“ Joyous performance” is a term that Nanda Burke, Global Head of Talent and Organisation at Siemens, used to describe how she encourages others to show up in the workplace. As an HR leader, Nanda recognises that there’ s“ always a high bar” in terms of delivering performance in the workplace, but this edge can be delivered with“ more lightness and joy – in a way that generates energy”. Nanda ' s perspective is rooted not only in her professional expertise but also in her personal experience, which, she explains, has been shaped by the early stages of her career. Reflecting on her early days in the workforce, Nanda describes how her first-time line manager lacked a background in talent management and, in this specific case, left her feeling unseen, unheard and unvalued in her role – despite trying her best. This early experience crystallised a vital truth for Nanda: when it comes to talent management a good line management is crucial”. For her, it brought the duties of a manager into sharp focus, while highlighting how a capable, well-supported leader is often the deciding factor in whether an individual feels empowered or whether they become an untapped resource.