Sudheesh Venkatesh
Areas of Interest & Expertise
- Education
- Environment
- Human Resource Development (HRD)
- Vedic Recitation
Biography
Sudheesh has the mandate to effectively communicate the work at Azim Premji Foundation to multiply the overall effect of what it has set out to achieve through its three Operating Units — Field, Philanthropy, and University. He is also responsible for Publications.
He was previously the Chief People Officer at the Foundation (2010 – 20). He has worked earlier at Tesco as its Shared Services Lead for the People & Payroll programme in the UK and as Head-Human Resources, India.
Sudheesh started his career with Asian Paints and set up the training function. He has also worked on an assignment on ‘Organisation and Strategy’ with Booz Allen & Hamilton (now part of PwC).
He was the Regional President of the National HRD Network (NHRDN) 2019 – 21 and served on its National Board for three terms. He co-edited the NHRD journal on ‘Education, Employability, and Employment’. He is often invited to speak on education, people, and policy matters, and he regularly writes for the mainstream media.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) and a postgraduate degree in Management from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC), India.
His hobbies include fitness and Vedic recitation.
Articles
The arc of Industry 5.0 bends towards a social purpose
Sudheesh Venkatesh (2023)
Publications
Chapter in Edited Book
- Agrawal, N., Rao, M., Venkatesh, S. (2016). Labour Market and Recruitment: Education and Employability – Learning from the Indian IT/ITES Industry. In Pilz, M. (Ed.), India: Preparation for the World of Work (pp. 311 – 329). Springer VS, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978 – 3‑658 – 08502-5_15
Journal Articles
- Venkatesh, S. (2023). The arc of industry 5.0 bends towards a social purpose. NHRD Network Journal, 16(2), 190 – 195. https://doi.org/10.1177/26314541231160915
- Venkatesh, S. (2012). Organisation designs that help deliver a social purpose. NHRD Network Journal, 5(2), 86 – 93. https://doi.org/10.1177/097417392012021
- Venkatesh, S. (2010). HR practices in a rapid growth environment. NHRD Network Journal, 3(3), 33 – 39. https://doi.org/10.1177/0974173920100306
Newspaper Articles
- Venkatesh, S. (2025, June 29). ಕ್ರಿಕೆಟಿಗ ಟೆಂಬಾ ಬವುಮಾರಿಂದ ಎಂಜಿನಿಯರ್ ಮಾಧವಿ ಲತಾವರೆಗೆ; ಕೀರ್ತಿಯ ಹಂಬಲವಿಲ್ಲದ ಮಹಾನುಭಾವರು. HT ಕನ್ನಡ. https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/karnataka/special-story-great-people-without-a-desire-for-fame-crickter-temba-bavuma-geotechnical-engineer-madhavi-latha-rst-181751205695153.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2024, April 11). ಮುಕ್ತ ಮನಸ್ಸಿನಿಂದ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆ ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸುವುದೇ ನಾಯಕತ್ವದ ಗುಣ; ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಆಗಬೇಕು ಪೂರಕ ವಾತಾವರಣ. ವಿಜಯಕರ್ನಾಟಕ. https://vijaykarnataka.com/news/vk-special/sudheesh-venkatesh-says-leadership-is-about-accepting-feedback-with-open-mind/articleshow/109214546.cms
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, December 23). ಆಧುನಿಕ ಭಾರತದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳನ್ನು ಕಟ್ಟಿದ ಮಹನೀಯರು ಹೊಂದಿದ್ದ 8 ಮನೋಭಾವಗಳಿವು. ವಿಜಯಕರ್ನಾಟಕ. https://vijaykarnataka.com/news/vk-special/8‑attitudes-of-institution-founders-in-modern-india/articleshow/106357635.cms
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, December 17). Chance meetings that led to the Nobel. The Pioneer.
