Faces of HR: Suman Sharma on the power of 'learning by doing'

"Real learning happens when individuals apply new skills, make mistakes, reflect, and try again. This belief influences how I support others, creating opportunities for practice, experimentation, coaching, and reflection rather than only delivering content," says the HR leader. 

For Suman Sharma (pictured above), meaningful learning does not end when the content is delivered. It begins when people have the opportunity to apply new skills, make mistakes, reflect, and try again.

As Head of People Capability for Wealth & Retail Banking and ASEAN at Standard Chartered, and co-head of the Bank’s AI learning agenda, Sharma leads large-scale capability, leadership, and skills transformation initiatives designed to help the business perform today while preparing for what comes next.

In the lead-up to Learning & Development Asia 2026, Singapore, he sits down with Emily Chong-Gupta to share why learning by doing remains his guiding principle, the importance of stepping beyond one’s comfort zone, and why L&D must keep pace with business change.

Q Which L&D principle has most influenced how you help others or yourself learn best?

The principle that has had the biggest impact on me is "learning by doing". People rarely build confidence or mastery through knowledge alone. Real learning happens when individuals apply new skills, make mistakes, reflect, and try again. This belief influences how I support others, creating opportunities for practice, experimentation, coaching, and reflection rather than only delivering content.

Q Who has been a mentor or coach to you personally, and what is a timeless lesson they taught you?

There are many coaches and mentors I had in my life. One consistent timeless lesson I have learned from them is:

"Your potential is greater than your comfort zone."

Q What is an unexpected or interesting skill you have picked up that colleagues may not know about?

An unexpected skill I've picked up is connecting seemingly unrelated ideas and trends across business, technology, and people development. This helps me spot opportunities, anticipate future capability needs, and design learning solutions that prepare people for what's coming next rather than what's already here.

Q In fewer than 10 words, what is your number one motto for helping people and teams grow?

Every person can grow beyond their potential.

Q A quick preview of your session at Learning & Development Asia: What is the one key takeaway you hope attendees will gain?

Future-ready L&D is not about delivering learning. It is about delivering business capability at the speed of change.

I want to attend the conference: If you're keen to attend this closed-door conference, kindly register your interest here. For speaking opportunities, please write in to Emily Chong-Gupta. We look forward to welcoming you!

I want to sponsor: Engage in meaningful dialogue through dedicated speaking slots, roundtable discussions, and at your booths! If your organisation provides any talent solutions and products that you'd like to showcase, you’ll fit right into this event. To learn how you can sponsor, please reach out to a member of our team now!

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