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HRadiO: Timeless strategies for cross-functional leadership and hiring right at Ciena

HRadiO: Timeless strategies for cross-functional leadership and hiring right at Ciena

Sheela Kosaraju, Chief People Officer and Senior Vice President, Legal, at Ciena shares how cross-functional collaboration, innovative recruitment strategies, remote work support, and generational engagement can shape the future of work.

Welcome to this episode of HRadiO, the podcast by Human Resources Online (HRO) that gives you insights into the latest trends in HR & leadership.   

In this episode, Sarah Gideon speaks to Sheela Kosaraju, Chief People Officer and Senior Vice President, Legal, Ciena, on the topic of: “Timeless strategies for cross-functional leadership and hiring right.” 

We’ll explore how cross-functional collaboration, innovative recruitment tactics, remote work enablement, and engaging a multi-generational workforce are key to shaping the future of work.

Listen to the podcast here to learn about:   

  • Human-centric leadership and team dynamics: Kosaraju defines human-centric leadership as authenticity, empathy, and emotional intelligence, and emphasises the importance of individualised leadership and highlights the need for leaders to be transparent and considerate of their team member’s different stages of career and life.
  • Cross-team partnership and compliance: Viewing compliance as an expression of the company’s values, Kosaraju stresses the importance of aligning compliance strategies with values, and therefore creating a values-based environment where compliance is seen as a positive and integral part of the company culture.
  • Hiring the right people: Focusing on intangibles like intellectual curiosity, collaboration, emotional intelligence, resilience, and creativity is essential in hiring and is important to move beyond hiring in one's own image and embrace diverse perspectives. Building inclusive environments and investing in employee development are crucial for nurturing a thriving workplace. 
  • Looking ahead: Kosaraju shares the importance of building and attracting the right level of talent for the next generation, and emphasises the need for a purpose-driven recruitment and creating inclusive work environments that reflect the company’s values  

Want to hear more? Head over to the podcast to give it a listen:   

  • Listen to the podcast on Spotify 

    If you have some time to spare, head on over to our podcast series, where you can enjoy another episode on your commute to or from work!


    Photo / Provided (featuring Sheela Kosaraju)

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