LETTER EDITOR’S
The Top Five Most Remarkable Business Coaches of 2025
Torchbearers of Credible Entrepreneurs!
DearReaders,
Effectiveleadershipisthebedrockoforganizationalgrowthandimprovement,andintoday'sfast-pacedAPAC businesslandscape,itscultivationthroughcoachingisparamount.Leadersmustinspire,motivate,anddrivesuccess amidstconstantchange.Executivecoachingisnolongeraluxurybutastrategicimperative,equippingleaderswith theskillstonavigatecomplexityanduncertainty
Thebenefitsareclear:enhancedself-awareness,sharperdecision-making,improvedemotionalintelligence,and practicaltoolsforcommunication,teambuilding,andperformancemanagement.Coachingfostersaccountability, goalattainment,andcontinuouslearning,enablingleaderstoadaptandthrive.
TheAsia-Pacificregionisattheforefrontofadynamicglobaleconomy,facingrapidtechnologicaladvancements, shiftingconsumerdemands,andintricateglobalconnections.Inthisenvironment,exceptionalleadershipisthe differentiator.Organizationsareincreasinglyrecognizingthetransformativepowerofbusinesscoachingtounlock leadershippotentialandsteertheirenterprisestowardssustainedsuccess.Therisingdemandforexperiencedand insightfulcoachesreflectsthiscriticalneedforguidanceandstrategicdevelopment.
ThiseditionofBusinessAPACMagazineproudlypresentsourselectionof“TheTopFiveMostRemarkableBusiness Coachesof2025.”OurcoverstoryfeaturesthegroundedexpertiseofNickIkonomou,ManagingDirectorof CoachNick.Nick’sCoachNickpersonaisn’tbuiltonfleetingonlinetrendsbutontwodecadesoftangibleimpact withinMelbourne’sentrepreneurialecosystem.Unlikecoacheswhoprioritizedigitalfanfare,Nickisdeeply embeddedinthelocalbusinesscommunity,havingpersonallyguidedover400businessesthroughface-to-face engagements.Hisapproachisintenselypersonal,withconfidentialone-on-onesessionscurrentlybenefitingaround35 businesses–atestamenttothetrustheearnsandthetailorednatureofhiscoaching.
BeyondNick’scompellingstory,wealsohighlighttheexceptionalcontributionsofotherleadingcoachesacrossthe APACregion.DiscovertheinsightsandachievementsofWendyTansey,KirkNeal,andSameerKamboj.These individualsrepresenttheforefrontofbusinesscoachinginAPAC,eachbringinguniquestrengthsandashared commitmenttoelevatingleadershipexcellenceandshapingthefutureofbusinessinthisvitalregion.Their experiencesofferinvaluablelessonsforleadersseekingtonavigateandthriveintoday'schallengingyetopportunityrichenvironment.
HappyReading!
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BUSINESS APAC
CO VER ST OR Y
10 Nick Ikonomou
NICK
Filling Up Trenches of Entrepreneurship for a Sustainable Business Success
IKONOMOU
Managing Director I CoachNick
ForovertwodecadesinMelbourne,Nick Ikonomou,a.k.a.CoachNick,hasbeenquietly transformingbusinessesone-on-one.Discover theno-nonsenseapproachthathasguidedover400 companiestosustainablesuccess.
InthebustlingbusinesslandscapeofMelbourne,where entrepreneursnavigateauniqueblendoflocalchallenges andglobalopportunities,onenameconsistentlysurfaces forthoseseekingtangiblegrowth:CoachNick.Nick Ikonomou,orsimply“CoachNick”asmanyclientsknow him,isn tanotheronlinegurupromisinginstantriches. ’ He saMelbourne-basedveteranofthebusinessworld, ’ offeringsomethingfarmoreenduring:abattle-tested, intenselypracticalapproachhonedovertwodecadesof one-on-onecoaching.
Since1999,CoachNickhasbeeninthetrencheswithover 400businessesacrossdiverseindustries,deliveringnot justadvice,butatransformationgroundedinreal-world experience.Forgetthefluff,forgetthegenericstrategies. CoachNickisaboutMelbournegrit,understandinglocal nuances,andimplementingstrategiesthatyield measurableresults,clientbyclient.Butwhatisthesecret behindthisquietlyimpactfulMelbournemethod,and whatmakesCoachNickthego-toguideforbusinesses seekinggenuine,lastingsuccessinthisdynamiccityand beyond?
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NickIkonomou sCoachNickpersonaisn tbuilton ’ ’ marketinghype;it sforgedfromMelbournebusiness ’ reality.Forover20years,he sbeenaconsistent, ’ groundedpresenceinthecity sentrepreneurialecosystem. ’ Unlikecoacheswithfleetingonlinefame,CoachNickis deeplyrootedintheMelbournebusinesscommunity, havingpersonallycoachedover400businessesface-toface.Thisisn tafacelessbrand;it sadeeplypersonal, ’ ’ one-on-oneengagement.Atanygiventime,he sactively ’ coachingaround35individualbusinesses,eachsession privateandconfidential–atestamenttothetrusthe cultivatesandthepersonalizednatureofhisapproach.
Hisexperienceisn tjustbroad;it sremarkablydeep. ’ ’ CoachNickboastsover30yearsofcombinedbusiness experience,asignificantportionspentdirectlyadvising andguidingMelbournebusinessesacrossvirtuallyevery industryimaginable–fromretailboutiquestolarge-scale industrialoperations,bustlinghospitalityvenuesto establishedprofessionalservicefirms.
ThisMelbournefocus,combinedwithindustrybreadth, provideshimwithanunparalleledperspective.He’s seenwhatworks,whatdoesn t,and–crucially–what ’ worksspecificallywithintheMelbournebusiness context.Hisdirect,no-nonsensestyleisn tjustabrand ’ aesthetic;it sthecommunicationofaseasoned ’ professionalwhoprioritizesclarityandactionable advice,honedbydecadesofdirectclientinteractionin theMelbournemarket.
JourneyFromFinancialControllertoMelbourne BusinessGuide
ThefoundationofCoachNick sexpertiseisn tjust ’ ’ entrepreneurialanecdotes;it sarobustblendofpractical ’ businessownershipandasharpfinancialacumen. Beforededicatinghimselffullytocoaching,Ikonomou wasn tjustanobserverofthebusinessworld;hewasan ’ activeparticipant,adirectorinhisownpractice,and ownerofthreeotherbusinesses–allstrategicallyrun “ ” “ ” on thebusiness,not in it,mirroringthevery principlehenowcoacheshisclientstoembrace. This isn tjusttheory;it shisownoperationalblueprint. ’ ’
TheCoachNickPersona
Cover Story
Addingfurtherdepthishisstrongaccounting background.HoldingrolesasaFinancial Controllerinhislastthreecorporate positions,precededbyvariousaccounting rolesacrossdiversesectorslike manufacturing,distribution,andprofessional services–allwithinMelbourne– Ikonomou bringsararefinanciallenstobusiness coaching.
Thisaccountingfoundationisn’tjustabout balancesheetsandprofitmargins;it’sabouta fundamentalunderstandingofbusiness mechanics,financialhealth,andsustainable profitability.It’sthisuniquecombinationof entrepreneurialactionandfinancialexpertise, groundedintheMelbournemarket,thatsets CoachNickapartasaguidewhotruly understandsthemultifacetedchallengesof buildingandgrowingabusiness.
TheMelbourneMethod:PracticalAdvice AcrossDiverseIndustries
CoachNick’sMelbourne-honedmethodology centersondeliveringpractical,actionable advicetailoredtotheuniquerealitiesofeach businesshecoaches.Hisservices,deeply rootedinone-on-onecoachingsessions,are notaboutgenerictemplates.Theyareabout bespokestrategiescraftedthroughprivateand confidentialdialogues,addressingthespecific needsofeachclient.Hiscoaching encompassesacomprehensivesuiteof services,including:
●SmallBusinessCoaching&Business Advice:Tailoredguidancefornavigating thespecificchallengesandopportunitiesof smallerenterprises,particularlywithin Melbourne’scompetitivelandscape.
●SalesCoaching&Marketingand Advertising:Developingstrategiestoboost salesperformanceandcrafteffective marketingcampaignsrelevanttothe Melbournemarketandbeyond.
●TimeManagement:Equippingbusiness ownerswiththetoolsandtechniquesto optimizetheirtimeandproductivity,a criticalfactorinMelbourne’sfast-paced businessenvironment.
“
Hisreachacrossindustriesisremarkablywide,reflecting Melbourne'sdiverseeconomy.CoachNick sclientsspan: ’
● Fromboutiquestorestolargerretailoperationsacross Retail: Melbournesuburbs.
● Businessesinvolvedinmanufacturing Industrial/Wholesale: anddistribution,crucialsectorsinMelbourne sindustrial ’ areas.
