VIJAYARAGHAVAN PARATHASARATHY

Leading with Empathy & Innovation

Vijayaraghavan Parathasarathy

Senior Director Global Workplace and People Experience,

Freshworks

A big Rajnikanth fan who never misses the first day, first show of his movies, Vijayaraghavan P (aka Vijay) brings the same passion and dedication to his role as the Senior Director of Global Workplace and People Experience at Freshworks. Raised in a close-knit joint family in Chennai, he learned the importance of collaboration and empathy early on, which laid the foundation for his inclusive leadership style that emphasises understanding diverse perspectives and effective teamwork. Vijay’s professional journey has been significantly shaped by his mentor, Suman Gopalan, Ex-CHRO of Freshworks , and Girish Mathrubootham, CEO of Freshworks, and the numerous individuals he has met throughout his career. Known for his dynamic and results-oriented leadership, he excels in turnaround and high-paced environments, boasting a strong track record of performance. As a successful entrepreneur and a sports enthusiast, Vijay is adept at cultivating key relationships, leveraging insights, and driving organisational improvements. His superior interpersonal skills enable him to resolve complex issues across sales, human resources, legal, financial, and operational domains while motivating his staff to peak performance.In his role at Freshworks, Vijay is responsible for fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing the overall employee experience. He is skilled in implementing best practices and utilising a team approach to achieve organisational goals. His ability to analyse complex situations and develop strategic solutions has been instrumental in driving Freshworks’ growth and success. Vijay was instrumental in building Freshworks real estate across 4 countries, which is considered to be the India’s best workplace. Apart from Freshworks, Vijay was also instrumental in building FC Madras ( Residential Academy for youth football) and continues to be advisory member for the academy. Through his leadership, Vijay continues to inspire and motivate his team, driving them to reach their full potential and contribute to the company’s success. His dedication to excellence and passion for people management make him a key asset to Freshworks and a respected leader in the industry. TradeFlock interviewed Vijay to learn about his journey and role in the industry.

What pivotal moments and challenges shaped your journey as a people manager?

One of the most pivotal moments in my career was achieving consistently low turnover rates while leading a diverse team. This accomplishment was significant because it underscored the effectiveness of my leadership style in fostering a work environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. Challenges have included constantly proving myself beyond my core role, continually developing my skills, and adapting to evolving demands in the workplace. For instance, early in my career, transitioning from a technical role to a managerial position required me to develop strong interpersonal skills and learn to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving shared goals.

How do you handle cultural diversity within your teams?

Similar to preparing for international sports, I ensure our company values and strategies are localised in every office. This approach fosters inclusivity and productivity across diverse cultures, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and understood. Organising cultural exchange programmes, celebrating festivals, and promoting crosscultural training sessions have effectively bridged gaps and promoted unity among team members. This enhances teamwork and facilitates collaboration on global initiatives.

How is AI influencing the evolution of people management roles?

To stay productive and focused, I maintain a positive and energetic mindset. My daily routine includes waking up at 4:00 a.m. to meditate, which centres my thoughts and clears my mind. I also hit the gym to keep my body fit and my energy levels high. Meditation helps me stay balanced and strengthens my personal and professional relationships. I stay connected with my network for fresh insights and support, enhancing both my work and personal life.

Could you share your career achievements and the strategies behind them?

Throughout my career, I’ve garnered accolades for leadership in global real estate and facility management, focusing on empathy and empowerment. Creating an environment where team members grow alongside me has fostered trust and collaboration. Initiatives like mentorship programmes and feedback sessions have nurtured talent and unity, boosting productivity and employee satisfaction. This underscores how inclusive leadership drives organisational success.

Tell us about co-founding a company and how it shaped your leadership style.

AI is revolutionising people management, enhancing efficiency while emphasising the irreplaceable value of human empathy and leadership. Balancing technological integration with interpersonal skills is key to fostering innovation, collaboration, and enduring organisational success in a dynamic business landscape.

What challenges and opportunities does remote work present for people managers?

Remote work presents flexibility and global talent access, demanding strategies for team cohesion and productivity without physical proximity. Effective remote leadership needs robust communication, trust-building, and inclusivity for performance and well-being. Virtual team building, clear channels, and remote support foster collaboration. Despite challenges like productivity monitoring and isolation, remote work taps diverse talent and enhances satisfaction, retention, and work-life balance.

Advice for aspiring people managers in today's evolving landscape of leadership?

Embrace continuous learning, adaptability, and a profound understanding of human dynamics across industries. Cultivate empathy, empower your team, and lead by example to foster a collaborative work culture that thrives amidst change and diversity. Invest in leadership development, seek mentorship, and stay updated on industry trends to enhance capabilities. Effective leadership isn’t about hierarchy but inspiring others to achieve potential and driving organisational success through innovation and resilience. These strategies prepare aspiring managers for evolving leadership landscapes and future challenges.