HR & Behavioural Sciences

Twenty years across the classroom, the boardroom and the mediation table.

Ph.D — Professor & Corporate Trainer, working across organizational behaviour, HR strategy and competency-based performance management.

"Helping you get from where you are, to where you want to be."

Bio

01 / Profile

Across more than two decades, Farida has moved through many roles — Director, Faculty, Corporate Trainer, HR Strategist and Researcher — building a steady ability to navigate complex organisational challenges with calm and clarity. Her teaching spans Applied Behavioural Sciences, Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management.

She works with organisations on HR consultancy and behavioural training, starting with a diagnostic study to identify skill gaps, then developing customised content delivered through blended learning and evaluated against clear, metrics-based outcomes — always aligned to each client's own business objectives.

In education, she helps institutions build the frameworks, systems and processes needed for quality accreditation, and serves as a Programme Facilitator for UNCTAD's Empretec Programme in India.

A certified mediator, she mediates matrimonial disputes and trains HR managers, business leaders and lawyers in mediation skills — while working as a life coach and counselor.

A committed research enthusiast, her body of work includes national and international papers, newspaper articles, and a published book.

In progress
D.Litt.
2013
CEDR (UK) Accredited Mediator & International Master Trainer
2004 – 2008
Ph.D. — Management
Performance Evaluation, Professional Development and Student Achievement — SVKM'S NMIMS University, Mumbai
2003
Diploma in Management of Education
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai
2002
Diploma in Training and Development
Indian Society for Training and Development (ISTD), New Delhi
1998 – 2001
Master's in Human Resources Development (MHRDM)
SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management, Mumbai University
1996
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Psychology and Sociology
Since 2015
Advisor
Minority Skills Development with Universal Skills
Since 2014
Programme Facilitator, Empretec Programme
UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade & Development) — India
Since 2013
Master Trainer
International Conciliation and Arbitration Board (ICAB), Agakhan Foundation (AKF)
May 2011 – To date
Professor & Head of Department, HR and Behavioral Sciences
Mumbai Education Trust — MET Institute of Management, Bandra, Mumbai
Jul 2007 – Mar 2012
Director
SBA-India Pvt Ltd
Dec 2009 – Apr 2010
Director-in-Charge
Aruna Manharlal Shah Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai
Apr 2009 – Jun 2010
Associate Faculty, HR and Behavioral Sciences
Aruna Manharlal Shah Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai
Jun 2007 – Jul 2008
Adjunct Faculty, HR and Behavioral Sciences
SVKM's NMIMS University
2004 – 2007
Visiting Faculty, HR and Behavioral Sciences
SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
Jan 2002 – Dec 2005
Director HR (Pro Bono)
Aga Khan Education Services – India (AKES-I)
2015
MET Gaurav Award for International Excellence
2014
MET Pragnyavant Award for Academic Excellence
2013
MET Gaurav Award for National Excellence
2013
MET Pragnyavant Award for Academic Excellence
2012
MET Pragnyavant Award for Academic Excellence
Oct 2012
Recognized Ph.D. Guide
ITM University
Sep 2012
HEF Award for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Education — Human Resource Management
HR College, Mumbai
2011
MET Pragnyavant Award for Academic Excellence
Mar 2016
Special Guest, Women's Day Celebration
Indian Rare Earth — addressed changing roles and expectations from women
Jan 2016
Master of Ceremony
NIPM Mumbai Chapter conference, New Mandate for Industrial Relations — Four Points by Sheraton, Navi Mumbai
Oct 2015
Expert Speaker, "Magnificence" Leadership Programme
Lion's Club with S.P. Jain Management & Research Center, Mumbai
Oct 2015
Guest Speaker
JIBA (Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Community) — Working with Emotional Intelligence, Mumbai
Aug 2015
Panelist
Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India, IIJS — E-Mentoring
2015
Chairperson, Skills Development Committee
Nominated by the Lion's Club
May 2015
Master of Ceremony
"Mission Skill Development: Leveraging CSR & Education", BSE, Mumbai
2015
Master of Ceremony
