1.Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a happily married and proud mum of twin boys. I love being surrounded by people i.e. my huge family and close friends, which explains my career choice. I am passionate about continuously evolving for the better through some of the good habits in my life such as my love of yoga, meditation, reading, walking and celebrating everything related to my culture and religion.
2. What work do you do?
I am an HR professional and am currently the Head of HR for TransUnion Global Capability Centre (GCC) Africa. As an HR professional, helping people realise their potential, career goals and aspirations as well as ensuring TransUnion delivers against its mission and vision of fostering an inclusive culture where people feel they can belong is what drives me every day. In HR, we are passionate about developing our people’s skills and look to continuously create opportunities for all.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the industry for 17 years and I started my career in HR after graduating at the University of Kwa Zulu Natal with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences. I worked at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) as an HR Temp and was employed by MSC in my first permanent role. I then moved to Turner & Townsend (T&T) where I gained more valuable HR experience. I joined TransUnion Africa in 2009, and it’s here that my career and exposure to the HR function and people practices really took flight. I have occupied various roles such as an HR Consultant, HR Business Partner, Manager of the HRBP team, and I am now the HR Lead for our Global Capability Centre in Africa.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate to work for some great organisations and have made the most of the opportunities hard work has enabled.. If I am not at work, I am working full time for the kids. In order to realise your dreams and aspirations, self-effort and hard work are the key ingredients to be successful. We are the makers of our own destiny at the end of the day. Having a self-starter mindset and setting goals for yourself is how working has always been part of my makeup coupled with motivation and a drive to succeed in life.
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
It takes believing in yourself, letting go of your fears and self-limiting thoughts, and believing that you have the power to achieve anything and everything. We are also what we think, so self-confidence, finding our voice, being credible and delivering on your promises are all important. Building a good reputation with your business partners, who in turn will back you up through the positive experiences you have created through your service delivery and trusted partnerships, is also key.
At the same time, balancing the demands of work and family can be tricky and ensuring you have the right support systems either through family or other support is necessary. Having a supportive spouse or partner that shares in responsibilities equally is what is required to bring the balance for more women to thrive.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
It was a challenge to climb up the ranks from being a team member to being the leader of the function. The changes in team dynamics are interesting in the beginning , however, staying true to who you are means your team sees that you are still the same person and this means that we all get to grow together. Another challenge was getting fair opportunities under the umbrella of SA’s legacy and innate biases that comes from this. Persevering through this experience can be demotivating but it only builds resilience and strengthens your character, and you are more conscious to wanting to break the cycle to ensure the next person does not have to endure the same experience.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
In addition to my thoughts in Question 5, I am fortunate to work with leaders at TransUnion who are so passionate about building future leaders. If this opportunity does not exist for you, reach out to people you hold in high esteem to learn from to help you stretch your thinking, embrace different and opposing viewpoints, as growth really happens when we are focused on what we want for ourselves and set out to achieve it.
8. Plans for the future?
My future plans are to continue to give hope to the unemployed through helping job seekers land their first career opportunity, and help people to overcome that challenge or problem to the best of my ability. I am very fortunate that at my current organisation, TransUnion GCC Africa, this is a challenge we’ve embraced. We are currently working very closely with government to train and upskill 60 learners every year. Upon completion of their training, we absorb them into permanent employment.
My own future plans are definitely to evolve my skills as the Human Resources function advances.
Short bio
Shivani Ramsaroop is HR Manager at TransUnion’s Global Capability Centre in Africa, where she is responsible for ensuring successful HR outcomes and driving a high performance culture. Ramsaroop’s career spans more than 17 years in the logistics and professional services sector, and has been with TransUnion since 2011. She holds a Diploma in Business Studies, a BCom (Hons) in Human Resources, and a Bachelor of Social Science degree.
