Style Substance Strategy

Asha Subramanian thrives on her people-first approach, a mindset that has shaped her deep understanding of how HR truly works. But, this wisdom didn’t come easily—she had to navigate tough challenges to truly grasp the nuances of the industry. From her humble beginnings in Bengaluru to her current role as Global CHRO at Subex, Asha has always championed the power of education, empathy and hard work. In this interview with Corporate Citizen, she delves into the evolution of HR, the power of active listening, the realities beyond corporate jargon, and why she believes every challenge is simply an opportunity in disguise

Corporate Citizen: Tell us a bit about yourself.

Asha Subramanian: To begin on a philosophical note, I have always lived my life guided by centenarian philosophies, which helped shape who I am today. Ideologies like live and let live, harnessing the law of attraction and being goal-oriented, form the foundation of my character. After working for over 16 years in the field of Human Resources, I can now confidently say that I understand how this industry functions. Currently, I serve as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Subex, a global telecom AI solutions company, headquartered in Bengaluru, India.

Education is the key: Born and raised in Bengaluru in a humble family where education and learning were given utmost importance, my academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, Economics and Sociology, from National College, Bengaluru University. Recognising my aptitude for understanding and communicating with people, I pursued MBA with a specialisation in Human Resources, from St. Joseph's University in Bengaluru. Looking back, I foresee the importance of education.

Early career: I began my professional journey at a small consultancy firm, where I was one of the only two employees. This role provided me with a comprehensive understanding of HR operations within a startup environment. I then transitioned to CC Software, a company with approximately 100 employees, where I served as the youngest HR professional. In this capacity, I honed my skills in talent acquisition and employee engagement. A significant milestone in my career was my tenure at Goibibo, where I dedicated over 12 years. Joining the company when it had about 60 employees, I played a pivotal role in scaling the organisation to several thousand employees. My contributions were instrumental during key mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisition of redBus and the merger with MakeMyTrip.

The break: After my extensive stint at Goibibo, I took a year-long sabbatical to focus on personal development and spend quality time with my family, especially my daughter. During this period, I engaged in consultancy work, travelled, and pursued various learning opportunities, enriching my personal and professional perspectives. In July 2021, I joined Subex as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). In this capacity, I oversee HR strategies and operations across multiple countries, including India, North America and the United Kingdom. My responsibilities encompass talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, training and development, employee engagement, diversity initiatives, compliance, and culture building across diverse geographies.

"I believe in giving people their space while also valuing mine. It’s about mutual respect and freedom, which makes interactions and working with me generally easy—at least, that’s what people often tell me"

—Asha Subramanian

CC: It is said - the place you’re born and raised in, shapes you as a person. How would you say that your hometown has shaped you to become a better person or a better corporate professional?

Growing up in Bengaluru, a city renowned for its multicultural environment, has profoundly influenced my personal and professional development. Bengaluru’s diverse cultural landscape nurtures inclusivity and adaptability—traits that are essential in human resources management. The city's openness encourages residents to learn new languages and embrace different traditions, promoting a harmonious coexistence among various communities. My family's support further strengthened my independence and confidence. Despite societal norms that often impose limitations on women, my parents empowered me to pursue my ambitions without hesitation. This nurturing environment was instrumental in shaping my confidence and resilience.

Additionally, having a brother in the army instilled in me a sense of discipline and courage, reinforcing my determination to overcome challenges. My husband's unconditional support continues to provide a strong foundation, enabling me to navigate both personal and professional spheres effectively. The confluence of Bengaluru’s multicultural ethos and my family's encouragement have been pivotal in shaping my identity and career, fostering a blend of cultural sensitivity, independence and confidence.

CC: Tell us about your early experiences in life that made you feel that HR was your calling.

During my school and college days, I often found myself surrounded by friends from diverse backgrounds - different languages, castes, appearances and regions. Occasionally, these differences would lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. I naturally assumed the role of a mediator, stepping in to calm situations, listening to both sides and fostering understanding.