● Cafes,restaurants,andhotels–avibrantand Hospitality: competitivesectorinMelbourne.
● Plumbers,electricians,andotheressentialtrades Trades: businessesservingtheMelbournecommunity
● Accountants,lawyers,consultants, ProfessionalBusiness: andotherservice-basedprofessionalsoperatingin Melbourne sCBDandbeyond. ’
● Navigatingthecomplexities FranchiseesandFranchisors: offranchisemodelswithintheMelbournecontext.
● BusinessesinMelbourne'speri-urban Rural/Agricultural: andregionalareas,showcasinghisadaptabilitytodiverse businessenvironments.
Thisindustrybreadth,combinedwithhisMelbournefocus, underscorestheversatilityandreal-worldapplicabilityofthe CoachNickmethod.He'snotjustcoachingintheory;he’s coachinginMelbournereality,acrossaspectrumofbusinesses.
Cover Story
CorePrincipleofBusinessGrowth
CentraltoCoachNick sphilosophyistheprincipleof ’ working“onyourbusiness”ratherthan“inyour business.”Thisisn tjustacatchphrase;it salived ’ ’ principle,demonstratedbyhisownexperienceofowning anddirectingbusinessesthatwererunentirelyunder management. Thisphilosophyunderpinsmuchofhis coaching,urgingclientstostepbackfromthedailygrind, gainastrategicoverview,andbuildsystemsthatallow theirbusinessestothrivewithoutconstantfirefighting.
It saboutcreatingsustainable,scalablebusinessesthat ’ empowertheownersratherthanenslavingthem.This emphasisonstrategicoversight,coupledwithhis financialacumen,makesCoachNick sguidance ’ particularlyvaluableforbusinessesaimingforlong-term viabilityandabalancedapproachtogrowthinthe demandingMelbournemarket.
MelbourneRoots!LastingImpact!
CoachNick simpactisdeeplyinterwovenwiththe ’ Melbournebusinesscommunity.Forovertwodecades, he sbeenaconsistentpresence,notjustonline,but ’ physicallyinMelbourne,meetingclients,understanding thelocalnuances,andbuildingareputationthrough word-of-mouthandtangibleresults.Whilehisonline presenceprovidesaccessibility,hisfoundationisfirmly plantedintheMelbournesoil.Thislocalfocus,combined withhisextensiveexperience,createsauniqueoffering: abusinesscoachwhoisnotjustknowledgeablebutalso deeplyconnectedtothespecificchallengesand opportunitiesoftheMelbournebusinesslandscape.
ConcludingParagraph
NickIkonomou/CoachNick,offersmorethanjust businesscoaching;heoffersaMelbourne-testedand refinedapproachtobuildingsustainablesuccess.His decadesofone-on-onecoachingwithover400 Melbournebusinesses,coupledwithhisentrepreneurial backgroundandfinancialexpertise,positionhimasa uniquelyimpactfulforceinthecity sbusiness ’ ecosystem.
ForentrepreneursinMelbourneandbeyondseekinga no-nonsenseguidegroundedinreal-worldexperience andprovenstrategies,CoachNickrepresentsa compellingpartnerincuttingthroughthenoiseand achievinglasting,measurablegrowthintheirventures.
Hitachi Social Innovation is
Kirk Neal
Empowering Trade Entrepreneurs to Build Businesses That Work for Them
Kirk Neal is best known for helping tradespeople
transition from working “IN” their business—being on the tools—to working “ON” their business in a more operational role.
“Great businesses aren’t born; they’re built, brick by brick, decision by decision.” KirkNeal,theHeadBusiness CoachatUpScaleBusinessCoaching,livesandbreathes thisphilosophy.Startinghiscareerasanelectricianandlater navigatingthechallengesofoperationsmanagement,Kirk discoveredhistruecallingincoaching—redefiningwhatit meanstoempowertradeandservice-basedentrepreneurs.
AtUpScale,Kirkismorethanacoach;heisatrusted partnerhelpingbusinessownersshiftfromworking“IN” theirbusinessestoworking“ON”them.Hisapproach combineshands-onmentoring,practicaltools,andafocus onwhattrulymatters—profitability,sustainability,and freedomforhisclients.
“In business — especially in trades — your relationship with risk often determines not just your level of success but the freedom and fulfillment you experience along the way,” says Kirk.
ReadontodiscoverhowKirkNealisturningbusiness coachingintoacatalystforlastingsuccess.
BusinessAPAC:Yourcareerjourneyhasbeenquite diverseandinspiring.Whatinspiredyourtransition frombeinganelectriciantobecomingabusinesscoach?
Kirk:MyjourneybeganaftercollegewhenIstartedan apprenticeshipasanelectrician.OnceIqualified,Iwas fortunatetostepintoanoperationsmanagerrole,whichgave memyfirsttasteofrunningabusiness.Thoseyearswere
invaluable—theytaughtmehowtomanageteams, streamlineoperations,andfocusondelivering exceptionalcustomerservice.
WhileIenjoyedtheoperationalside,Ifeltastrongpull towardhelpingothersintheindustry Thisledmeto coaching,whereIdiscoveredmytruepassion—guiding tradebusinessownersthroughthechallengesofrunning andgrowingtheirbusinesses.
Istartedcoachingin2019withTradiesSuccess AcademyinPerth,whereIworkedcloselywithtrade businessownerstorefinetheirstrategiesandsystems. Overtheyears,I'velearnedthateverybusinessis unique,butmanychallengesareuniversal—sales, leadership,andmindset.
Now,asacoachwithUpScaleBusinessCoachingbased inByronBay,Ifocusonhelpingclientsautomateand systemizetheiroperations.Mypassionliesinseeingthe transformations—notjustintheirbusinessesbutintheir lives.Whenaclienttellsmethey’vereclaimedtimeto spendwiththeirfamilyorfinallyfeelincontroloftheir business,it’sgratifying.
It doesn t matter what industry you re in or what role you hold everyone is in sales.
Head Business Coach
BusinessAPAC:TellusaboutUpScaleBusiness Coaching.Whatspecificchallengesdoyouaddressfor yourclients,andwhatmakesyourapproachunique?
Kirk:AtUpscale,wespecializeinhelpingtradeand service-basedbusinessownerstransitionfromworking“on thetools”toadoptinganoperatormodel.Fromthere,we guidethemtowardautomatingtheirbusinessesor preparingforasuccessfulsale.Weprideourselveson offeringafullsuiteofmentoring,coaching,and consulting.
Typically,weseemostcoachingorganizationstransitionto large-groupcoaching.Whilewecertainlyhavealarge groupcomponentinouroffering,weprideourselveson buildingamodelthatretainsamoreintimateone-on-one ortwo-on-oneexperience.Eachclientworkscloselywitha headcoachwhounderstandstheiruniquecircumstances. Fortnightlymeetingswiththatcoachhelpthemstay focusedonprioritiesandholdthemaccountablefortaking thenecessaryactiontoachievetheirgoals.
BusinessAPAC:Howdoyouensureconsistentquality andsupportasyourclientbasegrows?
Kirk:We’vedesignedamodelthatensureseveryclient receivesthehighestlevelofsupport,regardlessofour growth.Weobservestrictcoach-to-clientratiossothatas thebusinessgrows,thequalityofourproductandservice ismaintained.
Moreover,wetrulybelieveinpracticingwhatwepreach, somanyoftheframeworksweusetohelpourclientsgrow arethesameframeworksweusein-house.Thisalignment strengthensourcredibilityandensureswestayinnovative andeffectiveinourmethods.
BusinessAPAC:Couldyousharesomeofthekeyareas youfocusonwithclientsduringtheirbusinessjourney?
Kirk:Ourprocesscoversthefullspectrumofthebusiness journey.Itstartswithestablishingclear,achievablegoals usingSMARTframeworksandthenmovesintocreating actionableplansforgrowth.Forexample,wehelpclients developmulti-layeredlead-generationstrategiestoboost theirpipelines.
Fromthere,wefocusonteammanagementandbuildinga strong,positivecompanyculture.Finally,weguideclients throughadvancedstages,whetherit'sautomatingprocesses forefficiencyorpreparingthebusinessforsale.
BusinessAPAC:AsaHeadBusinessCoach,whatare yourprimaryresponsibilities,andhowdoyouaddress leadershipdevelopmentwithyourclients?
Kirk:AsaHeadBusinessCoach,myprimaryroleisto workdirectlywithclientstodevelopanimplementation plantoacceleratetheirbusinessgrowth.Iprovide fortnightlyactionstepsandaccountabilitytoensuretheir effortsarefocusedonthekeyprioritiesformovingtheir businessforward.
Leadershipisacrucialskill.Anorganizationwillonly growtothelimitationsofitsleadership.Byworkingwith businessownersthroughouttheirjourney,fromstart-upto automation,wewitnessthisdevelopmentfirsthand.
