“HR people need to keep reinventing themselves” – By Inoka Dias A Journey shaped by purpose and resilience

Inoka Dias, Senior Director / Head of Human Resources at Virtusa, is a woman who has been driven by a vision to reimagine HR and has dedicated her career to fulfilling it. Her journey into HR wasn’t a straight path—it was a road filled with curiosity, challenges, and a relentless drive to grow both professionally and personally.

“I didn’t initially set out to be in HR,” Inoka shares with a thoughtful smile. “It happened quite by accident, but looking back, I realize that every step I took was leading me to where I am today. I joined one of Sri Lanka’s blue-chip companies with a limited understanding of HR, but I was eager to learn. I knew I had to work hard, not just to scale up in the ladder, but to build the skills and knowledge that would allow me to make a real impact.”

With a degree in English from the University of Delhi in hand, she was challenged by not having a formal qualification in HR or management at the outset. With unwavering determination, Inoka pursued further education, earning a National Diploma in HR, and a postgraduate diploma in Applied Sociology, followed by an MBA and a Master’s in Business Psychology.

I knew that if I wanted to excel, I needed a solid foundation. But more importantly, I needed to understand the human element in business—what makes people tick, what drives them, and how to harness that energy for organizational success.

Wearing many hats with grace and expertise

Throughout her career, Inoka has taken on a multitude of roles across various industries—from hospitality to fast-moving consumer goods, banking and education to technology. Each experience added depth and breadth to her understanding of HR. “For me, it wasn’t about scaling across titles or reaching the top quickly,” she explains. “It was about truly mastering my craft. I wanted to understand HR from every angle, to be versatile and adaptable.”

Inoka’s commitment to continuous learning led her to develop not just her HR expertise but also her coaching skills. “HR must have dexterity and wear many hats; sometimes a consultant, sometimes a coach, sometimes a mentor, many times a change agent and at all times a credible subject matter expert. That’s why I invested in learning coaching skills and even explored Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to improve my communication and relationship-building skills.” Today, she is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

This holistic approach has made Inoka a respected leader in her field. Her colleagues often describe her as someone who is not only knowledgeable but also deeply empathetic and grounded. “I believe that leadership is about lifting others up, helping them grow. It’s about strengthening teams and curating cultures where everyone can thrive.”

HR: The heartbeat of an organization

Inoka has always seen HR as the core of any organization, likening it to the mechanics of a finely tuned watch. “People and the knowledge, skills, and capabilities they bring with them are the competitive edge of a company,” she says with conviction. “Understanding how to engage, motivate, and create spaces where they can bring their best selves to work is what makes an organization truly successful.”

Over the years, Inoka has watched HR evolve from a support function to a strategic partner in business. “When I started, HR was often seen as just an administrative role. But I’ve always believed it’s much more than that. HR is about creating value for the business, about having a credible voice at the table when collaborative decisions are made because people are what drive any business forward.”

This belief has been particularly evident in her work across the companies she has worked in, the latest being Virtusa, where she leads HR through significant changes, especially in the wake of globally dynamic socio-economic conditions and constant evolution in technology markets.

The IT industry is always at the forefront of change,” Inoka notes. “In the past decade alone, the global tech industry has transformed dramatically, with AI, cloud computing, and blockchain emerging as dominant forces today. HR has had to adapt quickly to these changes. That also means that HR needs to harness opportunities in using these technologies, to ensure we stay ahead of the curve and continue to support our employees and our businesses effectively.

The importance of ‘Reinvention in HR’

Inoka is passionate about the need for HR professionals to continually reinvent themselves. “HR isn’t just about being a ‘people’s person,’” she emphasizes. “It’s about understanding the business, being market and industry savvy, being analytical and being able to communicate in a way that resonates with all levels of the organization.”

She often finds herself mentoring others, encouraging them to look beyond the traditional boundaries of HR. “I keep telling my teams that we need to be forward-thinking, data-driven, and objective in our decision-making, whilst not forgetting to be kind and respectful. The role of HR has changed so much over the years, and it’s essential that we keep evolving to meet the demands of the future.”

For Inoka, reinvention isn’t just about acquiring new skills; it’s about embracing a mindset of continuous growth. “I’ve always believed that learning never stops. Whether it’s taking on a new role, exploring a different industry, reading up on the latest trends, or learning from behaviours that can be role modeled, HR professionals need to stay curious, open-minded and relevant.”

Inoka’s personal mission is to elevate the HR profession, ensuring that it is recognized as a critical component of any successful business. “HR needs to be seen and heard,” she asserts. “We have to be more than just a support function; we need to be leaders in our own right.”

Her advice to aspiring HR professionals

Inoka’s advice to those looking to make their mark in HR is both practical and inspiring. “Be open to new knowledge and experiences. Don’t get too comfortable in one role or with one way of doing things. The depth of your experience is what will set you apart. Let not challenges and discomfort limit you. That’s all temporary. Embrace every opportunity to grow professionally and personally.”

She also emphasizes the importance of interacting with the business beyond the confines of HR. “Go out there, talk to different departments, understand how the business thinks and operates. Bring fresh perspectives to the table and don’t be afraid to share your ideas. HR isn’t just a support function—it’s a crucial business function, and as a member of an HR team, you need to see yourself as someone playing a key role in shaping the business.”

Inoka’s message is clear: to succeed in HR, you must be both a student and a leader. “Stay curious, stay adaptable, stay resilient and always strive for excellence. That’s how you’ll make a real impact.”

Her words are not just advice—they are a call to action for the next generation of HR professionals to step up, stay relevant, and lead with both heart and mind.