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Dr. Virginia Bastian, the Global Head of Talent, Development, and Suitability, has been driving change and Human Capital agendaof Deutsche Bank for almost three years. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in consumer goods and consulting sectors. Her current responsibilities include overseeing the bank's strategic initiatives in talent management, leadership development, employee learning, and DE&I, ensuring that the bank attracts, develops, and retains the best talent in the industry. 
Dr. Virginia Bastian, the Global Head of Talent, Development, and Suitability, Deutsche Bank
Working on crucial aspects like talent management, leadership development, employee learning, and DE&I, what are the current challenges in the industry according to you?
Our ongoing challenge is consistently offering our clients the best products and services, especially with the constantly evolving competition. Beyond traditional financial institutions, we're now competing with tech companies that have transformed aspects of banking into a highly technical domain. This dynamic environment demands that we stay ahead of trends and adapt accordingly.
Furthermore, our competition extends beyond the financial sector; we're also searching for talent with diverse skills and backgrounds to deliver the highest quality client solutions. Attracting and retaining such talent is vital for providing top-notch solutions to clients. As job roles evolve, we must keep our workforce trained and equipped with the necessary skills for the future.
Moreover, the expectations of talent are evolving, with a greater emphasis on what employers offer. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives reflect societal values and present opportunities for growth and competitiveness. Creating an environment that attracts diverse talent spanning different generations, backgrounds, and perspectives is a shared challenge across banks and industries.
What measures are you taking to address these challenges as the Global Head of Talent, Development, and Suitability?
Effective workforce planning begins by ensuring that the workforce structure supports growth strategies and aligns with business objectives and portfolio needs. Skill-building is crucial, and we must anticipate future skill requirements and prepare accordingly. Integrating technology, particularly AI, across frontline, support, and operational functions, including HR, enhances efficiency.
"Leadership plays a vital role in translating strategic goals into tangible results and guiding organizations through transformations"
Inclusivity, with a strong focus on gender diversity, is essential. Clear DE&I objectives drive efforts, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating a diverse and equitable workplace. Our employer branding strategy emphasizes our unique value propositions, attracting and retaining top talent. By understanding the target segments and highlighting strengths, we position ourselves as an employer of choice, ensuring continued talent acquisition and retention.
What are some of the new technologies or trends in the talent and development sector that pique your interest the most?
Across industries, the focus on training, upskilling, and providing relevant content is crucial. We have taken significant strides by leveraging technology, particularly through our learning experience platform implemented two years ago. This platform utilizes AI to connect skills with specific roles, delivering tailored content to individuals.
This approach serves several key purposes: firstly, it ensures that employees have access to relevant internal and external content, empowering them to continually develop their skills. Furthermore, it democratizes learning by empowering individuals to take charge of their development, simultaneously providing avenues for advancement beyond their existing positions. Finally, by aligning learning pathways with business objectives, we ensure that training efforts are impactful and directly contribute to organizational success.Our tech-driven approach facilitates personalized learning experiences, empowers employees to chart their development paths, and ensures that training initiatives align with the business's needs.
What advice would you give budding entrepreneurs in the HR space?
While technology offers numerous potential use cases, the challenge often lies in clarifying the most beneficial path forward. Maintaining a sharp focus on business objectives is essential to identify the most relevant use cases. Whether enhancing employee experiences, optimizing processes, or improving planning, the key is prioritizing initiatives that directly support the broader business strategy. By staying business-centered, organizations can effectively use technology to drive significant advantages and achieve strategic goals.
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