Thekeyleadershipmetricswefocusonare:
● Staffretention:Thisisthesecondbiggestkillerof businessgrowthbehindcashflow
● Onboarding/onrampingtime:Howquicklyanew employeeachievesoperationaleffectiveness.
● Innovationimplementation:Icallthis“business agility,”orhowwellateamrespondstochangesand shifts.
BusinessAPAC:You’reknownforhelping tradespeopletransitiontheirroleswithintheir businesses.Canyousharesomeofthemostrewarding outcomesyou’vewitnessed?
Kirk:I'mprobablybestknownforhelpingtradespeople transitionfromworking“IN”theirbusiness—beingonthe tools—toworking“ON”theirbusinessinamore operationalrole.Weconsistentlyhelpbusinessesachieve recordmonths,quarters,andyearsinbothrevenueand profit.
Forme,someofthemostmeaningfulsuccessstoriesare whenIreceivemessageslike,“Yousavedmybusiness. Withoutyourhelp,Iwasdestinedforfailureandbeing forcedtogobackandworkforsomeoneelse.”
BusinessAPAC:Whatchallengesdidyoufaceinyour careerjourney?Howdidyoutacklethem?
Kirk:Likealotofcoaches,theearlydayswerefilled withbattling“impostersyndrome.”Youhavetoproveit toyourselfbeforeyoucanbelieveinyourself,andyou needtobelieveinyourselfifyouwantotherstobelievein you,too.
Morerecently,theCOVIDpandemicpresentedanintense andpressurizedchallenge.Mostofmyclientswereunsure iftheycouldgotowork,whattheyweregoingtodowith theirteams,orhowtheywouldmakeendsmeet,allwhile thelandscapewaschangingalmostdaily
However,providingsupportandguidancethroughthat timewasamassiveprivilege.Andthankfully,manyofour clientsnavigatedthroughitandfoundgreatsuccessinthe post-COVIDeconomy.
BusinessAPAC:Whatareyourplansfor2025and beyond,bothpersonallyandforUpScaleBusiness Coaching?
Kirk:Onapersonallevel,2025willbeabigyear,witha focusonstagepresentationsandliveevents.Ilovethe impactthatcanbecreatedwhenworkingwithalive audience.WehaveanationaltourplannedacrossAustralia toreachandhelpmorepeople.
Asforthefutureasawhole,themodernAIworldopens manyexcitingopportunitiesforourclientsandthe coachingarena.Iseethebiggestimpactforourclientsis intheconsumerpsychologyspace,enablingthemto analyzelargeconsumerbuyingdatasetstounderstand whatproductsandservicesdifferentclientavatarsare buyingrightnow,ensuringtheyalwayshaveastrong “product-marketfit.”
BusinessAPAC:Howdoyouapproachwork-life balance?
Kirk:Work-lifebalanceisalwaysdifficulttomanage.For me,balancecomesfromeffectivecommunication—having opendiscussionswithmyfamilyaboutmywork commitmentsindifferentseasons.Similarly,I’mopenwith ourteamaboutwhatmattersmosttomeandmyfamilyso thatIcancreateahigh-energyimpactinbothareasoflife.
BusinessAPAC:Whatkeyadvicewouldyougiveto aspiringbusinessleadersandentrepreneurs?
Kirk:Myadviceistofocusonthreeskillsetsthatcan alwaysbeimprovedupon.Themomentyouneglect developmentintheseareas,you'llfindyourselfstagnating andslidingbackward.
1.Sales:Itdoesn’tmatterwhatindustryyou’reinorwhat roleyouhold—everyoneisinsales.Peoplewiththe bestsalesskillswillalwaysachievethegreatestsuccess.
2.Leadership:Thisskilltranscendsallaspectsoflife, fromgettingthemostoutofyourteamtoraising childrenandhavingfulfillingrelationships.
3.Mindset:Mindsetiseverything.Thepersonyouspeak tomostisyourself,sobekindtoyourself. Understandingyourselfandknowinghowtoprotect yourmentalspaceiscriticaltonavigatingthechallenges thatlifeandbusinesswillthrowatyou.
WeallknowthatRiteshAgarwal’snetworth hasgrowntoanamazing$225million.But howdidasmall-townboybecomeoneof India’syoungestbillionaires?Impressive!Right?Well, hisjourneyisnotjustaboutmoney—it'saboutdreams, risks,andnevergivingup.
RiteshstartedOYOwiththesimpleideaofmaking budgethotelsbetter Withhardwork,smartdecisions, andanever-quitattitude,heturnedOYOintoaglobal brand.
He faced failures but kept learning! He took risks but stayed confident!
However,hisstoryprovesthatsuccessispossiblefor anyonewhodarestodreambig!Inthisblog,youwill learnthesecretsbehindhissuccessfuljourneyto massivewealth!
Excited?Let’sgetstarted!
EarlyLifeandEducationofRiteshAgarwal
RiteshAgarwalwasbornonNovember16,1993,inBissam Cuttack,Odisha,India.Hegrewupinamiddle-classfamily, whichseededinhimthevaluesofhardworkand perseverance.
Soon,RiteshattendedSt.John'sSchoolinBhubaneswar.He laterenrolledattheIndianSchoolofBusinessandFinancein Delhibutdroppedouttopursuehisentrepreneurialdreams.
Fromayoungage,Riteshshowedakeeninterestin technologyandentrepreneurship.Hestartedhisfirstventure attheageof17,sellingSIMcardstoearnpocketmoney
Interestingly,beforefoundingOYORooms,Riteshlaunched acompanycalledOravelStaysin2012,whichwasa
Ritesh Agarwal’s Net Worth
platformforbudgetaccommodation.Thisventure laidthegroundworkforhisfuturesuccess.
Let’sKnowRiteshAgarwal’sNetWorthJourney
FoundingOYORooms
In2013,RiteshAgarwalrebrandedOravelStaysto OYORooms,focusingonstandardizingbudget hotels.Thiselementwasimportantinestablishinghis brandinthehospitalityindustry.
RapidExpansion
OYORoomsexpandedrapidly,reachingover43,000 propertiesacross80countriesby2020.This aggressivegrowthstrategygreatlyincreasedRitesh Agarwal’snetworth,contributingtohisvaluationof $225million.
FundingRounds
OYOhasraisedover$3.47billioninfundingfrom investorslike SoftBank, Sequoia Capital, and Lightspeed Venture Partners tillnow.Theseinvestmentshaveplayeda keyroleinscalingthebusinessandincreasingAgarwal's wealth.
ValuationMilestones
●In2019,OYOwasvaluedat$10billion,makingitoneof themostvaluablestartupsinIndia.RiteshAgarwal's personalstakeinthecompanycontributedstronglytohis networth.
●PersonalStake:RiteshAgarwalreportedlyownsabout 30%ofOYO,whichaddstoanoteworthyportionofhis networth.Thisstakehasbeenamajordriverofhis financialsuccess.
●SharkTankIndia:RiteshAgarwalgainedfurther recognitionbyappearingonSharkTankIndiaasa judge.Hisinvolvementintheshownotonlyincreased hisvisibilitybutalsoshowcasedhisentrepreneurial sense.
As of the recent reports, Ritesh Agarwal’s net worth is estimated at $225 million (₹1,900 crores), showing his successful ventures and investments in various sectors. Let's know in depth!
InvestmentsofRiteshAgarwal
●InvestmentsinStartups:Riteshhasinvestedin manystartups,including Zomato, Ola, and Paytm Theseinvestmentshavediversifiedhisportfolioand contributedtohisoverallwealth.
●FoundingVentures:BeyondOYO,Riteshhas foundedseveralventures,including OYO Workspaces and OYO Homes,whichcaterto differentmarketsegmentsandimprovehisbusiness impression.
●UnicornInvestments:RiteshAgarwalhasbeen involvedinmultipleunicornstartups,whichare valuedatover$1billion.Hisstrategicinvestmentsin thesecompanieshavegreatlyincreasedhisnetworth.
●RealEstateVentures:Riteshhasalsoventuredinto realestate,acquiringpropertiesforOYO’s expansion.Thismovehasnotonlyincreasedhis assetsbut,alsoprovidedasteadyincomestream.
●GlobalExpansion:OYO’sentryintointernational markets,includingtheUS,Europe,andSoutheast Asia,hasbeenagame-changer Thisglobalfootprint hasenrichedRiteshAgarwal’snetworthbygetting intonewrevenuestreams.
●TechnologyIntegration:Riteshhashighlighted technologyinOYO’soperations,implementingAI anddataanalyticstooptimizepricingandcustomer experience.Thistech-drivenapproachhasalso improvedprofitability
BrandCollaborations:
OYOhasengagedinmultiplestrategiccollaborations toimproveitsmarketpresenceandserviceofferings. Belowisalistofitsbrandpartnerships:
●TechnologyPartnerships:
In2021,OYOenteredastrategicalliancewith Microsoft toco-developtravelandhospitality products.ThiscollaborationaimedtocreateSmart Roomexperiences,includingself-check-in,IoTmanagedsmartlocks,andvirtualassistance,leveraging Microsoft'sAzureIoTplatform.
