In this Quick 5 Interview series with AdvantageClub.ai, Kamakshi Dharadhar Patkar reflects on her leadership journey and the future of HR. She shares how she manages her time, ensuring both strategic goals and team needs are addressed. Excited about the role of AI and technology in shaping the future of HR, she believes that the move towards personalized, continuous recognition and rewards is the most transformative one.
Here is the excerpt from the candid conversation with Kamakshi, a seasoned Senior HR Business Partner, DCB Bank, who drives strategic HR initiatives across Retail Branch Banking and Emerging Business Units. Her expertise spans performance management, talent development, employee engagement, and retention. She excels in crafting HR plans, policies, and programs that align with business objectives, while fostering a positive work environment and promoting employee growth.
She is also the recipient of the Most Admired Women Award 2025 by AdvantageClub.ai in the Leader category.
Read below:
Q1: You likely deal with multiple priorities each day. How do you manage time effectively to ensure you’re present for your team while also focusing on strategic goals?
A1. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, focusing on strategic goals while ensuring presence for my team. Effective time management for me involves delegating tasks, leveraging the skills of my team members, and maintaining open communication channels. Regular check-ins with teams and stakeholders help me stay informed and adapt to changing priorities. Also, it is necessary to update senior management of any delays or unforeseen snags.
Q2: What has been the most transformative shift you’ve seen in the way organizations view and implement recognition and rewards programs?
A2. The most transformative shift I’ve seen is the move towards personalized, continuous recognition and rewards. Organizations now understand the value of acknowledging employees’ unique contributions and career milestones, fostering a culture of appreciation and inclusivity. This shift has led to increased employee engagement, retention, and overall job satisfaction.
Q3: What role does emotional intelligence play in your leadership? Can you share an example of how this has impacted a decision around employee engagement or wellness?
A3. Emotional intelligence is crucial in any leadership role. Having EQ enables me to empathize with employees, understand their needs, and create a supportive work environment. For instance, during a period of organizational change, I used emotional intelligence to gauge employee sentiment, develop targeted support initiatives, and facilitate open dialogue, ultimately minimizing disruption and maintaining morale.
Q4: What excites you most about the role of AI and technology in shaping the future of HR? Are there any specific AI innovations you’re currently exploring or eager to implement in your organization, when it comes to employee engagement?
A4. AI and technology excite me with their potential to revolutionize HR, particularly in employee engagement. At DCB Bank, we have AI-powered chatbots for feedback collection and sentiment analysis. These innovations can enhance employee experiences, streamline HR processes, and provide data-driven insights for informed decision-making.
Q5: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations in both your professional career and personal life? How do you see the future of employee wellbeing and HR tech evolving in the years to come?
A5. Professionally, I aspire to drive organizational growth through strategic HR initiatives and foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity. Personally, I aim to maintain a work-life balance that allows me to pursue my passions, give my family adequate time, and prioritize well-being.
Looking ahead, I envision HR tech evolving to incorporate more AI-driven solutions, virtual reality experiences, and personalized well-being programs, ultimately redefining the employee experience and shaping the future of work.
Conclusion:
Kamakshi’s leadership philosophy underscores the importance of balancing data-driven insights with emotional intelligence in creating supportive workplaces. As she aspires to shape innovative workplace cultures while maintaining balance in her personal life, her approach sets an inspiring example for the future of HR.
We have many more such interesting conversations lined up for you. Stay tuned!
**This interview was conducted during Kamakshi’s tenure at DCB Bank.
