Member Spotlight: Ankita Bilolikar Callahan

Name
Ankita Bilolikar Callahan

Position/Employer
Cofounder, Two Shoes

How long have you been a SIOP member?
Since October 2022

Interest area(s)
Dyadic Relationships/Duos in the Workplace, Team Dynamics, Human-Centered Design, Organizational Effectiveness, Retention

What sparked your interest in I-O psychology?
I love that I-O is dedicated to the translation of science into practical solutions for the real world and its people.

What role do you see I-O psychology playing in the future of work?
In a world with emerging technologies and AI, I think I-O psychology will play a pivotal role in collaborating with such technologies to design work systems that prioritize human needs and well-being. Its role will involve crafting environments that foster inclusion and growth, ensuring a balance between technological advancements and the human experience in the evolving workplace.

What workplace issues do you think are trending right now, and how can I-O psychology practitioners, educators, and students impact this trend?
I relate most to the trend of “rethinking the employee experience of remote workers” with the caveat that we should re-think the employee experience in general. With a growing population of freelance workers who work alongside full-time staff, as well as economic uncertainties and layoffs, I think it's important to emphasize that one shoe doesn't fit all. I-O practitioners, educators, and students can impact this trend by studying the modern workforce and designing work systems that cater to their bespoke needs. Too often organizational policies and goals are given to employees as a “handbook” to follow. I think it's time we flip the script and allow our workforce to guide the cultures they experience.

What advice would you give to students or those early in their career?
Have a growth mindset! Our workforce and workplaces are evolving rapidly, and although it can be easy to feel passionate about your research or ideas, be open to new perspectives that disrupt your thinking and practices. Don't be offended by these, and in fact, seek as much feedback as possible to evolve your own practice.

Please share one non-I-O-related bit of information about yourself.
I've had the privilege of living across three continents and learning five languages. I hope to continue traveling and meeting new people. :)

Is there anything you would like to add?
I'm eager to connect with other practitioners that contribute to the government, nonprofit, or consultancy space. I'd also love to chat with those in these industries to better understand how my consultancy could support them in designing human-centered systems and operations.

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