People-First Culture Driving Sustainable Growth at Content Tech: R K Vijay Kumar AVP Human Resources

In this insightful discussion hosted by Sustainomics, Karthik Mulakaluri, Senior Director of Talent Development at Omega Healthcare, shares his expertise on critical leadership competencies required to manage a multigenerational workforce in the healthcare sector. He emphasizes three core leadership competencies: strategic thinking, driving change, and fostering collaboration. Karthik explains that strategic thinking is not limited to senior leadership but is embedded in every transactional activity that leads to strategic planning. Driving change involves more than managing it—it requires understanding diverse generational aspirations and continuously evolving talent strategies. Collaboration is essential in leveraging multifaceted expertise and technology to meet the varied needs of a multigenerational workforce.

Karthik also delves into the integration of organizational culture with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. He highlights that culture should be the DNA of an organization, led by example from top leadership down. The healthcare sector, in particular, must emphasize governance and compliance due to client criticality and legal requirements. Sustainability is viewed holistically, encompassing internal organizational growth, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. He stresses the importance of personalizing ESG efforts to maintain longevity and relevance.

When addressing challenges, Karthik points out the changing nature of leadership across generations, the rapid pace of technological disruption, and the necessity of viewing employees as a human workforce with empathy and compassion. He advocates for moving away from “one size fits all” approaches towards continuous reinvention and customization. Encouraging entrepreneurial thinking within organizations and nurturing employee ideas can create more meaningful, innovative outcomes than traditional top-down decision-making.

This conversation underscores the importance of adaptive leadership, cultural integration with ESG principles, and compassionate management to thrive in today’s multigenerational healthcare workforce environment.

Key Insights

🧠 Strategic thinking as a universal competency: Karthik challenges the conventional belief that strategic thinking is exclusive to top leadership. He emphasizes that every transactional activity can be connected to broader strategic objectives, meaning that leaders at all levels must develop this competency. In healthcare, where decisions often have critical consequences, embedding strategic thinking at every level ensures alignment with organizational goals and enhances responsiveness to complex challenges.

🔄 Proactive change leadership over reactive change management: In a multigenerational workforce, simply managing change is insufficient. Leaders must actively drive change by understanding diverse generational needs and aspirations. Talent is described as the “new currency,” indicating that investment in people’s growth and aligning organizational change with personal goals is fundamental. This approach fosters engagement, reduces resistance, and supports sustainable transformation.

🤝 Multifaceted collaboration breaks silos: The era of isolated subject matter expertise is over. Collaboration must span generations, disciplines, and technological platforms to harness collective intelligence. This is especially vital in healthcare, where interdisciplinary teamwork improves patient outcomes and organizational efficacy. Embracing collaboration also supports inclusivity and innovation by valuing diverse perspectives.

🌱 Culture as DNA integrated with ESG: Karthik asserts that culture is not a peripheral element but the very DNA of an organization, shaped by values and vision and demonstrated through leadership behavior. Integrating this culture with ESG goals strengthens organizational integrity and societal impact. In healthcare, where ethical considerations are paramount, this integration ensures that sustainability is not just an external mandate but an internal commitment.

⚖️ Rigorous governance and compliance in healthcare: The sector’s unique responsibility to clients necessitates robust governance models. Compliance with laws and regulations protects stakeholders and maintains trust. Karthik notes that evolving healthcare globally demands continuous refinement of these governance frameworks, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in a changing environment.

🚧 Navigating leadership shifts and technological disruption: Leadership styles are evolving as multiple generations coexist in the workforce, each with different expectations and values. Simultaneously, rapid technological advancements present both opportunities and challenges. Viewing technology as an enabler rather than a threat helps organizations adapt more smoothly. Leaders must familiarize themselves with new tools and balance technology adoption with human-centric approaches.