Name: Preeti Sirohi

Title: Head- Employee Relations, Human Resources

Organisation: GSK

Preeti Sirohi is a globally experienced HR leader with over 15 years of experience, currently serving as Head of Employee Relations at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd in India. Her leadership enables the organization to navigate complex workforce challenges while fostering a culture of innovation, growth, and resilience.

Her expertise spans large-scale complex organizational change initiatives, embedding International Labor Organization (ILO) standards, and integrating United Nations Guiding Principles to create globally compliant, socially responsible business environments. Notably, Preeti led the establishment of greenfield operations in India, designing end-to-end HR frameworks that ensured inclusion, agility, and long-term scalability.

Prior to GSK, Preeti held pivotal roles at Ansell Ltd., including serving as Country HR Head for the India Subcontinent, where she supported both commercial businesses and global operations. She was also part of the APAC HR Leadership Team and worked in Malaysia as Talent & Learning Lead for APAC, driving strategic leadership development and talent transformation across diverse markets. Her ability to balance global strategy with local execution significantly enhanced organizational effectiveness across geographies.

Passionate about talent, culture, and belonging, Preeti has shaped high-performing, equitable workplaces, and her leadership fosters environments where talent thrives, enabling organizations to unlock their full potential in a rapidly evolving global landscape. She is a certified Corporate Athlete Coach from the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute (Orlando, United States) and takes a keen interest in navigating evolving business dynamics while aligning with global employment trends to drive lasting impact.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Preeti's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader, I believe one of the most critical aspects of effective leadership is the ability to balance Intelligence Quotient (IQ) with Emotional Quotient (EQ). Leadership often requires making tough decisions that prioritize the long-term success of the organization while keeping people at the core. In these critical moments, ensuring that the pendulum between logic and empathy swings at just the right balance becomes crucial.

There’s often a perception that leaders hold a magic wand capable of delivering favorable solutions for everyone. However, the reality is far more complex. The true challenge lies in navigating complex issues with clarity and making thoughtful decisions that balance organizational priorities with the emotions of those impacted. For me, leadership is defined by this delicate act—staying firm yet very compassionate.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

In my view, leadership is a lifelong journey—a continuous process of growth, resilience, and creating meaningful impact. Every challenge we face and overcome strengthens our character and enhances our ability to inspire and influence those around us. For me, this journey began early, shaped by both personal and professional experiences. Growing up in a disciplined army household, leadership values were instilled in me from a young age.

Conversations in my family often revolved around what we called the "3 Ds”: Demeanor, Dignity, and Discipline. One of the most memorable traditions of my childhood was my mother encouraging my siblings and me to read about iconic leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa during our summer vacations. She would then ask us to share what we had learned, sparking meaningful discussions about leadership and resilience.

During these formative years, I received profound empowerment from my parents, most notably, the freedom to pursue my interests with a strong sense of dignity in everything I did. This upbringing instilled in me a deep sense of accountability, curiosity, and a passion for championing meaningful causes and seeing them through to fruition.

On the professional front, I have been fortunate to take on some of the most unconventional roles in my career, such as leading employee relations in highly unionized environments, managing HR for heavy manufacturing plants, and setting up greenfield operations from scratch. Each of these roles carried immense responsibility and the potential for significant impact. They provided me with opportunities to grow, lead, and make decisions that mattered. These experiences sharpened my understanding of human dynamics and honed my ability to make tough decisions with conviction. Early in my career,

I distinctly recall joining a manufacturing plant in India as one of the few women in management at the time. Leading a culture transformation and making tough decisions in that environment was a defining moment for me. While some initially questioned my ability to succeed, I not only thrived but also found this experience instrumental in shaping my professional growth and resilience.

What further solidified my leadership journey was the trust and confidence my leaders and mentors placed in me. Their belief in my abilities opened doors to opportunities that allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures and approach challenges from a global perspective. Ultimately, my leadership is shaped by the discipline and values instilled during my upbringing, transformative professional experiences, and the trust of those around me.

To me, leadership is not about titles or positions, it’s about continuously evolving and making a lasting impact. I firmly believe that every individual has the potential to lead if they possesses the courage and influence to do the right thing for a greater cause. Leadership is not a destination; it’s a path. Every experience along the way is an opportunity to grow, inspire, and contribute to something meaningful.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My workday mornings begin with a comforting cup of traditional tea, a staple in my routine. I check in with my family to make sure everyone is up and ready for the day. Then, I spend a few minutes catching up on messages and news, setting the tone for what’s ahead. To stay active, I prioritize a light workout three times a week before preparing for the workday. Once I arrive at the office, I dedicate the first 30 minutes to planning my day, aligning my tasks with my priorities.

This moment of organization helps me focus before diving into the day’s responsibilities—unless there’s an urgent meeting or pressing discussion to address. As a leader, one valuable lesson I’ve embraced is the importance of taking breaks. I’ve learned it’s okay to step back, recharge, and not be overly hard on myself. Allowing time to pause and rejuvenate is essential.

