Barkha Chawhan

With over 17 years of experience in human resources, I currently lead the People & Culture function as GM for a diversified and growing SME group. My role focuses on strengthening leadership capability, building a performance-oriented culture and establishing structured people practices that support sustainable business growth.In recent years, my work has centered on moving the HR function beyond operations to a more strategic and capability-driven role. This has included introducing structured individual and leadership development planning, competency- and skill-based performance frameworks, and recognition platforms that reinforce accountability and contribution across levels.I have also worked closely with leadership teams to build stronger employee connect and trust through structured one-on-one interactions, skip-level forums and feedback mechanisms. Initiatives such as employee surveys, innovation challenges and engagement platforms have been used not only to enhance experience but also to encourage ownership and collaboration.Alongside culture and capability building, my focus has been on strengthening governance and long-term organizational stability through policy modernization, HR digitization and alignment with people metrics and reporting frameworks. I have contributed to strengthening people measurement and reporting practices in alignment with ISO 30414 principles and have also been part of the journey in building a workplace culture that led to the organisation being recognised as a Great Place to Work through structured engagement, leadership alignment and culture-building initiatives.I believe HR plays a critical role in shaping organizations by building capable leaders, enabling transparent cultures and creating systems that allow people and business to grow together. My approach remains grounded in creating practical, scalable and high-impact people practices within a dynamic and evolving business environment.