The Leaderspeak DEI Conclave by Jaipuria Institute of Management proved to be an evening of insightful discussions and powerful dialogues. The event shed light on the critical importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s corporate world. Organised on the 23rd of August at The Leela, Mumbai, this event showcased Jaipuria Institute of Management’s unwavering commitment to advancing conversations that shape the future of business leadership in India.
The Leaderspeak Conference, organised by Jaipuria Institute of Management, testifies to the institution’s prestigious reputation as a top-ranked management school in India, with campuses in Lucknow, Noida, Jaipur, and Indore. This conference is a significant event in the corporate calendar. It brings together CXOs and industry leaders from various sectors to discuss and address critical HR topics that are shaping the future of corporate functioning.
Keynote by Mr VP Singh
The evening began with a keynote address by Mr VP Singh, the curator of the Leaderspeak DEI Conclave by Jaipuria Institute of Management. Mr VP Singh is a distinguished professor at the Jaipuria Institute of Management. He set the tone with an Urdu couplet that offered a bold, satirical take on the state of independence in India. This powerful opening reminded us of the significance of unity within diversity, echoing the famous line by Bengali poet Atul Prasad Sen: “Bibidh Er Majhe Dekho Milon o Mahan.” It means within diversity lies unity. Whether it is Kolkata or his easy eloquence, it gave us goosebumps. His keynote address set the stage for the evening’s discussions.
The 8th edition of Leaderspeak Conclave, which focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), drew over 170 HR professionals. The presence of these HR professionals underscores the growing importance of DEI principles in today’s business environment. Jaipuria Institute’s dedication to advancing management education and its pivotal role in nurturing future business leaders in India were clearly evident during this event.
Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Mansi Singh, a partner at BTG Advaya, delivered a compelling presentation on the legal aspects of diversity in corporate India. She also shed light on where corporate India stands. Mansi spoke about India’s diverse cultural landscape, which brings with it a wide range of gender roles and expectations. That makes it essential for employers to be sensitive to these differences. To create a genuinely inclusive workplace, companies should develop policies that reflect this diversity. Furthermore, companies should ensure inclusivity for all genders. This inclusivity includes promoting gender diversity in leadership roles. It also includes offering comprehensive benefits and having more conversations on gender equality.
Panel discussions at the Leaderspeak DEI Conclave by Jaipuria Institute
The heart of the Leaderspeak DEI Conclave by Jaipuria Institute was the panel discussion, which featured some remarkable HR and DEI leaders. The easy camaraderie among the speakers made the evening extremely interesting. The notable leaders shared their experiences and insights into making workplaces more inclusive. These leaders have been at the forefront of DEI initiatives, driving significant change within their organisations.
1. Harish Iyer: Senior Vice President and Head of DEI at Axis Bank
Harish moderated the session. Representing Axis Bank, one of the frontrunners in DEI within the financial sector, Harish, in his characteristic free-flowing manner, discussed the ‘Come As You Are’ initiative. His anecdotal references, interspersed with the ability to blend in humour, kept the audience hooked until the end. Axis Bank, with its multiple initiatives, is all about embracing diversity and ensuring that everyone feels comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. The conversation highlighted how Axis Bank’s inclusive policies are helping to create a workplace where everyone, regardless of background, feels valued and respected.
2. Amrita Ganguly, Chief Diversity Officer, Tata Motors
Amrita Ganguly, a strong leader from a communication background, spoke about herself, which resonated with the women in the room. She shared how Tata Motors has been pushing the envelope when it comes to gender inclusion. She highlighted an inspiring initiative where they launched an all-women assembly line—a first in the industry. Amrita spoke passionately about breaking stereotypes in manufacturing and providing women with equal opportunities to excel in roles traditionally dominated by men.
3. Aditya Sareen, Head Corporate & Business HR, Tata Power
Aditya Sareen brought in a legacy perspective by talking about Tata Power’s long-standing commitment to DEI. What stood out in his discussion was how Tata Group implemented forward-thinking DEI policies well before they became government mandates. Aditya emphasised that being proactive rather than reactive is critical to creating a truly inclusive workplace. His insights underscored Tata Power’s role as a leader in setting the DEI standard.
4. Chandra Bhattacharjee, CHRO, Aditya Birla Group
Chandra Bhattacharjee shared her focus on empowering women at Aditya Birla Group. She discussed the importance of giving women the agency and tools they need to succeed, particularly in leadership roles. Chandra’s approach has been about more than just policies; it’s about fostering a culture that genuinely supports the growth and development of the deserving within the organisation.
5. Maira Q: Advocating for Affirmative Hiring and Deep Listening
Maira Q, a transwoman and LinkedIn Top Voice, wrapped up the panel with her powerful advocacy for affirmative hiring and the importance of deep listening. She spoke about the need for companies to seek out diverse talent, especially from marginalised communities actively. Maira’s insights on how deep listening can transform workplace dynamics were both thought-provoking and actionable, encouraging everyone to rethink their approach to DEI.
6. Deepa Agarwal, Global DEI Consultant, Re-Link Consulting
Deepa Agarwal contributed to the discussion by addressing some of the common barriers to effective DEI implementation. She pointed out that mid-management often faces challenges when trying to implement changes and highlighted how biases and resistance from senior management can stifle progress.
The final thoughts
The Leaderspeak DEI Conclave by Jaipuria Institute was more than just an event—it was a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that leadership in DEI can have on the corporate world. With a mix of thought leadership and practical insights, the conclave underscored the Jaipuria Institute of Management’s pivotal role in advancing DEI in India. The evening was a testimony to the power of open dialogue and the importance of creating spaces where “difficult conversations” become opportunities for growth and understanding.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we broadly define as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
