How a Top HR Leader Became a Catalyst for Business Growth - Insights Every Leader Needs

“The success of any business relies on the strength of its people. HR’s role is to unlock that potential and align it with the company’s goals. - Mary Barra, CEO of General Motor”

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with one of the most exceptional HR leaders in the APJ region. I still vividly recall how she commanded the boardroom, representing her company’s APJ talent strategy with confidence and clarity. Her deep understanding of the business, combined with her passion for the company, left a lasting impression on me.

As her hiring partner, I had the unique opportunity to work closely with her and her team, almost like an extension of the company itself. Together, we tackled and closed some of the most challenging assignments in the region. What consistently impressed me was her remarkable blend of business acumen, dedication to her work, and profound respect for the pivotal role HR plays in driving a company’s success.

Transforming HR into a Growth Engine

What set her apart wasn’t just her ability to lead recruitment or manage operations. She elevated the HR function into a key driver of business success. Her focus was always on aligning HR with broader business objectives and ensuring that every human resource decision contributed to growth. Under her guidance, HR became a strategic force for business expansion.

Her ability to understand the business, anticipate needs, and align talent strategy with corporate goals played a significant role in the company’s expansion across the APJ region. Her leadership ensured that HR strategies directly supported business outcomes, helping the company gain a competitive edge in the market.

A Journey from Risk-Taker to Business Leader

Her journey to becoming a key figure in business growth started 25 years ago when she faced a pivotal decision: stay in the safe, established parent company or take a risk by joining a spin-off that was struggling to get off the ground. Most would have chosen the comfort of stability, but not her. She opted for the challenge and dove headfirst into building a new HR function from scratch in an environment filled with uncertainty.

Her ability to thrive under pressure and present APAC’s business potential to global leaders made her a standout. This experience sharpened her skills in innovation and high-stakes decision-making—qualities that would later define her leadership style.

From Spin-Off to Fortune 500: A Growth Story

Years later, when SaaS solutions were booming, she was handpicked to become the first HR leader for APJ at a rapidly scaling company that would eventually become a Fortune 500 giant. Her blend of experience from both large multinationals and hands-on HR leadership in a spin-off made her the perfect choice.

Under her leadership, the HR function not only expanded but also became a vital component of the company’s business strategy. Her ability to resolve friction between departments, bridge global-regional gaps, and influence stakeholders helped align the company’s HR strategies with its long-term business goals. She earned deep respect from both regional teams and global leadership for her ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and drive growth.

Her Secret to Success: Business-First HR

When I asked her what made her so successful, her answer was simple yet profound:

"I always ensure that HR provides real value to business leaders. Our job is to help them achieve their objectives."

This mindset shifted HR from being a support function to a core driver of business results. She consistently delivered measurable impact by aligning HR goals with business growth and actively contributing to the company’s success. This approach not only elevated the HR function but also ensured that her team was seen as a true business partner.

Bridging the Global-Regional Gap to Drive Growth

One of her greatest strengths was her ability to bridge the gap between global leadership and the diverse APAC market. Navigating multiple languages, cultures, and market dynamics is no easy feat, but her ability to communicate clearly and advocate for APAC’s unique needs helped the company thrive in the region.

Her leadership didn’t just bridge differences but leveraged them. By aligning global objectives with regional needs, she created a more competitive and agile business, positioning the company for long-term success.

HR as a Catalyst for Business Growth

This HR leader’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact HR can have on a company’s growth. HR isn’t just about recruitment, compliance, or employee relations. It’s about being a strategic partner that accelerates business performance. When HR initiatives are aligned with business goals, when challenges are anticipated and addressed, and when strong relationships are built with leadership, HR becomes a true catalyst for growth.

In today’s competitive business environment, having an HR function that understands the business inside and out and is committed to its success can make all the difference.

Are you leveraging HR as a strategic partner in your business?