing teams, and achieve sustainable growth through strategic vision and self-awareness.
# leadership development #coaching #culture #managingself #metalhealth
Get ready for a game-changing episode of Moments that Inspire! In this episode, Liane Davey, a renowned expert on communication and leadership, joins me to explore something we all think we understand—communication.
But after this, you might rethink how you communicate and why it matters. Here are the key takeaways:
• Stop Fixing, Start Listening: Many leaders rush to solve problems right away. Liane highlights the power of stepping back and truly listening. This builds trust and makes people feel valued, often more than offering quick solutions.
• Turn Conflict Into Growth: Conflict isn’t a dead end. By focusing on values rather than just facts, you can transform conflict into an opportunity for growth. Addressing the emotions behind disagreements helps teams realign and move forward together.
• Humans Are Built to Collaborate: We’re naturally wired for cooperation. Tapping into this instinct helps leaders build more cohesive teams, leading to smoother, more effective collaboration toward shared goals.
Whether you’re navigating a team through change or striving for more productive communication, these powerful lessons will help you create real business breakthroughs.
About the Speaker:
Liane Davey, the teamwork doctor, is the co-founder and principal of 3COze Inc, specializing in communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. With deep expertise in leadership and team dynamics, Liane offers practical strategies to turn everyday conversations into tools for success.
About the Host:
An executive coach and facilitator, Dolon specializes in helping leaders master the art of Leading Self and Leading Others to foster personal growth and drive team success. She equips leaders to navigate challenges, build high-performing teams, and achieve sustainable growth through strategic vision and self-awareness.
Our guest in this episode is Richard Rekhy, a visionary leader who has navigated some of the most prestigious roles in the corporate world, from partner at Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young to CEO of KPMG.
In this episode, Richard shares how leadership has evolved to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world.
In this insightful conversation, Richard delves into key topics that every leader, entrepreneur, and aspiring board member should pay attention to:
About Our Speaker
Richard Rekhy: Consultant and Board Member
Richard Rekhy is a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience, having held top roles, including serving as CEO of KPMG. Currently, he sits on the boards of several forward-thinking companies. As a trusted mentor and thought leader, he continues to inspire the next generation of leaders with his valuable insights.
About the Host:
Dolon Mitra: Director Leadership Development, Change Et Al.
She is an executive coach and facilitator specialising in talent management, career transformation, organizational design, and optimizing people processes for efficiency. She helps leaders and organizations navigate change and achieve sustainable growth.
"Moments that Inspire" presents a compelling conversation with Marcus Yap, a seasoned expert in self-discovery, team dynamics, and leadership development. This episode deeply delves into the powerful realm of self-awareness and its profound impact on leadership, team cohesion and organisational culture.
In this episode, we uncover:
• The Power of the First Step: The journey to self-awareness begins with a single, intentional action. Whether it's seeking feedback, reflecting on experiences, or identifying personal strengths, taking that first step, however small, can ignite a ripple effect of growth and transformation that leads to greater clarity and purpose.
• Leadership Presence is Critical: Leadership is more than just being present. It is about how you show up every day. Authentic leaders understand that true connection stems from vulnerability, transparency, and the courage to be themselves. It's not about projecting perfection but about building genuine relationships based on trust and empathy.
• Beyond Psychometric Tools: While psychometric assessments and other tools can offer valuable insights, the real magic of leadership development lies in the art of deep, continuous reflection. Cultivating a habit of introspection helps align actions with values and lead with more significant impact.
This episode is packed with practical insights, real-life examples and thought-provoking stories.
About Our Speaker:
Marcus Yap: Talent Management SME SEA, Oceania, and India @ Ericsson
Marcus is an avid learner and practitioner in the field of talent management, psychometric assessments, and leadership development. He serves as the Talent Management SME for SEA, Oceania, and India at Ericsson, following impactful roles at Cisco, BTS, and Aon. Marcus is deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of those he works with.
About the Host:
Dolon Mitra: Director Leadership Development @ Change Et Al.
She is an executive coach and facilitator specialising in talent management, career transformation, organizational design, and optimizing people processes for efficiency. She helps leaders and organizations navigate change and achieve sustainable growth.
In the latest episode of Moments that Inspire, join me as I host Sid Bhasin, the recipient of the HR Star Award for Best Upcoming HR Leader. Sid is a passionate advocate for building high-performing teams, and together, we dive deep into the elements that truly set winning teams apart.
The Foundation: First Principles and Non-Negotiable Norms
Every high-performing team is built on a strong foundation. It is important to establish clear, non-negotiable principles that dictate how a team operates. These create alignment, set expectations, and foster trust. For example, one such principle could be Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: "Instead of dwelling on obstacles, team members are encouraged to think creatively and proactively, always bringing ideas for resolution to the table." This mindset shift drives continuous improvement and collaboration
Keeping Momentum: Navigating the "Middle Muddle"
While projects often start and end with a burst of energy, maintaining momentum during the middle phase is where the challenge lies. Keep the team engaged by celebrating milestones, recognizing individual contributions, and consistently reinforcing progress. By doing so, teams can stay motivated and focused throughout the journey.
The Three Cs of High-Performance Teams: Community, Communication, and Convergence
1. Community: This is about social bonding and creating a shared mission. We have all seen the impact of missions like ‘One Ford’.
2. Communication: Effective communication is not about being agreeable but about having the courage to thrash out differences respectfully.
3. Convergence: Aligning diverse talents and perspectives towards common goals.
Why This Matters:
Building and sustaining high-performing teams is more critical than ever in today's dynamic work environment. Join us as we uncover actionable strategies and much more. Whether you’re an HR leader, a manager, or simply passionate about team dynamics, this episode offers valuable insights to help you thrive.