●HospitalityandAccommodationPartnerships:
Airbnb(2019):OYOandAirbnbannounceda strategicpartnershipwhereOYOwouldlistits propertiesonthe Airbnb platform,expandingitsglobal reachandofferingdiversifiedaccommodationoptions totravelers.
@LeisureGroup(2019):OYOacquiredAmsterdambased @Leisure Group,aEuropeanvacationrental company,for$415million,strengtheningitspresence intheEuropeanmarket.
DirectBooker(2022):OYOcompletedtheacquisition ofEurope-basedcompany Direct Booker,further expandingitsfootprintintheEuropeanvacationrental sector.
Motel6andStudio6(2024):InSeptember2024, OYOagreedtopurchasetheAmericanbudgetmotel chain Motel 6 anditshotelbrand Studio 6 inanall-cash dealworth$525millionfromBlackstoneInc.,marking asignificantexpansionintheU.S.market.
●HygieneandSafetyPartnerships:
In2020,duringtheCOVID-19pandemic,OYO collaboratedwith Unilever toimplementthe'Sanitised BeforeYourEyes'initiative,wherestaffwouldsanitize roomsinfrontofgueststobuildtrustandensure hygiene.
●DistributionandBookingPlatformPartnerships:
OYOhaspartneredwithpopularbookingplatforms like Booking.com and Expedia toincreaseitsvisibility andattractmorecustomers.
Furthermore,OYOannouncedastrategicglobal distributionpartnershipwithHotelbeds,aimingto expanditsreachtoabroadercustomerbasethrough Hotelbeds’sextensivenetwork.
●AirlinePartnerships:
OYOhasteamedupwithairlinestoofferexclusive discountsandpackagestotravelers,creatinga seamlesstravelexperience.
Forinstance,in2024,OYOsecuredpartnershipswith majorclientssuchas Tech Mahindra and Reliance, showingitsreliabilityinthecorporatespace.
Thesepartnershipsaimtoprovidetravelerswith integratedservices,combiningaccommodationand flightoptionstoenhanceconvenienceandvalue.
●LocalBusinessPartnerships:
OYOhasforgedallianceswithlocalbusinessessuch as restaurants, tour operators, and transportation services toenhancetheoverallguestexperience.
●IndustryCollaborations:
PartnershipofHospitality,Technology,andTourism Industry(CHATT)(2021)—OYOcollaboratedwith Yatra, Airbnb, and EaseMyTrip toformCHATT,an industrybodyaimedatsupportingsmallhotelowners andtravelagentsthroughtechnologyandtraining.
RecognitionandAwards
RiteshAgarwal,thefounderandCEOofOYO Rooms,hasreceivedmanyaccoladesandawards throughouthisentrepreneurialjourney.Belowisalist ofhisrecognitions:
● Thiel Fellowship (2013)
● TATA First Dot Awards (2013)
● TiE-Lumis Entrepreneurial Excellence Award (2014)
● Forbes “30 Under 30” (2016)
● Business World Young Entrepreneur Award
● Business Insider Recognition (2013) as “8 Hottest Teenage Start-up Founders in the World”
● Hurun Rich List of India (2024) as “Top 10 youngest Indian billionaires”
NotablePodcastsandInterviewsofRiteshAgarwal
RiteshAgarwal,thefounderandCEOofOYORooms,has beenfeaturedinmanynotablepodcastsandinterviews, sharingwisdomabouthisentrepreneurialjourneyand businessstrategies.Belowisalistofhisappearances:
1.MicsandMindsPodcastwithHimeeshMadaan
Inthisepisodetitled “Sapne, Struggles, Shark Tank aur OYO,” Riteshdiscusseshisdreams,challenges,and experiencesrelatedtoOYOandhisappearanceonShark Tank.Theconversationtakesyouthroughhispersonal journeyandtheobstaclesheovercametobuildhis business.
2.MixergyPodcastwithAndrewWarner
RiteshappearedontheMixergypodcast,wherehe discussedhowasinglechangeinhisbusinessmodelled OYOtoachieveamulti-billiondollarvaluation.Heshared insightsintotheearlychallengesandthestrategiesthat contributedtoOYO'ssuccess.
3.TheKen’sFirstPrinciplesPodcast
Inatwo-partseriesonKen’s“FirstPrinciples”podcast, Riteshdelvedintovariousaspectsofhisleadershipand businessphilosophy:
●Part1:Hediscussedbuildingabusinessbasedon differentiationandtheimportanceofclarityinleadership.
●Part2:Riteshreflectedonhisdecade-longjourneyasa youngfounderandCEO,sharinginsightsonrecognizing opportunities,dealingwithregrets,andtheimportanceof reflectioninleadership.
4.InterviewwithRajShamani
Inthisconversation,Riteshsharedfivepowerfulprinciples forachievingsuccessinone's20s,drawingfromhis personalexperiencesofbuildingOYOintoasuccessful unicorn.
5.JagranManthanInterview
RiteshwasfeaturedinanexclusiveinterviewonJagran Manthan,wherehediscussedhisjourneyfromsmall beginningstobecomingabillionaire.Hesharedhis personalstoryandinsightsintothegrowthofOYO.
6.IndianBusinessPodcast
Inthisepisode,Riteshdiscussedsecretbusinessstrategies, addressedrumorsaboutOYO'sbankruptcy,andsharedhis visionforthefuture.Theconversationprovidedastrong analysisofhisstrategicthinkingandleadershipapproach.
7.InterviewwithBhuvanAvnindraShankarBam
Inadditiontohisvariouspodcastappearances,Ritesh AgarwalhostedaninsightfulinterviewwithBhuvanBam, therenownedYouTubecontentcreatorbehindBBKiVines, on “The Impossible Show,” presentedbyHindustanTimes.
Thisseriescelebratesself-madeindividualsfromsmall townsacrossIndia.Intheepisode,Bhuvansharedhis journeytoglobalfame,discussinghisbeginnings, challenges,andthephilosophiesthathaveshapedhiscareer. Hehighlightstheimportanceoffollowingone'sheartand havingnoregrets.
SimpleKeyTakeaways
RiteshAgarwal’snetworthstoryisfulloflessonsthatcan inspireanyone.Hestartedwithnothingbutabigdream.He workedhard,tookrisks,andnevergaveup.Herearesome simplelessonsfromhisjourney:
●DreamBig,StartSmall–Riteshbeganwithasmallidea, buthebelievedinit.Youseeevenbigbusinessesstart small.
●NeverFearFailure–Hefacedmanyfailures,buthekept learningandimproving,asmistakesarepartofsuccess.
●TakeRiskswithConfidence–Hetookboldsteps,like droppingoutofcollege,tofollowhisdreams.Sometimes, bigrewardscomefrombigrisks.
●KeepLearningEveryDay–Riteshalwayswantedto learnnewthings.Well,themoreyoulearn,thebetteryou grow.
●HelpOthersGrow–HebuiltOYOnotjustforhimself buttohelphotelssucceedtoo.Indeed,successiseven betterwhenshared.
Ritesh’sjourneyprovesthatanyonecanachievegreatness withhardworkandsmartthinking.So,ifyouareimpressed byhisjourneytosuccess,pleasesharethisblogwithyour friendsandinspirethemtochasetheirdreamstoo!
WendyTansey
Breaking Barriers and Building Leaders
Inworkplacesallovertheworld,theleadershiptable tellsastory.Often,it’sastoryofvisionand ambition—buttoooften,it’salsoastoryofimbalance. Women,despitetheirqualificationsandexpertise,remain underrepresentedinexecutiveroles.WendyTansey,the founderandleadershipcoachatThePeopleExperts, bringsnearlythreedecadesofexperienceinHRand transformationalcoaching.Throughouthercareer,shehas dedicatedherselftoempoweringleaders—especially women—tobreakthroughbarriers,buildconfidence,and leadwithameaningfulimpact.
Herjourneyisnotjustaboutcoaching—it’saboutcreatinga rippleeffectofchange,oneleaderatatime.Wendy’swork challengestraditionalideasofleadershipandfocuseson buildingamoreinclusiveandhuman-centeredapproachto success.
ACallingShapedbyExperience
Wendy’scareerbeganinauniqueandformativesetting.She startedherprofessionallifeworkingwithhomelessyoung people,leadingateamof35individualsbytheageof21. Thisexperienceprovidedherwithinvaluableinsightsinto humanresilience,thechallengesofvulnerability,andthe powerofsupport—lessonsthatwouldlaterinformher approachtoleadershipcoaching.