Evenings are my time to reflect and unwind. I find joy in tending to my plants on the balcony, sipping tea as I take stock of the day. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a habit of journaling in a book called “One Line a Day”, where I capture a significant moment of the day—whether it’s an achievement, a lesson learned, or a meaningful realization. Writing that one line is how I close my day, helping me reflect before preparing for another productive tomorrow.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Authenticity, compassion, and trust are powerful forces that can shape not only your own journey but also those around you. Uplift others and create a sense of purpose for everyone in your circle. True leadership comes from humility—there’s no need to announce who you are or where you come from. Let your actions speak louder than your words. One piece of wisdom I carry with me, passed down from my father, is this: “Act like you don’t have bread to eat, though you have a bakery behind you.” It reminds me to stay humble, to make others feel valued, and to always appreciate who they are and the work they do.

Leadership isn’t about entitlements; it’s about making your presence meaningful and your absence felt. When you leave a place, let people remember you for your demeanor, your respect, and your positive influence. As a leader, you shoulder immense responsibility—not just to fulfill professional goals but to serve the organization, the purpose you are driving, and the people you are leading. Take every opportunity to lead like there’s no tomorrow. Build a lasting legacy that empowers others and makes them shine as they sail forward with you.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The Leadership Challenge” by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner is the book that has profoundly impacted and shaped my leadership journey. It provides a strong foundation for approaching leadership, emphasizing the importance of leading by example, building deep connections, and acting as a beacon of trust and encouragement.

The actionable insights I gained from this book have been invaluable in refining my leadership approach, guiding me to focus not only on achieving results but also on creating a lasting, positive impact on those around me.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Stay true to your purpose and understand why you do what you do. Never shy away from getting your hands dirty. Embrace challenges that push you to your limits. Travel solo—it broadens your perspective and accelerates personal growth. Dive in, embrace the discomfort, and learn from every experience.

Hold great managers and mentors close to you and never let them go. Their wisdom and guidance will shape you in ways you can’t yet imagine. The relationships you build with those who have walked the path before you will take you very far in life. Never underestimate the value of learning from others; be a sponge for knowledge and always stay open to their insights.

Leadership isn’t defined by your title or rank—it’s defined by your ability to make a meaningful impact. Stay curious, ask the tough questions, and if you don’t get the answer, find it yourself. Most importantly, believe in your potential. We are shaped by what we believe, and we all have a purpose. Our words and actions carry weight—they matter more than we often realize. Never take shortcuts. When you lead with confidence, gravitas, and the conviction that you can navigate any storm with the right intentions and a humble heart for others, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Now, go ahead and write your story; your legacy begins now.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

The Story of Getting Lost in New York: A Lesson in Uncertainty and Crisis Management It was January 7th, 2017, and I was embarking on a business trip to the US, which was a thrilling opportunity to attend an HR leadership meeting in New Jersey, followed by a Corporate Athlete Coach certification program in Orlando, Florida. After flying from Mumbai with a layover in Doha and enduring a long flight, I finally arrived at John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York, ready to start what I anticipated would be an exciting and super transformative journey.

However, my plans took an unexpected turn. That evening, New York experienced a heavy snowstorm, and my connecting flight to Orlando was canceled. I was told that there would be no flights to Orlando for the next two days. Stuck in a city I didn’t know well, I felt completely stranded. I had no backup plan, no hotel booked, and to be honest, I didn’t want to burden my family with my worries, so I kept my anxiety to myself.

Desperate, I approached a currency exchange kiosk where I spoke to one of the Indian staff members. He recommended a nearby hotel, so I decided to trust his advice and headed there. But when I arrived, I found that every hotel near the airport was fully booked. The thought of spending the night at the airport crossed my mind, but I pushed it aside. Then, by sheer luck, I found a room at a hotel called "Aloft" in the Queens area of New York.

I grabbed a yellow taxi (typical colored cars we see in the US), unsure of what I was getting into. As we drove through the city, the snowstorm still raging, I felt very uneasy. The unfamiliar streets, the hard cold air, and the endless unknown made me question my decision. I kept telling myself to stay calm, but it wasn’t easy.

Eventually, the taxi driver pointed out the “Aloft” sign in the distance, and I finally felt like I was at least close to a safe place. I checked in and felt relieved. I wasn’t sure how the next two days would unfold, but at least I had a place to rest.

The next morning, I woke up, had a quiet breakfast, and decided to make the most of the situation. I ventured out, exploring Queens and Times Square, embracing the unexpected change in my itinerary. As I wandered through the streets, it hit me how this detour had transformed into an unexpected adventure. I had never planned to spend time in New York all alone, but here I was, experiencing the city first-hand, making the most of every moment in Manhattan! I called my family and reassured them that I was okay.

My father, always the voice of reason, asked me how I was doing. I casually told him, “Everything’s fine, just a little adventure on the side.” Two days later, I finally made it to Orlando to get into the Corporate Athlete Coach program. It was a life-changing experience that gave me valuable insights into leadership and resilience. Afterward, I traveled to our office in New Jersey and met my boss. When he asked how my long journey had been, I smiled and said, “I have a story to share—about how I got lost in the US” along with my program accomplishment.

Looking back, that trip became more than just a travel story—it became a lesson in resilience and adaptability. In moments of uncertainty, the most important thing is to keep moving forward. Don’t panic; adapt to the circumstances and trust that you’ll figure things out as you go. In the end, I gained more than just a certification; I walked away with a stronger sense of confidence in myself and resilience—qualities that have stayed with me and continue to guide me in both my personal and professional life.