I draw inspiration from the saying, ‘‘Life may not always give you the results you want, but it always provides you the lessons you need. There is no teacher like life!” – Aparna Sharma

Felicitated with the ‘Woman Achiever Award 2018’ by Indian Women Convention (IWC), ‘MTC Global Outstanding Corporate Award for Excellence in Human Resources’ during the 6th Annual Global Convention – SANKALP 2016, ‘Women Achievers Award’ by World HRD Congress & Institute of Public Enterprise in 2013, ‘HR Super Achiever Award’ by Star News at the 20th World HRD Congress 2012 amongst many others, Aparna is a passionate learner in her journey of over 21 years of intense and expansive HR work. In her diverse roles, she has successfully been a learning partner, mentor, and coach to leaders, leadership teams and organizations to build competencies, learning abilities, and nimbleness for achieving purposeful performance.

After completing her post-graduation in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations (PM & IR) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, Aparna made her foray into the corporate world through Nocil and moved into different roles in the HR function in organizations like Monsanto, Novartis, UCB, Deutsche Bank, Lafarge, and Greaves Cotton. Over the years, Aparna has learnt to persistently and passionately value freedom, authentic relationships, and the realization of people’s potential.

Winner of many accolades like ‘Women Leadership Award’ for BFSI (Banking, Financial Services & Insurance) Awards by Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad, ‘Achiever of Excellence Award’ by Bombay Management Association (BMA) and Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD, Mumbai), she is regularly featured as one of the top women HR Leaders in the country and quoted as a Thought Leader in HR. Under her leadership at Lafarge, many in-company Global Awards such as ‘Digilearn Championship Trophy’ and ‘WAVE’ (Women Adding Value & Excellence) have been received besides external recognitions like CLO (Chief Learning Officer’s) Award consecutively for three years.

Beyond her corporate role as an HR Leader, Aparna also dons the hat of HR contributor through her associations with Indian Society of Training & Development (ISTD), All India Management Association (AIMA), National Institute of Personnel Management (NIPM), National HRD Network, and Sumedhas, where she actively participates in disseminating her acquired knowledge and building the HR fraternity by creating future leaders. She was the Honorary Treasurer of National HRD Network, Mumbai Chapter (2012-2015) and a member of the Executive Committee. She was also elected as member of the National Executive Board of NHRDN for the period 2013-2015. She has been an Independent Director on the board of T.S Alloys Ltd. (100% subsidiary of Tata Steel Ltd.).

A wildlife enthusiast and an amateur photographer, Aparna spends most of her leisure time close to nature. She also loves traveling as it gives her an opportunity to meet new people. Books are Aparna’s favourite ally, and she dedicates some time every day to read something new. An avid reader, she has a collection of some of the best books of the century.

She launched her maiden book, ‘Reality Bytes – The Role of HR in Today’s World’ in 2015 in English, which has received wide acclaim across the globe. The book has also been translated into Hindi and has been launched across the country. (Visit http://www.aparnasharma.in/reality-bytes-role-of-hr/).

Aparna has instituted ‘UDAAN’ – a scholarship for all-rounder girl students entering Class 10, at St. Mary’s Convent School in Ujjain where she studied, as a tribute to her aunt, Late Dr. Mohini D. Vyas. She also spends time guiding and coaching students as part of the school’s career guidance efforts.

She is also actively involved in adult education through various forums and dedicates time to old-age homes and orphanages in Mumbai.

To know more about Aparna, visit: www.aparnasharma.in