Subir Roy Chowdhury - One Needs to Be Resilient and Should Have the Belief That Everything Is Achievable Provided the Focus Is Unwavering and You Have the Conviction in Yourself (HR - Satin Credit Care)

While basic education can facilitate your entry into the working world, the application of knowledge is what is appreciated in the longer run. The presentation of the skills forms the basis of any understanding and ultimately it is the strategic outlook that matters in the leadership roles.

Tell us about your background, journey, and upbringing. 

I come from a modest & humble family background where hard work was the ultimate worship. I did my graduation in commerce and was working simultaneously for the learning perspective. Later on, I decided to pursue MBA as the spectrum of Human Resources always excited me. 

Today, I have experience of 26 years in totality and 22+ years post qualification. I have had a wonderful career so far with immense learning in organizations like Kotak securities, Wacker Metropark Chemicals, Magma Leasing, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, ICICI Securities, Magma Fincorp and now heading the HR, Admin & LnD function for Satin Creditcare Network Limited. The industry of experience in Banking, Financial Services & Insurance. 

I always had the flair to learn new things and as a part of my zeal to learn, I enrolled in Gallup strengths coaching and now, I am Gallup certified coach. My top 5 strengths are:

1. Responsibility 2. Relator 3. Activator 4. Achiever & 5. Maximizer

The journey has been fascinating yet challenging so far as I always put my morality & integral values on top priority. As a part of my upbringing, these characteristics are the non-negotiable traits for personal and professional decisions in life.

How did you narrow down on this profession?

I always wanted to achieve something in life and was clear on my ambition to help people in the longer run. I wanted to make a mark and stand out by being recognized and at the same time wanted to make a difference in other people’s life. 

I had always been a fast learner and had that conviction that confidence and hard work make everything possible. I feel happy to have reached a point in my life where I can act as a catalyst in aiding other people to achieve their dream of being in the profession of HR.

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It seems onboarding, even in 2021, is a long-drawn-out process behind the scenes. How do you envision this changing in the future?

Covid has thrown new challenges across the globe and in a real sense, we are now part of the so-called VUCA (Vulnerability, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) world. This acronym is more relevant than ever before as it gives a holistic perspective on things that we have been doing in past and the inevitable paradigm shift which is now happening in our lives. 

Recruitment & On-Boarding is no different. Organizations will engage in selective hiring and people will be required for critical positions mostly tech positions though the physical onboarding might not happen, virtual interactions will gain prominence.

What’s one thing you would like to change in how Background Verification is done in India?

Background verification check is done with authorities on the credibility of prospective employees including the professional experience and facts associated with the educational credentials. What we need in the present context is the candidate’s social standing to understand the personality by having on-ground feedback and thus have clarity on the disposition.

How do you handle someone who has lied on their resume?

Since the interviews are based on critical incidences and the in-depth discussion is promoted, I generally understand between the context of the line and after all these years it takes only initial few minutes to comprehend if the candidate is lying about anything. 

The key is to keep cool and let it pass since you have already made your judgment based on the interaction with the candidature. Belittling someone and confronting it may make the entire experience bitter and we should not encourage such things.

Several global companies have come out and thrown their support behind not needing a formal education. What is your opinion about this?

I am completely affirmative about this statement as it is crucial to be educated and skillful rather than just being literate. The need to upskill and reskill is constant and as you grow up the ladder, it becomes imperative to acquire the requisite skills to excel. 

While basic education can facilitate your entry into the working world, the application of knowledge is what is appreciated in the longer run. The presentation of the skills forms the basis of any understanding and ultimately it is the strategic outlook that matters in the leadership roles.

                               

What advice do you have for aspiring HR professionals?

I would act cliché for this as I believe that there are no shortcuts to success other than hard work. It does not come easy, One needs to be resilient and should have the belief that everything is achievable provided the focus is unwavering and you have the conviction in yourself.

Which is your favorite book and why?

I am completely in synchrony with the fact that change is the only constant in the world and it is inexorable. “Our Iceberg is melting” by Holger and Kotter depicts this concept beautifully. This book transgresses the boundaries of time and depicts the notion with the help of a fable. 

The story starts on a lighter note and there are only limited characters with a universal approach. The best thing about this book is that the reader immediately relates to either of the characters and becomes part of the story right from the beginning. Not only this, the entire book is summarized as 8 step approach to Change Management which comes as a ready reckoner.


Bio - 

Subir Roy Chowdhury is PGDHRM from IISWBM – Kolkata, and B.Com (Hons) from Kolkata University. He has versatile experience of 22+ years in the HR function. 

He joined Satin in April 2016 as Chief Human Resource Officer. Before joining SCNL, he worked with Magma Fincorp Ltd as Head – Business & Corporate HR where he has initiated the competence framework, Talent Management, Succession Planning, PMS & Total Rewards. 

He has earlier worked with ICICI Securities Ltd, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd, Magma Leasing Ltd, Wacker Metropark Chemicals Ltd, and Kotak Securities. He loves sports and a music lover and loves to play his guitar and clap box during his free time.