International HR Day Spotlight: Gladys Owobusingye

As a HR Business Partner at The Switch, HR to Gladys, means more than policies and processes; it’s about creating meaningful workplace experiences where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to thrive. In this International HR Day spotlight, she reflects on her journey into HR, the importance of empathy and trust, and how empowering people can drive meaningful change 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. What first drew me to HR was an eagerness to apply the knowledge I acquired at university, combined with a genuine interest in people, understanding what drives them, how they grow, and how to build strong workplace relationships.

A defining moment for me was at my first formal job, where I literally offered to provide free HR services to the organisation. Seeing the direct impact of my work creating structure and order, aligning company policies with employment regulations, and providing the right people support that helped employees thrive reinforced my belief that HR is about creating meaningful experiences at work.

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.In practical terms, empowerment means giving people clarity, trust, and opportunity. At Interswitch, this shows up in how we encourage open conversations, provide access to learning, and create safe environments where employees can share ideas and challenge the status quo.

It’s about equipping managers to lead effectively, encouraging ownership, and ensuring people feel heard and valued in everyday interactions. We want everyone to have the tools and psychological safety to contribute new ideas confidently.

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. I’ve learned that people may forget what was said or done, but they rarely forget how they were made to feel. That lesson reminds me that every interaction, especially in HR, carries emotional weight. It influences me to approach conversations with empathy, patience, and respect, even in difficult situations. It also reinforces my belief that treating people with dignity isn’t just good practice, it’s what builds trust, drives engagement, and creates lasting impact.

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

A. A common misconception is that HR exists solely to enforce rules or protect the company.

A large part of our work happens behind the scenes, navigating sensitive situations, supporting leaders, ensuring fairness, and making decisions that consider both individual needs and business realities. It’s rarely black and white, and often requires empathy, discretion, and difficult judgement calls.

I also wish more people saw HR as a true partner, someone genuinely invested in helping them succeed, grow, and have a positive workplace experience.

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

A. Beyond policies and perks, empowerment comes from a culture where people have a voice, are encouraged to take initiative, and are supported even when they make mistakes.

It’s about creating space for ideas, welcoming feedback, and giving people both autonomy and accountability. When employees feel respected, valued, and confident that their contributions matter, they’re more willing to innovate and lead change.

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

A. It’s incredibly rewarding to support someone through a challenge, watch them grow in confidence, or play a role in their career progression.

Beyond that, helping shape a culture where people feel valued, heard, and empowered is deeply fulfilling. It’s not just about processes or outcomes; it’s about creating an experience where people can do their best work and genuinely feel they belong.

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

A. Outside of work, I enjoy kettlebell complex workouts, watching local and international rugby matches, and spending time with fun people, often over a cold Guinness. These help me recharge and bring balance, which ultimately reflects in how I show up at work.

For Gladys, empowering people begins with trust, empathy, and creating environments where individuals feel safe to contribute and grow. Her story reflects the heart of HR; building cultures where people are not only supported but inspired to lead meaningful change.