CEO Insights Magazine

Dynamically disrupting the diverse industry sectors, technology has been impacting the real workforce too, overhauling the HR market. Manisha Dash, Head HR, APAC at Celigo- a software development multinational company, is a gem from the same experts’ gamut. With a track record of successfully building and leading diverse HR teams, Manisha possesses 13+ years of extensive experience in Human Resources field. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated proficiency in a range of HR domains, including but not limited to Performance Management, Talent Engagement, Talent Acquisition, Compensation and Benefits, Leadership, Training and Development, and HR Data Analytics. Her strength lies in her ability to design and implement effective HR policies and procedures that optimize organizational processes. Having navigated dynamic startup environments, as she is well-acquainted with the unique challenges and opportunities people management and training present, and it is her strategic outlook and cross functional leadership, that positions her as a capable HR professional today, ready to contribute effectively to an organization's growth and success. Let’s read through!

How would you define Celigo as an organization and its position in the market? What is the unique proposition that your organization offers to clients?
Celigo is a leading AI-driven integration platform as a service (iPaaS) that serves both IT and business users. We recognize the evolving market dynamics and strongly believe that integration should be accessible to every member of your organization. Our platform is designed to empower both line-of-business users and technical teams, fostering automation at all levels of your business and facilitating scalable growth and innovation.

Exceptionally fast-growing company, headquartered in Silicon Valley, with a strong track record of profitability and successful funding, Celigo is at the forefront of cloud-based application integration, leading the way with our Integrator.io iPaaS platform and pre built Integration Apps. What started as a small team operating out of our founder's garage in Northern California has now evolved into a diverse workforce spread across six global offices.

The name Celigo combines the words 'Central' and 'Ligo'(meaning'

to tie or bind' in Latin), reflecting our mission to develop a cloud-based platform that centralizes and seamlessly integrates applications. We achieved the remarkable milestone of employing our first 100 team members and serving 800 active customers without relying on institutional capital a noteworthy accomplishment for a company located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Today, over 5,000 customers trust Celigo's iPaaS platform to synchronize their data, automate processes, and streamline operations by integrating their cloud applications. Our Integrator. io iPaaS platform offers a user-friendly interface, integration templates, and other powerful tools that empower both business users and IT professionals to seamlessly integrate any cloud application. Celigo is a very open, direct, and people-centric company and we ensure that anyone who is great at what the role expects of them to be, they will always grow and have opportunities presented to them. And if you have concerns and wish to grow, there are various channels to pass the feedback, leadership does listen and takes action. Recently Celigo India has announced that it has been certified as a ‘Great Place To Work’.The company also received certification following a thorough review and assessment process that highlighted Celigo's excellent people practise.

As the Head HR, what are the latest industry trends and methodologies you have adopted in the company to train the employees to extract the best out of them? What growth opportunities the employees can expect?
As the Head of HR, we're actively adopting contemporary industry trends to enhance employee training and harness their full potential. Our progressive strategies encompass microlearning for seamless skill acquisition, data-driven insights for targeted training, soft skills development, blended learning for diverse preferences, and a career pathing framework for advancement. We have a 360-degree feedback system, innovative employee well-being initiatives, and personalized learning platforms. These efforts underscore our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, enabling employees to excel in an ever-evolving business environment.

We're actively prioritizing AI-driven HR initiatives alongside our innovative employee development strategies, harnessing artificial intelligence to transform and optimize HR processes. This includes leveraging AI for talent acquisition, and using data analysis to enhance recruitment speed and quality. Additionally, we're integra

ting AI into employee engagement efforts for proactive addressing of concerns, and personalizing learning and development through AI driven platforms. Overall, our focus is on creating a culture of continuous learning and growth, where employees are empowered to drive their development and contribute effectively to the company's success in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My leadership philosophy revolves around promoting a collaborative, empowered, and continually evolving team environment. I prioritize open communication through regular meetings and approachability, leading by setting a strong example of dedication. I empower the team to take ownership of their work &, provide recognition and constructive feedback wherever applicable. Personally, I value adaptability and diversity. Results are essential, but aligned with a supportive yet challenging atmosphere, it fosters innovation. Trust and flexibility are pivotal, within the team. Celebrating achievements reinforces a positive team dynamic. Ultimately, my leadership centers on cultivating a growth-oriented, inclusive, and successful team guided by these principles.

What is the motivation that fuels your everyday routine? Delineate the future destination you are heading towards?
The motivation is my commitment to fostering a positive workplace, nurturing employee growth and rapport and ensuring organizational success through effective HR practices.

My strategic vision as an accomplished HR leader is to elevate HR's role from a support function to a strategic partner that shapes organizational success. Hence, aligning HR strategies with business objectives, utilizing data analytics for informed decision-making, enhancing the employee experience, and more, I aim to demonstrate the measurable impact of HR on the company's bottom line and to contribute to the dynamic growth and sustainability of the organization.

Manisha Dash, Head HR, APAC Celigo
With over 13 years of experience across diverse HR domains, including HR Data Analytics, Manisha is a seasoned HR Leader and Business Partner.

•Hobbies: As an introvert, I enjoy quiet moments with Netflix, coffee, and my dog. I also have a passion for traveling, discovering new places, and indulging in diverse cuisines as a dedicated food enthusiast.

•Favourite cuisines: Japanese & Italian.
•Favourite books: I tend to lean towards enjoying docuseries more.
•Favourite Travel Destination: Seychelles and Cape Town