Business World People Magazine - April-May-2024

In this issue

Growing up, we had heard of the saying “If age
could; if youth knew.” The implication was
that wisdom comes with age and experience,
but sadly, by then, the energy level has ebbed.
Fortunately, that is no more the case. We see
leaders well past retirement age exuding high energy
levels and inspiring all around them. I see them leading
purpose-driven lives, keeping physically fit, running marathons,
coming to meetings on time (in fact before the
younger lot, in some cases) and showing mental agility.
Happily, the reverse is also true. As the 40 Under 40
Awards of BW People demonstrated, we have HR leaders
demonstrating grasp of the field, wisdom to take the
right actions and steer organisational culture in large corporates.
The screening process wherein they were subject
to extensive questioning by the jury, revealed their
grit. Their interviews in this issue of BW People bear testimony
to their depth of understanding of HR.
Similarly, our ‘Most Influential Women’ List, that recognised
the contributions of so many women leaders to the
HR field, celebrated the journey that we as a society have
covered so far. The list of 25 women CHROs was arrived
at by an advisory council with eminent HR experts in it.

This issue also covers the highlights of a report titled
‘Unlocking Success: The Why and What of Employability
Skills’, prepared by BW People in association with the
Wadhwani Foundation. The report dissects the challenges
faced by HR professionals in recruiting fresh and lateral
talent for entry to mid-level skill positions. It identifies
skill mismatches, the employability gap and limited
industry exposure as primary hurdles. To overcome these
challenges, the report recommends implementing skill
development initiatives, internship programmes and
continued learning opportunities.
Happy Reading.