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COVER STORY - Retail LnD Summit 2023

Embracing Change - The Three Rs for Success in the Future of Workforce Development


January 14, 2023 | By Retailer Association of India

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As we move into a new era of work, it is essential to reimagine, reinvent, and re-evaluate the way we approach learning and development for our workforce. These three concepts form the foundation of a successful and sustainable career, and as individuals and organizations, we must embrace them to stay competitive and thrive.


Reimagine
As the world rapidly changes, it is important for us to reimagine the way we approach our careers and our lives. In my 24 years of experience, I have mainly come across three types of biases, one of which is age bias. While a successful career may seem glamorous from the outside, it often comes with a feeling of isolation and being alone. As young achievers, we turn to ourselves to be our own best friend.


As an Indian, I am proud of the way our country has positioned itself on the global economic scale. The industry we at RAI represent has the power to be a game-changer and make a significant impact to policy-making. It is time for us to think about the influence we can have as individuals and as an industry in shaping our world for the better.


Throughout my career, I have never stuck to pre-defined norms when it came to doing things. My father once told me that there is a difference between bravery and foolishness, and choose wisely. This advice has stayed with me and I have always had the courage to reimagine and walk my own path. I have never viewed my career as a sequential journey, but rather as a career portfolio build.


We must as industry leaders have the courage to think beyond what is typically expected of us and break free from the constraints of traditional career paths and expectations. By doing so, we can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, which can be a powerful catalyst for change and progress.


Let us reimagine the way we approach our careers and our lives, and the lives of our employees with an unwavering commitment to forging a better future for ourselves and for those around us.

 

Reinvent
Motivation may be a temporary feeling, much like the seasonal flu, but what endures is knowledge and ability. Passion is often discussed, but it is substance coupled with tenacity that truly matters. As an HR professional, I entered the field because I loved working with people. I saw organizations as a catalyst for personal growth, helping individuals become their best selves.


Over time, I transitioned into portfolio management of angel investments, which came with its own set of challenges, including difficult conversations, taking huge risks on the future, etc. Eventually, I became a serial entrepreneur, diversifying my roles and continuously evolving as a person. I grew and adapted as I learnt.


To those who are paving their own path and seeking advice, remember that you are on a unique journey that nobody else knows about. Seeking validation from others can cause you to lose sight of your own goals and values. It is important to listen to what others have to say, but ultimately, you must trust your own instincts and stay true to yourself.


In the end, it is expertise and personal values that propels growth that will truly make a difference in your life and career. Remember to focus on developing your skills and knowledge, and let that drive you towards success.


Re-evaluate
Self-reflection is a powerful tool that can help us achieve personal growth and development. It is crucial to take stock of our lives regularly and re-evaluate our choices to ensure we are fulfilling our potential. If we are not enjoying what we're doing, it's time to make a change. We owe it to ourselves to believe in our worth and invest in our development.


As we look towards the future, fairness and equity will be key differentiators between the best workplaces and the rest. We must focus on building a workplace culture that is inclusive and equitable, valuing the unique contributions of everyone. Inclusion alone is not enough; we must also invest in equity to create an environment that fosters growth and development for all.


When we prioritize equity, we create a culture where everyone can thrive. It is important to acknowledge the historical and systemic barriers that have prevented some individuals and even communities from reaching their full potential. By breaking down these barriers and creating a more equitable workplace, we empower everyone to succeed.


In conclusion, reimagining, reinventing, and re-evaluating are essential ingredients for the future of workforce development. As individuals and organizations, we must embrace these concepts to stay competitive and thrive in the years to come. The future belongs to those who are willing to break free from the limitations of the past and embrace the possibilities of the future. Let us build a world of work that is fair, equitable, and sustainable for all.

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