+91 - 9266545422
Let’s Get Inspired
Interview with Garima Gulati Bhutani
– Preeti Juneja
Q. What roles and responsibilities come with being a “Social Impact Advocate”? Is being a Social Impact Advocate the same as being a philanthropist?
Social Impact has become a way of life for me now. Being born into a middle-class family was a lottery of birth for me, and with my parents’ enablement, I have studied to my heart’s content. After having taken a lot from society, I feel giving back is important. We all can do our own bit towards society by getting involved in projects of our interest, giving money, or being involved in voluntary activities.
I consider philanthropy slightly different; Impact is being mindful of the goal or outcome you are aiming for. I am a karma yogi, and I think honest input is my dharma. At the same time, I would like to monitor the direction in which it is headed, too. Naturally, we all get a kick when we see some change on the ground, and that motivates us to do more.
Q. How do you choose which NGOs to collaborate with? Do you have a favourite campaign or project among the numerous projects you’ve engaged in?
I like associating with NGOs that promote self-reliance, inclusion, and environmental causes. A better-connected world with an appreciation for each other and the environment will take humanity far.
The inclusion projects I have worked on in my organisation on DEI and Gender in partnerships with NGOs/Government bodies have offered immense learning. Another project that I have enjoyed is the Karm fellowship program. I continue to be associated with them, humbly offering internship experience to girls with drive coming from marginalised communities. Their energy and strength will fill me up with positivity to pursue my purpose in life.
Q. How do you leverage your strengths as an HR lead to foster social impact within and beyond the organization? Within your professional capacity, could you elaborate on the aspects of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as well as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) that have effectively influenced both the organization and society as a whole?
I am a people person, and trust is my default setting with people within both my known and unknown circle; that has helped me look at every new thing in life with an open heart and warm mind. Social cause connects to me naturally because of that. I am lucky to have been given the space and support within my team and home to play on my strengths. After being in the Tech+HR+Communications space for 18+ years, I would have sometimes dictated too when things were to be looked at with a fresh lens.
I wish to be on the side of a solution than a problem, and that drives me to go beyond the usual. Hence, DEI, for me, is not a new normal, though I have wondered why these people are not visible, which led me to discover that I have been assuming it to be an inclusive world while it’s not. So, I started working on it actively. I have taken interns and full-time employees and built new verticals by collaborating with people from all backgrounds. I have seen huge success coming from corners where people don’t take entitlements and work for a vision.
Q. As a member of esteemed women’s communities such as LWL and FICCI-Flo, how has this shaped your personal brand? What specific message do you promote during such gatherings?
I am mesmerized by stories of rigour, aspirations, and perfection whenever I meet my peer group at these forums. In our life shell, either we think we are the hero, or we are the meekest. Only when you interact with an open mind do you learn so much about what is happening around you, and you are only a speck on the canvas of life. That energizes me to continue to learn and contribute in all possible ways.
I am a promoter of inclusion, appreciation, and love. I advocate delegation, whether at work or home, for women’s active contribution to all workforces. I don’t tag people to work types, and my family also doesn’t. We encourage open conversations on gender, growing up, hormones, menstruation, etc. We all are different, and accepting this with an open heart will change the colour of dialogue rooms for us.
Q. What are the evolving trends in HR functions and among job seekers today? As a female leader, do you believe your policymaking role is crucial for advancing other women employees within the organization?
I appreciate the clarity that job seekers today, especially the younger generation, have. They take time to crystallize their interests, and once they do, they will be willing to travel to the moon and back to achieve them. I believe they can work on inculcating patience and focus, which are important life skills when it comes to self-regulation and working with others.
Inclusion of all sorts in policymaking will help us advance significantly for women and society at large. I am amazed by the humility and acceptance displayed by PWD candidates and team members I have worked with. Organizations can achieve so much learning and development by focusing on this. Such life lessons can’t be taught in classrooms, on boards, or in templatized workshops.
I have been advocating for policies that benefit people, not the system. Policies should enable people, not inhibit them.
Q. What soft skills do you seek in candidates during interviews? How can you identify a leader among a group of talented individuals?
For me, a leader is one who can enable and let his team shine over him like a proud parent. A bragger is most definitely not the one for me. Of course, one needs to know the subject well to command respect and take ownership.
I seek aptitude, attitude, acceptance, empathy, and growth orientation in candidate interviews. With the right attitude and aptitude, skills can be learned.
Rapid-Fire:
- Which is the best place to invest money? In people and teams, investment for money growth: Emerging opportunities. India has a lot of opportunities, and I am super elated to see the government coming along in a big way.
- An NGO you trust and advocate? Goonj, Earth Saviours and We Mean to Clean.
- Leadership advice to women professionals? A few, actually – Don’t feel ashamed in asking for what you believe is right, learn to delegate and be proud of who you are.
- HR or Marketing or Social Work? It can’t be an OR for me; it’s an AND. All of them have a place in both my heart and mind
One-Liners:
- I brought change in: The way my family and team thinks about inclusion and growth.
- The turning point in my life, when: I left my tech role for one of the most sorted after Cisco, to take a plunge in HR and startups.
- I look up to: Leaders who have worked for a purpose
- Besides a decent salary package, employees want: To be valued by their teams and purpose to align their life goals with.
DREAMWEB INDIA IS GRATEFUL TO GARIMA GULATI BHUTANI FOR SPARING HER VALUABLE TIME WITH US FOR THIS WONDERFUL INTERVIEW. WE WISH HER SUCCESS.
About Author
Garima Gulati Bhutani
Garima Gulati Bhutani is a business leader with over 18 years of experience, propelled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a drive to confront fresh challenges. Her journey is marked by a commitment to continuous learning and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone.
Recognizing the importance of both employee and business value, she excel in various domains including strategic business planning, employer branding, and team development. Garima is proficient in HR strategy, policy implementation, leadership cultivation, and performance enhancement.
Armed with effective communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills, she stands ready to lead change and drive sustainable outcomes.
Garima is a social impact advocate, and calls herself a Seeker & Saadhak.
13th March 2024
Share this article
Inspiring Women
Share this article
Do you have a question for Garima Gulati Bhutani ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com
