It all began two decades ago when I embarked on a fulfilling journey within the HR industry. I started with the BPO industry, where I focused on Talent Acquisition, before transitioning to the telecom field and Total Rewards. This shift led me to Ericsson in 2013 – in the pivotal role of leading the Total Rewards Operations team at the company’s Shared Services Centre in Delhi. Next on the cards was the add-on hat of Strategy and Operations Improvement role for Global People Operations in 2019. Since then, it has been an exciting roller coaster of driving innovation and experience efficiency in HR operations on a global scale, both an exhilarating and rewarding experience.

In July 2023, I achieved a significant career milestone when I took up the role of Head of Global People Services. The challenges of the new role enabled me to further align myself with Ericsson’s vision and values, at the same time fostering a strong desire to learn and make a lasting impact within the organization and the industry at large.

Support and collaboration

I owe a huge part of my career trajectory to the support and guidance of my line managers and peers. Their mentorship and constructive feedback have made me adaptable, resilient, and well-equipped to thrive in a dynamic work environment. With their unstinted support, my friends and peers at the workplace have helped me nurture a leadership style that is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence – all of which deeply resonate with our Ericsson values.

For aspiring professionals

My suggestion would always be to picture your career path as a journey and not a destination. Be ready for twists and turns. Be ready to navigate both clear and unclear circumstances. Monitor your rhythm and performance, and be willing to course-correct as needed. It’s all about resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering belief in your own ability to overcome any obstacle.  Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow, leverage the support of mentors and colleagues, and prioritize your well-being while enjoying the unexpected twists and turns in this exciting journey.

Perfecting the work-life symphony

Work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a personal choice. What I like most about Ericsson is our flexibility which is really empowering.  It allows us to create our own balance – take on opportunities and also prioritize our wellbeing. I have been able to find my balance, define my priorities, be accountable, and enjoy the flexibility to drive my career with ease and fulfillment.

Where the sky is the limit

My journey at Ericsson has been nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to a company culture that embraces diversity, fosters empowerment, and promotes continuous learning. Guided by core values that emphasize integrity and fairness, we have a supportive ecosystem for personal and professional development. With countless opportunities and a commitment to follow a speak up culture, Ericsson empowers employees to take charge of their career journeys and be successful.

So, aspiring leaders, take charge of your destiny! Invest in yourselves, relentlessly pursue your goals, focus on upskilling, find your balance, and never forget the importance of self-care along the way. Remember, it’s always the journey that matters.

Harmeet Kaur Gupta has over two decades of experience in HR Lifecycle Strategy & Operations including Recruitment, Rewards, International Mobility, Time & Payroll, Talent Management, Learning & Development, Reporting & Analytics and Strategy, Operations & Transformation.

This piece is part of an article series by leaders at Ericsson.