Podcasts.
People Matters Unplugged is your front-row seat to the strategies exceptional leaders use to drive success in today's dynamic world of work. Hosted by Cheshta Dora, Head of Research & Content Strategy at People Matters, this podcast brings you candid conversations with top HR leaders across geographies, industries and organisation sizes.
Each episode takes you beyond the buzzwords—into the real, behind-the-scenes thinking on navigating modern talent and organisational complexities.
Whether you're leading a team of 10 or 10,000, People Matters Unplugged offers actionable insights, bold ideas, and fresh perspectives to help you lead with purpose and adapt with confidence.
Tune in, reflect, and reimagine what's possible.
Episode 20
EP 20: The Power Of Communication
Seema Nair, Cheshta Dora
A leader’s most powerful tool is their ability to communicate with the organisation. For Seema Nair, CHRO of Flipkart, this means ensuring that people know the culture, the ethos, the successes, the failures. It’s about finding your voice as a leader and using it to advocate for yourself and your team. In this episode, Seema joins host Cheshta Dora, Head of Research & Community at People Matters, in a dialogue about the power of communication and transparency.
Episode 19
EP 19: Own Your Culture
Sitaram Kandi
Only you can truly build and shape your organisation’s culture. To Sitaram Kandi, CHRO of Tata Motors, every leader must take ownership of the shared values that make a company special. With that foundation, it becomes possible to drive business direction, to engage and keep talent, to make your people future-ready. In this episode, Sitaram joins host Cheshta Dora, Head of Research & Community at People Matters, to share the approach that has kept the culture and values of Tata Motors so strong over the years that people come and stay just for it.
Episode 18
EP 18: Building Unity Through Culture
Anna Ho
What is a company’s culture really about? For Anna Ho, CHRO of Vena Group, it is the one overarching thing that connects all the important aspects of the organisation: values and purpose, business performance and results, strategy and advancement, people and heart. Culture is the glue that unites everyone, and shaping it so that it can shape the organisation is HR’s life work. In this episode, Anna joins host Cheshta Dora, Head of Research & Community at People Matters, to converse about how culture can be created and supported.
Episode 17
EP 17: Inspiring Leaders as Talent Magnets
Niren Srivastava
What does it take to become an inspiring leader? For Niren Srivastava, CHRO at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, it’s less about titles and more about traits. In fact, being inspirational is hierarchy agnostic. If you support people and create a safe space for them, then you’re an inspiring leader. In this episode, Niren joins host Cheshta Dora, Head of Research & Community at People Matters.
Episode 16
EP 16: Exponential Talent Growth
Purvesh Kapadia
How can companies grow exponentially without losing sight of their core values and people? In this episode of People Matters Unplugged, Purvesh Kapadia, CHRO of Refex Group, sits down with Cheshta Dora, People Matters’ Head of Research & Community, to explore the fine balancing act between ‘build, buy, and borrow’ talent strategies. Purvesh also discussed the importance of employee ownership in shaping future-ready leaders and why exponential growth starts with ethical intent. From growth equations to ESOPs, this is a masterclass in HR strategy that bridges culture, competence, and capability.
Episode 15
EP 15: Transforming HR Leadership
Aileen Tan
What if HR wasn’t just a support function – but the architect of future-ready business success? In the latest episode of People Matters Unplugged, AIA Singapore’s CHRO, Aileen Tan, takes us behind the scenes of a transformation that starts not with technology, but with trust. Catch this insightful interview hosted by Cheshta Dora, Head of Research & Community at People Matters.
Episode 14
EP 14: Leading with Culture
Soumitra Das
In this episode of People Matters Unplugged, Soumitra Das, Global CHRO at Redington Limited, shares how the company is building a self-perpetuating culture rooted in trust, ownership, and empathy. With operations across 38 countries, Das offers a deep dive into creating a globally aligned yet locally relevant employee experience supported by agile practices and inclusive leadership. Hosted by Cheshta Dora, Head of Research, Content, and Community at People Matters, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for CHROs leading culture and performance in the age of transformation.
