Kamaljeet Kaur, the Chief People Officer at BluSmart, says it’s crucial to create an environment that enables team members to perform at their full potential

Can you share your journey into the business world? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Over the past two decades, I’ve had the honour of shaping talent strategies for some of the most reputed Indian and global MNCs helping drive business outcomes and create value across the ecosystem. What inspires me about the people function is its ability to make a tangible impact on both the people and the organization as a whole.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman, and how did you overcome them?
When I began my career two decades ago, the automobile sector in India, especially at factory locations, had fewer women representation. It was difficult for me to move to a remote plant location, particularly without access to private transport. Despite having opportunities in the metro city, I chose to take on the challenge head-on. The motivation to start my career at the heart of product manufacturing and working closely with different stakeholders gave me early insights into the business operations and the confidence to make an immediate impact.

At that time, stereotypical thinking around roles and gender was deeply ingrained. Additionally, there were no progressive policies supporting motherhood, time off, or flexible work arrangements. I had to learn how to navigate both my professional and personal life while overcoming these challenges. However, I was fortunate to have a strong support system, both at work and at home, who believed in my journey and helped me balance priorities.

We’ve made a notable headway in the journey of gender diversity, equity, and inclusivity, while there’s still a long way to go. I often tell my team that the chair in the board room doesn’t recognise gender – only self-belief and confidence. I’ve lived by this belief for many years, trusting in myself and my abilities. I have always tried to build a deep knowledge of business, and I believe reading as much as one can as it is one of the best ways to achieve that.

How do you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time?
According to me, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership.

For me, it’s crucial to create an environment that enables my team members to perform at their full potential. This can only happen by fostering psychological safety within the team and encouraging a ‘fail fast, learn faster’ mindset. I also believe in mentoring my teams, understanding what drives and inspires them, preparing them to tackle small and big challenges, making them future-ready as they progress in their careers.

At BluSmart, this approach has been instrumental in driving innovation, collaboration, and agility, helping us build a culture of ownership and continuous learning. Lastly, I believe in celebrating achievements and fostering a positive, engaging work environment where success is enjoyed as much as the journey.

What strategies do you use to motivate and empower your team?
Firstly, by focusing on building confidence and resilience. In the ever-evolving business landscape, where change is constant, how we deal with challenges and adapt to new circumstances matters the most. I often share real-life success and failure examples from my own experiences to motivate them.

Secondly, building a data-mindset. We always strategize our points with data that helps build credibility and influence positive changes. At BluSmart as well, this data-driven approach has been key in optimizing operations, improving efficiency, and driving sustainable impact.

I also encourage an abundance mindset vs a scarcity mindset to foster collaboration at team level, ensuring that we work together towards shared goals rather than competing for limited resources.

Have you had any mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career? How did they impact your journey?
My first mentors were my mother and my school teachers, who instilled in me the core human values of respect and empathy. Professionally, I have been fortunate to work with bosses, who became great mentors. They taught me some great lessons, provided guidance on succeeding in the corporate world, and served as a sounding board. Some of my mentors have played a significant role in shaping my career and the person I am today.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the business world?
Firstly, be confident and resilient. Don’t hesitate to take on bigger roles, speak up with conviction, make sure your voice is heard, and assert your place at the table as an equal. Secondly, build a strong network. Surround yourself with people you can learn from and who will advocate for you. Having the right connections can open doors and support growth. In addition, commit to being a life-long learner. Keep yourself updated with the latest technologies like AI, faster productivity tools that can aid you in your career. And lastly, never lose your empathy and your unique self.

Can you highlight some of your proudest achievements in your career so far?
What truly brings me pride is the impact my teams and I have been able to make in shaping people-centric organizations. At BluSmart, building the people function from the ground up and fostering a strong, purpose-driven culture has been incredibly fulfilling. Being recognized as a future-ready organization and creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive, grow, and reach their full potential has been one of my most rewarding achievements.

How do you manage work-life balance, and what tips do you have for other women striving to achieve this balance?
Having a strong support system, in personal and professional space, has been key to maintaining a healthy work-life integration. Prioritization is equally important, so is delegating the tasks to the right people based on their strengths.

I believe in fostering a culture of flexibility within my teams, enabling them to manage their personal responsibilities while delivering on their professional commitments. Creating this balance isn’t just about policies at BluSmart; it’s about trust, empowerment, and leading by example.