Exclusive: 'Innovation can be even the smallest idea and how well you execute it' - Aparna Ranadive, HR Head, HyperCity

When asked to simplify leadership in a way that students can relate to, Ms. Ranadive said it can start at the school playground where captains emerge naturally. “Leadership needs to be in you… But it can also be developed. It’s not rocket science.”

In a corporate setup, Ms. Ranadive says it’s easy to identify employees with leadership potential even if they are not holding leadership positions. “People need to be able to believe in you and have that confidence in you that you will take care of them, that you will make sure nothing goes wrong.”

Another sure sign of a leader is his/her capacity to innovate. Lamenting the current education system that ‘has not taught our students how to think’, Ms. Ranadive stressed the need to think differently to think innovatively.

But innovation doesn’t always have to be a life-changing idea. It can even be approaching a mundane task from a fresh perspective. In the video, Ms. Ranadive narrates instances of how her team members thought innovatively to promote the launch of a new store. She said, “Innovation is not one big idea. It can be even the smallest idea and how well you can execute it.”

Despite 18 years of experience in HR, Ms. Ranadive had a fresh perspective to offer on what to expect from a career in HR. “HR is about understanding the pulse of the organization. You understand what it is that your people want to do and would love to do at that point in time and then to do something like that”.

There’s nothing more inspiring than watching a person talk about his/her job with genuine affection. Likening her job to that of a mother putting together a party for her child and watching him have a wonderful time, she said, “It’s brilliant. I think nothing can match that feeling.”

Ms. Ranadive left the students with these words of advice: “Make the most of the moment available. Don’t be complacent, don’t bask in your father’s glory and go the whole hog and achieve what you have to achieve.”