Episode 13
EP 13: Unlocking Culture
Prasad Menon
Workplace culture is no longer just a buzzword—it’s the heart of any successful organization. But how do you create a culture that isn’t just talked about but truly lived? In this episode, we’re joined by Prasad Menon, the Global Chief People Officer at Amagi, who has been at the forefront of HR transformation in some of the world’s leading companies like Flipkart, Cleartrip, and McAfee. Prasad shares his invaluable insights on how culture evolves, especially during periods of rapid growth, and why it’s so critical for businesses to get it right. With Amagi’s core principle of “freedom”
Episode 12
EP 12: Breaking Barriers
Megha Goel
In this inspiring Women's Day special of People Matters Unplugged, we’re joined by Megha Goyal, Chief Human Resources Officer at Godrej Properties, to explore how she’s breaking barriers and driving real change in the traditionally male-dominated real estate industry. Godrej Properties has been at the forefront of gender diversity with initiatives like the Collective of Real Estate Women Crew, empowering women to thrive in real estate, construction, and allied sectors. Megha takes us through her remarkable journey from her early career at JP Morgan to becoming a transformational leader at Godrej. She shares powerful insights on career growth, overcoming workplace challenges, and creating inclusive workplaces. Discover how women can break barriers, step into leadership roles, and shape the future of the industry. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, hosted by Cheshta Dora, Head of Research, Content, and Community at People Matters.
Episode 11
EP 11: Culture at the Core
Ruth Gellert-Neale
In an era of constant change, how can leaders build resilient cultures, embrace agility, and integrate AI responsibly? In the latest episode of People Matters Unplugged, Ruth Gellert-Neale, Chief People Officer at JLL Technology, shares insights on how learning management systems drive continuous growth, scenario planning enhances agility, and how ethical AI guidelines ensure technology supports, rather than replaces, human decision-making. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, hosted by Cheshta Dora, Head of Research, Content, and Community at People Matters.
Episode 10
EP 10: Future-Proofing HR
Narelle Burke
AI is revolutionizing HR, enabling talent management leaders to make smarter decisions, optimize planning, and maintain a human-centric approach. From ethical considerations to fostering a culture of innovation and play, this new episode of People Matters Unplugged features Narelle Burke, CHRO, Human Resources, Insights APAC & Global Consulting at Kantar. Burke offers practical insights for CHROs redefining their roles amidst rapid digital transformation. Don't miss this inspiring conversation, hosted by Cheshta Dora, Head of Research, Content, and Community at People Matters.
Episode 9
EP 9: Psychological Safety Builds Resilience
Megan Reed
Resilience is an essential mandate for HR. It is also the foundation for employees' recovery, adaptation, and thrive. In the latest episode of People Matters Unplugged, Megan Reed, a global HR leader with over two decades of experience, illustrates how, through psychological safety in the workplace, HR can build individual and systemic resilience. The key? A holistic approach that combines personal empowerment with collective support, to build self-efficacy.
Episode 8
EP 8: HR as a Strategic Partner
Charles H. Ferguson
With competition for top talent intensifying, Asian organisations must develop value propositions that align with workforce aspirations, while redefining business culture and engagement strategies. In this episode of People Matters Unplugged, we welcome @Charles Ferguson, Managing Director and Corporate Development Leader at G-P, to explore the changing role of HR in shaping business strategy in Asia's complex talent market. Charles shares his insights on how HR professionals can become strategic partners, leveraging business vision to influence organisational success.
Episode 7
EP 7: HR Leaders Drive Organizational Success
Helen Snowball
HR function has evolved beyond administrative or facilitative processes to become a key rol in the success of organisations. Helen Snowball, HR Director at PropertyGuru Group, joins People Matters Unplugged to share her insights on shaping culture and capability through innovative HR strategies. With a people-centric approach, Helen illustrates how HR can redefine its role as a strategic business partner and custodian of culture. In addition, she explores the transformative power of HR in co-creating impactful organisational cultures, where digital skills, resilience and agile decision-making drive business success. A conversation with innovative insights and practical strategies for HR leaders who want to empower themselves in their role.
