Parijat Mukherjee: Leading with Purpose, Innovation and Balance

In this interview, Parijat (PJ) Mukherjee, Director, VDart shares her unique career journey, from starting in academia to leading one of VDart’s largest portfolios.

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, Parijat Mukherjee stands out as a people-first leader, placing empathy, trust, and the development of future leaders at the core of her leadership philosophy. With a passion for building agile, results-driven teams, PJ is not just focused on immediate outcomes but also on shaping sustainable growth by staying ahead of industry trends. Despite her high-performing professional role, she believes in the importance of work-life balance, leading by example to encourage both personal well-being and peak performance. PJ’s career is a testament to the power of aligning purpose, people, and impact. Let’s explore her journey further.

1. Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey so far?

My journey has been anything but linear — and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I began in academia as a lecturer and counselor, with a background in Psychology and Human Development, but soon realized I was drawn to a more dynamic, fast-paced environment. That curiosity led me to the then-emerging global outsourcing industry, where I built my foundation at organizations like GE, Genpact, and American Express. I started at the grassroots level — working night shifts in a call center — and steadily advanced through roles in training, communications, and leadership. After moving to the U.S., I took a meaningful pause to focus on our son’s emotional well-being. When I was ready to return, I leaned into my network and re-entered the professional world through HR and staffing, eventually joining VDart. Thirteen years later, I’m proud to lead one of the company’s largest and most profitable portfolios, guiding a global team and shaping strategies that align people, profit, and purpose.

2. What would you consider the biggest turning point in your career?

Stepping away from work to focus on my son was a deeply personal decision — and one of the most professionally defining moments of my life. It reminded me that a career should support the life you envision, not dictate it. That time grounded me, offered clarity, and reaffirmed that no title or trajectory outweighs your core values. It also shaped the way I returned to work — with greater purpose, sharper focus, and a clear vision of the impact I wanted to make. Joining VDart marked a true turning point. I found a place where I could bring the full breadth of my experience, contribute meaningfully, and grow alongside a company committed to building something lasting and purposeful.

3. What is your approach to leadership, and how do you motivate your team?

My leadership style is grounded in being people-first — empathetic, clear, and purpose-driven. I see my role as a nurturing presence: supportive when it counts, firm when needed, but always anchored in trust. I believe motivation doesn’t come from titles or pep talks — it comes from feeling seen, being challenged just enough to grow, and knowing your contributions matter. Creating a safe space for people to take risks, speak up, and stretch themselves is where real progress happens. I'm especially passionate about developing future leaders — giving them the right mix of context, exposure, and ownership so they’re not just succeeding in their current roles, but preparing to lead in whatever comes next.

4. What core values or principles guide your decision-making process?

Kindness, courage, and integrity are the values I return to time and again. I believe the best outcomes are those where everyone wins- the client, the team, and the business. That’s not just good ethics; it’s smart, sustainable strategy. I make a conscious effort to lead without ego, prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains, and approach every decision through the lens of what’s right, not just what’s easy. One principle I hold especially close: never burn bridges. Relationships matter. In a world that’s more connected than ever, your reputation is most valuable and transferable asset.

5. What strategies do you use to foster innovation within your organization?

Innovation isn’t always about bold breakthroughs — often, it’s the small, intentional shifts that drive meaningful results. I focus on creating a culture where curiosity is welcomed and questioning the status quo is seen as strength, not a risk. We prioritize experimentation, continuous improvement, and empowering people to take ownership of solutions. I also work to remove bottlenecks and eliminate fear from the process because when people feel safe to try, fail, and learn, innovation becomes a natural outcome. It’s not about chasing perfection, but about building momentum through progress.

6. How has your industry evolved in recent years, and where do you see it heading?

The pace of change today is unprecedented. Generative AI, automation, and digital transformation are reshaping how we approach talent, productivity, and service delivery. Staffing is no longer just about filling positions it’s about building agile, future-ready teams that can adapt and drive impact. As the landscape evolves, success will hinge on forging deeper, more strategic partnerships with clients -ones rooted in shared goals and a clear understanding of business outcomes. The organizations that thrive will be those that stay curious, move with agility, and recognize that the value of talent lies not just in skills, but in driving measurable results.

7. How do you stay updated with industry developments and maintain a competitive edge?

I'm a lifelong learner — I read, I listen, and I ask questions. But some of the most valuable insights come from staying close to clients and paying attention to how their priorities evolve. That real-time perspective often tells me more than any report or newsletter ever could. I actively engage in industry forums, mentorship circles, and networking groups, and I make it a point to surround myself with thoughtful, driven peers who challenge and expand my thinking. Staying ahead in today’s landscape isn’t just about consuming information it’s about being part of the right conversations and continuously recalibrating your approach to stay relevant and effective.

8. How do you manage work-life balance while maintaining peak performance?

Balance is a dynamic concept not about perfect symmetry, but about making intentional choices with your time and energy. I've learned the importance of being fully present, whether I’m driving a strategic discussion or simply enjoying tea with my family. I believe in setting boundaries and modeling that behavior so my team feels empowered to recharge without guilt. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a long-term investment in performance and resilience. And through it all, I stay anchored in the reason I work to create a meaningful life and support the people I love. That sense of purpose helps me navigate both business and life with clarity, focus, and heart.