May 10th, 2025, will remain in my memory as one of the most insightful and heartwarming professional experiences I’ve had in recent times. I had the honour of being a panel speaker at the 10th Annual HR Imagery Conference, hosted by CHROMA, under the vibrant and contemporary theme – “Yassification of Work.”
First and foremost, my heartfelt thanks to R Malar Vannan Fernando, Director Human Resources, Terex for inviting me to be a part of the panel discussion. I deeply appreciate the trust and opportunity. A big thank you to CHROMA and all its members for organizing such a meaningful and well-curated event.
A Powerful Start: Dr. Velumani Arokiaswamy’s Story
The conference began with an incredibly moving keynote by Dr. Velumani Arokiaswamy. His “rags-to-riches” journey was not just inspiring—it was transformational. What struck a chord with everyone was his commitment to uplifting freshers from poor families in rural villages. His entrepreneurial vision blended with a deep social purpose left us all reflecting on how leadership should be rooted in empathy and inclusion.
Thought-Provoking Panels
There were multiple enriching discussions throughout the day. Apart from our own session, two other panels stood out:
- “The Great Rebalance” – A candid conversation on the impact of stress and the elusive work-life balance. As the demands of work shift in the post-pandemic era, this panel addressed how organizations and individuals can take back control and foster well-being.
- “Man vs Machine” – A spirited debate that questioned the very fabric of future workplaces. With AI reshaping roles, the discourse touched on ethics, efficiency, and where the human touch still triumphs.
Laughter and Insight: Bosskey Takes the Stage
The conference wasn’t all work and no play. Bosskey, the TV personality, had us all in splits with his regional stand-up comedy. His knack for turning everyday events into humorous tales was not only hilarious but deeply refreshing. His perspective—that seeing life through a lens of humor can be a form of therapy—was something we all took home.
The New Currency of Work: Our Panel
Then came our moment on stage. The energy was palpable, the stage was grand, and I was thrilled to be among such a knowledgeable and dynamic panel. Despite time constraints that required us to wrap up sooner than expected, the discussion was rich, layered, and engaging—both on and off the stage.
Our topic, “The New Currency of Work,” couldn’t have been more relevant. As someone from the Learning and Development space, my perspective is that skills and competencies are the true currency in today’s dynamic workplace.
From technical to behavioral, from functional know-how to digital fluency, and from traditional leadership to empathetic and digital-first leadership, the landscape is evolving. What sets professionals apart now is their ability to adapt, learn, and grow. Competencies are no longer static—they’re a living, breathing ecosystem that we must continuously nurture.
Grateful and Inspired
It was a privilege to contribute to this important conversation. Being surrounded by thinkers, doers, and dreamers committed to shaping the future of work was nothing short of invigorating. The Yassification of Work wasn’t just a catchy title—it was a call to bring energy, inclusion, and authenticity into our professional lives.
Once again, thank you, Malarvannan, CHROMA, and all who made this event a beautiful blend of thought leadership, storytelling, and soul.
Here’s to evolving, learning, and adding value—because that’s the real currency of work.
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