Celebrating Diversity at Samsung: A Tapestry of Cultures and Perspectives in the New Hires Course

[L-R] Anton, Sakshi and Meenakshisundari

As Samsung continues to build its legacy as a global leader in innovation, its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion is paramount. The new hires course at Samsung is reflective of that commitment.

The four-day course, designed to introduce new employees to the history, culture and innovation at Samsung, brings together individuals from several regions across India and Southwest Asia to the Head Office at Gurugram.

This month, 23 hires from 20 states and 3 SAARC countries attended the programme that focusses on global business insights, virtual tours of Samsung facilities across India and a glimpse into growth and learning opportunities within the ecosystem.

In the batch of new joinees, the unique journeys of Meenakshisundari from Tamil Nadu, Sakshi Bali from Jammu, and Anton Shalika from Sri Lanka beautifully demonstrate how diversity contributes to innovation and collaboration at Samsung.

Rooted in Identity: Unique Cultural Backgrounds

Meenakshisundari comes from the historic district of Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, known for its ancient cave temples and fresco paintings. “Our district was once a princely state with its own currency and flag,” she said with pride, adding that her hometown produced Tamil Nadu’s first female doctor, Dr. Muthu Lakshmi Reddy.

Meenakshisundari’s deep appreciation for her heritage mirrors her passion for excellence that she plans to utilize to grow in her new role in the B2B sales team at Samsung. “I always want to be unique like my town and be the best at what I do,” said Meenakshisundari.

For Sakshi Bali, who has joined Samsung in B2C Sales, growing up in Jammu introduced her to the rich Dogra culture and the pride of the famed Dogra Regiment.

“Our festivals, especially Mahashivaratri, are celebrated with all our heart and glory,” she says. A believer in positivity and strong learning aptitude, Sakshi is inspired by the opportunity to explore new challenges at Samsung.

Anton Shalika from Sri Lanka speaks of his country’s deep roots in Theravada Buddhism and its unique traditions like the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Joining Samsung was a childhood dream for Anton. “It’s unbelievable to be here now,” he says, attributing his journey to the company’s reputation for cutting-edge technology and organized processes. Anton has joined the Customer Satisfaction Group in Sri Lanka.

A Warm Welcome at Samsung

As they stepped into Samsung’s training programme, all three were struck by the company’s inclusive culture.

“Leadership here promotes an open-door policy,” said Meenakshisundari.

Sakshi highlights how colleagues are “welcoming and supportive”, while Anton appreciates the company’s emphasis on structure, describing it as “a very well-organized environment that allows you to thrive with all your abilities in full swing.”

“At Samsung, we believe that diversity is the foundation of innovation. Our New Hires Course is designed to bring together individuals from varied backgrounds, fostering a collaborative environment where unique perspectives thrive. It’s inspiring to see how this diversity translates into fresh ideas and drives our shared vision forward,” said Rishabh Nagpal, Chief People Officer, Samsung Southwest Asia.

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

The New Hires Course provided opportunities for these individuals to interact with peers from different regions and roles, sparking connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

Meenakshisundari recalls engaging with colleagues from various divisions, gaining insights into Samsung’s marketing strategies across diverse regions.

For Anton, meeting the Kerala team was an eye-opening experience. “Even though we are so close geographically, but their culture and way of living are completely different from Sri Lanka,” he reflects.

Sakshi, too, cherishes her interactions with the Sri Lankan team, which included fascinating conversations over tea breaks about food and tourism.

Such exchanges not only broadened their perspectives but also deepened their appreciation for the varied cultural landscapes that coexist within Samsung.

Diversity as a Catalyst for Growth

A common sentiment among the trio is that Samsung’s diversity serves as a key driver for innovation and success. “A diverse workforce can better understand and address the needs of a global customer base,” Meenakshisundari explains, adding that it fosters creativity and enhances employee satisfaction.

Sakshi believes that exposure to different viewpoints leads to better decision-making and higher achievements. Anton echoes this, emphasizing that diversity introduces best practices and new ways of thinking.

The inclusivity at Samsung also inspires personal growth. “Being part of a diverse group motivates me to collaborate and achieve shared goals,” said Meenakshisundari.

Anton appreciates how inclusivity creates a flexible environment, encouraging employees to adapt to change. Sakshi adds that the company’s equal opportunities and gender-neutral policies ensure that every individual feels valued.

Carrying Forward Lessons of Unity

The 23 participate in an exciting ideation challenge. They tried finding innovative ideas for a special product that will soon be launched. The idea was to align with the product’s vision and purpose, focus on enhancing user experience or solving specific consumer problems, leverage your unique expertise and fresh perspectives.

All the hires will carry their experiences and takeaways into their roles. For Meenakshisundari, the emphasis on effective communication stands out as vital for fostering positive interactions with customers. Anton values the importance of following structured processes, while Sakshi highlights the pride she feels in respecting and upholding Samsung’s established systems.

From participating in team-building games to sharing personal traditions like Tamil Nadu’s Pongal festival, Sri Lanka’s New Year celebrations, and Jammu’s Mahashivaratri rituals, these new hires have shown that diversity is not just about celebrating differences but also about finding common ground.

At Samsung, their unique journeys come together as part of a larger narrative—a story of innovation powered by inclusivity, where every voice contributes to shaping the future.