I'm Akash Panchal, a people-focused HR executive with over 16 years of experience helping great companies grow and thrive. I'm SHRM-SCP certified and live in Totowa, New Jersey. My passion is building positive and inclusive workplaces where people can do their best work. I love turning complex data into real-world strategies that make a difference.
I have a knack for building HR functions from the ground up and guiding companies through big changes, like rapid growth or mergers. My approach is all about collaboration and fostering high-performing cultures where everyone feels valued. I have experience in a wide range of HR areas, including global HR strategy, talent acquisition, people analytics, and employee relations.
Currently, I'm a Senior Director and HR Business Partner at Mission Edge, working remotely with some amazing nonprofit and startup clients. It's been incredibly rewarding to help them develop people strategies that align with their unique goals. In this role, I've had the chance to partner with leadership to boost employee engagement by 35%.
Before this, I was the Head of People & Talent at Propeller Industries, where I got to build out the HR and talent programs during a period of fast growth. One of my big projects was leading the company’s switch to the Workday HCM system, which made our HR operations 35% more effective. I also implemented new learning and development initiatives that helped reduce attrition by 22%. I really enjoyed the "roll up your sleeves" culture there, where I helped create things like peer-recognition programs and flexible schedules.
Some of my other favorite career moments include:
• Leading the People side of things during bankruptcy proceedings at the startup Buyk, where I focused on empathy and preserving team morale during a tough time.
• Launching three new fulfillment centers for Weee! Inc., hitting our 100% staffing goals ahead of schedule.
• Partnering with community organizations and TWU Local 100 while at Motivate (CitiBike) to increase diverse leadership repreMore...