Sundar Sarma is an HR transformation consultant and certified POSH trainer with over 20 years of experience in developing people-centric systems and policies across organizations. As a founding partner at Ajna Collective, he focuses on strengthening HR policies & processes, designing structured learning interventions, and supporting organizations in building ethical and inclusive work environments.

His work spans a range of HR functions including policy development, training and development, and compliance implementation, with a core specialisation in the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH). He has facilitated training programs for employees, leadership teams, and Internal Committees, helping organizations move from baseline compliance toward more thoughtful, preventive practices.

Alongside his consulting work, Sundar also co-leads Ajna Hospitality, the company behind beloved South Indian restaurant brands 22nd Parallel and Idlikaaran, where his people-first philosophy is embedded into everyday operations. An MBA in HR and a Graduate in Economics, Sundar worked in senior management and leadership positions in HR across the Financial Services, IT-enabled services (GCC) and Professional Services sectors before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey

Grounded, values-driven, and future-focused, Sundar continues to build better workplaces—one conversation, one policy, and one team at a time.

Michelle consults with a marketing communications and advertising group of companies in the role of Chief Operating Officer. With over 25 years of experience she consults with organizations on initiatives for culture building and business-led HR practices.

Michelle started her career with the Coca-Cola Company. She then spent 19 years in HR at Lintas, heading the function for the last ten years of her stint there as the Group Chief Human Resources Officer. She was a member of the Managing Committee for the MullenLowe Lintas Group, India (better known as Lintas India).

As an active advocate for gender equity in the workplace, Michelle has led agendas for greater gender sensitivity and creating awareness of the law and best practices pertaining to the prevention and management of all issues pertaining to sexual harassment. She has instituted robust formal systems and informal practices to ensure a swift, fair resolution of issues to maintain a strong culture of safety, respect and inclusion. She trains organizations on preventing sexual harassment through gender sensitivity practices.

After studying Hotel Management, Michelle obtained a Bachelors Degree in Commerce and has completed her Masters Degree in Management Studies from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (Mumbai University). She is a certified POSH trainer, is trained on Gender, Sexuality, Diversity and Inclusion, and is a certified Extended DISC Administrator.

A statistician and an HR professional with over 20 years of experience, Rahul worked with KPMG India as a Director-Human Resources before venturing on his own as an independent trainer. He joined KPMG after finishing his MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and his roles have included multiple portfolios in the areas of Recruitment, Performance Management, Learning & Development, including Leadership Development, HRIS, HR Business Partnership across various functions, HR Due Diligence, among others. His last portfolio was as a Director in the Partner Matters team at KPMG India.

Rahuls association with KPMG continued as an Advisor till March 2021, focusing on Leadership Assessment and Development Centers (Director level), Leadership Experience Centers (Senior Manager level); and conducting training workshops for their mid to senior level management staff in the areas of Performance Management, Employee Engagement, Team Management, Handling Difficult Conversations etc.

With over 20 years of rich and diverse experience, he has developed an in-depth experience in nurturing and growing leadership talent and has conducted trainings and Leadership Assessment centers across geographies in India, Sri Lanka and the Middle East.

Rahul is also a certified POSH Trainer, Extended-DISC Administrator and an avid photographer.

Deepti Sarma is the founder of 22nd Parallel and Co-Founder of Ajna Hospitality, recognised for establishing authentic South Indian culinary experiences with a significant presence in Gujarat and Pune. She holds an MBA in Human Resources and a graduate degree in Commerce. Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Deepti served as Senior Manager HR at Mahindra Partners, leading human resources and administrative functions for a Mahindra Group start-up. With extensive experience across the manufacturing, media, and hospitality industries, she brings a unique blend of expertise that strengthens her capability to drive cultural transformation within organisations.

As a certified POSH Trainer and Consultant, Deepti specializes in workplace safety and compliance training. Her comprehensive background in human resources and administration, combined with diverse industry exposure, positions her to effectively lead transformative training initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive and resilient organizational cultures.

Uttara Jagannath is a lawyer with over 4 years of focused experience in compliance, regulatory frameworks, and business advisory. She brings a unique dual-jurisdictional perspective, having worked extensively with legal and compliance firms in both India and Singapore. Her expertise lies in navigating complex corporate structures, ensuring regulatory adherence, and offering strategic compliance advisory tailored to diverse business environments.

With more than 8 years of experience as a legal content writer, Uttara is known for her meticulous research skills and command over long-form content. She has contributed to a wide range of knowledge resources, often bridging the gap between intricate legal concepts and accessible reading.

Alongside her career in law and advisory, Uttara is also a professional actor with a strong foundation in theatre and significant on-screen experience. This artistic background brings a dynamic and empathetic dimension to her professional persona, enhancing her communication skills and ability to engage with diverse audiences.