People-first powerhouses redefine future of work at 5th Most Preferred Workplace 2025

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Mumbai, June 28th, 2025: Team Marksmen Network successfully concluded the 5th Most Preferred Workplace 2025 on June 27 at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai. In association with EY as its knowledge partner, held under the central theme of ‘The Culture Code: Building Workplaces That Win’, the evening conclave convened over 125 plus HR leaders, people experts, DEI heads, policymakers and distinguished guests from government, delving into the transformational landscape of employee experience, evolving work culture, and standoutinitiatives in the evolving workplaces of the future.

Today’s workplace is rapidly changing. We are experiencing a phenomenon of five generations working together at work, with each generation having its values, strengths, and expectations. This is a great opportunity and a great challenge. "Managing the mindsets of older and traditional experience-based thinking with newer or new-age thinking, igniting and engaging everyone in a common collective purpose under one culture, is not easy," said Rishi Kapoor, CEO and director, Team Marksmen Network.

The event was also privileged to have Dr Sanjay Mukherjee (IAS), MMRDA Metro Commissioner, who graced the occasion and gave them meaningful thoughts about how purposeful infrastructure is a crucial component of building inclusive, future-ready workplaces. He elaborated on the significance of placing people at the heart of making progress and demonstrated how strategic urban planning and urban development can impact the culture of an organisation and employee wellness. He gave them a refreshing point of view on how cities and companies can grow together, with human beings at the centre of that growth.

Other dignitaries included CP Gurnani, co-founder & CEO of AIonOS, who also joined as a special guest at the forum. In his address to the esteemed delegates, Gurnani emphasised: “A strong, inclusive culture forms the bedrock of any successful strategy in today’s evolving work landscape. Today’s technology offers tools that isolate noise, enhancing communication. The vision is to "create a harmonious blend of personal experiences and data." Leveraging his extensive leadership experience, he shared compelling perspectives on engaging organisational values through innovation, agility, and future growth.

The conclave was further graced by eminent politician Kripashankar Singh as a guest of honour, whose address remained focused on perfectly bridging governance, vision, and the evolving future of workplaces in India’s growing economic landscape. He spotlighted, “Through countless stories and lessons, we are reminded that when each of us does our work sincerely, the whole system thrives.”

Firebrand IRS officer known for her daring approach to work and commitment to social and cultural welfare, Shrimati Pallavi Darade, also graced the forum as a special guest. Darade stressed the idea that authentic leadership, purpose-driven action, and human connection are fundamentals in moving people and progress. Her experiences and observations were poignant reminders that leadership is not about direction but impact, empathy, and the act of inspiring change within individuals.

Notable names from the industry such as Sudhir Warrier, head - learning & development - Home Business (In-Premise Connect), Reliance JioInfocomm; Roma Bindroo, people director & head of HR, Sanofi CHC, South Asia; Vidya Mohan, partner- People Advisory Services, Ernest & Young; Raakesh Jain, executive director & CEO - Cement Division PRISM JOHNSON LIMITED; and Vishal Sharma, ED & CEO, Godrej Industries (Chemical division), were present as industry leaders.

The forum also felicitated 35-plus organisations as the Most Preferred Workplace 2025, for redefining employee experience, adaptability, and innovation. Backed by research from LeadCap Ventures, this platform recognises organisations that are reshaping the future of work across key pillars like DEI, reskilling, work-life balance, and purpose-led culture.

Those recognised on this celebratory evening included: