In a world where digital times are pushing the boundaries of reality with virtual, augmented, and immersive technologies, when artificial intelligence, automation, machine learning, and robotics are blurring the edges of the real and cyber-world, for Shailesh Banaeet, recognized as ‘The Most Promising CHRO Leader in India,’ keeping people at the heart of his organization Cybernetik Technologies, has been more important than ever.
Since its inception in 1989, Cybernetik Technologies remained at the forefront of innovation, offering cutting-edge automation and manufacturing solutions tailored to diverse industrial sectors. Established with a vision to revolutionize engineering practices, Cybernetik blends deep technical expertise with a commitment to quality, delivering customized, state-of-the-art systems that enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
What’s more, Shailesh, the Global Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO), says that Cybernetik has always valued people as the most valuable investment. “This goes with the kind of technical growth opportunities we provide to solve the complex automation problems around the world. As HRs, we have to work on innovative hiring strategies, engaging talent and nurturing it.”
Cybernetik Technologies: Pioneering Engineering Excellence with a Human Touch
With a global presence, the company, headquartered in Pune, India, specializes in designing and manufacturing automated process systems for industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to chemicals and automotive.
Shailesh furthers that they have always worked on complex projects for their customers to achieve automation and robotics to achieve increased precision, profitability and productivity. “I can proudly say that we have solved extremely complex engineering problems with creative solutions,” he shares.
With a relentless focus on innovation and sustainability, Cybernetik Technologies continues to empower businesses worldwide, driving progress and shaping the future of industrial automation. As a Global HRM, Shailesh and his team’s major job is to manage employee experience, growth, and engagement while balancing them with the business vision, profitability, and productivity.
Redefining Innovation and Growth
Cybernetik Technologies distinguishes itself as a transformational leader in industrial automation, driven by a unique blend of innovation and engineering excellence. The company’s hallmark lies in its ability to tackle the most complex automation challenges with groundbreaking solutions tailored to meet diverse customer needs. Cybernetik fosters a dynamic growth-oriented environment, contributing to industry-leading employee retention rates and cultivating a team that thrives on long-term expertise and collaboration. By aligning HR strategies with core business objectives, the company positions its workforce as a pivotal factor in enhancing productivity and profitability, reinforcing its status as a trailblazer in its sector. Cybernetik’s unwavering focus on innovation, sustainable growth, and strategic HR integration ensures its continued leadership in shaping the future of industrial automation.
A Leader Putting Talented Minds at Cybernetik’s Heart
Leadership at Cybernetik Technologies thrives on the foundational inspiration and technical brilliance of its Founder, Mahesh Wagle Sir, coupled with the strategic guidance of a visionary leader like Srivatsa. Shailesh, with his dynamic approach, acknowledges, “It is not just me; the leadership here continuously inspires and empowers. Aligning HR with business objectives to improve productivity and profitability is a shared mission supported by our exceptional leaders.” This collaborative ethos underscores Cybernetik’s focus on nurturing talented minds to achieve organizational excellence.
At the heart of Cybernetik’s success lies its ability to blend operational efficiency with exceptional customer satisfaction. Shailesh emphasizes that efficient processes and flawless design are key to delivering perfect solutions to customers. “Innovation often leads to disruption, but as an HR leader, I must make decisions in the organization’s best interest. Even if not everyone agrees initially, strong leadership ensures those choices are supported and executed effectively,” he shares. This commitment to innovation drives Cybernetik’s capacity to meet complex demands while fostering a harmonious and productive workforce.
Embracing digital transformation, Cybernetik seamlessly integrates technology into its HR ecosystem to enhance both efficiency and employee satisfaction. Shailesh explains, “We’ve streamlined HR processes through digitalization and automation, minimizing paperwork and leveraging advanced HR systems to improve the employee experience.” Data-driven insights further enable the company to make informed decisions, ensuring a future-ready workplace that aligns with both employee needs and business goals. Cybernetik’s forward-thinking approach positions it as a leader in creating a workplace where innovation thrives, ensuring that its talented workforce remains at the heart of every success story.
A Resolute Workforce Can Conquer Crisis
At Cybernetik Technologies, the workforce is regarded as the cornerstone of its success, and the company’s commitment to fostering growth, skill development, and empowerment is unwavering. “We take pride in offering unique technical challenges and innovative turnkey automation solutions, which not only set us apart but also make Cybernetik a great place to work,” Shailesh shares. The company invests in its employees by providing hands-on training and mentorship programs, enabling them to grow in their careers while contributing to exceptional customer experiences. This culture of creative thinking and problem-solving empowers employees to thrive, ensuring both personal and organizational growth.
