Culture is the DNA of every organization and when leaders set the tone, it becomes an intangible aspect attracting people. This was the core conversation in the podcast series – Culture Café, presented by Avtar Group and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). This candid conversation between Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, Avtar Group and Giridhar GV, Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Hinduja Global Solutions, unveiled various aspects of workplace culture – from leadership to ROI.
The Role of Leadership in Shaping Culture
Reflecting on an organization’s culture, Giridhar (fondly known as Giri), emphasizes that while every individual contributes to culture, it’s the leader who sets the tone. “What you say (and what you don’t) – all of it defines what an organizational culture is about,” he noted. Recalling his early experiences, he illustrated how even simple leadership cues, like encouraging collaboration between departments, can transform silos into seamless systems. “When people see their leaders aligned, they stop blaming and start building together.”
Culture Across the World
When asked about culture getting along with technology, especially with teams spread across geographies, Giri believes it’s all about intent. “Tech is a friend when paired with authenticity,” he said. Having taken on his role at HGS during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, even though he had met his colleagues before, Giri relied heavily on virtual platforms to connect with global teams. “Within a week of daily crisis calls, I felt like I had known my colleagues for years. That’s the power of shared purpose and consistent connection.”
Moments That Define Organizational Culture
Giri shared how true culture is revealed in times of crisis. One such moment came when HGS partnered with the Karnataka government to run a 24/7 COVID-19 helpline, powered entirely by employee volunteers. “This wasn’t a paid project. It was driven by our value of ‘Work to Give’. At its peak, we handled 1.5 lakh calls a day. That kind of response doesn’t come from process. It comes from purpose.”
The Power of Rituals and Recognition
Culture is also built in the everyday, through rituals, celebrations, and symbols of appreciation. Recalling a meaningful practice from an earlier organization, Giri shared about the RAVE card – Random Acts of Value and Excellence. “A simple heart-shaped note left at a colleague’s desk, thanking them for their help; it built trust, connection, and pride. Years later, I still have a bunch of those cards.” Whether it’s celebrating birthdays, rewarding small wins, or pausing to say thank you, Giri believes these micro-moments shape macro culture.
Beyond ROI: Culture That Gives Back
Culture often reveals its greatest impact not in profit, but in purpose. Giri’s reflections reinforce that culture isn’t just a business lever – it’s a human one. From driving collaboration to supporting crisis response, from enabling honesty over Zoom to inspiring selfless service, culture – when lived consistently – becomes an organization’s most enduring asset. “Culture is the DNA of how we work. You can’t touch it, but you feel it every day,” Giri says.
The Takeaway
In a world chasing metrics, Giri reminds us that the most powerful outcomes of culture can’t always be measured, but they’re always felt. As he puts it, “You don’t need grand interventions. Sometimes, a small, authentic act at the top can transform how everyone shows up.”
Catch the full episode of Culture Café to explore more stories of culture, purpose, and leadership in action. Click Here