Fromthere,shetransitionedintoHR,wheresheworked closelywithpeopleatalllevelsoforganizations.Overthe years,shewitnessedarecurringpattern.Whilemanymen climbedthecorporateladderwithease,highlycapable womenoftenfacedinvisiblehurdles.Theystruggledwith impostersyndrome,self-doubt,andworkplacebiasesthat madeitharderforthemtoclaimtheirplaceatthe leadershiptable.
ThesechallengeswerenotabstracttoWendy—theywere deeplypersonal.Asawomaninleadershipherself,she understoodwhatitfeltliketonavigateasystemthatwasn’t designedwitheveryoneinmind.“IknewIwantedtomake achange,”Wendysays.“Isawsomanytalentedwomen holdingthemselvesback,andIrealizedthiswaswhereI couldmakethebiggestdifference.”
ThatrealizationledhertolaunchThePeopleExperts,a coachingandconsultingpracticededicatedtobuilding leadershipcapability Wendy’sfocusisonhelpingmid-level femaleleadersstepintotheirpotential,overcomebarriers, andrisetotheexecutivelevelwithconfidenceandpurpose.
TheTransitiontoLeadershipCoach
Makingtheshiftfromacorporateroletoentrepreneurship wasnotwithoutitschallenges.Wendyhadbuilta
successfulcareerintheC-suite,butsteppinginto theroleofleadershipcoachrequiredanew mindset.Italsogaveherachancetoreflectonthe mostimportantlessonsshehadlearnedasaleader
Onelessonstoodout:confidenceisessential.“If youdon’tbelieveinyourself,nooneelsewill,” Wendysays.Shesawfirsthandhowself-doubt couldholdleadersbackfrommakingbold decisionsandinspiringtheirteams.Confidence,she realized,isnotjustapersonaltrait—it’sa leadershipskillthatneedstobecultivated.
Anotherlessonwasthevalueofpeople.Wendy believesthatleadershipisfundamentallyabout investinginothers.Whetherit’sbuildingahighperformingteamorcoachinganindividual executive,shealwayskeepspeopleatthecenterof herapproach.“Peopleareyourgreatestasset,”she explains.“Whenyoufocusondevelopingand supportingthem,thewholeorganizationthrives.”
Thispeople-centricapproachalsonecessitates adaptability.Leadershiptodayisn’taboutrigid structures;it’saboutbeingagile,embracingchange, andleadingwithemotionalintelligence.
CoachingLeaderstoOvercomeChallenges
Inherworkwith The People Experts,Wendyhas identifiedseveralcommonchallengesthathold leadersback.Oneofthemostfrequentissuesis difficultywithcommunication.Leadersoften struggletohavehonestconversationsabout performance,provideconstructivefeedback,or navigateconflict.Wendyworkswithherclientsto buildtheseskills,helpingthemapproachtough conversationswithconfidenceandclarity
Anotherchallengeisemotionalintelligence—orthe lackofit.Wendybelievesthatself-awarenessand empathyareessentialforconnectingwithteams andinspiringtrust.Manyleaders,however,arenot naturallyequippedwiththeseskills.Wendyhelps themdevelopemotionalagility,guidingthemto respondthoughtfullytosituationsratherthan reactingimpulsively.
Inclusivityisanotherareawhereleadersoftenfall short.Wendyhasseenhowunconsciousbiasesand exclusionarypracticescanlimitteamperformance
We know that when we have equality in leadership, everyone thrives—both women and men—and the organization thrives “
andinnovation.Sheworkswithleaderstocreate environmentswherediversevoicesareheard,valued,and integratedintodecision-makingprocesses.
TransformingTeamsthroughIntentionalLeadership
ForWendy,leadershipisnotjustaboutindividual success—it’saboutcreatinghigh-performingteams.A strongteam,shebelieves,isbuiltontrustandpsychological safety.“Whenteammembersfeelsafetospeakupand sharetheirideas,innovationthrives,”sheexplains.
Wendyalsoemphasizestheimportanceofclarity.Teams performbestwhenroles,goals,andexpectationsareclearly defined.Misalignmentandconfusion,ontheotherhand, canleadtofrustrationanddisengagement.
Diversityandinclusionareotherkeyfactorsinteam success.Wendyworkswithleaderstoembracedifferent perspectives,recognizingthatinnovationoftencomesfrom thecollisionofdiverseideas.Shealsohelpsthemfostera cultureofcontinuousdevelopment,wherefeedbackand learningareseenasopportunitiesforgrowthratherthan criticism.
TheRoleofEmotionalIntelligence
OneofWendy’scorebeliefsisthatemotionalintelligenceis thefoundationofeffectiveleadership.EQenhancesa leader’sabilitytoconnectwithothers,manage relationships,andinspireaction.Withoutit,eventhemost technicallyskilledleaderscanstruggletobuildtrustand driveperformance.
WendyusesEQi2.0360assessmentstohelpherclients gaininsightintotheiremotionalstrengthsandweaknesses. Shethenworkswiththemtodeveloptheirself-awareness, empathy,andemotionalagility Thisprocessoftenleadsto significantbreakthroughs,asleaderslearntomanagetheir ownemotionsandrespondmoreeffectivelytotheemotions ofothers.
CoachingThatDrivesRealResults
Wendy’scoachingisnotaboutabstracttheories—it’sabout real-worldresults.Oneofherfavoritesuccessstories involvesamid-levelleaderwhostruggledtocommunicate effectivelywithhermanager.Despiteherexpertise,she oftenfeltoverlooked,andherideasfailedtogaintraction.
Ratherthanfocusingsolelyonassertiveness,Wendy introducedtheDISCframework,whichhelpsindividuals understanddifferentcommunicationstyles.Byanalyzing hermanager’spreferences,theclientwasabletoadapther messagingandpresentherideasinawaythatresonated withhim.Theresultsweretransformative.Shegained alignmentwithhermanager,securedbuy-inforher initiatives,andearnedapromotionwithinmonths.
ThisexperiencereinforcedWendy'sbeliefthatleadershipis asmuchaboutunderstandingothersasitisabout understandingoneself.“Leadershipisn’tjustaboutwhat yousay—it’sabouthowyousayitandwhoyou’resayingit to,”sheexplains.
PreparingfortheFutureofLeadership
Astheworkplaceevolves,Wendyispreparingleadersfor thechallengesoftomorrow.Sheseesseveraltrendsshaping thefutureofleadership,includingtheriseofhybridwork andtheincreasingimportanceofemotionalintelligence. Leaders,shebelieves,willneedtoexcelatconnectingwith theirteamsinbothphysicalandvirtualenvironments.They willalsoneedtoprioritizementalwell-being,recognizing thathealthy,supportedteamsperformbetter.
Wendy’scoachingprogramsintegratetheseemerging priorities,helpingleadersstayaheadofthecurve.She focusesonbuildingskillslikeremoteleadership,mindset coaching,andfosteringinclusivityindiverseteams.
LeavingaLegacy
Throughhersignatureprogram, SheBreaksThru,Wendyis creatingamovementtoempowerwomeninleadership.Her
goalistobuildaworldwherewomennolonger haveto“fight”foraseatatthetable—they belongtherenaturally
Wendy’svisionextendsbeyondindividual success.Shewantstoredefineleadershipasa spaceofinclusivity,authenticity,andstrength. “Whenconfident,empoweredleadersstepup, theylifteveryonearoundthem,”shesays.
Herworkischangingthewaypeoplethinkabout leadership.Byblendingemotionalintelligence, practicalstrategies,andacommitmentto inclusion,Wendyishelpingleaders—andthe organizationstheyserve—thrive.
WendyTansey’sjourneyisoneofcourage, passion,andpurpose.Throughherworkwith The People Experts,sheisbuildingalegacyof empowerment,ensuringthatleadersfeel supported,teamsfeelinspired,andworkplaces becomespacesofgrowthandpossibility.
Top10LeadershipPodcasts to Sharpen Skills & Knowledge on Your Leadership
Doyoudreamofleadingahighperformingteam,butwonderwhatit takestogetthere?Areyouanexisting leaderseekingfreshinspirationandproven strategies?Ifyoucanrelatetoanyofthese questions,thenyou'vecometotherightplace.Thus, you'llexplorethebestleadershippodcastsonthis blog.
Moreover,youwillalsolearnincredibleleadership skills.We'vealsogivenyouhelpfulguidance,and feasiblestrategiesforcreatingoutstandingteams. Besidesthat,itwillmotivateyoutodevelopintothe leaderyouwerealwaysintendedtobe.
Inthisblog,we’llexploretheleadershippodcaststo helpyoubecomeabetterleader.So,Let'sbegin!
