In this month’s Beyond the Data feature, we’re returning to Bangalore to meet Manashi Chakraborty, a free-spirited and vital component of the phData employee experience. As the Director of People Operations, Manashi helps phData employees feel engaged and empowered to do their best work. Learn more about Manashi (professionally and personally) in this month’s article!
Tell us your name, where you’re from, and a little about you.
My name is Manashi Chakraborty and I’m originally from the beautiful state of Assam, India. I have been based out of Bangalore for more than a decade now and have close to 16 years of experience in managing a full spectrum of human resource programs, services, functions, and operations. During my professional HR career, I have worked across organizations of all sizes, from start-ups to large enterprises.
I’m a fun-loving, enthusiastic, and free-spirited soul. I love building relationships wherever I go and I’m a firm believer in “Karma,” considering it as my guiding principle in life.
What does Director of People Operations mean? What do you actually do on any given day?
As a Director of People Operations, I work as an advisor to management regarding human resources issues, helping to establish and maintain positive relations with employees, and foster a productive and high-performing working environment. In my role, I analyze and make recommendations regarding competitiveness in compensation, benefits, policies, etc. I’m also responsible for employees’ career path development, succession planning, devising leadership effectiveness programs, and other talent management processes.
My team and I ensure that our employees are engaged and their concerns, grievances, and suggestions are properly channelized to the respective departments. With phData being a remote-first organization, our goal is to ensure that our employees get to meet and greet each other virtually through various forums regularly.
What are the most exciting things you’re working on and how do you see them positively impacting phData employees?
It’s been 10 months since I joined phData and most of my colleagues have heard me say at least once that it feels more like 10 years already. The reason is that almost every month, we have started multiple new initiatives as a part of onboarding, employee engagement, automation of HR processes, devising learning and development programs, and many more.
Our employees and stakeholders have been appreciative of most these initiatives as it has opened up several avenues for them to participate, get recognized, and shape their career at phData.
How has working with phData accelerated your skills and career goals?
Working at phData has helped shape my career in multiple ways. For starters, I get to work with an excellent team in a rapidly growing organization. I’m able to implement many things that I have learned throughout my career. Every day it seems we make faster and more well-thought decisions.
Anand, with whom I work very closely, has encouraged me to think outside the box and try out unconventional ways to bolster employee engagement. I remember saying to Mike and Sarah that this was the kind of role that I was looking for at this point in my career. I am very thankful to phData for giving me this opportunity!
What surprised you most about working at phData?
I can describe this with the title song from the popular show F.R.I. E.N.D.S, “I will be there for you.” Yes, you always have someone that has your back and it doesn’t even have to be from your team. We have a vibrant and open culture where people feel empowered to share their thoughts and opinions. Also, the folks that we have here with us, are just amazing. So many different ideas, thought processes, and modus operandi. Additionally, everyone is bonded by our core values of Grit and Community.
What was your favorite phData-sponsored event and why?
I joined in January this year and I have been to the office only once on the first day of onboarding. Due to the Covid-19 situation in India, we have not been able to organize an event where employees could physically meet each other. Hopefully, soon the situation will improve and we will be able to organize a phData sponsored event for all our India-based employees.
Where would you like to go for your next vacation?
I have been waiting to visit Europe. I have always wanted to visit Iceland and experience the Aurora Borealis!
Outside of work, what's your life like? What do you do for fun?
I spend most of my time with my 6-year-old son Mihir. He keeps me on my toes. I love cooking new recipes, meeting my friends (they keep me energetic and motivated), and going on long drives.
Want to work alongside Manashi?
Our team is growing! Check out our job board to see our current openings.
