Faisal Saiyed | Director, APAC People Services in Gurgaon

What does your typical work day look like?

In general, I have long days since I handle APAC. Being based in India, my first half typically is about engaging with my team, employees and managers in APAC. Evenings are often about hosting/participating in calls from US or other locations and thus I can often be found checking emails late in the night?

What have you enjoyed most about working at EG?

The encouragement to think wide, to test and learn. There is a hugely supportive environment that allows one to risk failure without any negativity attached to it. Plus, I get to play out my role with a lot of freedom and autonomy.

What makes your team unique?

My team comprises of 6 nationalities and works across multiple time zones in APAC. They are incredibly passionate, driven and highly empathetic. I love their energy and ability to get stuff done.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

When we started off People Services team in APAC, there were many things that needed to align better. We were expending a lot of effort, but the impact on employees was sub optimal. Over the last 18 months, I am incredibly proud of the team that we have built, the technology interventions we have implemented and process excellence that we have fostered. While we still have a long way to go, we have already started impacting employees in a positive way. Our Employee experience is much improved and that such makes me incredibly excited.

Who has influenced you the mos?

Growing up, my father was a key influence in my life. Then, my wife and my daughter have two big influences on my life and I have learnt so much from them!

How and where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in little little things in every day. A kind gesture, a lovely song or beautiful scenery really charge me up. I often turn to poetry to sooth a troubled day. Finally, I am also inspired by how people surmount challenges and demonstrate an incredible will to live and live well.

How did you learn to embrace failure?

I have always taken failure ‘personally’ and often brood on it. Over time, I have pushed myself to ‘let go’ and not let my ego come in the middle. This has been a really tough and learning experience for me and I am still on that journey.

What is best career advice?

My most frequent recommendations in terms of career advice are two (i) strive to be awesome at the role that you are doing such that you are upheld as a role model, and (ii) create a wider spectrum of skills so that one is able to broaden one’s capabilities to take on different roles. That way, we can demonstrate excellence in the current role and have a bouquet of skills to offer that can help us go to new/different roles!

Tell us about your favorite vacation.

This has to be Scotland and Lake Districts in North England. Picture-post card perfect places, great weather and we had a lovely place to stay.

What is favorite weekend getaway?

I love the hills, so whenever I get a chance, I relish going into the mountains and spending some quality time.