1.TheDiaryOfACEO
●Host:StevenBartlett
●Platforms:ApplePodcast,Spotify,YouTube,andtheir website
●SpecialQuests:BusinessLeaders,CulturalIcons, Leaders,andChangemakers
TheDiaryOfACEOoffersjourneysofprominent individuals,CEOs,andsuccessfulbusinessowners. Bartlett,thefounderandCEOofSocialChain,ayoung
entrepreneurhimself,fostersopenconversationsthat exploretherealitiesofleadership-thewins,thelosses,and thelessonslearnedalongtheway
Thepodcastalsooffersadditionalcontent,likevideoclips andguestbios,tomakelisteningtoitanevenricher experience.Thus,ifyou'relookingforleadershippodcasts, TheDiaryOfACEOisagreatoption.Youcanfinditon mostmajorpodcastplatformsandevenonYouTube.
Moreover,theyofferanoriginalperspectiveonleadership byhighlightingtheexperiencesandpersonaldevelopment ofoutstandingpeople.Bothpresentandprospectiveleaders canlearnvarioustopicsfromtheiropenandhonest discussions.
2.DaretoLead
●Host:BrenéBrown
●Platforms:ApplePodcast,Spotify,GooglePodcasts, Stitcher,andAmazonMusic
●SpecialQuests:Leaders,Academics,Activists,andMore
BrenéBrown'sDaretoLeadpodcastservesasanextension ofherbestsellingbookofthesamename.Itaimstobea
practicalguideforleadersatalllevels.Also,tohelp leadersdevelopthecourage,vulnerability,andresilience tothrive.
Importantly,theAuthorherselfhoststhepodcast, bringingherwarmth,humor,andresearch-driveninsights toeachepisode.Atrueleaderinherfield,Brownmakes thisafantasticoptionforthoseseekingleadership podcasts.Assuch,thepodcastoffersadditionalresources relatedtothecontent,includingarticles,courses,and workshops.
Besidesthat,shecreatesasafespaceforgueststoshare theirvulnerabilitiesandexperiences.Thisapproachcan alsobealessonforleaderslookingtoimprovetheir communicationskills.Aboveall,thepodcastisaresource foranyonewhowantstobecomeanauthenticleader.
3.TheLearningLeaderShow
●Host:RyanHawk
●Platforms:ApplePodcast,Spotify,theirwebsite,and majorPodcasts
●SpecialQuests:CEOs,SpecialForcesOperators, Entrepreneurs,andAuthors
TheLearningLeaderShowiscommittedtosupporting leaders'ongoinglearninganddevelopment.Itfeaturesindepthinterviewswithsuccessfulindividualsfromarange ofdifferentbackgrounds.Asaresult,itgiveslisteners profoundknowledgeandpracticallessonstoremember.
Inaddition,thepodcast'sinfluenceandexcellencehave beenacknowledgedbyApplePodcasts,Inc.Magazine,and Forbes.Furthermore,theyprovidea“MindfulMonday” emailservicewithcarefullychosenarticlestohelpyou begintheweekwithaleadershipperspective.
Havingsaidthat,foranyoneseekingtolearnfrom accomplishedleadersinavarietyofindustries,the LearningLeaderShowisanexcellentresource.Aboveall, thereisneverashortageofnewleadershipviewpoints becausenewepisodesarereleaseddaily.Hence,ifyou're interestedinleadershippodcasts,theLearningLeaderShow isanexcellentresource
4.PeopleManagingPeople
●Host:DavidRice
●Platforms:ApplePodcast,Spotify,GooglePodcasts, theirwebsite,andMore
●SpecialQuests:HRleaders,Authors,psychologists, researchers,andmore
ThePeopleManagingPeoplepodcastequipslistenerswith thetoolsandstrategies.Itaimstohelplistenersbecome effectiveleadersandbuildthrivingteams.Furthermore,the podcastprovidesqualityinsightsfromfirst-timemanagers toexperiencedexecutives.
Moreover,everyepisodebenefitsfromthepractical experienceandperceptiveviewpointofexperiencedhost DavidRice.Thewebsitealsooffersresourceslikeblog articlesandtranscripts,allowingyoutodelvedeeperinto specifictopics.
Additionally,thepodcastprovidesactionableadvicethat listenerscanimplementimmediately Theyalsooffer additionalresourceslikeshownotesthatwilldelvedeeper intothecoveredtopics.
5.
ABitofOptimism
●Host:SimonSinek
●Platforms:ApplePodcasts,Spotify,Stitcher,andmore
●SpecialQuests:BusinessLeaders,CreativeMinds,and ExpertsinVariousFields
ABitofOptimism,amongtheleadingleadership podcasts,aimstofindthebrightsideinleadership, business,andlife.Throughinspiringinterviewsand leadershippodcasts,Sinekseekstoleavelistenerswith actionabletakeawaysandamoreoptimisticoutlook.
Therenownedauthorandinspirationalspeaker,Sinek,is theauthorof“StartWithWhy”andotherleadership books.Moreover,thewebsiteoffersadditionalresources onleadership,includingarticles,videos,andupcoming events.
Furthermore,thepodcastfeaturesmanyguestswho sharestoriesofovercomingchallengesandachieving success.Besidesthat,theyofferarefreshingtakeon leadership,focusingonfosteringapositiveand motivatingenvironment.Newepisodesarealsoreleased regularly
6.CoachingforLeaders
●Host:DaveStachowiak
●Platforms:ApplePodcasts,GooglePodcasts,Amazon Music,theirwebsite,andMore
●SpecialQuests:Leadershipgurus,Businessleaders, Psychologistsandresearchers
ThefounderandhostofCoachingforLeaders, Stachowiak,isaleadershipcoachwithextensive experience,coachingleaderstoequipthemwith practicaltoolsandstrategies.Likewise,thepodcast providesactionableadvice,helpingleadersdevelop communication,coaching,andteammanagementskills.
Importantly,theshowincludesacombinationofDave's soloepisodesandinterviewswithexperiencedand successfulleaders.Thus,thehosthimselfcontributeshis experienceincoachingandleadershipdevelopment.
Inaddition,thewebsiteoffersfreeleadershipcourses, downloadableguides,andleadershiparticles.Assuch, hemakesdifficulttopicssimpleandeasierwithhis eloquentandcaptivatingwritingstyle.
7.HBRIdeaCast
●Host:AlisonBeard
●Platforms:ApplePodcast,Spotify,GooglePodcast, andtheirwebsite
●SpecialQuests:Industryexperts,Management thinkers,andMore
HBRIdeaCastisaweeklypodcastdesignedtoequip listenerswiththelatestbusinessandmanagementthinking. Likewise,theyinterviewwithprominentscholars, professionals,andothers.Thus,youcanexplorestrategies formakingbetterchoicesunderpressureandnavigating complexsituations.
Beyondthat,HBRIdeaCastcoversawiderangeof leadership-relatedsubjects.Buildingleadershipabilities, encouragingtrust,andmotivatingateamarethemain themesofthemajorityoftheepisodes.Furthermore,it's availableontheHarvardBusinessReviewwebsite.
HBRIdeaCastisalsoavaluableresourceforleadersatall levels,fromaspiringleaderstoseniorleaders.Furthermore, newepisodesarereleasedweekly,providingaconstant streamoffreshcontentonleadershippodcasts.
8.TheAndyStanleyLeadershipPodcast
●Host:AndyStanley
●Platforms:ApplePodcast,Spotify,GooglePodcasts,and theirwebsite
●SpecialQuests:Businessleaders,Pastors,authors,and expertsinleadershipareas
LedbypastorandleadershipcommunicatorStanley,this podcastaimstoequiplistenerswithpracticaltoolsand strategiesforbecomingbetterleaders.Theyalsocaterto bothaspiringandexperiencedleaders.Assuch,itoffers guidanceoncontinuousimprovementandachievinglasting impact.
Inaddition,theshowfeaturesamixofsoloepisodesfrom AndyStanleyandinterviewswithprominentfiguresin leadershipandrelatedfields.Thus,theshowisknownfor itsengagingandaccessibleformat,makingleadership developmentinformativeandenjoyable.
Aboveall,regardlessofyourbackgroundorleadership experience,theAndyStanleyleadershippodcastsoffer valuabletakeawaysforanyoneinterestedinleading effectively
9.HowIBuiltThisHosted
●Host:GuyRaz
●Platforms:ApplePodcast,Spotify,GooglePodcasts, theirwebsite,andMore
●SpecialQuests:Starbucks,Spanx,Bumble,Nikeand more
TheAmericanjournalistRaz'sHowIBuiltThismaynotbe specificallyaleadershippodcast.However,itprovides insightfulinformationthatcanbenefitanyoneinaleadership position.Theseriescoversthehistoriesofvenerable businesses,withthefounderssharingtheirpersonal experiences.
Importantly,theleadershippodcastsexplorethethought processesbehinddecisions,offeringinsightsforeffective leadership.Moreover,allepisodesoffervaluabletakeaways toimprovetheleadershipskillsofthelisteners.