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, August 29). Constructive conversations for conflict resolution. The Pioneer. https://pynr.in/constructive-conversations-for-conflict-resolution/?amp=1
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, July 18). ಮಾತು ಬಂದವಗೆ ಜಗಳವಿಲ್ಲ: ‘ಸಂಘರ್ಷ’ ಬಗೆಹರಿಸಲು ಕೌಶಲ್ಯಪೂರ್ಣ ಸಂಭಾಷಣೆಯೇ ಪರಿಹಾರ. ವಿಜಯ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ. https://vijaykarnataka.com/news/vk-special/skilled-conversation-is-solution-to-resolution-of-conflict/articleshow/101863329.cms
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, July 13). ‘उद्योग 5.0’ की सामाजिक उद्देश्य की ओर मुड़ती राह. प्रभात खबर. https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/business/sudhish-venkatesh-said-that-industry-5-point-0-turning-towards-social-purpose-vwt
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, June 19). ವಿಶ್ಲೇಷಣೆ: ಗ್ರಂಥಾಲಯ ಮಹತ್ವ ಮತ್ತು ಪುನಶ್ಚೇತನ ಕ್ರಮ. ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ. https://www.prajavani.net/op-ed/articles/an-article-on-importance-of-library-and-revitalization-process-2339727?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=socialshare
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, June 12). ಜನರು ಮತ್ತು ಕೆಲಸದ ಮೇಲೆ ‘ಉದ್ಯಮ 5.0’ರ ಪರಿಣಾಮಗಳು. ವಿಜಯವಾಣಿ. https://www.vijayavani.net/impacts-of-industry‑5 – 0‑on-people-and-work
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, March 21). The lottery of birth: Same rights, yet some must work harder. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/the-lottery-of-birth-same-rights-yet-some-must-work-harder/
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, March 16). ಕೌಟುಂಬಿಕ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆ ಎಂಬ ಅನುಕೂಲತೆ: ಸಮಾನ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳಿದ್ದರೂ ಕೆಲವರು ಮುಂಚೂಣಿಗೆ ಬರಲು ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಶ್ರಮ ಪಡುವುದೇಕೆ?
ವಿಜಯ ಕರ್ನತಕ - Venkatesh, S. (2023, January 24). ಬಹುಮುಖ ಪ್ರತಿಭೆಯ ವೃತ್ತಿರಂಗದ ಸಕಲ ಕಲಾವಲ್ಲಭರು; ಈ ಜಗತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲಿದೆ ಬಹುಶ್ರುತರ ಅಗತ್ಯ. ವಿಜಯವಾಣಿ. https://www.vijayavani.net/this-universe-needs-polyhistor-multi-faceted-talents/
- Venkatesh, S. (2022, October 25). Eight forms of leadership tyranny people encounter. Financial Express. https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/eight-forms-of-leadership-tyranny-people-encounter/2737056/
- Venkatesh, S. (2022, October 14). ವಿಶ್ಲೇಷಣೆ: ನಿವೃತ್ತಿ ಘೋಷಣೆ: ಯಾವುದು ಸಕಾಲ? ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ. https://www.prajavani.net/op-ed/analysis/retirement-announcement-whats-the-right-time-980007.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2022, September 28). Prudent investing and career planning – the parallels. Financial Express. https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/prudent-investing-and-career-planning-the-parallels/2693828/
- Venkatesh, S. (2022, June 12). ‘Giving’ need not follow a playbook. Deccan Herald.
