Episode 1:- The Great Recognition: Moving Beyond the Transaction to Fuel a Human-Centric Workplace.
Streamed on 5th September, 2025
A Few key takeaways
- Recognition Over Rewards: Focus on recognition, with rewards as a supportive token.
- Cultural Differences: Recognition and reward systems differ by region (e.g., group vs. individual focus)
- Engagement Goes Beyond Retention: Reflects an emotional commitment to the work and the organization.
- Daily Recognition: Recognition should be frequent and integrated into daily work.
- AI in HR: AI is transforming talent management and employee recognition.
About the Session
This series examines the strategic levers HR can use to drive business success from recognition and employee engagemIn this session, Partha Neog, Founder and CEO of Vantage Circle, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Michael Piker, Vice President of Global Total Rewards at Shiseido. They explore the evolving landscape of recognition and rewards in today’s corporate world. They discuss why recognition should be the focal point, how cultural contexts influence reward systems, and the need for daily, consistent recognition. Additionally, they touch on the impact of AI on HR functions, the future of employee engagement, and how to integrate recognition into business strategy to drive behavior and results.
Session Guests
Partha Neog
Founder and CEO, Vantage Circle
Partha Neog, the Founder and CEO is the driving force behind Vantage Circle. With over two decades of experience in Product and Executive Management, Partha has a successful track record of scaling winning businesses.
Partha played a pivotal role in the conceptualization and launch of 99acres.com (India’s number 1 property portal). When he worked for Aricent, Hughes Software Systems, and Bharat Electronics, he gained remarkable expertise in various industrial verticals.
He has gained deep insights into the employee engagement space through his experience with several companies and HR departments.
Michael Piker
Global HR & DE&I Innovator
Michael is a seasoned Global HR leader with extensive experience across nine countries and renowned global brands. His expertise spans Total Rewards, AI, Talent Mobility, DE&I, and Workforce Analytics, alongside his strategic leadership in Global HR.
In addition to his leadership roles, Michael is an adjunct lecturer at NYU and Erasmus University, and a Global Advisor to TR2050, WorldatWork, and Atlas Copilot. Fluent in Japanese and German, with academic credentials from IMD, Dickinson College, and Kansai Gaidai University, Michael brings valuable cross-cultural insights. Based in Tokyo with a second home in Amsterdam, we’re thrilled to have him share his expertise today.
