Sony Pictures Network’s CHRO Manu Wadhwa on AI in Human Resource

Masters’ Union hosted Manu Wadhwa, CHRO, Sony Pictures Network, at the DLF Cyberpark Gurgaon Campus for an engaging session. The focus of this session was on how AI is reshaping HR (Human Resource), the importance of super specialisation, and the qualities that define future-ready leaders. The discussion explored the evolving role of technology in business, ethical considerations, and strategies for career resilience.

AI is transforming HR and organisational operations at an unprecedented pace. At Sony Pictures, internal large language models (LLMs) now generate scripts in minutes, a task that previously took writers weeks. Not all AI applications deliver true transformation; the most effective use of AI enhances efficiency and develops talent rather than replacing it.

In media and creative industries, AI adoption comes with challenges such as deepfake regulation, ethical considerations, and evolving business models. These trends are reshaping performance management, content creation, and decision-making across the enterprise.

Super Specialisation: The Career Currency of Tomorrow

The future of work increasingly rewards deep expertise over generalist roles. Students are encouraged to explore multiple areas but focus on mastering one core skill. This approach is essential for navigating complex, technology-driven industries.

Super specialisation equips professionals to leverage AI and other technologies effectively, providing a competitive edge in the job market. Digital literacy and understanding how technology operates are now as critical as technical expertise.

Key Lessons on Super Specialisation

1. Depth of skill provides a sustainable career advantage

2. Digital literacy ensures adaptability in fast-changing industries

3. Expertise enables professionals to guide technology toward meaningful outcomes
   
   

How to Maintain Ethics, Purpose, and Leadership in an AI-Driven Era?

Ethical practice remains central to organisational integrity and effective leadership. In a landscape dominated by AI and digital tools, maintaining trust and responsible practices is essential for sustaining long-term value.

Leadership combines strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a proactive mindset. Future-ready leaders bring curiosity, adaptability, and ethical rigor to anticipate industry trends and guide teams through complex challenges.

Essential Leadership Qualities

1. Strategic foresight supports long-term success

2. Ethical standards underpin credibility and organisational trust

3. Curiosity and adaptability enable leaders to remain relevant across industries
   
   

Agility Across Industries

Mohan’s career spans biotech, fintech, FMCG, and media, highlighting the importance of understanding core business models and customer needs. Professionals who engage directly with markets and consumers gain insights that drive innovation and relevance.

Agility, combined with hands-on experience, enables individuals to respond to rapidly changing business environments and maintain performance across diverse sectors.

Key Lessons on Agility

1. Core business understanding is critical for impactful contributions

2. Direct engagement with customers ensures market relevance

3. Agility supports long-term success in evolving industries
   
   

Purposeful Work and Career Resilience

Career growth is strengthened by sustained engagement and navigating both successes and challenges. Short-term job changes may offer immediate gains, but exposure to full business cycles develops skills and judgment that shortcuts cannot.

Guidelines for Young Professionals

1. Career development benefits from persistence and consistent effort

2. Hands-on learning enhances practical understanding beyond academic knowledge

3. Experiencing full business cycles strengthens decision-making and resilience

Insights from Masters’ Union Fireside Chat with Swati Mohan

The future of work integrates AI, digital tools, and human insight, but meaning, ethics, and depth remain central to professional success. Technology accelerates operations, but purposeful engagement and expertise define career impact.

Insights from the session

1. AI improves efficiency when applied thoughtfully in HR and creative workflows

2. Super specialisation and digital literacy are critical for career differentiation

3. Effective leadership combines foresight, ethics, and adaptability

4. Agility and market awareness support innovation and sustained relevance

5. Meaningful career growth comes from long-term, hands-on engagement