Recently, Pooja Umesh – AirFi’s Global Lead for Human Resources and Head of Operations (India) – was named one of Bangalore’s Top 100 HR Leaders. It’s a recognition that feels entirely earned for someone who has shaped so much of AirFi’s culture, cohesion, and people-first ethos over the past eight years.
Pooja didn’t join AirFi with a predetermined path into senior leadership. Her trajectory took shape gradually: through curiosity, consistency, and a growing sense of confidence – supported by leaders who recognised her potential early and invested deeply in her development. What followed was a steady expansion of responsibility, from HR operations to finance, to strategy, to becoming one of the key anchors of our global team. This award marks what those who’ve worked with her have long understood. We asked Pooja to share the moments and principles that shaped her journey, and what this recognition means to her.
First of all, congratulations, Pooja! What does winning this award mean to you?
The feeling is deeply personal and incredibly rewarding. After such a long journey with AirFi, growing across the hierarchy here, this award feels like recognition of that entire chapter. It validates the hard work, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the people-first vision we’ve built together. Being acknowledged as a Top HR Leader in Bangalore – the city that shaped my career – fills me with immense pride, not just for myself but for the company that invested in my growth every step of the way.
Tell us a bit about your background. What shaped your path into HR?
I’m a proud Bangalorean with about 12 years of experience in HR. I once imagined becoming a gynaecologist, a singer, or even a psychologist. I also had dreams of being a mother and running my own paper-crafting business. After early roles at MuSigma and Google, AirFi changed everything. What started as a job became a space where I learned, grew, and gradually transformed into the confident career woman I am today. My personal core has always centred around psychology, self-reflection, and building deep relationships. HR turned out to be the perfect place to bring all of that together.
Can you recall a defining moment in your leadership journey?
One moment stands out vividly. It was during an off-site in Goa. I had just finished hosting an event and was relaxing on the beach when the CEO, Ex-COO, and Managing Director of India pulled me aside. For over an hour, they coached me entirely as an individual – not about KPIs or performance reviews, but about stepping into true strategic leadership. Their willingness to dedicate that time, in that setting, was humbling. It gave me the confidence and clarity that became the foundation of my leadership voice.
What do you love most about HR?
HR is where empathy meets strategy. I get to apply psychological insight, build real connections, and work on high-impact business challenges – all in the same role. I love that HR allows me to contribute to an organisation’s culture in ways that leave a lasting impact. And at AirFi, I’ve seen firsthand how the right environment can help people realise their full potential.
What does it take to be truly good at HR?
Beyond empathy, you need a strategic mindset that constantly looks ahead. You have to balance being a trusted advocate for people with being a business leader who uses data, creativity, and financial understanding to drive decisions. It takes courage too – the courage to challenge outdated practices and ensure that HR decisions create long-term value for both the organisation and the people who make it.
What’s unique about doing HR in a global company like AirFi?
The fundamentals of HR are universal, but everything else is contextual. Industry influences the kind of talent you attract. Company size determines whether you’re building systems from scratch or scaling existing ones. Internationally, it becomes even more complex: different labour laws, cultural expectations, communication styles, and approaches to hierarchy. The challenge – and the reward – lies in maintaining a consistent global culture while respecting local norms across countries.
Why AirFi? What keeps you here after eight years?
I didn’t just choose AirFi in 2016 – AirFi chose me. The company recognised my potential early, invested time in developing me, and trusted me with responsibilities that shaped my professional identity. AirFi gave me the chance to co-create the culture I now help lead. It’s a workplace that allowed me to grow at my own pace, fail safely, learn continuously, and eventually lead with my whole self.
What are the biggest challenges in your current role?
Internally, our high retention rate is a gift – but it requires constant innovation. We need fresh pathways for long-tenured employees to grow without stagnation. Externally, we operate across India, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. Ensuring seamless collaboration across time zones and cultural contexts is a challenge, but also one of the most rewarding parts of the role.
What do you enjoy most about the work you do now?
What I enjoy most is the narrative my role represents. I started at the entry level and grew to lead an entire function at the highest level within AirFi. My journey shows that with the right mindset and the right organisation, an internal opportunity can become a real career accelerator. I hope my story serves as an example for others at AirFi who want to grow their careers here.
We’re proud to celebrate Pooja, not only for her recognition as one of Bangalore’s Top 100 HR Leaders, but for the leadership, integrity, and humanity she brings to AirFi. She’s the perfect example that strong cultures are built by the people who show up consistently, challenge themselves, and help others rise with them.