Interestingly,thepodcastalsoofferswaystogaininspiration andpracticaltipsapplicabletovariousleadershipsituations. Likewise,newepisodesarereleasedregularly,ensuringa steadystreamoffreshcontent.
10.TakeCommand:ADaleCarnegiePodcast
●Host:JoeHart
●Platforms:ApplePodcast,Spotify,theirwebsite,and More
●SpecialQuests:IndustryLeaders,successfulfigures,and more
TakeCommandistheofficialpodcastofprofessional developmentpioneerDaleCarnegieTraining.Tosupport listenersinbecomingmoreeffectiveandinspiringleaders, thepodcastfocusesonpracticalstrategiesandinsights.
Inaddition,theyofferinsightfulleadershippodcastswitha widerangeofspeakerswhoareallauthoritiesintheir respectiveindustries.DaleCarnegiealsoprovidesfree materialsonavarietyofleadership-relatedsubjects,suchas webinars,videos,andarticles.
Importantly,thispodcastisagreatresourceforanyone lookingtoimprovetheirleadershipskills,regardlessof experiencelevel.Lastly,theyfocusedonself-awareness, motivation,andemotionalintelligence-allimportant componentsofleadership.
FinalThoughts
Weexploredtheworldofleadershippodcastsandlearneda treasureofresourcestofuelyourleadershipjourney. Moreover,wediscoveredBrenéBrown'svulnerability lessons,SimonSinek'sinspiringoptimism,andmore.Above all,leadershipisalifelongadventure,notadestination. Thus,withdedicationandtherightresources,youcan becomethekindofleaderwhoinspires.Thanksforreading!
The Conscious Architect
SAMEER KAMBOJ Building Empires
with Purpose
Today’s entrepreneur must be a conscious leader, building a business that serves not just their own ambitions, but also contributes to a better world.
Profitability and purpose are not mutually exclusive they are mutually reinforcing
Thebusinesslandscapeis shifting.Today’s entrepreneursarefacinga worlddemandingmorethanjust quarterlyprofitsandshareholder returns.Stakeholders–customers, employees,communities,andeventhe planet–areincreasinglyseeking businessesthatalignwiththeirvalues, contributepositivelytosociety,and operatewithintegrity Attheforefront ofthistransformativewaveisSameer Kamboj,FounderofSKC.world,a Delhi-basedglobalplatformdedicated tofostering“conscious entrepreneurship.”
Kambojisn’tjustanotherbusiness coach;he’saseasonedbusinessmentor withovertwodecadesofexperience, guidingthousandsofentrepreneurs, CEOs,andpromotersacrossdiverse industries.Heisanarchitect,
meticulouslydesigningframeworksandstrategiesto helpentrepreneursandcorporatehousesbuild businessesthatarenotjustsuccessfulinthetraditional sense,butprofoundlysignificant.Hisphilosophy, deeplyembeddedwithinSKC.world,centersaround theideathattrueandlastingbusinesssuccessis inextricablylinkedtopurpose,impact,anda commitmenttosomethinglargerthanoneself.
“We’re moving beyond the era of purely transactional business,” KambojstatesontheSKC.worldwebsite. HisconvictionledhimandShaliniKambojtoco-found SKC.world,withaclearintenttoenablepeopletolive intense,vibrant,andconsistentlysuccessfullives.
GlobalReachandRecognition
Kamboj’sinfluenceextendsfarbeyondDelhi. SKC.world’sglobalreachwassolidifiedin2016when itpartneredwithGenevaConsultingGroup(GCG),a globalnetworkofManagementConsultingfirms.This partnershipamplifiesSKC.world’sabilitytosupport companiesandentrepreneursworldwideacrossa
multitudeofindustries.Hisexpertiseisfurtherrecognized byhispresenceontheboardsofvariouslargecompanies andasaDirectorinfirmsspanningIT,E-learning,ECommerce,andManufacturing.
Hisimpacthasbeenacknowledgedwithprestigious awards,includingbeingnamed:
●“WorldMotivatoroftheYear2015”attheLMIWorld ConventioninMalaysia
●“Asian-Pacific(includingAustralia)regionMotivatorof theYear”byLMI.
Heisalsoasought-afterspeaker,sharinghisinsightsat seminarsonConsciousness,BusinessCoaching, Leadership,Management,Productivity,IndianBusiness Models,andHumanCapital.
TheSKC.worldBlueprint:CraftingConscious Enterprises
SKC.worldoffersastructuredapproachtoorganizational transformation,aimingtoguidebusinessestowards becoming “Conscious Enterprises – dynamic environments where people and purpose are aligned, culture and performance seamlessly integrate, and founders and their teams grow joyfully.” Theirspecializedinterventionsare designedtobuildcohesiveandempoweredwork environmentspoisedforsustainablegrowth.
Attheheartoftheirmethodologyis“ClarowbySKC World,”aprogramcraftedfromyearsofexperienceto buildConsciousEnterprisesbyfosteringjoyfulgrowth throughclarifyinganorganization’spurpose.Clarow focusesonestablishingastrongculturebuiltuponcore values,transparency,fairness,perpetualevolution,high performance,constantengagement,andsteadiness(Sthir).
Forfounder-ledbusinessesstrugglingwithmaintaining focusduringgrowth,SKC.worldoffers“Vision Alignment.”Thisinterventionensuresastructured approachtoachievingalignment,bringingclarityto enterprisechaosandensuringfoundersandteamssharea unifiedvision.
Recognizingthatvaluesandcultureareoftendilutedduring growth,SKC.worldhasdevelopedaninterventiontoguide teamsinidentifyinganddefiningdesiredvalues,fostering ownershipandcommitmenttotheorganization.This processdefinesidealvaluesandculture,addressesexisting gaps,andcreatesasupportiveandproductiveenvironment.
Anaavaran:UnveilingIndividualPotential
Beyondorganizationaltransformation,Sameerand ShaliniKambojaredeeplycommittedtoindividual growththrough“Anaavaran,”auniqueprogram personallyconductedbythem,rootedintheancient scienceof‘GyanMarg’-thestudyoftheself.
“Anaavaran,”meaning“peelingofflayers,”focuses onindividualevolution,takingaselectfeweachyear onajourneyofself-discovery.Itisdesignedforthose readytotakechargeoftheirlivesandseekdeeper answers,fosteringawareness,consciousness,and joyfulnessthroughpowerfulmeditationsandselfinquiry.GraduatesofAnaavaranemergemore empathetic,clear,grounded,centered,empowered, loving,andevolved.
TheFutureofBusinessisConscious
SameerKambojandSKC.worldarenotjust envisioningthefutureofbusiness;theyareactively buildingit.Throughtheirdiverseservicesand unwaveringcommitmenttoconsciousprinciples,they areempoweringanewgenerationofleaderstocreate businessesthatarenotonlyprofitablebutalsodeeply meaningfulandpositivelyimpactfulontheworld.
Theyareprovingthatinthe21stcentury,true businesssuccessliesinbuildingempireswith purpose.
The Power of Nonverbal Communication
Volumes Without Words
Imagineyoubeingastudentinaschool.Allthe studentsinyourclassaremakingnoise.Theteacher entersyourclassroom,shestandsinfrontofthe students.Thestudentscontinuetalkingandafterawhile, theynoticetheteacher Thestudentscalmdownasthey noticetheteacherstandingandtheteacherhasnotyet utteredasingleword.
How do you think that the teacher brought silence in the class by her own silence?
Thisishoweffectivenonverbalcommunicationis!
Nonverbalcommunicationcanbeapowerfulleadership tool.
Morethanever,efficientcommunicationisessentialin today'sfast-pacedworld.Nonverbalcommunicationisjust asimportantforcommunicatingmessagesandemotionsas verbalcommunication,eventhoughverbalcommunication frequentlytakescenterstage.Thiscomprehensiveresource examinesthevalueofnonverbalcommunicationina varietyofprofessionalcontexts,includingmulticultural teams,clientencounters,leadership,andworkplace relationships.
Professionalenvironmentsplaceahighvalueonnonverbal communication.Itcanexpressfeelingsandinterpersonal attitudes,eitherbackoropposewhatisbeingsaid,and enhanceverbalcommunication.Akindsmile,forexample, mightmakeacomplimentseemevenbetter,whereasa bittertonemaytakeawayfromanotherwisepleasant statement.Youmayimproveyourrelationships,succeed moreinyourcareer,andhavebetterinteractionsbybeing anexpertinnonverbalcommunication.
Nonverbalcueshaveabiginfluenceonjobdevelopment andadvancementinprofessionalcontexts.Theyhavethe powertoshapehowotherpeopleseeus,whichcanimpact howwellwedoinnetworkingevents,clientmeetings,and jobinterviews.Forinstance,keepingeyecontactmayshow attentivenessandconfidence,twocrucialpresentation abilitiesthatmightwinoverprospectivecustomersor employers.