An instance of this resilient culture was evident during a particularly challenging project where the client sought a highly complex automation solution. Previous attempts by other companies had failed, but the Cybernetik team embraced the challenge with a collaborative spirit and an engineering mindset. “Our HR team played a pivotal role, creating a stress-free work environment and ensuring the necessary support so employees could focus on delivering their best,” Shailesh recounts. This harmonious blend of technical expertise, innovation, and a supportive atmosphere enabled Cybernetik to surpass expectations and provide a groundbreaking solution.
The COVID-19 pandemic further tested the company’s resilience and adaptability. “The pandemic emphasized the need for robust contingency planning, especially in a hands-on industry like automation and robotics,” Shailesh explains. Cybernetik responded by implementing stringent health and safety protocols, streamlining shop-floor operations, and developing strategies to maintain production amidst disruptions. A strong vendor network for critical components and regular scenario planning ensured continuity, while upskilling employees for multifaceted roles bolstered their preparedness for future challenges.
In an era marked by uncertainty and global upheaval, Cybernetik continues to prioritize its people and processes. By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability, the company demonstrates that a resolute workforce can not only conquer crises but also turn them into opportunities for growth and excellence. “At Cybernetik, we don’t just face challenges; we transform them into stepping stones for success,” Shailesh concludes.
Making of a Global HR Leader: A Journey Rooted in Global Excellence
Reflecting on his beginning, Shailesh says, “Joining HR had come as a design of the destiny, but later I made a choice to make a mark with the Engineering Mindset to establish HR as a business function wherever I am working.”
Today, with over 17 years of extensive experience, Shailesh has emerged as a transformational HR leader, forging partnerships with businesses across India, Europe, the UK, the USA, the Middle East, and APAC. His journey reflects a deep commitment to aligning human resources with organizational strategy, backed by executive education from IIM Ahmedabad that has sharpened his leadership and strategic acumen. This foundation has enabled Shailesh to navigate complex HR landscapes, delivering impactful solutions that drive both organizational growth and employee satisfaction.
Strategic HR Planning with a Vision for the Future: Shailesh’s ability to craft HR strategies that align seamlessly with business objectives stands as a testament to his strategic foresight. Whether it’s workforce planning or comprehensive talent management initiatives, his approach ensures that organizations are equipped with the right resources to meet their goals while fostering an environment of growth and innovation.
Fostering Global Talent Excellence: In an interconnected world, talent acquisition and development require a global perspective. Shailesh has consistently delivered scalable programs that transcend cultural boundaries, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and succession planning. His expertise ensures that organizations not only attract top talent but also nurture it to create future-ready leaders.
Driving Organizational Development & Change Management: Shailesh’s leadership in organizational development and change management has been pivotal in steering businesses through transitions. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, he has empowered organizations to adapt to evolving market dynamics, ensuring resilience and sustainability. His approach balances strategic vision with practical implementation, enabling organizations to thrive amid uncertainty.
Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): An advocate for DEI, Shailesh has been instrumental in creating inclusive workplaces that value and leverage diverse talents. By embedding DEI into organizational culture, he has driven innovation and collaboration, ensuring all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best.
Innovating Compensation & Benefits Frameworks: Shailesh has designed equitable compensation frameworks that attract top global talent while adhering to diverse local regulations. His strategic approach ensures that organizations remain competitive in the talent market while maintaining financial prudence and fairness.
Cultivating a Thriving Culture of Engagement: Recognizing the importance of employee engagement, Shailesh has cultivated workplace cultures that prioritize well-being, productivity, and collaboration. His efforts to build positive organizational environments have consistently resulted in higher employee satisfaction and performance.
Ensuring Compliance & Labour Relations Harmony: Navigating the complexities of global labour laws, Shailesh has successfully managed labour relations, ensuring compliance while fostering positive employer-employee relationships. His expertise in this area safeguards organizations from potential risks while promoting harmonious workplace dynamics.
Pioneering HR Technology & Digital Transformation: In today’s digital age, Shailesh has been at the forefront of HR technology adoption, leveraging HRIS, data analytics, and digital platforms to optimize operations. His initiatives have enhanced HR efficiency and provided data-driven insights for strategic decision-making.
Developing Future Leaders through Executive Coaching: Shailesh’s coaching of senior leaders and high-potential employees has been instrumental in shaping future leadership within organizations. By focusing on personalized development plans, he has nurtured talent poised to lead in an ever-changing business landscape.
Crisis Management with Empathy and Precision: From safeguarding employee well-being during crises to ensuring business continuity, Shailesh’s crisis management expertise has been a cornerstone of his leadership. His ability to remain calm under pressure and implement effective solutions has earned him trust and respect across organizations.
