In the 72nd episode of Jam With Sam, host Sampath Iyengar sits down with Sanjay Muthal, Executive Director of Insist Executive Search, to explore his inspiring journey from a small village near Nagpur to becoming one of India’s most respected HR leaders. Sanjay shares invaluable lessons on leadership, empathy, and creating a people-first workplace culture, along with reflections from his 38-year career.
Humble Beginnings in Nagpur
Sanjay Muthal grew up in a small village near Nagpur, attending a Zilla Parishad school where classrooms were often open courtyards shared with livestock. Raised by his grandparents, he witnessed firsthand the stark contrast between “haves and have-nots.” Moving to Nagpur was a culture shock, but it marked the beginning of his educational journey.
After earning a management degree from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, he worked hard to overcome language barriers and build the confidence that would define his career.
Career Highlights and HR Philosophy
Sanjay began his career as a management trainee at Crompton Greaves, where he learned that people management is the heart of any business. A lesson from a senior leader—”Look at the big picture”—has stayed with him throughout his career, inspiring him to approach challenges with a long-term perspective.
In his later roles at RPG Group, Hinduja Group, and Piramal Healthcare, Sanjay focused on transforming HR practices. His efforts included introducing employee value propositions and leadership pipelines while advocating for HR’s presence on the shop floor to understand employees’ real needs..
A Decade in the Middle East
Sanjay’s career took a unique turn when he spent ten years in Muscat and Dubai, managing HR and business roles for the Zubair Group. Here, he honed his skills in recruitment, contract management, and supply chain operations, overseeing 10,000 recruitments. The cultural differences taught him the importance of adaptability, empathy, and building connections across diverse teams.
Entrepreneurship: The Birth of INSIST
After decades of working with leading organizations, Sanjay ventured into entrepreneurship by founding New Grid Consulting, later acquired by a Japanese company. He is now the Executive Director of INSIST Executive Search, specializing in finding specialized and innovative talent for organizations worldwide.
Sanjay emphasizes that successful organizations retain talent not just with salaries but by aligning their purpose with employees’ values. He also champions conducting “stay-back interviews” to understand why employees remain loyal—a practice that has helped reduce attrition.
Lessons in Leadership and Empathy
Sanjay believes empathy is the cornerstone of great leadership. “Empathy allows you to step into someone else’s shoes,” he explains, noting that this simple but profound quality helps leaders connect and inspire. His ability to form deep relationships has been a hallmark of his success, earning him friends and admirers across industries.
He is also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion, urging organizations to create environments where women and underrepresented groups can thrive.
Work-Life Balance and Beyond
Though deeply dedicated to his work, Sanjay finds joy in simple pleasures like Bollywood music from the pre-1970s, which he believes was “purely auditory” compared to today’s visual-driven songs. A family man, he cherishes his time with his wife and daughter.
Looking ahead, Sanjay envisions a future where he focuses more on teaching and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
About Sanjay Muthal:
Sanjay Muthal is the Executive Director of Insist Executive Search, an honorary Ph.D. holder in HR, and a thought leader in the field of human resources. With over 38 years of experience, he has transformed HR practices across industries and geographies while inspiring countless professionals with his people-first approach.