Hello Readers!
We are excited to dedicate this coffee club blog to an invaluable member of APEXX Global, Sneha Sahasrabudhe, our People Manager based in India. We have the pleasure of speaking with Sneha, as she shares her experiences and insights during her time with us.
Please can you introduce yourself and what you do day-to-day in your function?
Hello, I am Sneha! I am the People Manager at APEXX, where I lead HR for the India team. I have the exciting opportunity to work with a diverse team over here in Bangalore and Pune within my role. On a day-to-day basis, I aim to keep the team motivated through our recent internal engagement calendar so they feel excited about their roles & APEXX, and understand any challenges to provide utmost support. On a more technical side, I work heavily on recruitment, looking for ways of improving internal processes, to which I have rolled out numerous programs, as well as working within performance management. My day-to-day is very strategic where I collaborate with numerous departments, particularly Legal, Finance, and Tech.
If you could sum up working with APEXX in one sentence, what would it be?
Passionate & Collaborative. Working at APEXX with passionate people gives me a great sense of pride, with aims to provide my full potential.
How long have you been working in people roles, and what made you consider it as a career?
I have worked within the HR function for nearly 11 years & so much has changed in terms of technology & processes with this time, I am constantly learning! I considered HR as a career as it allows me to interact with a diverse array of people, which I am passionate about. Through my Masters Degree, studying modules such as organisational behaviour and change management really interested me compared to other business oriented subjects. I then transitioned into HR after studying, previously specialising in Industrial Relations and Union Management.
For anyone looking to start a career in HR or Operations, what valuable advice would you give them?
You must be passionate about emotional intelligence and people in general. You want to make a difference in people’s lives and their work for the better, and constantly find solutions to assist this. Additionally, keeping an open mind is very important. HR constantly changes and opens the opportunity for constant learning, it is not a static industry. The willingness to learn is absolutely key when starting out in an HR career.
What is the most exciting project you have worked on so far at APEXX?
Working with our Head of People to roll out our Leadership Training Programme for new managers. I have vast experience of training people, and this is something I am really passionate about. I really enjoyed the whole process of collaborating with different teams, being creative with the programme structure, what I would want if I was in the trainee’s shoes, and engaging people within this training session. Working at APEXX gives me the freedom to introduce these training sessions.
Tell me what it’s like looking after an offshore team when the company's HQ is based in London and you are in India?
Initially, It is more exciting when working directly at a Head Office, however, at APEXX, the kind of communication we practice bridges this gap to a large extent. Our entities do not feel far off due our open communication channels, and we are consistent with all our sites. Looking after the offshore team is a lot of fun, I have the freedom to use my expertise and bring in new processes, considering our India entities are so new.
How do you manage looking after two different offices across India (Pune & Bangalore) whilst maintaining a senior people role, and being a wife and mum? What is your secret?
Honestly, there is no secret. I have great support from my team and the wider APEXX community as we are so inclusive, as well as family support. I aim to prioritise my time so I can balance all aspects of my life. I always approach my life with an open mind, and try not to think about the ‘what if’s’.
What keeps you motivated and inspired?
I think seeing the progress of women in senior leadership roles globally has created huge inspiration and ambition for me. It has been a key source of motivation for me. It makes me think ‘if they can do it, I can too’. I also am very motivated by appreciation, especially within an HR role, that is always provided to me from APEXX.
Now for some fun questions… If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I have never actually thought of a superpower I would want, however, the ability to read minds would be so cool!
If you had the opportunity to switch jobs with someone in our company, what would it be and why?
Someone from the Sales team, not permanently, but curious to see what it will be like for a day or two. I would love the opportunity to be the first point of contact, pitch APEXX’s products in the best way, and travel the world.
Thanks so much for your time Sneha, it’s been lovely having you for my first take over of coffee club. - Charlie
Written by Charles Mattingly, People executive, APEXX