I remember often saying, "It’s okay, let’s work this out," and ensuring everyone felt heard and included. Looking back, I realise those moments planted the seeds for my career in HR. The ability to bring people together, promote peace and create harmony, is integral to what I do today. It feels fulfilling to see how those early experiences shaped my calling, enabling me to manage diverse teams and ensure collaboration and unity in the workplace. This early memory remains a beautiful and impactful chapter of my life, setting the foundation for my journey in human resources.

CC: What's the best piece of corporate advice you've ever received?

One of the best pieces of corporate advice I have ever received, and still follow to this day, revolves around two core lessons. The first is the importance of listening. Early in my career, especially during my time in consultancy, I realised I had a tendency to speak more than I listened. A lot of people pointed this out to me, and it struck a chord. Over time, I worked on improving my listening skills, understanding that effective communication isn’t just about expressing your thoughts but, also about truly understanding others'. Today, wherever I go, be it discussions or meetings, I prioritise listening, which has significantly shaped my approach to leadership and collaboration.

The second lesson was about handling failures. I reacted strongly to setbacks, often being overly hard on myself. Gradually, I learned to pause, reflect, and see failures as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles. These lessons continue to guide me.

CC: Can you walk us through the evolution of HR.

The evolution of HR in the corporate world is truly remarkable. Earlier, the focus was solely on administrative tasks like organising events or issuing offer letters. Since then, HR has transformed into a more organised and key strategic function. Today, HR professionals play a crucial role in shaping organisational culture, driving diversity initiatives, and aligning with business strategies. They now hold boardroom seats and contribute to Annual Operating Plans (AOPs), demonstrating their value as strategic partners.

Technology has played a significant role in this evolution, enabling HR to integrate tools for talent acquisition, compensation management and data analysis. These advancements have elevated the efficiency and impact of HR processes.

In India, the focus on diversity, particularly gender diversity, has grown over the past decade, with a noticeable increase in women occupying C-suite roles. This shift reflects a broader change in corporate mindsets and underscores HR's vital role in steering companies toward inclusivity and innovation.

"My corporate career will always be an integral part of my life. I truly enjoy the dynamic nature of my work—staying busy, engaging with people, and helping others grow. I love my role and the responsibilities that come with it"

CC: Tell us about the biggest challenge you’ve faced.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was during my time at a company where I was responsible for a team of 120 talented software engineers. Within a span of just two to three months, we lost 80 of them due to a sudden industry boom. The impact was devastating; the leadership team and I were overwhelmed and felt utterly defeated.

One evening, while reflecting over tea, I made a promise to myself and my team that we would not only recover but rebuild stronger. What followed were three relentless months of effort—long hours, countless interviews, and an unwavering commitment to the goal. Despite barely seeing my family during this period, my determination never wavered.

Eventually, we hired 80 to 90 exceptional engineers, revitalising the team. It was a monumental achievement that taught me resilience, teamwork, and the power of perseverance during adversity. This experience remains a cornerstone of my professional journey.

CC: So, what were your takeaways from that experience?

The key takeaway is to persistently seek solutions without giving up, as every problem has a resolution. Challenges, whether significant or minor, can be approached through various methods, including direct approaches or alternative strategies. The essential lesson is to maintain determination and resilience, understanding that perseverance is crucial in overcoming obstacles. As noted in an article on problem-solving, keeping calm and not rushing decisions is vital when faced with significant challenges. Additionally, the power of persistence is highlighted as a key factor in achieving success over obstacles. Therefore, giving up should not be considered an option.

CC: Your posts on LinkedIn talk a lot about corporate culture. What does that mean and how do you nurture that culture in any organisation?

