Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Farhana A

Bengaluru

Summary

Versatile people-focused professional with 16 years of experience spanning Sales, Learning & Development, and HR leadership in fast-paced startup environments. Adept at building and enabling high-performing teams, driving employee growth, and fostering a culture of ownership and collaboration. Successfully transitioned from leading sales functions to establishing L&D from the ground up and currently driving HR initiatives aligned with business goals. Passionate about leveraging tools, automation, and data-driven insights to streamline processes, enhance employee experience, and empower teams to reach their full potential. Known for adaptability, empathy, and creating impact through people-first solutions.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Manager - People & Culture

UrbanPiper Technology Pvt. Limited
05.2024 - Current
  • Spearheaded the HR function in a dynamic startup environment, leveraging a sales-driven background to align people strategies with business objectives.
  • Led talent acquisition, onboarding, and employee engagement initiatives, fostering a performance-oriented and collaborative culture.
  • Developed and implemented HR policies, processes, and frameworks tailored to the fast-paced startup landscape.
  • Conducted performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and building career progression frameworks.
  • Conducted exit interviews, analysing data to improve retention and employee satisfaction.
  • Defined and shared HR KPI metrics with the broader org along with Pulse survey results.
  • Managed employee relations, ensuring conflict resolution and promoting a positive work environment.
  • Collaborated with legal counsel to ensure HR compliance.
  • Analysed training gap analysis and built L&D function from scratch.
  • Implemented LMS along with designing courses on tools like Articulate.

Manager, Learning & Development

UrbanPiper Technology Pvt. Limited
04.2022 - 04.2024
  • Built the L&D function from the ground up, aligning learning strategies with business goals.
  • Conducted training needs analysis and identified skill gaps across teams.
  • Designed and curated training content and e-learning modules using Articulate.
  • Rolled out learning pathways and upskilling initiatives to enhance employee development.
  • Facilitated training sessions and monitored program effectiveness through feedback and performance metrics.
  • Established a culture of continuous learning within a fast-paced startup environment.

Team Lead - Inside Sales

UrbanPiper Technology Pvt. Limited
12.2020 - 03.2022
  • Led inside sales operations for UAE and UKI regions, driving market expansion from India.
  • Owned end-to-end sales cycle from lead generation to closure, focusing on B2B SaaS solutions.
  • Developed and executed region-specific sales strategies, ensuring alignment with revenue targets.
  • Built and nurtured strong relationships with key stakeholders across diverse markets.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing and product teams to tailor solutions for regional needs.
  • Analysed sales performance data to optimise outreach and improve conversion rates.
  • Mentored and guided a growing sales team, fostering a results-driven culture.

Document Controller

Ibn Seena School
11.2019 - 11.2020
  • Managed and maintained accurate records, academic documentation, and administrative files to ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory standards.
  • Spearheaded the digital transformation during COVID-19, setting up the school’s online learning infrastructure from scratch, enabling seamless virtual classes and administrative operations.
  • Implemented and managed learning platforms, video conferencing tools, and school management systems, ensuring smooth adoption by staff and students.
  • Provided technical support for hardware, software, and network issues, minimising downtime and enhancing the efficiency of daily school operations.
  • Facilitated training sessions for teachers and administrative staff to ensure proficiency in digital tools and platforms required for remote learning.
  • Ensured data security, backup procedures, and access control protocols to safeguard sensitive school information.

Career Break

N/A
02.2017 - 11.2019

Took a break to take care of our son

Senior Manager - Inside Sales

Ajman University
05.2016 - 01.2017
  • Owned end-to-end sales process, from lead generation and counseling to closing program enrollments.
  • Developed sales strategies to promote executive education, certification, and upskill programs across diverse segments.
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with prospective learners and institutional partners.
  • Collaborated with marketing teams to design and execute outreach campaigns, driving lead acquisition and program awareness.
  • Conducted sales performance analysis to optimise outreach efforts and improve conversion rates.
  • Mentored and coached a team of sales executives, ensuring target achievement and professional growth.