About Our Speaker
Sid Bhasin - Chief of Staff, Googler Experience, APAC
Siddharth is a result-driven, seasoned HR professional with deep content and people management expertise. He currently leads Strategy and Operations for Googler Experience in APAC.
About the Host:
Dolon Mitra: Director Leadership Development, Change Et Al.
She is an executive coach and facilitator who specializes in talent management, career transformation, organization design, and enhancing people process efficiencies.
Don’t miss this insightful episode! Join us as we uncover the secrets to building high-performance teams that thrive in the ever-changing work landscape.
Networking: Building Meaningful Connections
In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the art of networking with Deepshikha Kumar, Founder of SpeakIn.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights on cultivating a network that drives both personal and professional growth. Research shows that professional networks not only lead to opportunities but also broaden knowledge and significantly improve the quality of output.
Here are some key insights:
Developing a Strong Second Circle: We emphasize the importance of nurturing your “second circle”—those contacts who can become invaluable resources. Discover practical strategies to convert these connections into meaningful relationships, ensuring you have a robust network that supports your journey.
The Role of Empathy and Authenticity: Authentic networking goes beyond surface-level interactions. Learn how empathy and genuine interest in others can transform your networking efforts. We discuss actionable tips on approaching conversations with authenticity, making your interactions more impactful and meaningful.
Overcoming Insecurity in Networking: Insecurity can be a significant barrier to effective networking. We explore ways to build confidence, from leveraging body language to finding familiar faces in new environments. Discover how to present yourself confidently, even in large networking events, and make lasting impressions.
Balancing Give and Take: Networking is not just about what you can get but more about what you can give. Always look for ways to contribute—whether by offering assistance in your community, sharing knowledge, or guiding professionals. Being generous with your resources establishes you as a trusted and valuable network member.
Finally, don't let rejection discourage you. Use rejection as a chance to learn and grow. Remember, everyone has a journey and starts somewhere. More than 50% of the people in the room likely feel the same way you do.
Perhaps one of the most critical think to think about is: How am ‘I’ making ‘my’ network open, diverse, and deep so that everyone in it benefits from the collective?
About Our Speaker:
Deepshikha Kumar - Founder - SpeakIn
Often counted amongst the most-networked entrepreneurs in Asia, Deepshikha is at the helm of making a global mark with her startup - SpeakIn, Asia’s largest digital platform for professional learning backed by 18000+ global CEOs, speakers, business experts and thought leaders. One of the most respected women entrepreneurs in the region, Deepshikha is the winner of 2021-22 Economic Times Most Promising Women Leaders, 2021 Google Digital Women Award in Leadership, 2020 Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs Government of India and 2019 and 2017 Asia Women Icon Award Singapore.
(1) SpeakIn: Overview | LinkedIn
About the Host:
Dolon Mitra: Director Leadership Development, Change Et Al.
As an executive coach and facilitator, she specializes in talent management, career transformation, organization design, and enhancing people process efficiencies. Her experience spans multiple industries and geographies, allowing her to co-create impactful people solutions and gain deep insights into the daily struggles and triumphs of professionals and leaders in today's world.
Dive into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and workplace dynamics in our latest episode of "Moments that Inspire featuring Anish Lalchandani.
This episode is not just a dialogue; it's an exploration of AI's potential to redefine our work environments and leadership paradigms.
Leadership Transformation
As AI transforms the workplace, the focus is on empowering rather than replacing human employees. Leaders must evolve from traditional roles into advocates for possibilities and change, fostering a culture of empathy and continuous learning. Transparency is a given, but equally important is raising awareness to ensure ethical decision-making and fairness. AI needs to complements human talent, enhancing collaboration and development
Navigating Challenges
Introducing AI into the workplace presents challenges, including technical obstacles and resistance to change. To effectively navigate these, begin by clarifying the AI's KPIs—are you addressing a well-defined problem, or simply chasing the latest tech trend? Maintain open communication to foster resilience, and establish a feedback loop for employees to express concerns and propose improvements. This strategic approach ensures AI integration is inclusive and effective.
Seamless Integration
Embrace AI tools and platforms that seamlessly integrate into business processes, enhancing workflows and boosting overall operational efficiency. By weaving AI into the fabric of work, it becomes a catalyst for growth across all aspects of employee experience. Beyond aiding in recruitment, AI should be leveraged to enhance retention strategies, predicting engagement levels and identifying potential burnout risks. Additionally, share success stories of AI to motivate teams, showcasing its pivotal role in improving both operational efficiency and employee engagement
About Our Speaker:
Anish Lalchandani - Global Thought Leader, Author and Speaker
Anish Lalchandani is the author of the book ‘The Skills Advantage: A Human-Centered, Sustainable and Scalable Approach to Reskilling’. Having held leadership roles at leading firms like A.P. Moller Maersk (current), General Electric, Standard Chartered Bank and other organizations, he has developed extensive expertise in Talent, OD, Leadership and HR Strategy. In addition to being a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, he is also a certified professional coach and mentor to start-up founders.
Link to his book ‘The Skills Advantage’ - https://www.amazon.com/Skills-Advantage-Human-Centered-Sustainable-Reskilling/dp/1837972656
About the Host:
Dolon Mitra: Director Leadership Development, Change Et Al.
Is an executive coach and facilitator, she specialize in talent management, career transformation, organization design, and enhancing people process efficiencies. Her experience spans multiple industries and geographies, allowing her to co-create impactful people solutions and gain deep insights into the daily struggles and triumphs of professionals and leaders in today's world.
