At Berkadia, our success is built upon the talent and hard work of a broad, diversely skilled team. From graphic designers to loan closing specialists to product designers, each of our people brings a unique background, perspective and expertise. Their work allows Berkadia to remain a leader in the commercial real estate industry.
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Saugat Roy, HR Business Partner who sits in our Hyderabad, India office to learn more about what he’s passionate about, where he sees his career going and how he ended up in CRE.
How would you describe your role at Berkadia?
As an HR Business Partner, I am responsible for driving HR strategies and initiatives with employees and the management of business units. The position formulates partnerships across the HR function to deliver value-add services to management and employees that reflect the business objectives of the organization.
What part of your role are you most passionate about?
My calling as an HR professional stems from my expertise in forging meaningful relationships with people, along with generating solution-oriented HR processes. Creating memorable, long-lasting employee engagement experiences means a lot to me. I believe that it is one of the most important facets of gauging work satisfaction, as well as improving work efficiency and employee retention.
Did you choose CRE or did CRE choose you? What drew you to Berkadia?
I did not have any information on the CRE industry before Berkadia. For me, it was an opportunity to step into the corporate world. So, it is CRE that chose me, and it has been an illuminatingly pleasant journey so far. This niche industry has provided me ample prospects for learning since I joined.
What excites you most about CRE?
The CRE industry is a complex business with many moving parts. Prior to Berkadia, my knowledge of CRE was simply helping to buy or sell a building. Now working at Berkadia, my understanding of CRE has expanded exponentially as we talk about investment sales, mortgage banking and loan servicing of specialty groups—affordable housing, hotels and hospitality, senior housing, student housing, etc. The knowledge I have gained helps me partner better with my stakeholders and colleagues as an HR business partner and that is what keeps me inspired.
What is the biggest current challenge (or sense of uncertainty) for CRE professionals in your sphere, and where are you seeing opportunities right now?
The biggest current challenge I feel could be a bit of inertia to change and adapt in an age where embracing technology is not a luxury but a necessity. Finding harmony and striking a balance of human and technology services is something we are all navigating through.
The pandemic has proved to be a force for paradigm shift in the way the industry operates and how work is done. It is an opportune moment for Berkadia to embrace digital and talent transformation in tandem. Leveraging technology as a key enabler for talent transformation, streamlining existing talent systems and processes to drive efficiencies and make more informed and effective decisions. CRE leaders can use a variety of approaches to enhance the work environment for a multigenerational workforce. Exploration of alternate talent models and promotion of a culture of learning, while reimagining employee experience, will blend in with well-being and belonging initiatives.
When you’re not helping Berkadia move the industry forward, how do you spend your time?
I enjoy LinkedIn Learning as a user-friendly platform to enhance your knowledge on many subjects at your own learning pace. I also enjoy spending time with photography, singing, listening to music and playing various sports with my son.