Need to reimagine talent models, reskill the workforce amid Tech-Driven Workplace Shift: C Lakshmi
XLRI Jamshedpur hosts recruiters’ conclave ‘Rendezvous with XLRI Bengaluru 2025’
Jamshedpur, May 29: XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, hosted annual flagship recruiters’ conclave Rendezvous with XLRI – Bengaluru 2025 at Taj MG Road, Bengaluru. The high-impact event brought together leading corporate executives, senior HR professionals, XLRI alumni and academicians for an evening of thought leadership and strategic industry-academia dialogue.
The event’s keynote address was delivered by C Lakshmi, Senior Managing Director and CHRO, Accenture, who graced the evening as the Chief Guest.
Lakshmi emphasized the urgent need to redefine talent development in the face of rapid technological change. She underscored that skill development, leadership training, and human values are no longer just HR functions, but strategic priorities for organizations.
“In today’s tech-driven environment, it is crucial to reimagine talent models and reskill the workforce,” she said. Lakshmi highlighted the shared responsibility of corporations and premier institutions in shaping the future workforce. “Institutes like XLRI are not only producing future leaders but are also instilling values and a sense of social responsibility,” she added. She praised XLRI for being a frontrunner in driving this transformation and aligning education with evolving industry needs.
A high-energy panel discussion followed, centered on the theme: “Future of Work, Skills and Talent in an Indian Perspective”. Esteemed panelists included:
- Ms. Preetha Radhakrishnan, Partner, Deloitte
- Mr. Prateek Roy Chowdhury, Senior HR Leader
- Mr. Ajay Kr, Founder, Thoucentric
- Ms. Ranjita Ghosh, Global CMO, Wipro
The panel shared key insights into Gen Z workforce dynamics, the evolving skillscape, and leadership imperatives in a hybrid work environment.
The event was conceptualized and hosted by XLRI Jamshedpur under the leadership of Prof. Kanagaraj A, Senior Professor of Finance & Convenor – Placements. In his welcome address, Prof. Kanagaraj presented an overview of XLRI’s academic excellence and diverse program offerings including:
- PGDM (BM)
- PGDM (HRM)
- General Management Programme (GMP)
- Fellow Programme in Management (FPM)
- Executive Fellow Programme in Management (eFPM)
- Executive Education and Virtual Learning Programs
He also outlined corporate collaboration opportunities through initiatives such as:
- Xplore CXO Platform
- CXO Guest Lecture Series
- Corporate Awards & Recognition Programs
- B2B MOUs
- Guest of Honor & Convocation Invitations
- Corporate Advisory Council Memberships
Prof. Kanagaraj extended a cordial invitation to all guests for participation in the Summer Internship and Final Placement processes across XLRI’s PGDM (BM), PGDM (HRM), and GMP cohorts, reaffirming XLRI’s commitment to producing industry-ready, socially responsible leaders.
The event was also attended by senior XLRI faculty members Prof. Giridhar Ramachandran and Prof. Sunil Sarangi, both deeply involved in driving industry-aligned pedagogy at the institute.
Rajni Ranjan, Vice President & Head – Corporate Relations and Placements, led the event planning and guest engagement with meticulous execution, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.
The evening concluded with a formal networking dinner that welcomed 100+ senior professionals from over 60 top organizations, creating avenues for collaboration, mentorship and long-term institutional relationships. XLRI alumni from across industries added a special touch to the celebration.
This initiative is a testament to XLRI’s enduring focus on fostering meaningful corporate engagement, nurturing future-ready leadership and delivering management education rooted in excellence and integrity.
