Interview with Ambuja Hegde - Head of Human Resources for MEA (MO & TS) and Regional Compensation & Benefits Manager at SIG Combibloc

At Mackenzie Jones we believe that investing into the long-term relationship is the key to a continuous and successful business journey. Coming from a customer service background, this is where I feel our values are strongly aligned with Mackenzie Jones. A big part of my every day journey is engaging with senior leaders, helping them in finding the key talent on the market, as well as assisting them in filling critical talent gaps.?

The more I get to know the person, the more I get inspired by their professional journey, their career path and how they’ve progressed, their aspirations, values, and attitude towards life.

David Mackenzie has given me a brilliant idea (just as he always does) ?? to start a series of interviews with our clients showcasing their career progression and motivations, as what’s better than being led by a real example, right??With that being said, the series of interviews we kick start with interviewing our long-term client, who has been a real aspiration and has become a valued partner so far, Head of Human Resources for MEA (MO & TS) and Regional Compensation & Benefits Manager at SIG Combibloc – Ambuja Hegde.

We thought of asking Ambuja how she managed to grow and evolve as a HR professional. With over twenty-five years of experience in senior HR leadership roles in emerging markets across continents in multinational organisations across various industries, I asked what was driving and inspiring her.??

Mackenzie Jones: Hi Ambuja, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for Mackenzie Jones.

Has your career gone in the direction you thought it would, and what were the biggest things that helped you in getting where you are now?

Ambuja Hegde: Yes, it has. My passion, resilience, the support from my loved ones and the great organizations that I was fortunate to have worked in have been the reason why I am where I am today.

Mackenzie Jones: Who were you best mentors?

Ambuja Hegde: My dad and two of my bosses – I was blessed to have a few brilliant managers who inspire me till date.

Mackenzie Jones: Biggest success on your journey?

Ambuja Hegde: Difficult to pick but I would say signing the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Factory Workers Union in Kenya after a eight year deadlock between them and the management. After two years of negotiations the final round lasted fourteen hours at a stretch.

Mackenzie Jones: What are your views on the future of HR? How do you think the function will evolve over the next 5 years or so?

Ambuja Hegde: Similar to all other functions, HR has also been positively impacted by Digitization. Systems and Apps have made way into most aspects of HR, and I can see HR becoming more digital/virtual in the next few years.

Mackenzie Jones: Do you see the contractors or freelancers solving the shortage of talent?

Ambuja Hegde: Yes, although minimally. I do see the Gig economy picking up speed in this part of the world where freelancers and temporary resources will be able to cater to immediate and/or short-term needs. However, there will always be a big chunk in any organization that requires full time employees as for an organization to sustain and compete, it needs continuity.

Mackenzie Jones: What traits do you look for when recruiting a candidate?

Ambuja Hegde: The required functional competence, attitude, and cultural fit. These would be my top three.

Mackenzie Jones: How dealing with recruitment agencies have benefited your organization and why do you think it’s important to engage with recruitment agencies?

Ambuja Hegde: Good recruitment companies have the market knowledge, good network with candidates and provide a quick turnaround as the focus they can give to the process is way higher than internal efforts within companies that need to hire.

Mackenzie Jones: How was your overall experience recruiting through Mackenzie Jones?

Ambuja Hegde: My most recent experience has certainly been one of the best. The understanding of the role and requirements, screening of candidates, follow ups, communication and the professionalism was brilliant.

Mackenzie Jones: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Ambuja Hegde: Sometimes, its ok to say “No”! ??

Big thank you to Ambuja for taking the time to answer all our questions and for being part of today’s interview, it has been a pleasure to get to know you a bit more as well to share your journey with our network.