Organisational culture is often shaped by leadership, with team members mirroring leaders' behaviours. However, fostering a culture that values respect and diversity at all levels is crucial. Embracing "culture add" over mere assimilation enriches the workplace by introducing varied perspectives and ideas. Diversity should encompass differences in opinions, mindsets and ideas, beyond just gender or ethnicity. This inclusive approach promotes innovation and a more dynamic organisational culture. Respecting every individual, regardless of their position, is essential for cultivating a truly inclusive environment.

CC: You mentioned facing significant challenges—one of them being balancing talent acquisition and retention. In your experience, are these two aspects fundamentally different, or do they go hand in hand?

Balancing talent acquisition and retention requires distinct strategies tailored to each process. Talent acquisition focuses on attracting and recruiting new employees, emphasising employer branding to appeal to top candidates.

However, new hires may sometimes fall short of the expected skill set, necessitating comprehensive training and development programmes to bridge these gaps.

Retention, conversely, involves maintaining and nurturing existing employees by understanding organisational dynamics and identifying high-potential individuals. Effective retention strategies encompass both monetary incentives, such as competitive salaries and equity options like Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and non-monetary benefits. These benefits include fostering a positive work environment, offering opportunities for career advancement, and ensuring alignment between employees' roles and their interests.

It's crucial to recognise that modern employees, particularly from younger generations, prioritise more than just financial compensation. They value additional perks like gym memberships, flexible working hours, and a supportive company culture that promotes work-life balance. Providing such benefits can enhance job satisfaction and loyalty.

In summary, while talent acquisition and retention are interconnected, they require different approaches. Acquisition focuses on attracting and integrating new talent, whereas retention emphasises keeping current employees engaged and satisfied through a combination of financial rewards, personal development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

CC: Talk to me about the people-first attitude that you hold so close to your heart.

When it comes to a people, my philosophy is simple, nothing significant can be achieved alone. No matter how advanced the technology, how much capital is available or how impressive the infrastructure is, the true enablers of success are passionate and dedicated people, who can execute strategies effectively.

A people-first culture starts with prioritising individuals at every level. Empathy plays a pivotal role in this—understanding and supporting the unique challenges that people face in their lives. For instance, if someone needs flexibility because their mother isn’t well or they need to work from home to care for a sick child, providing that support demonstrates that you value them as individuals, not just as employees.

I firmly believe that when you put your people first, they will, in turn, prioritise the organisation's goals. Respect and empathy are non-negotiable if you want to cultivate a peoplefirst culture. It’s about creating an environment where individuals feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute their best.

CC: Talking about Human Resources, what comes to your mind? What does it mean to you?

For me, HR is fundamentally about connecting with people. It’s a space where I can empower individuals, help them grow, and support them in their journey. One of the most rewarding aspects is witnessing the happiness and success of someone I brought into the organisation. Seeing them thrive and perform wonderfully gives me a sense of fulfilment and pride—it’s an incredible high. Knowing I played a role in their journey and success, is what makes HR so meaningful to me.

"Today, HR professionals play a crucial role in shaping organisational culture, driving diversity initiatives, and aligning with business strategies. They now hold boardroom seats and contribute to Annual Operating Plans (AOPs), demonstrating their value as strategic partners"

CC: Your dressing style stands out. Tell us more about it.

To be honest, I’ve never tried to copy anyone. I simply like to look good, and that’s what drives my style choices. I particularly enjoy experimenting with sarees because I know I can carry them as well, and also it adds to my confidence. It’s my forte, though I’m equally comfortable in denim, suits or other outfits.

I also have a deep appreciation for fashion. I watch a lot of fashion shows, and it inspires me. In fact, during my college days, I even dabbled in some fashion-related activities.

Style, for me, is more than just appearance, it’s about confidence. I always tell my team "If you want to feel confident and create an impact, dress well". It’s not necessarily about looking perfect, but about presenting yourself with care and pride. Whether people comment or criticise, I remind myself that they might not be able to pull it off, but I can, and that in itself is empowering. My style is a reflection of my confidence and individuality.

CC: What's next for you?

