Startup Life: Unscripted is a TNG Media newsletter, as part of The Nudge Group, where we feature candid conversations with startup operators about their career journeys and experiences. If you received this email as a forward, you can read all our past interviews and subscribe right here.

Pioneering People Power: A HR Deep Dive with Rhea Shyamkant at Next Green Group

Welcome back to Startup Life: Unscripted! Today, we're diving into the world of HR, featuring a conversation with the amazing Rhea Shyamkant, Group GM - Human Resources at Next Green Group—a renewable energy company.

From navigating traditional corporate roles to embracing the high-octane world of startups, Rhea's career journey is all about the power of adaptability, vision, and unwavering commitment. At Next Green Group, her multifaceted role—ranging from employee experience to mergers and acquisitions—lends her a unique vantage point, enabling her to bridge the gap between people and strategy, all while championing a sustainable future.

In our conversation, Rhea talks about her career journey, sharing nuggets of wisdom on the evolving role of HR in startups, the importance of well-being in high-stress environments, and the art of cultivating a culture of growth and resilience.

For those fascinated by the dynamism of startup life, especially through the lens of human resources and team culture, Rhea's insights are invaluable. Let's jump in!

Key interview takeaways:

💼 The Startup Shift: Rhea reflects on her transition from the structured world of corporate HR to the exhilarating rollercoaster of startup life, offering insights into the cultural shifts and challenges.

🌱 A Day at Next Green Group: From strategic planning to employee engagement, she provides a snapshot of her dynamic role and the mission-driven ethos of her team.

🌍 Championing Sustainability: Rooted in her commitment to a greener future, Rhea elucidates how she ensures every decision resonates with the company's purpose.

🔥 Fostering Wellness: Talking about the importance of balance, she shares the innovative initiatives at Next Green Group that prioritise team well-being and mental health.

📈 Vision for HR in Startups: As the future beckons, Rhea shares her perspective on the emerging trends shaping HR in the startup ecosystem, emphasising the fusion of empathy and innovation.

Hey Rhea, great to have you here on Startup Life! I've heard your role at Next Green Group is a real mixed bag – from looking after employees to getting hands-on with mergers. What made you dive into such a multifaceted role in the startup world?

Hi Hao, thank you for having me on Startup Life! I am excited to be here. For me personally, the charm of Next Green Group is a beautiful blend of several elements.

It has the thrill of a fast-paced startup, like my earlier ventures into greenfield startups - the exhilarating journey of building from ground zero and with a compelling mission of leading businesses into a greener future, aligning my personal commitment to sustainability.

It also enabled me to work shoulder-to-shoulder with a team of dedicated professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise. And for an added dash of excitement, envision the intricacies of managing mergers and acquisitions, an arena where my fresh MBA insights and broadened skillset find their perfect playground.

It's a vibrant mix of meaningful work, continuous learning, visionary leadership, and a powerful mission. A recipe for an incredible journey.

A lot of folks say moving from a traditional corporate gig to a startup feels like a whole new world. How was that switch for you? Anything catch you off guard?

After coming from a traditional corporate setting, jumping into the startup world felt like hopping onto a high-speed rollercoaster after a comfortable carousel ride! The pace is startlingly fast-paced, and every day feels like a race against time. In the larger matrix organisations I was used to, things being fairly siloed (that's not my role, was a term I was pretty used to, and I must admit I had used that line myself numerous times), slower-paced and larger budgets to cushion our decisions.

In contrast, you are dealing with intense speed and agility in the startup world and leaner budgets and resources where almost everything is part of your role. It's no longer a game of spending big to win big but a test of resourcefulness and innovation. Here, creativity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a survival skill. The most surprising part? Despite the challenges, it's also incredibly exhilarating and rewarding. So if you're considering the switch, buckle up! It's quite the ride!

Being involved in a fast-paced renewable energy startup must come with its unique set of challenges and rewards. Can you give us a glimpse into a typical day for you at Next Green Group?