"Make in India — The People Perspective", Westin Mumbai, NIPM Mumbai
Mar 2015
Session Chair & Paper Presenter
Second 21st Century Academic Forum Conference, Harvard University, Boston, USA
Feb 2015
External Referee, Faculty Promotions
Aga Khan University, Pakistan
Feb 2015
Chief Guest, Convocation Ceremony
Xavier Institute of Engineering, Mumbai
2010–2015
Selection Panel Member
Lion's Club — Anthony Robbins Foundation USA Youth Leadership Summit scholarship
2014
Exam Paper Setter
Online All India exams — Public Relations and Communication
2014
Master Trainer, CPD for Mediators
Aga Khan Foundation, India (Lonavla, Mumbai, Ahmedabad)
Jul 2014
Guest Speaker, "Managing Social Media"
VESIT SMAC event, Mumbai
Apr 2014
Guest Speaker, Accreditation & Quality Assurance
Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues College of Engineering, Mumbai
Jul 2013
Guest Speaker, Practitioners' Perspective on School Education
Golden Jubilee Celebrations, Vissanji Academy, Andheri
May 2013
Chairperson, Academic Sector
National Institute of Personnel Management (NIPM)
2013
Master Trainer, Mediation Training
ICAB, India and UAE (Ahmedabad, Lonavla, Dubai)
Mar 2013
Chairperson
MET SOM's seminar with NIPM — synergizing AADHAR with CSR, MET Bandra
Feb 2013
Committee Member
Course development — Sterilization of Medical Equipment, MSBTE
Dec 2012
Special Invitee & Presenter
NCAB, "Foundations of Corporate Governance", Silvasa
Dec 2012
Distinguished Speaker
NIPM — "Corporate Culture and Spirituality", ISKCON Mumbai
Oct 2012
Chairperson
MET-SOM's HR Meet — "Innovations in Organizational Positivity", MET Bandra
Sep 2012
Guest Speaker
Importance of soft skills, Chetna College, Mumbai
Mar 2012
Expert Speaker
Importance of soft skills for a career, Manav Sadhan Vikas Sansthan, Santa Cruz
Feb 2012
Student Mentor
"Simerations '12" — Sydenham Institute; team won 2nd prize
Jan 2012
Panelist
"Youth for Governance" Convention, Shanmukhanada Hall, Mumbai (keynote: N.R. Narayana Murthy)
Committee Member
People Concern for Governance Trust, chaired by Julio Ribeiro
Dec 2011
Expert Speaker
Lion's Club Career Guidance Seminar, Prahaladrai Dalmia Lions College, Malad
Senior Advisor
National Academy of Indian Payroll (NAIP)
Mar 2010
Conference Chairperson
Third Global Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Conference, TISS Mumbai
Feb 2010
Conference Chairperson & Paper Presenter
International Conference on Business and Information Technology, IMT Ghaziabad
Nov 2015
Board of Studies Meeting
Faculty of Management, University of Mumbai — Wellingkar College
Oct 2015
Workshop: Rendezvous with SELF
Association of Mumbai Coaches
Sep 2015
Workshop: Mission Skill Development
Indian Merchants' Chamber, Mumbai
Feb 2015
Workshop: O.P.E.N — Engagement & Productivity
MET, Mumbai
Feb 2015
Workshop: Social Impact Measurement
Wockhardt Foundation, BKC Mumbai
Sep–Oct 2014
15-Day EDP
NIESBUD, Mumbai
Jul 2014
Workshop: Emotions, Conflict and Communication
TISS, Mumbai
Apr 2014
UNCTAD-Empretec Entrepreneurship Training
Bangalore
Feb–Mar 2014
Workshop: National Board of Accreditation (NBA)
SPIT, Mumbai
Jan 2014
Asian Business Responsibility Summit
BSE, Mumbai
Dec 2013
Workshop: Resolving Business–Community Disputes
Bombay Management Association
Sep 2013
World DIDAC Conference India
NESCO, Mumbai
Nov 2012
FDP: High Performance Organization
ITM Vashi
Oct 2012
FDP: Teaching through Simulation Techniques
SIES College of Management Studies, Nerul
Apr–Jun 2012
SPSS Workshops
WRC ICSSR Mumbai & MET–IOM
Apr 2012
Workshop: Unblogging the Blog
MET–IOM
Mar 2012
HEF Learning Annual Conference
Welingkar Business School, Mumbai
Dec 2011
2nd National HR Conference
MET Bhujbal Knowledge City & NIPM Mumbai, Nasik
Jul 2011
International Accreditation Workshop
SEAA and IACBE, Pune
Mar 2011
HEF 2nd Annual Convention
ITM Khargar
Feb 2011
Seminar: HR in Changing Times
BMA, IBS Powai
Mar 2010
Third Global EI & Leadership Conference
TISS, Mumbai
Mar 2010
HEF 1st Annual Convention
Mumbai
Feb 2010
International Conference on Business & IT
IMT Ghaziabad
Feb 2010
40th National ISTD Convention
Bengaluru
Jan 2010
BMA Seminar: HR 2030
The Lalit Intercontinental, Mumbai
Since 2010
Member
National HRD Network (NHRD)
Since 2008
Life Member
National Institute of Personnel Management (NIPM)
Since 2005
Member
Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD)
Since 2009
Member
Bombay Management Association (BMA)
Sample entries shown for layout — replace with actual memberships and dates.