Episode 6
EP 6: HR Leaders are Culture Custodian
Simar Deep Kaur
HR leaders are far more than traditional support—they are strategic partners, shaping and guiding the company’s culture and values. Simar Deep Kaur, Chief Human Resource Officer of, joins the new episode of People Matters Unplugged to share her invaluable perspective on the role of HR in fostering an aligned, purpose-driven workplace. With over 19 years of experience, Simardeep offers actionable insights on how HR leaders can influence and collaborate with CEOs to drive long-term vision, uphold core values, and cultivate deep engagement across all teams. From building strong connections with business managers to wearing the "business hat" and continuously learning, this episode provides a roadmap for HR professionals who aim to lead with purpose and facilitate meaningful, company-wide impact.
Episode 5
EP 5: HR Must Understand Business
Ruhie Pande
Today's HR leaders must deeply understand their business and go beyond traditional functions to become strategic partners. This requires agility, adaptability, and technological competence. Time of silos is over. Talent management implies upskilling, reskilling, retraining, and promoting diversity, equality and inclusion. Ruhie Pande, Group Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Sterlite Power and guest on the new episode of People Matters Unplugged, shares her inspiring thoughts on how HR professionals can meet the challenges of the new context.
Episode 4
EP 4: Corporate Culture is a Way of Life
Loganathan A/L Balakrishnan
Organizational culture goes beyond traditional policies and benefits. It is a ‘way of life’ that directly impacts employee satisfaction and retention. @Loganathan A/L Balakrishnan, Chief Human Resources Officer at Habit Group, and guest on the new episode of People Matters Unplugged, shares his inspiring thoughts on the evolving role of HR in the age of AI. This leader, with more than 20 years of experience in talent management, believes that while technology tools and artificial intelligence can improve efficiency, true success in retaining employees and creating a workplace culture depends on maintaining a people-centric approach.
Episode 3
EP 3: Corporate Culture is a Collective Creation
Sahil Mathur
Corporate culture is not an abstract concept—it is a living, breathing entity that exists in every corner of the organisation and in the way each team member envisions the business. It is a collective and ongoing construction grounded in trust, continuous learning, and the empowerment of people. Like a living organism, corporate culture evolves autonomously, adapting and learning from its environment over time. We had the privilege of speaking with Sahil Mathur, Chief People Officer at InMobi Group, to dive deeper into how culture is nurtured, shaped, and sustained in one of the world’s most innovative tech companies.
Episode 2
EP 2: The Power of the 'Five Bs Framework'
Khim Tan
The "Five Bs Framework" for managing talent pipelines—Buy, Build, Borrow, Bridge, and Bounce—is a key strategy to help organizations acquire, develop, and retain top talent. Creating a strong employer brand, aligning HR policies with business objectives, and leveraging data analytics can revolutionize recruitment and retention practices. In the second episode of People Matter Unplugged, we're thrilled to host @Khim Tan, a seasoned HR strategist with three decades of extensive experience in human capital management. Khim dives into the critical role that talent management plays in driving business success and shares her expertise in data-driven HR practices to make informed decisions, reduce bias, and enhance employee engagement. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to mastering the art of talent management.
Episode 1
EP 1: A Positive Workplace Attracts Top Talent
Ashwani Prashara
A positive work environment, centered on safety, learning, and holistic well-being, is key to attracting top talent and ensuring that employees feel valued. By offering growth opportunities and promoting core values, organizations can foster agility and address new contextual challenges. In a new episode of People Matters Unplugged, we have the privilege of speaking with Ashwani Prashara, Chief Human Resource Officer - Hydrocarbons at @Reliance Industries Limited, who shares his unique insights into how encouraging cross-functional collaboration and empowering employees to take ownership drives success and cultivates a thriving workplace.