NALP Leaders in the Limelight

Our NALP Leaders in the Limelight series continues with a discussion with Keya Dasgupta , the Head of Inclusion, Learning & Organizational Development at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada. As a member of NALP’s Board of Directors, Keya underscores the importance of making connections and networking with colleagues at various NALP events. She also has some valuable advice for those who are new to the industry.?

What achievement are you most proud of in your career?

I am most proud of the team I have established at the firm. We are a national group of Learning & Development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion professionals who are collaborative, committed to supporting our people, and connected to the bigger purpose of our work together.

How did you get involved with NALP?

When I first entered the PD space, my then boss (and now mentor, confidante, and friend), Michelle Gage, encouraged me to join NALP, attend conferences and find ways of becoming more involved as a member. She shared how crucial NALP’s network was to her continued growth as a PD professional.

What is the most valuable part of being involved in NALP?

NALP has given me access to an amazing network of humans who are passionate about their work, knowledgeable in their respective fields, and serve as trusted sounding boards as I navigate challenges and opportunities as a PD professional in my organization.

If you have a mentor in the profession, how did that person help you achieve your career goals?

I have had the benefit of two amazing mentors in my PD career – Michelle Gage and Shanin Lott. They have both served as great examples of how to build a career in PD. Michelle helped me learn to trust my expertise as I navigated the transition of moving away from the practice of law into the world of PD. Shanin has always been someone who has pushed me to set ambitious goals for myself and to drive towards them.

What book or podcast would you recommend to others?

Marc Maron’s podcast WTF is a favourite of mine. He brings curiosity, authenticity, and humour to his conversations with the broad range of people he interviews.

Is there an issue or development in the legal industry that you are focused on?

I am currently focused on all things AI and the opportunities it presents in the L&D space.

How do you define professional success?

For me, professional success is the feeling that, whatever their role or tenure at my firm, people feel supported in their continuous development as practitioners, people managers, and leaders. It’s also a feeling that I am doing the work to deepen my understanding of the challenges people face from a DEI perspective and doing what I can to effect organizational change and remove or lessen these obstacles over time.

What advice would you give to a new legal careers professional?

There is an abundance of opportunity in this space – seek knowledge, remain curious, and push yourself to continuously grow as a professional.

What does effective leadership mean to you?

Effective leadership is about having the humility to know that I don’t always have the answers and to trust the talent and capabilities of my team as we navigate challenges together.