Sid Bhasin’s HR journey is anything but conventional. Starting with an MBA in Marketing and Technology, Sid found himself working at a consulting firm (then Hewitt, now Aon), when something about the companies he worked with stood out. “I found human resources to be a common factor across companies either doing better than their peers or worse than their peers. I was fascinated by how HR, when done right, can transform a company from the inside out.”
What began as “HR by chance” soon became “HR by choice,” as Sid moved into a series of roles across various industries, building a deep appreciation for HR as a strategic pillar. His mentors played a key role in shaping his approach. One told him, “HR is a craft, and you hone it daily,” advice Sid carries into his role today as Chief of Staff for Google’s Asia-Pacific Googler Experience team. He adds, “We’re at an inflection point where technology advancement, generational shifts, regulatory changes, and evolving employee expectations are transforming how organisations operate.”
Passion for Coaching and Transforming Teams
For Sid, coaching and team development are not just professional duties—they are passions that have shaped his career. Sid holds multiple certifications, including the prestigious PCC designation from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). “My passion for coaching and team development has been a driving force throughout my career. It has shaped my choices, honed my skills, and informed my leadership approach,” he explains.
His focus on coaching has had transformative impacts on teams. “Through coaching and team development initiatives, I’ve witnessed teams achieve remarkable improvements in performance,” Sid shares. Whether it’s helping individuals overcome imposter syndrome or guiding high-performing teams through collaboration challenges, Sid’s coaching enables people to unlock their full potential. “When individuals feel valued, heard, and supported, they’re more likely to engage fully in their work and thrive both personally and professionally,” he notes.
Sid recalls one team that struggled with collaboration and communication breakdowns, leading to missed deadlines and frustration. By working with the team leader and facilitating open discussions, Sid helped rebuild trust and enhance communication. “The team leader embraced a coaching mindset, and their leadership style became more inclusive and empowering,” resulting in renewed team performance.
Volunteering and Empathy in Leadership
Sid’s belief in servant leadership and social responsibility has been strengthened by his work with organisations such as Mentorship SG, NUS, NHRDN Singapore, Sarthak India, and Plan India. These experiences have had a profound impact on his approach to HR. “Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds has honed my ability to empathise with people’s challenges,” he says, adding that these lessons translate into his day-to-day work, where empathy, adaptability, and collaboration play critical roles.
His volunteer work has also reinforced the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness. “Volunteering often involves working with limited resources and navigating unforeseen challenges, which has instilled in me the importance of being adaptable and resourceful,” Sid shares.
His Vision and Judging 2024 HR Star Awards
Sid Bhasin’s impact on HR is evident in the accolades he has received, from Best Career Coach (2021) to the People Matters HR Leader Award (2016). This year, he takes on a new role as a judge for the 2024 HR Star Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to the HR profession.
Sid believes that the future of HR lies at the intersection of adaptability, technology, and a human-centred approach. “Artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making will transform how HR professionals work, while flexible work models and a focus on the multi-generational employee experience will become critical,” Sid predicts. He sees HR’s role evolving into strategic partnership in the areas of sustainability, belonging, and holistic well-being.
“To thrive in this future, HR leaders will need to be agile, data-savvy, and technologically proficient, all while staying true to the human element of HR,” Sid says. His vision is clear: HR must champion the future of work through multiple levers at its disposal.
