1. Could you
briefly introduce yourself and share the key experiences that shaped your
leadership journey across corporate, entrepreneurial, and hospitality sectors?
I started my
career from absolute scratch, with no safety net—only a strong will to create
something meaningful. My journey began in frontline sales, where I learned
discipline, customer psychology, and the importance of consistent effort. Over
the years, leading national teams, building brands, and finally entering
entrepreneurship taught me one core lesson: growth happens when you step beyond
comfort and take ownership.
From launching
my first venture to building Asapian Hotels & Resorts, every challenge
shaped my leadership style—focused, people-driven, and committed to excellence.
2. How does
it feel to be featured in India’s Pride: Icons Who Inspire the Nation, and what
does this recognition mean to you?
This
recognition is deeply emotional because it validates a journey that began with
struggle, self-belief, and relentless hard work. Personally, it reminds me of
where I started; professionally, it strengthens my responsibility to inspire
others. Achievements matter, but inspiring people matters more. This honour
motivates me to contribute even more to hospitality, leadership development,
and nation-building.
3. With over
two decades in leadership roles, what major shifts do you see transforming
hospitality, brand building, and customer experience in India?
The biggest
shift is the rise of experience-driven travel—guests today want authenticity,
nature, culture, and personalization. Technology is no longer support; it’s the
backbone of service delivery.
Brand building
has moved from advertising to storytelling—people connect with purpose, not
products.
A case example
is our own MadhuNandan and Vanymahal Ramnagar, where guests return not just for
luxury but for thoughtfully designed experiences rooted in local flavour,
nature, and emotions.
4. You’ve
launched multiple brands across diverse verticals. What core principles guide
your approach to creating sustainable, high-impact ventures?
Three
principles guide me consistently:
1. Solve a
real problem. Every business I built—from hospitality to Venuss
Makeovers—was created to fill a genuine market gap.
2. Build
strong teams. People are the real assets; systems only guide them.
3. Deliver
consistent value. Sustainable brands grow when customers trust your
delivery every time.
For example,
while scaling Asapian Hotels, our focus on community employment and local
sourcing created both impact and loyalty—proving sustainability and
profitability can go hand in hand.
5. As a MD
& CEO, how do you balance innovation with operational excellence?
Innovation must
create efficiency, not complexity. I encourage my teams to experiment but
ensure every idea passes a simple test—Will this improve guest experience or
operational effectiveness?
At Vanymahal
and other property also, we integrated digital check-ins and personalized
travel planning while continuing to strengthen SOPs, staff training, and cost
controls. This balanced approach ensures fast growth without compromising
service standards.
6. What is
your long-term vision for Asapian Hotels & Resorts?
My vision is to
position Asapian as a distinctive experiential luxury brand rooted in Indian
hospitality values along with a strong Sales platform. We aim to expand across
wildlife destinations, spiritual circuits, and boutique leisure locations.
Over the next
few years, I see Asapian becoming a symbol of authentic experiences, strong
service culture, and responsible tourism—while generating meaningful employment
and uplifting local communities.
7. What
essential advice would you offer young leaders and entrepreneurs?
Start small,
but think big. Stay consistent, stay disciplined, and never lose your hunger to
learn.
Build teams
with empathy, communicate with clarity, and remember—your brand is built every
single day through actions, not announcements.
Most
importantly, don’t fear failures. I built my journey from the ground;
challenges shaped me far more than successes ever did.
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