How would you describe your current role to a HR outsider?

My role is a cross-cutting one, and I work with teams across Glints to develop People infrastructure that can support both our business and people needs at scale. I also take on a dual role as a HRBP to our Commercial leaders, to provide strategic advice on people and culture matters, support change management efforts, etc.

What is a common misconception about the work you do?

People Strategy means different things to different people. In Glints' speak, the People Strategy team focuses developing and running various strategies to drive employee engagement, retention, professional development, and performance that support our overarching business strategy and bottom line as well as the aspirations of our team members. This often means tackling cross-cutting, long-tail, sometimes thorny issues that can be challenging and frustrating, but also yields the most meaningful outcomes.

How did you get started in your HR career?

This is actually my first full-time HR role, to be honest! But I have been involved in People & OD-related work for a long time. I started off in government and stayed for a while, with stints in education, outreach and corporate/strategic planning. I then moved to the startup world a few years back, finding my niche at the nexus of people, strategy and design (thinking, though I love all types).

Describe the most impactful HR project you've personally worked on.

Honestly, it's hard to name one. Many have been meaningful in different ways!

What is one HR/future of work trend or change you're not convinced will work for SEA startups?

I think hybrid work has a lot of promise, but I am not sure companies are effectively optimising for this as yet. As more people come back to the office while others remain fully remote, I do think effectively engaging a hybrid workforce is still a challenge for companies.

What is one HR/future of work trend or change that you hope to see more of at SEA startups?

I would love to see shorter work weeks happen (while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness), and am curious to see the transformation of work with AI will unfold!

What is your favourite HR resource that you would recommend to this community?

Books that are good: Scaling People, The Leadership Pipeline!

Lastly, where are you based, and where would you take friends visiting your city for the first time? 

Singapore, and to hawker centres, of course!