As HR executive for talent at RCL Foods, Sivena is tasked with transforming HR at the organisation through her innovative strategies, while also shifting the narrative from paper-pushers to strategic business partners.
Born and raised in Durban, Sivena Manikam, HR executive for talent at RCL Foods, was immersed in a learning environment from an early age. “I was raised by educators, surrounded by a passion for learning and making an impact,” she reflects.
With an honours degree in industrial psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Sivena’s academic background laid a solid foundation for her career in HR.
Creating a diverse and inclusive talent strategy
Her entry into the world of HR was driven by a desire to blend her analytical thinking skills with a passion for effecting change. This ambition led her to join the RCL Foods management trainee programme in 2015.
During her initial year and a half in the reward centre of excellence (COE) at RCL Foods, Sivena gained comprehensive exposure to the business and HR functions. “My experience in these roles involved everything from operational HR support to driving HR strategy, which gave me a broad and nuanced perspective on the complexities of HR management,” she shares.
“What drives my passion in HR is the ability to craft and implement HR strategies that not only tell compelling stories through data analytics but also transform businesses with innovative and impactful solutions,” she notes.
“I’m dedicated to shifting the narrative of HR from being seen as mere paper pushers to strategic business partners, where the people agenda plays a crucial role in advancing the overall business strategy,” she emphasises. To achieve this, she embraces a curious mindset, always exploring and understanding business needs while prioritising openness and collaboration. “By centring my work on integrity and kindness, I build trust and create positive relationships,” she says.
Building resilience
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. “One of my biggest career challenges has been stepping into mid- to senior-level roles as a young female, where driving change and gaining buy-in from others required significant effort and resilience,” she says. The Covid-19 pandemic also posed a significant challenge, as HR took centre stage in managing the crisis and adapting strategies to support the organisation.
“Although it was tough emotionally, balancing these demands and navigating these complexities has been both challenging and rewarding.”
The HR industry itself is fraught with challenges, particularly in talent management. “Talent shortages, especially regarding critical skills, remain a major issue, particularly in competitive sectors where demand exceeds supply,” Sivena explains. Additionally, implementing effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies and addressing employee mental health and wellbeing are areas that require ongoing commitment and action.
Despite these challenges, Sivena remains optimistic about the future, particularly regarding Africa’s role as a talent pool. “Africa boasts a large and growing youth demographic, whose values are shaped by historical challenges, creating a strong sense of resilience and a drive to make a meaningful impact,” she says.
“To fully leverage this potential, targeted investment in talent development is essential,” she asserts, adding that more can be done at grassroots level to ensure that local communities benefit and grow.
The future of HR
In the rapidly evolving world of work, where AI and automation are reshaping industries, Sivena is keenly aware of the need for reskilling and upskilling employees. “To ensure we remain relevant, we focus on two key initiatives: training programmes and personalised learning paths,” she explains. These initiatives are designed to address emerging technologies and future skills needs, providing employees with both cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills.
Attracting younger generations to careers in the industry is another area where Sivena is leading the charge. Recognising the importance of digital presence and social media in reaching this demographic, RCL Foods has ramped up its efforts in these areas. “We focus on boosting our digital presence by engaging actively on social media, building a compelling employer brand, sharing career insights and running targeted digital campaigns,” she says.
For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Sivena offers sage advice: “Be kind, uphold integrity, stay curious, and demonstrate grit. These qualities will help you build strong relationships, navigate challenges and continuously grow.”
Her daily inspiration comes from the sacrifices her parents made to help her reach where she is today. “Their support drives me to make a difference in others’ lives, creating a ripple effect by paying it forward and positively impacting those around me,” she says.
Sivena’s life mantra, “Never think you don’t have an impact. Your fingerprints can’t be wiped away from the little marks of kindness that you’ve left behind,” encapsulates her approach to life and work.
When she’s not shaping the future of talent at RCL Foods, she enjoys watching a good movie, frequenting restaurants, travelling to new places, and spending time with family and friends.
As she looks to the future, Sivena says, “I would like to be remembered as someone who embodied kindness, showed unwavering grit, and was passionate about nurturing and developing other leaders, all while driving business results.”
