About
HR Professional with diverse experience of 25+ years!
Articles by Pran
-
CAREER TRADE-OFFs
CAREER TRADE-OFFs
“You can’t have a cake and eat it too” The other day I was talking to my financial advisor and he was quite emphatic on…
18 Comments -
LEADERS WE WANT TO BE
LEADERS WE WANT TO BE
Most of the organizations today are not managed by leaders. They are sheer role holders or transactional execution-ists.
10 Comments
Activity
14K followers
-
Pran Ranjan posted thisA story from my past life which is deep itched in me as what not to do or do better while dealing with team or colleagues or people! If something needed to be fixed in processes—forms, payroll files, onboarding packs, compliance registers, exit letters—you went to Richa. She wasn’t flashy. She wasn’t political. She didn’t hang around leadership cabins to be seen. She just worked. Hard, Clean and Quiet! That month was brutal: a PF portal outage, a compliance audit, serious of its type, dropped on us without notice, and 43 new joiners scheduled in the same week. For three nights, Richa stayed back alone, the glow of her laptop reflecting on the glass partition long after everyone else had left. She personally verified 43 joining kits, corrected mismatched UAN details, and realigned the payroll data the finance team had messed up. She was exhausted, but proud—she had held the fort. On Friday morning, she walked into the Prateek's then HR Head for the weekly review. She didn’t even get to sit. He threw a printed report across the table. “Explain this.” It was a minor error—two signatures missing on a physical file because the auditor arrived early. A two-minute fix. Richa opened her mouth to explain, “Sir, the auditor came before—” He slammed his pen down. “Stop. I know exactly what this is.” She froze. “This is your typical behaviour. You’re sloppy. Overly emotional. You can’t handle even basic HR operations without messing something up.” The words hit harder than the pen he had thrown. She tried again, gently, “Sir, I managed the PF backlog, the payroll mismatch, the—” He leaned back and said something that made the room feel smaller, colder: “You are not built for serious work. You’re the kind who survives in clerical roles, not real HR. I don’t need sensitive, crying types who crumble under pressure.” It wasn’t about the file anymore. It was never about the file. It was ad hominem in its purest, cruellest form— an attack not on her work, not on her logic, not on the process, but on her identity. On that day, I saw that respect was crushed. His words weren’t feedback—they were a verdict. Something inside her cracked. Not loudly. Just a small, painful fracture only people like her feel. As she stepped out, she avoided everyone’s eyes. She whispered one line that broke all of us: “I handled the entire department’s mess… but today he made me feel like one.” Mistakes can be fixed. Broken systems can be rebuilt. But the damage caused by attacking a person instead of addressing the issue stays long after the file is corrected. And what I learnt was “Processes fail, systems fail, tools fail… dignity should not and When you attack the person instead of the problem, you lose both.” #respectforindividual, #values, #adhominem
-
Pran Ranjan posted thisI recall a campus hiring interview few days back. There was a candidate I met during one of our MBA HR campus interviews—her name doesn’t matter, but her moment does. A young MBA HR student walked in, visibly nervous, clutching her file so tightly that the papers inside had already begun to curl. I asked her the usual HR questions, and she answered them well like polished, prepared and almost rehearsed. Then, for some reason, I asked her something completely different: “Tell me one concept from your graduation, Economics, that truly changed the way you look at the world.” She froze. There was a long silence. She didn’t speak. Her eyes did. In that silence, I saw a student who had worked nights during graduation, Who travelled two hours every day to college… Who sacrificed sleep, weekends, comfort—just for the chance to appear for the interview on that very day! She said, softly: “Sir, demand and supply. Not from the textbook… but from my life.” I raised my eyebrows. She continued. “I come from a small town. Opportunities were few, resources were fewer. But my mother… she kept teaching me that dreams also follow demand and supply. If you want something badly, you create the demand. And if life doesn’t give you the supply, you manufacture it yourself.” And she didn’t stop. “So I demanded a better life for myself. And I supplied hard work. Sometimes more than I had.” After a few seconds, she said quietly: “Economics also taught me that every choice has an opportunity cost. I lost many things on the way here—time with family, friends, even myself. But I don’t regret it. Because this interview… this moment… is the return I was investing for.” Campus hiring is not about perfect answers. It’s about real stories, honest reflections, and how deeply someone has lived what they have studied. We ask to hear the person, not the curriculum. Because in the end, we don’t hire the answer. We hire the person who gives it. And after she left the room, I remember thinking: We hire degrees, but what we meet in that room are human beings—dreams, fears, stories, and courage. And that is why, even today, I ask one simple question from the graduation subject. Not to test knowledge but to understand the journey. #campushiring, #dreambig, #hrinterview,
-
Pran Ranjan posted thisPut Heart into Every Transaction I still remember my first offer letter as an HR professional. Typed carefully, checked twice, printed on crisp paper. But the real story wasn’t the document- it was the trembling hands of a young graduate receiving it. Eyes wide, hope alive. That day, my mentor said — “Put heart into every transaction — every offer letter, corridor talk, discussion, or mundane task.” Years later, I understood what he meant. HR isn’t about processes, it’s about presence. When you listen to an employee who just lost a parent, When you write a thank-you mail at midnight to appreciate effort unseen, When you slow down to say, “How are you, really?” — that’s where culture begins. I’ve seen systems evolve, policies change, hierarchies shift — but the human pulse behind every interaction stays timeless. Because people don’t remember policies. They remember how you made them feel. So today, as I sign yet another letter, I remind myself — Every word has weight. Every gesture has memory. Every act done with heart leaves a quiet legacy. So whatever you do — Put heart into it. Because one day, when you walk those same corridors for the last time, you’ll realize — "the walls remember too. " #peoplefirst, #heartinhr, #authenticity
-
Pran Ranjan posted thisFor everyone in HR who has ever held others together while quietly falling apart yourself… this one’s for you. "We Can’t Solve Life" The office lights had dimmed, but Asha was still at her desk — the HR Head everyone admired. The one who remembered birthdays, soothed storms, and turned policies into empathy. Her inbox overflowed with appreciation mails, dashboards, and one quiet resignation note that read only “I can’t do this anymore.” That one line stayed with her. All day, she had been applauded for “driving engagement,” “building culture,” and “retaining talent.” Yet someone she had believed in… had quietly walked away. She looked out at the Gurgaon skyline — ambitious, glittering, and lonely. Then her phone buzzed again: “Brilliant work today, Asha. You’ve earned everyone’s loyalty.” She smiled faintly. Loyalty. A word so beautiful… yet so fragile. She thought of her people — the ones who adored her, leaned on her, trusted her. And then she remembered her son’s words from last week. “Mumma, why don’t you ever come to my school function?” She had no policy or KPI for that. That night, driving home past the empty toll booths, Asha whispered to herself. “We can solve attrition, we can fix performance, but we can’t solve life.” At home, her husband handed her a cup of tea — no questions, just quiet understanding. And for the first time, Asha realized — maybe HR was not about solving people, but feeling them. Later that night, she wrote a short note to her team: “Tomorrow onwards, no meetings after 5. Go home. Be with your people. The office can wait. Life usually doesn’t.” As she hit Send, she finally exhaled. Because life isn’t about being a savior. It’s about being human — even to yourself. Reflection In HR, we measure engagement, retention, and loyalty. But maybe it’s time we also measure exhaustion, loneliness, and self-kindness. Because sometimes, it’s not about solving life - It’s about living it, together. What do you think — has HR ever made you forget your own humanity? #HR #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #CorporateLife #WorkCulture #Wellbeing #HumanResources #LifeLessons #PeopleMatters
-
Pran Ranjan posted thisThe Alarm Clock That Knew Too Much Every morning at 6:45 AM, His alarm clock screams like it’s being murdered. It doesn’t ring… it performs an emotional drama. One moment it’s a siren, next moment a temple bell, and then — that default tone which sounds like the soundtrack of his pending work. Sometimes he wonders — did his alarm clock sign a secret HR contract with his boss? Because it knows exactly when to ruin a good dream. But here’s the twist — he doesn't hate it. Because every time that annoying sound blares, it means one thing — another day of doing what he loves:: going to work. Yes, He actually looks forward to it. He's in HR which means he's part psychologist, part stand-up comedian, part firefighter, and part complaint box (with limited storage). Every morning, He wears his badge like armor and head to work — not to manage people, but to believe in them. His wife once asked, “Why do you look so happy going to office every morning? You don’t even look this cheerful on our anniversary.” And he said, “Because at work… people actually listen when I talk about emotions.” 😂 At office, he's surrounded by his tribe — people who laugh loudly, dream wildly, argue passionately, and still stand by each other when deadlines hit like tsunamis. One morning, he found a sticky note on his desk that said: “If you wake up excited to go to work, you’re either in love or insane.” Maybe both. Because when you’re truly engaged, work stops being work. It becomes your stage, your family, your fuel. So yes, every morning you rise — not to go to work, but to go to your people. And as long as the alarm clock keeps screaming like a Bollywood villain — please keep smiling like a hero with purpose. #WorkEngagement #HRHumour #CorporateLife #EmployeeExperience #MyTribeMyPride #MorningMotivation #HRStories