Senior Account Manager - Inside Sales

Exceed IT Services
05.2014 - 12.2016
  • Managed end-to-end sales cycle for Microsoft O365 Suite and Azure solutions, driving revenue growth across SMB and enterprise accounts.
  • Built and nurtured client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor on cloud solutions and licensing models.
  • Conducted needs analysis, solution presentations, and product demonstrations to align Microsoft offerings with customer requirements.
  • Collaborated with technical and pre-sales teams to ensure seamless solution delivery and post-sales support.
  • Negotiated pricing and licensing agreements while ensuring customer satisfaction and retention.
  • Achieved and exceeded sales quotas by identifying upselling and cross-selling opportunities within existing accounts.
  • Kept abreast of Microsoft product updates and market trends to effectively position solutions and address client pain points.

Account Manager

Emirates Business Machines
11.2010 - 04.2014
  • Managed the end-to-end sales lifecycle for Lenovo’s product portfolio, including hardware, solutions, and services, catering to SMBs and enterprise clients.
  • Conducted product demos, presentations, and solution consultations to align Lenovo offerings with client needs.
  • Performed competitor analysis to identify market trends, pricing strategies, and differentiation opportunities.
  • Built and maintained strong client relationships, driving revenue growth through upselling and cross-selling solutions.
  • Led contract negotiations and ensured seamless order fulfillment, post-sales support, and customer satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with Lenovo teams and internal stakeholders to execute sales strategies and achieve quarterly targets.
  • Provided market insights and client feedback to refine product positioning and sales approaches.

Subject Matter Expert

HSBC
09.2005 - 04.2010
  • Acted as a key knowledge resource, providing expertise in processes and policies while supporting the team in achieving operational excellence.
  • Conducted training sessions and facilitated knowledge transfer programs for new hires and existing team members to ensure seamless performance.
  • Played an instrumental role in the successful migration of processes and projects from India to Manila, Philippines, ensuring minimal disruption and smooth transition.
  • Developed process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials to support the transition and enhance team efficiency.
  • Monitored quality and compliance, identifying process gaps and implementing solutions to drive performance improvements.
  • Supported stakeholders across geographies, ensuring alignment with global standards and timely resolution of operational challenges.

Customer Service Representative

Tata Teleservices
04.2004 - 08.2005

Education

Bachelor - Commerce

Osmania University(Open)
Hyderabad, India
04-2006

Skills

Core HR Skills:
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Recruitment Strategy
  • Employee Onboarding
  • Performance Management
  • Compensation & Benefits
  • HR Policy Development
  • Employee Relations
  • Workforce Planning
  • HR Compliance
  • Labor Law Knowledge
People & Culture:
  • Employee Engagement
  • Culture Building
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Team Development
  • Leadership Enablement
  • Career Progression Framework
  • Pulse Surveys
  • Feedback Mechanisms
  • Organizational Development (OD)
Learning & Development:
  • Training Needs Analysis (TNA)
  • Learning Management System (LMS)
  • Content Creation (Articulate, etc)
  • Upskilling & Reskilling
  • Competency Framework
  • Knowledge Sharing
Strategic HR & Leadership:
  • HR Business Partnering (HRBP)
  • Change Management
  • Business Alignment
  • Stakeholder Management
  • HR Metrics & Analytics
  • Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Employee Lifecycle Management
HR Technology & Tools:
  • HR Information Systems (HRIS)
  • Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Google Workspace
  • Automation in HR
  • HR Dashboards
  • Data Reporting

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hindi
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Kannada
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Timeline

Senior Manager - People & Culture

UrbanPiper Technology Pvt. Limited
05.2024 - Current

Manager, Learning & Development

UrbanPiper Technology Pvt. Limited
04.2022 - 04.2024

Team Lead - Inside Sales

UrbanPiper Technology Pvt. Limited
12.2020 - 03.2022

Document Controller

Ibn Seena School
11.2019 - 11.2020

Career Break

N/A
02.2017 - 11.2019

Senior Manager - Inside Sales

Ajman University
05.2016 - 01.2017

Senior Account Manager - Inside Sales

Exceed IT Services
05.2014 - 12.2016

Account Manager

Emirates Business Machines
11.2010 - 04.2014

Subject Matter Expert

HSBC
09.2005 - 04.2010

Customer Service Representative

Tata Teleservices
04.2004 - 08.2005

Bachelor - Commerce

Osmania University(Open)
Farhana A