There are multiple things I’m focusing on, not just one. First, I’ve recently started working on becoming a career counsellor for rural and tribal school children, especially girls. This initiative is something very close to my heart, and I want to scale it up significantly. It’s a way for me to make a meaningful impact and empower young minds with the guidance they need to build their futures.

At the same time, my corporate career will always be an integral part of my life. I truly enjoy the dynamic nature of my work—staying busy, engaging with people, and helping others grow. I love my role and the responsibilities that come with it.

So, while I’m exploring new paths, the corporate world remains a strong foundation for me. Both areas are equally exciting, and I’ve already begun laying the groundwork to pursue them simultaneously.

CC: Any advice for freshers who are entering this field?

First, understand that failures are inevitable. Don’t give up or lose heart when things don’t go as planned. I’ve counselled many freshers, and often, after just one setback, they feel defeated and think “This isn’t working for me”. That mindset stems from a lack of patience and resilience. Please don’t let failure define you, it’s a stepping stone, not a dead end. Unfortunately, I’ve also seen many young professionals struggling with depression due to these challenges. In our company, we have a confidential help desk where employees can speak with counsellors, and it’s heartbreaking to hear freshers say they feel like giving up entirely. My advice is to build resilience— understand that setbacks are temporary and don’t reflect your potential.

For women specifically, I always emphasise the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome. Own your achievements. Don’t downplay your success or doubt your worth. If you’ve accomplished something, stand tall and say “I did it because I deserve it”.

Lastly, for young women, financial independence is crucial. Keep your finances in order and maintain control over your money. Nothing provides the same level of confidence and freedom as being financially self-reliant.

CC: You recently visited the Maha Kumbh— tell us about your experience and the learning you gained from this profound spiritual journey.

Being merely entrenched in corporate ties adds no real value to life. Alongside this, I am also spiritually inclined, and this is what drives both my personal and professional life. To be honest, embarking on a spiritual journey is what helps infuse humanity into resources—making me a genuine Human Resource professional. Describing my visit to the Maha Kumbh as a lifetime experience would be an understatement. It was a spiritual journey that added to my metamorphosis. I walked over 40 kilometres in three days, and far from feeling tired, I was energised and invigorated. The chant Har Har Mahadev instilled in me a deep sense of belief that my life has a higher purpose. Now, having returned from the Maha Kumbh, it has given my HR journey a whole new meaning. It has endowed me with the power and humility to face any challenge.

No matter my title or accomplishments, there’s always a bigger purpose, whether it's the organisation’s vision, customers or societal impact. Staying humble and purpose-driven, strengthens leadership and builds connected teams. At Triveni Sangam, I witnessed people from all walks of life bathing together—no distinctions of class, status or background. This strengthened my belief that inclusion and diversity are not just strategies; they are mindsets.

Organisations that embrace equal opportunity and collaboration, create environments where innovation thrives. If there are no distinctions in the eyes of the divine, why should there be in business? This journey also taught me the power of letting go. Leadership is about releasing ego, micromanagement and personal bias. True leaders empower rather than control. Success comes from alignment with purpose, not from a chase for power. In business, agility is key. Markets shift, teams evolve, and challenges emerge. Leaders who embrace change and adapt quickly, create long-term success. This journey left me with a profound sense of gratitude, humility, and a renewed drive to embrace life’s challenges.

"In India, the focus on diversity, particularly gender diversity, has grown over the past decade, with a noticeable increase in women occupying C-suite roles"

CC: Lastly, what's your philosophy in life?

I’d say my philosophy revolves around two main principles. First, 'Live and let live'. I believe in giving people their space while also valuing mine. It’s about mutual respect and freedom, which makes interactions and working with me generally easy—at least, that’s what people often tell me.

Second, if you truly wish for something, the universe will align to help you achieve it. However, it’s essential to put in the effort yourself. Dreams don’t materialise on their own, you need to work hard to make them a reality. These two philosophies guide how I live and approach life.