-
Pran Ranjan posted thisBetween Sarcasm and Sincerity — An Appraisal Story “Boss, before we start the appraisal — should I bring tissues or my calculator?” he joked, half smiling, half panicking. She grinned. “Neither. Just bring honesty… and your sense of humour. You’ll need both.” He replied, “Good — because my performance graph needs divine explanation and comic relief.” She laughed, then said, “You always underestimate yourself. You’ve done better than you think… but worse than you believe.” That line — funny, confusing, and somehow profound — struck him hard!. As the conversation went on, sarcasm slowly gave way to sincerity. She spoke about consistency, ownership, and how people had begun to trust him — “That’s bigger than any rating,” She said. For a second, he went silent. Not for the feedback, but for the faith behind it. So he said, “Half my motivation comes from not wanting to disappoint you… the other half, caffeine.” She smiled. “I’ll take partial credit for both.” When the chat ended, he realised something — sometimes the real reward isn’t a hike or rating, but a leader who pushes, protects, and believes in you (with a pinch of sarcasm). Because in the end, the best appraisals aren’t about numbers — they’re about humans. Because in the end, the best appraisals aren’t necessarily the longest ones - they’re the ones where the room falls silent, eyes soften, and both people realize — this is not just about performance; it’s about purpose #Leadership #WorkLife #AppraisalSeason #Mentorship #HumorAtWork
-
Pran Ranjan posted this“Beyond Behaviour: What Transactional Analysis Taught Me About Leadership” A couple of weeks back, I attended a profound session on Transactional Analysis (TA) — and it changed the way I look at conversations, leadership, and even appreciation. The facilitator began with a simple yet piercing question: “When you speak, which ‘you’ is really speaking?” That’s where I met my three inner voices — the Parent, the Adult, and the Child. The Parent in me carries my values, mentors’ lessons, and that inner voice of responsibility. The Adult is my calm, rational self — grounded in logic and fairness. And the Child is my spontaneous, curious, emotional side — the spark that often gets buried under deadlines and decisions. As we explored the Functional Model of TA, I realized: True Connect isn’t about staying in one ego state — it’s about knowing when to let the Nurturing Parent support, the Critical Parent guide, the Adult reason, and the Child dream. Then came a segment that touched me deeply — the Stroke Economy. In corporate life, we often ration appreciation. We admire silently but seldom express it. We forget that acknowledgement is emotional oxygen. “Unspoken appreciation is like an unopened gift — it changes nothing until it’s given.” That hit home. I remembered a young teammate who had gone above and beyond on a tough project. I had felt proud, but never said it aloud. TA made me realize — leadership is not just about noticing; it’s about expressing. Now, I try to let my Nurturing Parent speak with warmth, let my Adult stay factual, and let my Child celebrate small wins with joy. My takeaway: Transactional Analysis isn’t just psychology — it’s self-awareness in action. When we understand our ego states, we don’t just manage people — we connect with them. Because in the end, it is not about having the loudest voice in the room, but the most self-aware one. What about you? Which ego state leads you most days — the Parent, the Adult, or the Child? #LeadershipDevelopment #TransactionalAnalysis #EmotionalIntelligence #HR #SelfAwareness #PeopleFirst #LeadershipJourney #LearningAndDevelopment #HumanResources #GrowthMindset
-
Pran Ranjan shared thisMy Tribe, My Pride Every face here tells a story — of commitment, passion, and the quiet strength that makes a team truly special. Parul Tolani — fierce yet suave, leading with calm confidence. Abhipsa Barik — Deeply committed, the one who turns intent into impact. Jitendra Kumar Pandey — meticulous and dedicated, a perfectionist who sets the bar high. Kanishka Dhingra — adorable and full of potential, her energy lights up the room. @Rakesh — rigor personified, steady and reliable in every challenge. @Adityaburman the dark horse, silently consistent and surprisingly holds huge potential. And some colleagues are not in the frame. my wishes reach out to them! Together, we celebrate not just festivals, but shared dreams and collective purpose. Because when you have a tribe like this — you don’t just work together, you grow together.
