S1E4 | Cultivating Trust-based Leadership

Work the Talk is an initiative that empowers businesses to co-create workplaces of the future through sharing and deliberation. The podcast series hosts conversations with industry leaders to explore and get insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities impacting workplaces across industries.

About our guest

Harini Sreenivasan, Partner at Semcostyle Institute, India— a visionary catalyst reshaping workplaces through empowerment and engagement. Her commitment to organisational transformation seamlessly aligns with Semcostyle Institute’s core values.

At the forefront of driving positive change, she leads the way as a partner, assisting businesses in creating environments that unlock the true potential of their employees. Semcostyle’s pioneering methodologies empower companies to thrive by revolutionising leadership styles and organisational structures.

By embracing self-management, participative decision-making, and democratic workplaces, they cultivate a sense of ownership and bring out the full potential of individuals and teams.

About our host

Aastha Sharma is the Co-founder & Director at Veris. She has nearly 15 years of experience in developing & executing organisational projects designed to challenge conventions. Dedicated to creating inclusive and intelligent workplaces, Aastha has spearheaded growth strategies for Veris since its inception.

Beyond her professional role, Aastha is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the corporate space. She works closely with several organisations to build inclusive workplaces across various sectors. As a devoted mother and advocate, she fosters inclusive work environments and connects with entrepreneurs navigating the dynamic SaaS landscape. Authenticity and transparent communication fuel her mission for growth and success.

Podcast Insights

  1. Paradigm Shift: Leaders need to change their outlook from fostering a culture of command and control to trust and transparency. Becoming facilitators and coaches, trusting their team members’ competence, removing hierarchical barriers and treating adults as adults can bring tremendous results. 
  2. The Discipline of Self-Management: Self-managed teams require belief, support, and creating a social contract to maintain discipline. By focusing on the purpose and outcomes of each meeting, teams can enhance collaboration and accountability.
  3. Building an Inclusive Culture: A leadership style that values inclusivity requires understanding each team’s unique DNA and eliminating roadblocks to self-management. Resistance to change may exist in large organisations, but a culture of understanding can be fostered by showcasing the benefits and adapting to different contexts.
  4. Convenience and Security in the Workplace: Organizations recognise the need to create a holistic work environment that considers employee needs. Simplifying processes, reducing bureaucracy and providing convenience through digital tools can enhance the employee experience.
  5. Continuous Learning and Growth: Building a learning culture requires creating forums for reflection, sharing learning, encouraging experimentation, and learning from experiences. Technology plays a crucial role here by providing information, transparency, and real-time dashboards that enable employees to achieve better outcomes.