Managing Global Mobility with Precision: Shailesh’s proficiency in global mobility and expatriate management has enabled seamless cross-border assignments, fostering knowledge exchange and cultural integration within organizations. His strategic handling of expatriate programs ensures operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.
Integrating Sustainability into HR Practices: By embedding sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) into HR strategies, Shailesh has demonstrated a commitment to ethical practices and social impact. His leadership in this area ensures that organizations align their business goals with broader societal responsibilities.
A Legacy of Leadership: Shailesh’s journey as a global HR leader is defined by his ability to integrate strategic vision with operational excellence. His holistic approach to human resources, spanning diverse geographies and industries, sets a benchmark for HR leadership in a rapidly evolving world. Through his dedication to innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, Shailesh continues to inspire and shape the future of human resources on a global scale.
A Humane Advice
Building a successful business in today’s dynamic landscape requires more than just financial acumen—it demands a deep understanding of the human factor. Shailesh, Global CHRO of Cybernetik Technologies, emphasizes the critical role of people and culture in driving entrepreneurial success. “Entrepreneurship is not just about creating a product or service; it’s about nurturing talent and aligning HR functions with business goals,” he advises. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this perspective underscores the importance of assembling a diverse and skilled team that shares a common vision, fostering adaptability and continuous learning as foundational elements of a thriving organization.
Shailesh highlights employee well-being and engagement as central to business success. “Innovation and productivity are direct outcomes of how valued and supported your workforce feels,” he notes. By creating a culture that prioritizes these elements, businesses can unleash the full potential of their teams. He encourages entrepreneurs to view HR strategies as integral to their broader business framework, enabling agility and resilience in a rapidly changing market. This integrated approach helps startups navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Shailesh also stresses the dual responsibility of CHROs and CEOs in driving this alignment. “To create value not only for customers but also for society and the economy, HR must be intricately connected to the business,” he explains. Entrepreneurs, he advises, should focus on delivering solutions that address customer needs while contributing positively to the larger community. This dual focus on innovation and impact fosters a business ethos that resonates with stakeholders and drives meaningful progress.
For budding entrepreneurs venturing into the startup space, Shailesh’s advice offers a clear roadmap:
- Invest in people.
- Integrate HR with business goals.
- Aim to create value beyond profitability.
As he puts it, “When HR and business work in harmony, the potential for growth and impact becomes limitless.”
Driving Meaningful Future Impact
As the workplace landscape evolves rapidly, Shailesh, Global CHRO of Cybernetik Technologies, envisions a future where HR plays a pivotal role in both business innovation and workforce empowerment. Speaking about his vision for 2025, he shares, “We aim to position Cybernetik as a leader in automation, with HR as a strategic enabler of growth and innovation.” This ambition reflects a commitment to aligning HR strategies with business objectives, ensuring a seamless integration that drives productivity and future readiness.
Central to this vision is fostering a skilled, empowered, and diverse workforce capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow. Shailesh emphasizes, “By cultivating a workforce that thrives on continuous learning and diverse perspectives, we can address complex challenges while fostering creativity and collaboration.” This approach positions Cybernetik as a frontrunner in automation and as an example of how people-centric strategies can fuel industrial transformation.
Technology is another cornerstone of this vision. Shailesh explains, “Integrating advanced HR technologies allows us to streamline processes, enhance employee experiences, and make data-driven decisions that add value to the organization.” By adopting digital tools and promoting sustainable practices, Cybernetik aims to build an agile, resilient workforce that is both future-ready and deeply engaged.
Moreover, the focus on sustainability and human-centric approaches demonstrates Shailesh’s belief in creating an inclusive and balanced HR ecosystem. “Operational excellence must be complemented by a culture that values and prioritizes people,” he notes. Cybernetik’s dedication to employee engagement and well-being underscores this philosophy, paving the way for a harmonious blend of business objectives and human needs.
Looking ahead, Shailesh aspires to not only shape Cybernetik’s growth but also to redefine India’s HR landscape. “Our focus is on driving a transformational HR model that balances innovation, operational excellence, and a people-first mindset,” he asserts. By doing so, Shailesh Banaeet and his team at Cybernetik are poised to make a meaningful impact by setting new benchmarks in HR and automation.
You can connect with Shailesh by emailing him at [email protected]. You can also visit www.cybernetik.com for further information.
Source:https://www.insightssuccess.in/a-global-chro-shailesh-banaeet-keeping-cybernetik-technologies-heart-beating-with-people-centric-innovations/