Hello
Hi there, great to have you here!
I'm Sonia, the founder of myCHROconcierge, and here's a not-so-little self-introduction. It's packed with information, but it should give you a pretty good idea about my credentials.
About Me
In the last 20 years as a HR practitioner, have had the privilege of experiencing businesses of different sizes, growth phases, and structures. Depending on the post I hold, I get to experience the uniqueness of APAC countries and other regions - Africa, Europe, India, Latam, and the US. I absolutely love waking up to the 'latest headlines' and updates from my teams based in these locations. It was an exhilarating experience, to say the least. I get my high from winning as a team, be it in terms of innovation, creativity, impact, or from overdelivering!
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"I am a pragmatist and a realist, a builder and a fixer". I started my career from the ground up, rolling up my sleeves and being a part of everything: breadth and depth, wearing multiple hats across verticals. In every team, there's that person who is there from start to finish—holding everything together, fixing loose parts, and running tests and simulations to ensure the process is seamless, the system is error-free, and the client experience is awesome. I am that person.
My early experience has a profound influence on my career decisions and leadership style. I build teams for business continuity and to be future-ready. My LinkedIn profile would tell you about my track record in diverse roles, guiding businesses and leading teams through various change stages: hyper-growth, digital transformation, JV, divestment, restructuring, consolidation, downsizing, decentralisation, outsourcing, closure - you name it.
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"HRM if done right, can change the world, and I believe in that wholeheartedly." I've worked in businesses with fewer than 100 people, and I've been part of businesses with more than 10,000 people. Industries, major brands, and employers of choice - those have never really bothered me, to be honest. I prefer to focus on the challenge itself and what I can bring to the table. At my core, I am unapologetically for modern HR: automation and democratization of HR tools. Progressive HR practices and solutions should be accessible to all. I am drawn to building, creating, and fixing; anything that has a positive impact on business and employee experience. Even better if it is at scale for the same reason.
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In 2023, I founded myCHRO amidst the wider shifts and macroeconomic changes. That, and probably age, prompted an 'aha' moment where I deeply understood that now, more than ever, "we must redefine the way we work, run businesses, and live",
Outside of work, I am a fitness enthusiast, and pushing myself hard physically is a constant reminder that strength is a matter of a made-up mind. Each to their own, right? Now that the introduction is out of the way, if you feel that I can help you in any way, shoot me a message!
Markets
Below are the markets where I had the opportunity to experience their unique nuances, influence, drive change and make an impact. If you need support in these locations from someone who has been there and done that, I am that person.
Australia
Bangladesh
China
Indonesia
Japan
India
Korea
Malaysia
Pakistan
Singapore
Thailand
Industries
I am industry-agnostic. Leadership skills, business acumen, tact, maturity, and emotional intelligence are not confined to any specific industry. HR skills and related functional expertise are transferable. As long as there are people involved, these skills are applicable.
Ad Tech & Creative,
Media Agency
Brewery, FMCG
Executive Education
OEM, Manufacturing
Risk Management,
Financial Services
OTC, Pharmaceutical
Retail
R&D, Engineering
Pankaj Periwal
SVP Strategy, RateGain
"Sonia is a great talent leader who connects with people candidly and shares empathy. She is someone who would go beyond her call of duty to extend help and provide mentorship. She stands for a cause and is versatile in her approach and style. She handles the diversities and complexities of APAC beautifully."
Stephanie Shang
Senior Client Partner, Reddit Inc.
"Sonia is an effective HR leader that has helped me and my market navigate a lot of change. Her consultation and insights were always well considered and tailored to the situation and her empathy and passion to do what's right for people meant that she always went one step further to make sure people felt confident and comfortable in their decisions and approach to people and culture related matters."
Jay Lee
Head of Nexus, GroupM Nexus
"Sonia is the 'special one' - as a reliable business and people partner to me. I believe she's able to become your 'special one' as well.
She's straightforward with empathy - she is your trusted HR partner to provide guidance on people matters and organisational changes. If you'd like to transform your team dynamics and capabilities and consequently your business growth, you would love to work with Sonia!"