Ep 60: Keya Desai - Talent Strategy in the Age of Digital

This is episode #60 of Leadership Conversations: The Untold Secrets of the C-Suite by Nick Jonsson, and in this inspiring session, we are pleased to welcome Keya Desai, Managing Director of Technology at Zuhlke Asia. Keya brings deep expertise on one of today’s most pressing leadership topics: Talent Strategy in the Age of Digital.

In the episode, Keya explores how organizations can effectively design and execute talent strategies that meet the realities of a rapidly evolving digital world. With technology advancing at an unprecedented pace, Keya shares her perspective on the shifting landscape of talent acquisition—from the technical skills companies now prioritize to the mindsets required to thrive in innovation-driven environments.

Keya discusses how digital transformation is reshaping the way businesses attract, assess, and retain talent. She highlights the increasing need for adaptable, curious, and collaborative individuals who can learn continuously and pivot quickly in response to new industry demands. According to Keya, organizations must move away from traditional hiring practices and instead embrace forward-thinking approaches that align talent capabilities with long-term business goals.

A major focus of the conversation is the importance of building a diverse and future-ready talent pipeline. Keya explains how companies that invest in upskilling, cross-functional development, and inclusive hiring practices will be better positioned to compete globally. She also emphasizes that true digital readiness requires more than technical ability—it requires a culture that encourages experimentation, empowers employees to challenge old ways of working, and supports ongoing learning.

Keya provides real-world examples of how organizations can create environments that retain top performers, from implementing strong mentorship programs to fostering psychological safety that encourages creativity and innovation. She also discusses how HR teams and business leaders can work together to align workforce strategies with broader business objectives, ensuring the right people are in the right roles to drive transformation.

Whether you’re leading a talent team, overseeing digital initiatives, or preparing your organization for the future, this episode offers practical and actionable insights. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of talent management in a digital-first era—and how to build a workforce that’s prepared not just for today’s challenges, but tomorrow’s opportunities.

Contact Keya Desai to collaborate with her.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keyadesai/

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