What does it really take to lead a people strategy through AI disruption, hyper-growth phases, and the complexities of a multigenerational workforce? In this thought-provoking episode, host Vandana Nayar sits down with Soma Pandey, Chief People Officer at Infogain (now Tenarai) – a seasoned and strategic HR leader with over 25 years of cross-industry experience at powerhouse organizations like Cognizant, Accenture, Firstsource, and Tredence.
Soma unpacks a critical truth: “Attrition happens when there is a loss of faith” – and how consistent leadership visibility, paired with intentional, scaled communication across all levels, serves as the most effective antidote to talent drain.
On the role of AI in HR, she offers a grounding perspective: “Human has to be in the loop. Accountability has to be human in the end.” She argues that while AI can meaningfully reduce hiring bias and sharpen talent decisions, it must always operate in partnership with human judgment and empathy.
On sustaining culture through hyper-growth, she shares the Tredence playbook – where founders and leaders actively role-modeled core values across every forum, from town halls to weekly catch-ups, becoming the most powerful and authentic culture multipliers.
She also boldly challenges the D&I status quo: until C-suite leaders personally own the inclusion agenda – not just delegate it to HR – meaningful, lasting change will remain elusive.
Finally, Soma celebrates Gen Z as a born-digital generation – candid, values-driven, and uniquely primed to reshape the future of work in ways organizations are only beginning to fully appreciate.
