The Next Big Thing is still Human | Shashikanth Jayaraman | TEDxVelammal Global School
In a world obsessed with technology, disruption, and the race to automate, we risk forgetting the one force that has always driven real progress - people. This talk explores why the future of work, leadership, and society will not be defined by machines alone, but by the choices, empathy, and creativity of humans. Drawing from experiences of building HR Sangam, a community of minds, and leading transformations in business, the talk reminds us that the next big thing isn’t a gadget or an algorithm - it’s us. Shashi is a dynamic, high energy HR leader blending strategy and execution with over 23 years of experience in managing global workforces across BPO, BFSI, Retail, Automobile, IT Services, Edtech, Consulting and Start-ups in organisations like ABN AMRO Bank, Reliance Retail, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, TVS & Sons among others.
Ran a successful start-up offering Fractional HR Consulting & Advisory services working extensively with start-up founders and CXOs on transformational journeys.
As the founder & convenor of HR Sangam, Shashi is an avid networker and the curator of various HR community initiatives. Outside of work, he pursues interests in spirituality, books and travel
His active pro-bono engagements include teaching HR at B schools, speaking in various industry and academic forums, mentoring of young HR professionals and Coaching Start-up founders
Recipient of various awards for performance, excellence and leadership from past employers and industry bodies. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 11:42When Fear Steals Hope | Annette Hines | TEDxForbesParkWhen her daughter Elizabeth was born at 29 weeks with mitochondrial disease, Annette Hines learned firsthand how fear can paralyze us—leading to missed opportunities, poor decisions, and stolen hope in a world of genuine scarcity. Through seventeen precious years of caregiving, Elizabeth became her greatest teacher, showing her the transformative difference between living with a scarcity mindset versus an abundance mindset, even as she faced a world where belonging always required someone's special effort rather than being automatically expected. Now, twelve years after Elizabeth's passing, Annette reveals how we can act despite our fears, build community, and create a world where the next Elizabeth won't spend her life fighting for basic belonging—because hope, not fear, is what makes us stronger together. Attorney, mother, author, advocate, and host of Parenting Impossible - The Special Needs Survival Podcast, knows firsthand just how complex and overwhelming the legal systems and processes are for parents of children with special needs. Amidst the grief of losing her beloved Elizabeth, Annette realized that life was giving her a “second chance” to use her extensive legal expertise to help families who are going through the same challenges she faced. She authored her life story of her and Elizabeth’s powerful journey of hope in her memoir, Butterflies and Second Chances. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 7:30The Impact of Others: What We Choose To Do With It | Catherine Jalandoni | TEDxForbesParkCatherine “Catz” Jalandoni explores how every person we encounter leaves an imprint on us. Her story is an inspiring reminder that both positive and negative experiences can become the fuel for growth, and that our response — not the impact itself — shapes who we become. This talk challenges you to rethink every influence in your life and transform it into your own engine for growth. Catherine Denise Jalandoni, better known as Catz, is the Executive Director of the Institute of Corporate Directors Philippines. A passionate advocate for ethical AI, governance, and women’s leadership in tech, she also leads CSJ Events Management, driving advocacy-driven projects and social impact initiatives. As a mother of five and a recognized voice in AI and innovation, Catz inspires others to take space, own their expertise, and push for meaningful change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
