International HR Day Spotlight: Charles Laja

What does it really mean to empower people to lead change?

For Charles Laja, it starts with respect, purpose, and giving people the freedom to thrive. In this International HR Day spotlight, he shares insights from his journey in HR, common misconceptions about the profession, and the values that continue to shape his work at Interswitch.

Q: What first drew you to a career in HR, and was there a defining

moment that made you realize this was the path for you?

A: A combination of experiences drew me toward a career in HR. One significant moment was a recommendation I received from one of my tutors after I led my group during a coursework project. He noted that I had a natural flair for leading and motivating people and suggested I would excel in a career in HR.

Another reason was my genuine interest in understanding what drives individuals and how organisational culture can impact performance. Over time, I have found fulfillment in roles where I can create structure, develop talent, and address real workplace challenges.

Q: This year’s theme for HR Day is “Empower people to lead change.” What does empowering people look like in practical, everyday HR work at Interswitch?

A: At Interswitch, empowering people is a conscious and intentional approach. We ensure our employees feel valued by recognizing that their voices and opinions matter, that their contributions are significant, and by providing ample opportunities for them to express themselves.

Q: Behind every HR professional is a human being, too. What’s one personal value or life lesson that strongly influences how you work with people?

A: One personal value that influences how I work with people is treating everyone with the utmost respect, regardless of their role or grade. This value stems from my Christian beliefs, which teach me that God cherishes every human to the extent that He was willing to die for us all.

Additionally, I believe everyone has something special about them, and when given the right environment to flourish, they can significantly contribute to organisational growth.

Q: What’s one misconception people often have about HR, and what do you wish more people understood about the work you do?

A: I think a common misconception about HR is that it is solely about hiring and firing, protecting management, or acting as the company’s police. While these aspects exist, they only tell part of the story.

True HR management is about building systems that enable both people and the business to grow and thrive together. It involves risk management, people strategy, cultivating organisational culture, and sometimes managing crises.

Q: In your opinion, what makes a workplace truly empowering, beyond policies and perks?

A: I believe what makes a workplace truly empowering is freedom of expression, giving people a voice and ensuring they feel that their views matter.

Q: What’s the most fulfilling aspect of being an HR practitioner at The Switch?

A: The most fulfilling aspect of being an HR practitioner at Interswitch is being part of a team that creates an environment where people, in such a large organisation, can thrive.

Q: Outside of work, what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

A: It is my love for the Gospel and how deeply committed I am to my faith. I genuinely believe that if I wasn’t pursuing a career in HR, I might have become a pastor.

From creating supportive workplace cultures to championing the value of every individual, Charles embodies the people-first spirit of HR. His story reflects the heart of this year’s theme: empowering people, every day, to lead meaningful change.