In this episode of the leadership podcast, Raahuul Gupta unpacks what it really takes to be a leader who doesn’t crumble under pressure.

From Indra Nooyi turning PepsiCo healthy (yes, really) to Satya Nadella making Microsoft less…political, he dives into how great leaders adapt and thrive. He also calls out HR’s real job—beyond payroll—like building resilient leaders and creating cultures where mistakes aren’t career-ending.

Plus, why crisis simulations (a.k.a. leadership fire drills) should be a thing. If you want to sharpen your leadership game or stop HR from being just a process machine, this HR leaders podcast is a must-listen!

Can resilience be taught, or are leaders just born with it?

Raahuul Gupta : It’s 80% nurtured, 20% natural—but without the right culture, even the most resilient leaders can struggle to thrive.

What’s the #1 mistake HR makes in leadership development?

Raahuul Gupta : Relying too much on training while ignoring the need for a culture that fosters adaptability and psychological safety.

How did Indra Nooyi transform PepsiCo beyond Cola?

Raahuul Gupta : She shifted PepsiCo’s focus to healthier products while successfully managing crises and evolving with industry changes.

What made Microsoft thrive under Satya Nadella?

Raahuul Gupta : He broke silos, encouraged learning, and built an open culture where mistakes fueled growth instead of fear.

Why do organizations fail to learn from crises?

Raahuul Gupta : Business pressure pushes them forward too quickly, and HR often lacks influence to drive structured post-crisis reflection.

What’s HR’s biggest challenge in a crisis?

Raahuul Gupta : Balancing empathy with business needs—especially during layoffs—without losing trust or damaging long-term company culture.

Why do some companies appoint business leaders as CHROs?

Raahuul Gupta : To align HR with business strategy, making it a true partner instead of just an administrative function.

How does HR build truly resilient leaders?

Raahuul Gupta : By implementing crisis simulations, fostering adaptability, and embedding resilience into everyday leadership practices.

Is psychological safety the secret to resilience?

Raahuul Gupta : Yes! Employees innovate and grow when they aren’t afraid of making mistakes or speaking up.

10. How can HR improve business alignment and credibility?

Raahuul Gupta : By understanding business priorities, speaking the leadership’s language, and shifting from process execution to strategic influence.