Capabilities

02 / Services
Education

Accreditation

Frameworks, systems and processes that help institutions meet quality accreditation standards.

Diagnostics

Consultancy

Organisational diagnostic studies that surface real skill gaps and shape a targeted plan of action.

Training

Corporate Workshops

Blended-learning programmes with metrics-based evaluation, built around each client's strategy.

Mediation

Mediation

Certified mediation for matrimonial disputes, and mediation-skills training for HR, business and legal teams — working toward outcomes both sides can accept.

Coaching

Life & Relation Coaching

One-on-one coaching and counseling focused on moving people from where they are to where they want to be.

Client Voices

Testimonials

Read what corporate participants and students have said about training with Farida.

Research & Publications

03 / Scholarship

Farida's work is grounded in ongoing research — a body of papers, articles, books and conference presentations that feed directly back into her teaching, training and consultancy work.

HR and CSR – Natural Allies

Explains why HR must play a central role in CSR, arguing that "CSR without HR is pure PR".

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Free Press Journal — Dec 2013

Gender Sensitivity and Role of Business Education

Makes the business case for gender sensitivity and equal opportunity, with ideas for how business schools can build gender-sensitive managers.

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The Power of Silence in Effective Communication

Explores the often-overlooked role of silence as a deliberate tool for effective communication.

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Free Press Journal — Aug 2013

Decoding the 'Intuition' Code and Role of Educational Institutions

Argues intuition deserves the same attention as logical analysis, and should be part of the business school curriculum.

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Free Press Journal — Apr 2013

Generation Y — Ignore it at your own risk!

Decodes the behavioural characteristics and workplace expectations of India's large Gen Y workforce.

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Free Press Journal — Nov 2012

Creating a Positive Organization — Need of the Hour

Makes the case that positive organisational practices build resilience and effectiveness, even where they don't eliminate problems.

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Free Press Journal — Jul 2012

Ethics is Power

Untangles the differences between values, virtues, morals and ethics, and the advantages of practising ethics universally.

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Free Press Journal — May 2012

Spiritual Intelligence

Discusses spiritual intelligence as the "ultimate intelligence" and lays out a four-step process toward a more spiritual self.

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Free Press Journal — Jan 2012

Developing a Teaching Philosophy Statement

Explains why articulating a personal teaching philosophy statement is essential to effective, reflective teaching.

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Lion's Club Bulletin, Carter Road — Oct 2011

Beauty or Being Beautiful....?

Reflects on the transience of physical beauty against a more lasting kind, with suggestions for cultivating it.

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Free Press Journal — Sep 2011

Balanced Score Card Approach for Institutes of Higher Learning

Applies the Balanced Scorecard approach to quality and accountability in higher education institutions.

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Free Press Journal — Jul 2011

Personal Ethics — An Essential Ingredient for Business Leaders of Tomorrow

Calls on educators to cultivate personal ethics in future business leaders as a foundation for a better world.

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HEF Bulletin — Jun 2011

Soft Skills — Too Important to be Ignored!!

Argues soft skills are as critical as technical skills — "hired for skills, fired for the lack of soft skills".

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Free Press Journal — Apr 2011

Developing the Adversity Quotients of our Students

Looks at how students can build adversity quotient to face today's competitive pressures without breaking down.

