Out of Office, Into Insight: Kriti Mehrotra's Leadership Lessons from Holidays
Kriti's Journey, in Her Own Words
The story of every entrepreneur starts long before they get their first significant break. I started off with an inquisitive mind, a keen sense of detail, and a passion for people and the natural world. From my earliest academic endeavors to my first employment, my journey ultimately brought me to create one of India's most adored organic brand today. However, my journey is firmly anchored in something far more straightforward—holidays—than business strategy and boardroom choices.
Leadership & Life
In my experience as an entrepreneur, those who succeed at home also succeed at work. No strategy session can compare to the insight that comes from holidaying and personal time. I can lead with empathy and vision when I have the time to think, rebuild, and re-establish a connection with my inner self. I develop my core during these calm times, which helps me see things more broadly and transition from reactive to responsive leadership.
It's difficult to juggle work and family obligations, particularly for women. Guilt becomes our middle name sometime along the line. There is an unseen pressure on us to always do everything. I've come to understand over the years that quality, not balance, is what matters.
Lessons from Holidaying & Experiences
You learn to adjust when you holiday. You get to new places, find a way to blend in, and manage to get by. I appreciate that effort because it serves as a reminder that being adaptable doesn't mean altering who you are; rather, it means remaining open to the person you could become.
My trips have also been the source of my creativity. It's interesting to see how several cultures react to the same item or circumstance. Every response is different, but we are all connected by a basic human trait. These realizations have influenced several workplace decisions, frequently resulting in more human-centered solutions.
And resilience comes next. Holidaying throws everything at you, from misplaced luggage to rerouted plans, from missed flights to language hurdles. You get the ability to remain composed, think quickly, and persevere. No MBA or textbook can impart the self-assurance and independence that were formed in those moments.
Holidays spent with my loved ones are where I have some of my most cherished memories. These are the times when you are reminded of the important things in life. We have always valued quality time over quantity in our household.
My leadership style is directly impacted by these domestic experiences. I try to foster an environment at work where people feel encouraged rather than condemned. Because you appear more self-assured and genuine when you know that someone is looking out for you.
Final Thoughts
If I were to give you one bit of advise, it would be to schedule time for important moments. Work will always exist, but what makes a life worthwhile are the memories you make with your loved ones and with yourself.
And one holidaying-related life lesson that all leaders ought to adopt – Remain inquisitive and modest. You're never too old to pick up new skills, particularly when you're stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Leadership is ultimately about more than just numbers and benchmarks. It has to do with people, perspective, and presence. So go ahead and schedule that vacation, take that day off, and make the most of that time. Because you're walking toward the kind of leadership that really counts in those situations, not away from it.
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