-
Pran Ranjan posted thisThe Night Dr. Kalam Learned What Leadership Really Means 1979........ India’s first satellite launch. Years of effort. One dream. The countdown began. 10... 9... 8... And then — BOOM. The rocket exploded mid-air. Silence. Shock. Failure. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the project director, stood frozen. He felt crushed. The dream had fallen — and he believed it was his fault. The media waited outside. The world wanted answers. Kalam gathered his courage to face the cameras. But just before he stepped out, Dr. Satish Dhawan, his mentor, walked in quietly. “I will handle this,” he said. That evening, Dhawan faced the press and said: “We failed today. But the failure is mine — not my team’s.” A year later, the next launch succeeded. Dhawan again called the press. This time, he said: “The success belongs to my team — to Dr. Kalam and his scientists.”Later that night, when everyone had left, Kalam found Dhawan sweeping confetti off the floor. “Sir… why are you doing this?” Dhawan smiled. “Because true leadership isn’t standing on stage when you win — it’s standing in the fire when your people fail.” Years later, Kalam would call that moment “the greatest leadership lesson of my life.” Would you sweep the floor for your team when no one’s watching? #Leadership #APJAbdulKalam #SatishDhawan #Inspiration #ISRO #Humility #Teamwork
-
Pran Ranjan liked thisPran Ranjan liked thisRemember, all those who rise fast are not toxic, many of them are competent & deserving. What is your opinion?
-
Pran Ranjan liked thisPran Ranjan liked thisGrateful to be part of the International Women’s Day Celebration 2026 hosted by Uno Minda 💙 The celebration at Radisson Blu Hotel Pune Hinjawadi was truly inspiring—filled with positivity, empowerment, and recognition of the incredible strength and achievements of women across all domains. Moments like these remind us of the importance of supporting, uplifting, and celebrating each other every day—not just on one occasion. Proud to be part of an organization that values inclusivity and growth 🌸 #WomensDay #Empowerment #Inspiration #UNOMinda #CelebrateWomen #Gratitude
-
Pran Ranjan liked thisPran Ranjan liked thisI’ve had the privilege of closely witnessing 7 years of his decade-long journey at Cipla. What stood out most were the conversations — filled with sharp, often uncomfortable questions that challenged my thinking even when I felt fully prepared — always balanced with his signature sense of humor. Today, as I walked in to thank him for his leadership, I requested him to reflect on his journey. His response stayed with me: “You move on with life over time — but what never leaves you are the moments and the relationships.” . Grateful for the learning, the perspective, and the moments, like today. Thank you, Umang — you will be missed!
-
Pran Ranjan liked thisPran Ranjan liked thisDelighted to welcome Arun Kakatkar, our Global Chief People Officer, to Cipla! With our purpose of ‘Caring for Life’, we look forward to shaping the future of our people strategy and creating meaningful impact by keeping people at the heart of everything we do! Here’s to new beginnings and a shared journey of growth! Sneha Vijayasarathi R Prabhakar Nair Ignatius Barretto Famila Dias Prerna Mehta
-
Pran Ranjan liked thisPran Ranjan liked thisWhat really makes an organization diverse? I’ve learned it’s not just representation—it’s how people feel when they show up every day. Do they feel safe to speak up? Supported to grow? Engaged enough to stay? Working in Talent Management, this question stays close to my heart. Because beyond processes, our real work is shaping experiences that help people truly thrive. This Women’s Day, we wanted to go beyond a one-day celebration. So we created a month-long journey—conversations with leaders, learning spaces, moments of recognition, and safe forums to share and connect. The impact wasn’t loud or instant—but it was real. A voice spoke up. A story was heard. A connection was built. That’s how change happens—quietly, consistently, intentionally. And when one woman feels more confident and supported, the ripple travels far—across teams, culture, and the organization. I’m curious—what small, intentional actions have you seen create a real difference in building inclusive workplaces? Let’s keep the conversation going.
-
Pran Ranjan liked thisPran Ranjan liked thisCelebrating strength, resilience, and the remarkable women who make a difference every day. 🌸 This Women’s Day, Uno Minda came together to honour and appreciate the contributions of its incredible women workforce—whose dedication, talent, and determination continue to inspire progress and shape a better future. Here’s to empowering, supporting, and celebrating women today and always. ✨ #InternationalWomensDay #WomenAtWork #UnoMinda #Inspiration #Empowerment
Experience & Education
-
Uno Minda
View Pran’s full experience
See their title, tenure and more.
or
Courses
-
Matriculation
-
-
School
-
Languages
-
Russian
-
-
English
-
-
Hindi
-
Recommendations received
32 people have recommended Pran
Join now to viewOther similar profiles
Explore more posts
Explore collaborative articles
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
Explore More