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Free Press Journal — Mar 2011

Emotional Literacy in Academic Institutions

Proposes a three-pronged approach to building emotional literacy within business schools.

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Free Press Journal — Mar 2011

The Ethics of Teaching Business — A Wake Up Call for Business Educators

Argues faculty must "walk the talk" on ethics, since students learn as much by example as by instruction.

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Book Chapter — Banaras University, Platinum Jubilee

Conflict Resolution in Organizations — The ADR Landscape

Surveys Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanisms as faster, less stressful ways to resolve organisational conflict. ISBN 97-93-81247-86-0.

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Published Book

Competency and Performance Management

Written for HR specialisation students, addressing competency frameworks and performance management in practice.

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Book Chapter — Managing Human Resources in Global Era, Zenon Academic Publishing · 2014

HRM — In the Misty Maze of Ethics

Examines the ethical stewardship role of HRM and offers practical recommendations for navigating ethical HR decisions.

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Book Chapter — People Management, IMED Pune

Ethical Perspectives in HRM

Explores HR's role as the ethical conscience of the organisation, from hiring through performance reviews.

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Book Chapter — Emotional Intelligence and Leadership, FEIL · 2010

Effective Leadership for the 21st Century — Emotionally and Ethically Competent Leaders

Outlines the characteristics and organisational benefits of emotionally and ethically competent leadership.

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IJRRA · ISSN 2349-7688 — Dec 2015

The Art and Science of Re-framing in Conflict Resolution

Explores reframing as a tool to shift conflict conversations from position to interests, strengthening mediation and negotiation outcomes.

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SANKALP, Journal of Management — 2016

Ethical Philosophies and Human Capital Management

Reviews ethical philosophies and their application to HR decision-making, concluding with practical recommendations for HR managers.

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Harvard University, 21st Century Academic Forum — Mar 2015

A Performance Evaluation Model for School Teachers: An Indian Perspective

Develops a mixed-method teacher performance evaluation model built with input from students, parents, teachers and principals.

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NSEEEE, Pacific University, Udaipur — Jan 2015

Sculpting Spiritual Organizations

Explores the emergence of workplace spirituality and builds a business case for incorporating it into organisational life.

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MET Management Review — Jul 2014

Decoding Gen-Y

Decodes Gen Y's behavioural characteristics and expectations, and suggests strategies to recruit, retain and manage their careers.

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IMED Journal of Management & Social Research / 3D IBA Journal — 2011

Ethical Foundations of Corporate Governance

Argues that ethics is central to effective corporate governance and to long-term business credibility and sustainability.

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SIBM Mumbai — Nov 2011

Effective Corporate Governance (CG) — Ethical Perspectives

Examines whether ethical corporate governance makes business sense and aids long-term sustainability, with best-practice examples.

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HEF Bulletin — Jun 2011

Soft Skills — Too Important to be Ignored

Discusses why soft skills are essential alongside core competencies for a smooth transition into the workplace.

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SIES Management Journal — Jun 2011 · ISSN 0974-2956

Professional Development (PD) Strategies for Teachers — A Qualitative Study

A qualitative study of 159 Mumbai-suburb teachers identifying strategies for effective, sustained professional development.

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HEF Indian Journal of Higher Education — Jun 2011 · ISSN 0976-1314

Business Schools: Passing Grades in Ethical Education?

Argues that ethics education in business schools meaningfully shapes future managerial behaviour, with strategies for teaching it.

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SANKALP, Journal of Management — Nov 2010

Ethical Leadership

Discusses the case for ethical leadership in uncertain times and its role in realising organisational values.

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IMT Ghaziabad · Macmillan Publishers — Feb 2010

A Performance Evaluation Model for School Teachers in a Tech-Driven World

Presents a comprehensive teacher performance evaluation model suited to a fast-changing, technology-driven education sector.

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Harvard University, 21st Century Academic Forum — Mar 2015

Performance Evaluation of Teachers — An Indian Perspective

Presented research on evaluating teacher performance from an Indian educational perspective.

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VESIT SMAC Event, Mumbai — Jul 2014

Managing Social Media

Guest talk on managing social media within the Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud (SMAC) framework.

