The Hidden Risk Boards Miss in M&A: Culture | Rajesh Padmanabhan

Industry Magnates Premier: Interview with Rajesh Padmanabhan, CEO at Talavvy, Chairman at HONO, MD at India The EXCO Group, Chairman at LinkCXO with FaceTime with Leaders—A WDC Initiative. We are honored to premiere the "Industry Magnates" with our esteemed guest, Rajesh Padmanabhan. Explore leadership philosophy, ideas, and best practices that have propelled them in their professional and personal lives. Brief about Rajesh Padmanabhan: Rajesh Padmanabhan is a distinguished global business and people leader with a career spanning business management, corporate banking, strategy, digital transformation, consulting and human capital. Currently the CEO of Talavvy Business Catalysts (May 2020–Present), he focuses on accelerating business growth through leadership, capability-building and transformation. Previously, he served as Director – Corporate Centre & Group CHRO at Welspun Group, President & Group CHRO at Vedanta Group, and Corporate Vice President & CHRO at Capgemini. His earlier career includes senior roles at I Gate/Patni Computer Systems, The Oberoi Group, Essel Propack and ICICI Group, where his 15-year journey covered programming, systems analysis, corporate banking, SME business leadership, leasing, data warehousing, SAP consulting and HR. This cross-functional exposure has given him an enterprise-wide perspective across banking, manufacturing, consumer, consulting, IT, mining & metals, textiles, infrastructure and hospitality. His leadership in diversity and people practices also earned him United Nations recognition. Rajesh brings strong strategic leadership, corporate governance, organisational transformation, human capital strategy, change management, leadership development, stakeholder management, operational excellence and digital integration capabilities. His board-relevant experience includes serving as Management Board Member at I Gate, Advisory Board Member at IMIS Bhubaneswar, Board of Studies Member at SVKM, Board Member at NHRDN National, Board Member & CEO Search Consultant at Cornerstone International Group, and contributor to CII National and Bombay Chamber committees, including Chairman roles at the CII National HR Conclave and CII HR Incubation Centre. He holds degrees in Science, HR and Finance, a PG Diploma in Computer Management, and certifications including ICF Professional Coach, Hogan Professional and Thomas Profiling. His expertise extends to talent and succession planning, DEI, culture building, executive coaching, enterprise decision-making, risk awareness and cross-industry adaptability. With a governance mindset and the ability to connect business performance, technology, people and long-term strategy, Rajesh is positioned to contribute effectively in board and advisory roles focused on transformation, governance, leadership and sustainable organisational growth. Watch the exclusive interview where our esteemed guest shares views on: 00:00 Introduction 00:02:59 Rajesh Padmanabhan on Career & Reinvention 00:07:20 Rajesh Padmanabhan on Leadership & Culture 00:12:37 Rajesh Padmanabhan on Diversity & Global HR 00:22:29 Rajesh Padmanabhan on Building Talavvy During COVID 00:29:17 Rajesh Padmanabhan on Rapid fire Round 00:30:12 Rajesh Padmanabhan on M&A & Culture 00:36:52 Rajesh Padmanabhan on Directors’ Institute & Governance governance? 00:40:51 Rajesh Padmanabhan on Closing Thoughts #RajeshPadmanabhan #FaceTimeWithLeaders #DirectorsInstitute #WorldCouncilOfDirectors #Leadership #BusinessLeadership #CorporateGovernance #BoardLeadership #Boardroom #HRLeadership #CHRO #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessTransformation #OrganisationalTransformation #TalentStrategy #peoplestrategy