Geetika Singh - HR Leader, Author, Trainer & Consultant with Global Impact (Director - Aakaro Consulting, UK)

"Stay curious, continuously learn, and always be clear on the 'Why' – that's the key to long-term success." – Geetika Singh

1. To start, could you share a bit about your journey—how did you come to wear so many hats as a director, trainer, consultant, author, and instructor?

My first HR stint was with HSBC, where I gained valuable experience in managing human resources and understanding the nuances of organizational dynamics. This experience laid a strong foundation for my transition into HR consulting, training, and eventually authoring a book. Each step in my career allowed me to apply these insights in various ways, whether through consulting, training, or writing, always with a focus on human capital development.

2. As an international soft skills trainer, what do you think are the most underrated skills professionals should cultivate today, and why?

As an international soft skills trainer, I believe some of the most underrated skills professionals should cultivate today include positive attitude, critical thinking, and effective communication. These skills are crucial in today's rapidly changing workplace. A positive attitude fosters a collaborative and resilient environment, critical thinking enables professionals to solve complex problems effectively, and effective communication ensures that ideas and strategies are understood clearly.

3. Labour law and HR management are often considered intricate fields. What inspired you to dive into this domain, and what keeps you passionate about it?

My inspiration to dive into the fields of labor law and HR management stems from the fact that they are both intricate and interesting, which fuels my curiosity. There is a significant gap in organizations regarding these competencies, and a lot still needs to be explored and studied. This motivates my work to help organizations develop their human capital and implement effective HR practices, aligning with the goal of advancing human development through innovative and practical solutions.

4. Aakaro Consulting Pvt. Ltd. has been making waves. Can you tell us about the unique approach your organization brings to consulting and training?

At Aakaro Consulting Pvt. Ltd., we emphasize straightforward yet effective methodologies to streamline organizational processes, which helps deliver immediate and impactful results. Our SOAR (Simple Operations for Amplified Results) HR consulting practices focus on establishing a simple and effective framework, characterized by clear objectives and streamlined processes that are easy to implement and integrate. This approach ensures that organizations can achieve significant outcomes without unnecessary complexity. 

In addition, our PULSE (Practical Utilization and Learning through Stimulating Experiences) corporate training program targets real-world challenges, equipping employees with relevant tools and techniques that they can immediately apply in their professional lives. 

By emphasizing practical application, PULSE enhances productivity and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. We focus on understanding the unique needs of our clients to craft tailored solutions, employing a data-driven approach that ensures our strategies are well-informed and produce measurable results.

5. With your bestselling Udemy course, what has been your biggest takeaway about online education and how learners engage with complex subjects?

My biggest takeaway from our bestselling Udemy course has been the importance of simple and practical content. Learners engage more effectively when the material is presented in a simple, easy to understand way and is focused on practical connectivity. This has led us to create courses that emphasize real-world application and immediate competency development, ensuring that learners can readily use what they learn in their professional lives.

6. Many HR professionals struggle with balancing compliance and empathy in their roles. What advice would you give them?

In my experience, HR professionals should prioritize empathy when addressing workplace issues. Understanding the concerns and perspectives of employees is crucial in resolving problems effectively. However, in situations where employees are creating issues, compliance measures become essential for maintaining order and ensuring fairness. 

It's important to use these measures judiciously and transparently, while still striving to foster a supportive and understanding environment. The primary focus should always be on creating a workplace where employees feel valued and that issues are addressed consistently.

7. Writing a book is no small feat. What motivated you to become an author, and what is the central message you hope readers take away from your work?

My motivation to become an author stems from a desire to share insights and practical knowledge gained through my experiences in consulting and training. The central message I hope readers take away from my work is the importance of critical thinking, specifically asking "why" to uncover root causes of problems. 

By challenging assumptions and digging deeper to identify the core issues, individuals and organizations can develop more effective and sustainable solutions.

8. The workplace landscape is changing rapidly. From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges organizations face in developing their human capital today?

The workplace is indeed changing rapidly, and in my view, the biggest challenge organizations face in developing their human capital today is bridging the competency gap. It's not enough to simply offer standard training programs; companies must first identify the specific competency gaps that exist within their workforce. 

Otherwise, they risk wasting valuable resources on learning interventions that are not truly aligned with their needs and therefore not useful. Once these gaps are identified, organizations can then focus on providing relevant training and development opportunities. This targeted approach ensures that learning interventions are effective and that employees gain the competencies necessary to meet the evolving demands of the workplace.

9. As someone who interacts with diverse professionals worldwide, what cultural insights or global trends have most surprised or intrigued you?

Interacting with diverse professionals worldwide has highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability. I’ve observed that each culture has unique approaches to work and communication, which reinforces the need for tailored solutions. Interestingly, despite cultural differences, there's a shared goal for professional development and career growth.

10. Lastly, if you could offer one piece of advice to young professionals over a cup of coffee, what would it be?

If I could offer one piece of advice to young professionals, it would be to stay curious, continuously learn and be very clear on the "Why" part. The world is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt and acquire new skills is essential for long-term success.

Bio - 

Geetika Singh is the Director of Aakaro Consulting Pvt. Ltd., an HR management consulting and corporate training company with offices in India and the UK. The company specializes in talent management, labor laws, payroll, performance management, and human capital development. Geetika holds a B.Tech in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Management from the UK. She has extensive experience working with high-profile organizations such as Google, the United Nations, HSBC, Uber, and Shell. By leveraging her expertise, she has provided impactful HR and training solutions that significantly enhance organizational performance.

LinkedIn

Interviewed by : Shivam Sharma 

Edited by : Shivam Sharma