In the whirlwind of a renewable energy startup, there's truly no such thing as a typical day! Every sunrise brings unique challenges and triumphs at Next Green Group.

My day revolves around two things: enhancing the employee experience and driving maximum value for our leaders. With the evolution of HR, I've transformed into a trusted business partner, a tech-savvy navigator, and above all, the voice of our people.

And through all of this, my compass always points towards our purpose. In a purpose-driven sector like renewable energy, every decision must echo our mission. We are united in our pursuit of a sustainable future. Together, we're fueling the green revolution, one day at a time.

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The pace, energy, and agility of startup life can be both exhilarating and challenging. How do you maintain balance and well-being for yourself and your team in such a dynamic environment?

Navigating the vibrant, ever-changing landscape of startup life can be both thrilling and taxing. Prioritising balance and well-being is vital to avoid the dreaded "burnout" and foster a healthy and resilient team.

At our organisation, we've implemented several strategies to promote wellness. Picture this: A monthly corporate massage to work out those stress knots, a 3pm daily meditation break to "put a comma in your day," and a personalised budget for fitness or well-being activities. Sounds like a dream, right?

But beyond these perks, we're creating a culture where well-being isn't a hushed topic, but an open dialogue. We recognise the pressures, the highs and lows, and encourage our team to share and support each other.

And we've got a "pets of energy" channel for that extra sprinkle of happiness. Trust me, there's nothing like the soothing power of adorable fur babies to brighten your day!

As an HR leader in the startup world, what advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a similar career path? What key skills or qualities do you think they need to shine in this sort of role?

Embarking on a journey as an HR leader in the startup world? Here's my advice: Be bold, be a champion of change, and above all, make your voice heard. Your role isn't just about following protocols, it's about creating an environment where people thrive.

Confidence and conviction in your decisions are key. Remember, you are the architect of the workplace culture. But most importantly, put people first. They're not just cogs in the machine; they are the organisation's heart.

So, gear up to create, inspire, and lead in this exciting arena. Your journey as an HR leader will be as enriching as you make it!

Considering the trajectory of your career and your current role, what are your aspirations for the future? How do you envision contributing to the growth and culture of Next Green Group in the coming years?

Looking ahead, my aspiration is to grow - both personally and professionally. I believe in constant learning and evolution, which is why I launched the podcast "That People Geek". It's a platform for sharing stories and insights and unravelling the fascinating world of 'people' in this dynamic environment.

At Next Green Group, my vision is to foster a bold, fearless culture that thrives on change. In these unpredictable times, it's not just about surviving but continuously evolving and supporting each other. Together, we'll cultivate a culture that's brave, empathetic, and ready to take on the future. Here's to a journey of growth and discovery!

Lastly, how do you see the role of HR evolving in startups, particularly in the context of rapid growth and constant change? What are some emerging trends or practices that you believe will shape the future of HR in the startup ecosystem?

In the hyper-growth environment of startups, I see the role of HR morphing into that of a strategic partner, a cultural architect and a people-focused innovator. HR in startups isn't just about hiring, onboarding and managing employee relations; it's about shaping a culture of resilience, creativity, and adaptability.

One emerging trend is a stronger focus on employee well-being. As startups race to scale, it's essential to have measures in place to prevent burnout and promote a healthy work-life balance.

Another game-changer is leveraging technology. With its analytics and AI capabilities, HR Tech is revolutionising how we manage talent, predict trends, and make data-driven decisions.

Finally, diversity and inclusion have evolved beyond mere trending phrases. They now stand as fundamental pillars of HR strategy, fuelling innovation and enriching our worldview. In essence, the future of HR in startups will be a fusion of empathy and innovation, focused on building not just teams but thriving communities.

From the Startup Life team

And that's a wrap! We hope you've enjoyed this edition as much as we loved putting it together. Stay curious, keep learning, and above all, enjoy the rollercoaster ride that is Startup Life. Catch you in the next one! 👋 Not subscribed yet? Do it here and don't miss out! Subscribe Now.

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