Faces of TLF - Smita

Meet Smita, HR Business Partner at TLF India

Introduce yourself: Who are you and what do you do within TLF?
I’m Smita Shaktavat, and I serve as an HR Business Partner at TLF. With 12 years of experience in the field, my role involves aligning our human resources strategies with the core business objectives of the company. I’m deeply engaged in shaping and maintaining our company values and culture, ensuring that they resonate through every level of the organization. My focus is on developing strategic HR initiatives that drive business success while fostering an inclusive and positive workplace environment.

What do you like about your particular role?
What I truly enjoy about my role as an HR Business Partner is the dynamic nature of the position. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact. I thrive on being the people’s person in the organization, and one of my greatest passions is keeping employee morale high. It’s incredibly rewarding to support and empower our employees, helping them to thrive both professionally and personally. By fostering a positive and engaging work environment, I feel that I can contribute to not just achieving business goals, but also enhancing the overall workplace experience for everyone.

What’s your favorite part about working for TLF overall, please explain.
What I love most about working for TLF is the open and inclusive culture we have here. The collaborative environment means that everyone, from colleagues to senior leadership, is approachable and willing to help each other grow. I truly appreciate that I can reach out directly to anyone in the organization, whether it’s a peer, the CEO, or a board member, and receive support or guidance. This openness not only fosters a strong sense of community but also drives personal and professional development across the board. It’s a workplace where every voice is valued, and that makes all the difference.

Who are you outside of TLF? Family/ friends, etc. How would they describe you?
Outside of TLF, I’m very family-oriented, enjoying time with my parents, niece & nephew and a few close friends. Here are some actual words from a close friend:

In a world where dreams take flight and soar,
There’s a friend I deeply adore.

Independent, with self-respect so high,
In her heart, determination will never die.
An introvert’s grace, a silent power,
In her presence, it’s felt, hour by hour.

Beneath an open sky, she’ll find her place,
Helping the underprivileged with grace.
A friend like her is a treasure so rare,
With dreams she’s destined to dare.

What do you like to do for fun/hobbies?
I enjoy a mix of creative and adventurous activities. I love drawing, crafting, reading, listening to old Bollywood songs and Gazals, which allow me to express my artistic side. Additionally, horse riding and pistol shooting add a thrilling and adventurous element to my life. Overall, my hobbies blend artistic expression with excitement, keeping life both engaging and fulfilling.

Any fun hidden talent or skillsets?
One of my passions is poetry writing, which allows me to express myself creatively and reflect on my experiences. I also enjoy experimenting with cooking, which I find therapeutic and a delightful way to explore new flavors. Additionally, I’m a Level 3 Reiki healer, which has gifted me with strong intuition and the ability to read people well. As an HR professional, these skills enhance my ability to offer meaningful counseling and support to others.

A message to all?
Always be kind at heart and disciplined in your actions. Embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow, so you won’t be left with regrets. Every life experience, whether challenging or rewarding, contributes to making you a better version of yourself. Stay strong and resilient, no matter the circumstances, because the show must go on. Keep moving forward, and never give up on your journey.