https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/panorama/giving-need-not-follow-a-playbook-1117581.html - Venkatesh, S. (2022, May 30). Exemplars of a positive work ethic. The Pioneer. https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/columnists/exemplars-of-a-positive-work-ethic.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2022, May 04). Mechanics of Learning in journey of life. The Pioneer. https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/columnists/mechanics-of-learning-in-journey-of-life.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2022, March 05). Going from mind-full to mindful. Deccan Herald. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/in-perspective/going-from-mind-full-to-mindful-1087999.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2018, November 26). Let’s bring women back into workforce. Deccan Herald. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/edit-page/let-s-bring-women-back-705101.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2018, June 11). Public education key to equitable society. Deccan Herald. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/panorama/public-education-key-equitable-society-674476.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2018, April 02). A job can solve complex societal issues. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/a‑job-can-solve-complex-societal-issues/story-kn2EPlGiUUYqJ0wyV8hdcK.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2018, April 02). The Social sector is willing to bet on young talent. Hindustan Times. https://www.pressreader.com/india/hindustan-times-amritsar/20180402/282067687494003
- Venkatesh, S.(2017, November 03). Diversity in social sector: Working towards elusive ideal. Deccan Herald. https://www.deccanherald.com/content/640897/diversity-social-sector-working-towards.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2017, July 26). Engineers in the social sector. Deccan Herald. https://www.deccanherald.com/content/624860/engineers-social-sector.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2009, November 08). Emerging stronger at the end of recession. Financial Express. https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/emerging-stronger-at-the-end-of-recession/538219/
- Venkatesh, S. (2008, December 08). Mapping human capital. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/liveitup/mapping-human-capital/articleshow/3806572.cms
- Venkatesh, S. (2008, August 04). Got fair salary hikes? The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/liveitup/got-fair-salary-hikes/articleshow/3322322.cms
- Venkatesh, S. (2008, June 16). Simple success, Warne’s way. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/liveitup/simple-success-warnes-way/articleshow/3132528.cms
- Venkatesh, S. (2008, April 11). Corporate Guideline: Values that drive a company. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/liveitup/corporate-guideline-values-that-drive-a-company/articleshow/2943050.cms
Magazine Articles
- Venkatesh, S. (2022, May 30). Teachers should enable students to relentlessly pursue truth using Mathematics as an ally. At Right Angles. https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/news/2022/math-and-truth
- Venkatesh, S. (2014, November 08). Sharan, the real hero. Businessworld. https://www.businessworld.in/article/Sharan-The-Real-Hero/08 – 11-2014 – 60917/
Online Articles
- Venkatesh, S. (2024, July 08). From meditations to boardrooms: How Marcus Aurelius guides modern rulers. People Matters. https://www.peoplematters.in/article/leadership/from-meditations-to-boardrooms-how-marcus-aurelius-guides-modern-leaders-41968
- Venkatesh, S. (2024, April 13). Leaders must be open to receiving feedback. People Matters. https://www.peoplematters.in/article/leadership-development/leaders-must-be-open-to-receiving-feedback-40905
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, December 22). Institution builders in modern India: 8 Behaviors. People Matters. https://www.peoplematters.in/a…
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, November 17). Magic happens when leaders wear their vulnerability on their sleeve. YourStory. https://yourstory.com/2023/11/magic-happens-when-leaders-wear-vulnerability-on-their-sleeve
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, October 26). Leadership: ಕೆಲಸಗಾರರ ತಪ್ಪಿಗೆ ತಲೆದಂಡವಾಗುವುದು ತಪ್ಪಲ್ಲ; ಆದರೆ ತಪ್ಪಿಗೆ ತಲೆ ಕೊಡುವ ಮುನ್ನ ಮುಖ್ಯಸ್ಥರಾದವರು ಗಮನಿಸಬೇಕಾದ ಅಂಶಗಳಿವು. Kannada Hindustan Times. https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/opinion-its-not-wrong-if-you-boss-takes-responsivity-of-workers-mistake-but-should-keep-in-mind-this-things-rst-181698301933012.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, October 25). ನೊಬೆಲ್ಪಡೆಯಲು ಕಾರಣವಾದ ಅನಿರೀಕ್ಷಿತ ಭೇಟಿಗಳು..! Zee Kannada. https://zeenews.india.com/kannada/technology/unexpected-visits-that-led-to-nobel-awards-166562
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, September 25). When leaders stand up for their teams. People Matters. https://www.peoplematters.in/article/leadership/when-leaders-stand-up-for-their-teams-39060
- Venkatesh, S. (2023, September 07). Leadership Quality: ನಾಯಕನಾದವನು ತನ್ನ ದೌರ್ಬಲ್ಯವನ್ನು ಒಪ್ಪಿಕೊಂಡಾಗ ಚಮತ್ಕಾರವನ್ನೇ ಮಾಡಬಲ್ಲ; ಆದರೆ ಒಪ್ಪಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಮನಸ್ಸಿರಬೇಕಷ್ಟೆ. Hindustan Times Kannada. https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/leadership-quality-a-leader-can-do-magic-when-he-admits-his-weakness-but-you-just-have-to-be-willing-to-accept-it-rst-181694003685185.html
- Venkatesh, S. (2022, August 4). The promise and curse of early success. YourStory. https://yourstory.com/2022/08/the-promise-and-curse-of-early-success
- Venkatesh, S. (2021, April 02). “HR to work with the organisation’s collective intelligence,” Sudheesh Venkatesh. HR Katha.