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NIPM, ISKCON Mumbai — Dec 2012

Corporate Culture and Spirituality

Distinguished speaker session exploring corporate culture and workplace spirituality from a research perspective.

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Professional Footprints

04 / Speaking Engagements

Speaking Engagements

8 featured
Speaking 3 Cover — pic 1.jpg

Chairperson, MET-SOM's HR Meet on "Innovations in Organizational Positivity"

MET Schools of Management hosted this HR meet on 20th October 2012 at the MET Convention Centre, opened by Prof. Vijay Page with corporate and academic guests in attendance.

Speaking 2 Cover — nipm Pic 1.jpg

Distinguished Speaker, NIPM Conference on Corporate Culture and Spirituality

Invited as an expert to present at a one-day conference on "Corporate Culture & Spirituality", organised by the National Institute of Personnel Management (NIPM).

Speaking 2 Cover — Nipm_1.jpg

Leading the Conference of the Association of HR Professionals in India

NIPM's Western Regional (Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa) HR Conference, held 7th–8th March 2014 in Mumbai, hosted by India's largest and oldest HR professionals' association.

Speaking 1 Cover — fr-agnel.jpg

Speaker, Workshop on "Accreditation and Quality Assurance"

A two-day workshop at Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues College of Engineering, Mumbai, on the NBA accreditation process — including guidance on designing formative-feedback rubrics.

Speaking 4 Cover — Dr. Farida Virani - Vievekanand.jpg

Guest Speaker, Vivekanand Education Society's Institute of Technology (VESIT), Mumbai

Invited to VESIT's ISTE-approved SMAC (Social, Mobile, Analytic, Cloud) programme to speak on "Managing Social Media at Work" — covering HR risks, employee-engagement opportunities and real corporate examples.

Speaking 3 Cover — Pic-1.jpg

Chief Guest, Convocation Ceremony, Xavier Institute of Engineering, Mumbai

Delivered the convocation address, sharing a blessing-style reflection on asking the right questions, living simply, and having the courage to make a difference.

Speaking 6 Cover — Paper Presentation.jpg

Paper Presentation, Harvard University, Boston, USA

Presented "Performance Evaluation of School Teachers — An Indian Perspective" at the 21st Century Academic Forum's global conference, as Head of Department, HR & Behavioural Sciences, MET Business School.

Speaking 2 Cover — GJSCI_1.jpg

Panelist on E-Mentoring, Gem and Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI)

Panelist at GJSCI's seminar "Imparting Knowledge through Digitisation", opening day of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2015, discussing technology-enabled mentoring.

Testimonials

05 / In Their Words

Training is excellent with lot of examples. It shows the path to the individual for effortless and memorable journey in professional and personal life. It gives us the power to control our trigger points and remain calm at the same time continue our thought process.

RD
Ravindran DayamaCorporate Participant

Excellent English communication, excellent presentation, excellent experience, excellent relationship with training members. Very patiently explained all our queries in detail. Solutions to all our problems. Plenty of examples and interactions. Brought a change in my profession & personal life (maturity).

MN
Manju NagendraCorporate Participant

This program was really eye-opener for me as I generally react first before thinking. But after the training program I realized thinking process will really give us positive results. It also helped me to change my behavioural mind-set towards my family as well as at my workplace.

Corporate ParticipantTraining Programme

It was wonderful session, especially how to understand body language.

Corporate ParticipantTraining Programme

Content was very relevant and practical. It was wholistic and not only about training and development. We could get information on industry practices, ways for better employability and much more. The best part of the whole process is we are empowered to take up things. Madam acted as a wonderful facilitator so that we can transform from a caterpillar to a butterfly. The relationship was very warm and cordial — she could be easily approached and would always encourage and empower us.

TD
Training & Development Student2013–15 Batch

Strong knowledge base as it comes with a vast experience in the HR industry. This helps a lot while evaluating the topics covered in the subject. Teaching with practical examples helps to understand the concepts thoroughly. The etiquette and grooming discipline she insists on helps maintain a corporate standard that will help us in the near future — sometimes a friend, sometimes a strict guide, which makes students comfortable dealing with sincerity and discipline.

HU
Harshad S. UgaleHRM MMS, 2013–15 Batch
Let's work together

Get in touch for consultancy, training or a speaking engagement.