Career Shifts: Insights from Episode 16 - Sriram Sadras

First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who tuned in on Thursday for the Career Shifts podcast! Your engagement and enthusiasm are the lifeblood of this podcast. Whether you joined us live or plan to catch up later, your presence and participation make our community thrive, and for that, I am truly grateful.

A special thank you to LinkedIn for providing a platform that allows us to connect with incredible leaders and learn from their stories.

I had the privilege of hosting the 16th episode of the Career Shifts podcast with a very special guest, Sriram Sadras .

Before diving into the details of our discussion, let me share a personal story.

A Teacher's Day Story: Happiness in the Small Moments

This episode aired on Teacher's Day, and it brought back a memory from my own journey years ago. I was chatting with a dear friend about my career plans when his mother, who used to be a teacher, was in the kitchen making delicious South Indian coffee. As she brought the coffee to the table, I asked her a simple question: "Teacher, what do you think?"

Her response? "Well, Gopal—as long as you're happy!"

That question struck me deeply. My inner voice immediately echoed, "Are you happy? What does that even mean?" At that moment, I realized I was just going through the motions, surviving, and waiting for external events to bring Happiness. But as Sriram shared in our conversation, Happiness is not something that comes from external factors; it's a state of being—one that we can cultivate from within. This profound memory set the stage for our enlightening discussion on Happiness and well-being.

This episode was particularly special as I had the pleasure of hosting Sriram, an award-winning Happiness@Work expert and coach. Sriram has dedicated his career to transforming workplaces into spaces where Happiness, peak performance, and human-centric leadership go hand in hand. In this episode, we explored his incredible career journey, the importance of cultivating Happiness as a habit, and how future-ready organizations can thrive by focusing on well-being.

From CHRO to Happiness Expert

Sriram began by sharing his journey—from starting in sales at Mercedes-Benz to leading HR teams at Infosys, DE Shaw, and Arcesium. Along the way, he realized that while societal markers of success (a good job, house, and car) were all met, there was still a feeling of emptiness. This led to a profound shift in his perspective. After a health scare, Sriram decided to dedicate his career to helping individuals and organizations build happier and more human-centred workplaces.

Happiness Is a Habit

One of the standout messages from the episode is that Happiness isn't a destination but a habit—a mindset cultivated through small, intentional actions. Sriram emphasized that Happiness comes from living authentically, finding meaning in everyday moments, and practising gratitude. In his words: "Happiness is not about chasing external things, but about how we view life from within."

Corporate Culture and Leadership: A Shift Is Needed

We also explored the current corporate landscape—one that is often driven by competition, rating scales, and profitability. He stressed that organizations need to pause and reassess their purpose. Performance management should inspire employees to reach their full potential, not merely serve as a tool for compensation.

He urged leaders to focus on creating human-centric workplaces where employees feel valued, respected, and inspired. This is where true innovation and engagement come from, which ultimately leads to business success.

Mindfulness and the Future of Work

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, Sriram highlighted the importance of mindfulness and reclaiming our attention. From simple practices like deep breathing to slowing down daily activities, he shared actionable tips that can help us regain focus and lead more fulfilled lives.

As we look to the future of work, Sriram also discussed the role of AI and how it will change the landscape of employment. But instead of seeing this change as a threat, he encourages us to view it as an opportunity to upgrade our skills, focus on human connections, and embrace creativity and innovation.

Key Takeaways:

• Happiness is a habit: Cultivate it through gratitude, mindfulness, and staying true to yourself.
• Leadership and well-being: Organizations that prioritize employee well-being and human-centred principles will thrive.
• Embrace change: AI and other shifts in the future of work are opportunities for growth and reinvention.
• Mindfulness: Reclaim your attention by slowing down and being present in the moment.

Here are 7 Essential Tips for Happiness in Career and Life as shared by Sriram:

1. Find Purpose and Meaning: Engage in activities that make you come alive. Whether through your job or personal pursuits, align yourself with work that resonates deeply with who you are, as this is key to true fulfilment.
2. Practice Gratitude: Gratitude shifts your perspective and mood. By focusing on what you're thankful for, you can overcome negative thoughts and create a more positive and joyful mindset. Truly feeling gratitude is essential for Happiness.
3. Cultivate Mindfulness: Slow down and be present. Whether through deep breathing exercises, mindful eating, or simply observing your surroundings, mindfulness helps reclaim your attention from distractions and improves your overall well-being.
4. Become a Better Human: Focus on virtues like patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Personal growth isn't just about career success—it's about becoming a better person in both your personal and professional life.
5. Self-Awareness and Personal Growth: Constantly evaluate your beliefs, behaviours, and habits. Self-awareness is the key to recognizing your gaps and working on becoming a better version of yourself.
6. Embrace Change: Rather than resist change, embrace it as an opportunity for growth. Whether it's new technology like AI or life changes, seeing these as chances to improve your skills and mindset will lead to personal and career Happiness.
7. Balance Productivity and Well-being: Don't let the pursuit of success consume you. Sriram emphasized that achieving work-life balance, primarily through proper sleep, mindfulness, and attention to health, is critical for long-term Happiness and productivity.

These tips focus on aligning your career with your personal values and well-being, making both your professional and personal life more fulfilling.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

This episode is packed with insights that will inspire and challenge you to think about how you can cultivate Happiness, not only in your personal life but within your organization. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to take a deeper dive into the conversation.

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?? What's Next?

Mark your calendars for September 12th, 2024, for another exciting episode with a guest who has successfully navigated career shifts. Whether you're a leader, a mid-career professional, or just starting out, there's something in each episode for everyone.

Until then, keep shifting forward and upward. Tune in on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music, and let’s continue this journey of growth and innovation together!

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