https://www.hrkatha.com/special/hr-forecast-2021/hr-to-work-with-the-organisations-collective-intelligence-sudheesh-venkatesh/ - Venkatesh, S. (2021, January 27). Top 7 HR trends in 2021. HR.com. https://www.hr.com/en/magazines/hcm_excellence_apac_middle_east/january_2021_hcm_apac_middle_east/top-7-hr-trends-in-2021_kkf0heau.html?s=cM8HXm1FmKMUwdhk
- Venkatesh, S. (2019, February 27). ‘Managing employee performance’: Why it’s time for companies to rethink. The News Minute. https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/managing-employee-performance-why-it-s-time-companies-rethink-97473
- Venkatesh, S.(2019, January 22).“#MeToo can end up as #NotHer & organisations can be wary of hiring women.” Sudheesh Venkatesh. HR Katha. https://www.hrkatha.com/special/hrkatha-2019-forecast/metoo-can-end-up-as-nother-organisations-to-become-weary-of-hiring-women-sudheesh-venkatesh/
Blog posts
Venkatesh, S. (2023, June 17). Green shoots of renaissance in public libraries
Voices, The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/green-shoots-of-renaissance-in-public-libraries/
Venkatesh, S. (2023, February 9). On being a Jack or Jane of all trades. Voices, The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/on-being-a-jack-or-jane-of-all-trades/
Venkatesh, S. (2022, August 19). Is there a perfect time to hang up one’s boots? Voices, The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/is-there-a-perfect-time-to-hang-up-ones-boots/
Videos
Venkatesh, S. (Speaker). (2023, November 15). Mr. Sudheesh Venkatesh: Distinguished Alumnus Award 2023 and 63rd IIMC Foundation Day Lecture [Video]. IIM Calcutta. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZr9uDMDzgA
Venkatesh, S. (Speaker). (2021, February 27). Education, employability & employment: Understanding the intersection [Video]. IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ8vXK12fEo
Venkatesh, S. (Speaker). (2021, February 3). Conversations of Change: Sudheesh Venkatesh, Azim Premji Foundation [Video]. Arthan Careers. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCTz5PHEBp4
Venkatesh, S. (Speaker). (2020, December 22). NICE Aarohana: AMA 11: Building & Managing Teams by Sudheesh Venkatesh [Video]. Network of Indian Cultural Enterprises (NICEorg). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzyAhYDqCpQ
Venkatesh, S. (Speaker). (2018, June 29). In Conversation with Sudheesh Venkatesh, CPO, Azim Premji Foundation | Learngage Knowledge Series [Video]. Learngage. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GikJP7nAD4Q
Interview
- Venkatesh, S. (personal communication, October 14, 2019). ‘Millennials will constantly challenge an organization’s belief system’. India Employer Forum. https://indiaemployerforum.org/2019/10/14/millennials-will-constantly-challenge-an-organizations-belief-system/