UnderstandingNonverbalCommunication.
Nonverbalcommunication,throughelementslikeposture, facialexpressions,andeyecontact,significantlyimpacts howmessagesarereceived.Itconveysemotions,intentions, andevencredibility
ComponentsofNonVerbalCommunication.
1.EyeContact.
2.FacialExpressions.
3.Gestures.
4.PostureandStance.
5.Proximityandpersonalspace.
6.Touch.
7.Toneofvoice.
Thesignificanceofnonverbalcuesinbusiness interactions.
Understandingnonverbalcommunicationintheworkplace hastwopurposes.
●Managerssuccessfullyguideotherworkersandteam membersusingnonverbalsignals.
●Teammemberscanconveyinformationtopeople outsidethecompany—whethertheyberivals,clients,or coworkersinarelatedindustry—byusingnonverbal signals.
NonverbalCommunicationandLeadership.
Leadersusenonverbalcommunicationtoinfluenceand motivate.
1.Aleader'sabilitytoinspirepeoplecomesfromtheir nonverbalcommunication.Posture,gestures,andfacial expressionsallindicateconfidence,compassion,and support.Thesesignalspromoteamotivatedandinvolved teambyprovidingsecurityandunderstanding.Hencenon verbalcommunicationcanbeusedtomotivateteam membersbeyondwords.
2.Inleadership,authenticityisn'tonlyaboutwhatwesay; it'salsoabouthowwesayit.Ournonverbalcues, includingmakingeyecontactandadoptinganattentive listeningposition,helptoestablishcredibilityandtrust. Theyconvinceourteamthatwecareabouttheirthoughts andwelfare.
3.Leaderssetthetonefortheirinteractionswiththeir teamand,eventually,withconsumersbyhowtheytreat them.Amanager'sapproachandbodylanguagecanhavea bigimpactonthecultureofthebusiness,whichfrequently filtersdowntotheemployees'interactionswithcustomers. Positivenonverbalcommunicationbuildsconfidence withintheteamandeventuallyimprovesexperienceswith customers.
Bydemonstratingacceptablenonverbalcommunication,we makesurethatourteammemberscanspeakwithpeople andrepresentthefirminthebestpossibleway.
KeyNonverbalCommunicationMethods
●EyeContact:
Makingeyecontactisessentialtononverbal communicationsinceit'sasilentyeteffectivewayto expressunderstandingandfeelings.However,whatdoes eyecontactactuallymean?Inanutshell,it'stheinstantthat twopeoplemeeteyesandestablishanonverbal communicationchannelthatgoesbeyondwords.Eye contactcanbeusedtoconveyconfidenceandattention.
Thisiswhymaintainingeyecontactisimportant:
1.Empathy-relatedbraincircuitsareactivatedbyeye contact,accordingtoresearch,whichstrengthens emotionalbondsbetweenpeople.Wecanmirrorone other'semotionsandbuildourrelationshipswithone anotherbymaintainingeyecontact.
2.Makingdirecteyecontactcanstrengthenone'sdefenses againstpersuasivetacticsandenablepeopletonegotiate discussionswithgreaterawarenessandindependenceand conveyconfidence.
3.Itcreatesasenseofauthorityandempathyby projectingknowledgewhileexhibitingconsiderationforthe responsesoftheaudience.
●FacialExpressions:
“The face tells a story, and it is a story that has never been told before.” – Lucy Grealy
Emotions,attitudes,andthoughtsarecommunicated throughyourfacialexpressionsandbodylanguage. Squinting,eyebrowlifting,frowning,andsmilingareafew examples.Theyarepowerfulbecausetheycansignificantly affecthowaconversationturnsout.
Differentkindsofemotionsandfacialexpressionshave differentmeanings.
1.Smiling:Asmilecanconveywarmth,friendliness,and transparency.Itcanbebeneficialtostartupaconversation anddevelopaneffectiveconnectionwithclientsand coworkers.
2.Frowning:Frowningcanbeused toexpressfrustration,discontent,or irritation.Itcanindicatethattheyare unhappywiththeircircumstancesor thattheyarefacingaproblemor obstacleofsometype.
3.EyeContact:Keepingupgoodeye contactcanconveyinvolvement, curiosity,andattentiveness.Itmight alsobeanindicationofassurance andreliability.Becauseitcan expressavarietyofemotions,such ascuriosity,attention,respect,and trust,eyecontactiscrucial.
●Gestures:
“If you want to communicate effectively, you have to use words and gestures.” – Jason Statham
Gesturescomeinawidevariety,and theirinterpretationsmightchange basedonthesituationandsociety. Thesearegesturesthathighlightor communicatemessagesusingthe hands,arms,orbody.Shaking, pointing,crossingarms,andwaving areafewexamples.
DifferentTypesofGesturesand TheirMeanings:
1. Emblems:Gesturesthathavea uniqueimportance.Forexample,the "V"signdenotesvictory,andthe "thumbs-up"gestureexpresses approval.
2. Illustrators:Gesturesusedin combinationwithspeech.They supporttheexplanationor illustrationofapointby,for example,pointingtoanobjectand explainingit.
3. Regulators:Gesturesthatcontrol theflowofcommunication,like shakingtheheadtoexpress dissatisfactionornoddingtoagree.
●PostureandStance:
Whencommunicatingnonverbally,postureiscrucial.Theyreveal agreatdealabouttheintentions,emotions,andthoughtsofthe speaker
DifferentTypesofBodyLanguageandtheirmeanings:
1. Uprightposture:Havingastraightback,shouldersback,and headupisidealwhenstandingorsitting.Thispoisedbody languageexpressesopenness,confidence,andattention.
2. Slouchingposture:whenapersonhasahanginghead,rounded shoulders,andacurvedspineastheystandorsit.Thisstance conveystiredness,disinterest,orboredom.Itcouldalsoindicatea lackofself-worthorconfidence.
3. Leaningforward/backwardposture:Thepositioninwhicha personleansforwardtowardanotherpersonwhensittingor standing.Thispositionconveysastronglevelofinterestwhereas abackwardposturesuggestsdefensivenessorindifference.
●ProximityandPersonalSpace:
1.It'scrucialtofindoutfromyourcolleagueswhethertheyfeel comfortablewiththelevelofinterpersonalspaceyou'regiving
them,eventhoughproxemicsisconsidered tobenonverbal.Alternatively,youmust havetheconfidencetoidentifythelevelof closenessthatsuitsyoupersonally
2.Theappropriatelevelofclosenessfor eachteammembercanbediscussedby teamleaderswiththem.Onewaytoreduce thestressofpotentiallyenteringsomeone's safespaceandhavingone'sownsafespace damagedistohaveanhonestandopen discussionregardingproxemics.
3.Teamscouldalsocomeupwith innovativewaystokeepacomfortable distancewhilepromotingin-person communication.Havingextracleaning stationsclosebyandcomingtoan agreementonhowoftentowipedown surfacesafterusecanbethebestcourseof actionforsometeams.
●Touch:
1.Whenyouandtheotherpersonmake physicalcontact,suchasahandshake,
embrace,orpatontheback,youmightconveyavarietyof feelingsandintentions,likesupport,aggressiveness,or affection.Anothernameforthisishapticcommunication.
2.Itdependsonhow,when,where,andwhyyoutouch someoneelsetodeterminewhethertheimpactisgoodor bad.Youmusttakeintoaccounttherelationship,the culture,thesetting,theconsent,andthefeedbacktotouch someoneappropriately.
3.It'simportanttoadaptyourtouchtothecircumstance andthepointyouwanttomake.Thedegreeofintimacy, familiarity,andtrustyousharewithsomeoneelseis referredtoastherelationship.Youmustcommunicateina wayappropriatetothenatureandstageoftheconnection; don'tcrossbordersorassumeanything.
●ToneofVoice:
1.Pitch,loudness,andtoneofyourspeechcanallbe utilizedtoexpressavarietyofattitudesandemotions, includingsarcasm,excitement,andrage.
2.Acompanycancommunicatewithitscustomersmore effectivelybyusingtoneofvoiceinthemarketing materialsitproduces.Itisalsoaneffectivetoolfor influencinghowthepublicperceivesthem.
3.Whengivingguidance,amanagerorcoworkerwho displaysenthusiasmorexcitementsetsafavorabletone. Thisaffectshowstaffmembersviewtheirmanagers, enhancingengagementlevelsoverall.
TheBusinessSideofNonverbalCommunication
Businessleadersleveragenonverbalcommunicationto achievesuccessinnumerousways.Masteringnonverbal cuesallowsthemtobuildtrustwithclientsandcolleagues byconveyingsincerityandgenuineness.
Afirmhandshake,confidentposture,anddirecteye contactprojectprofessionalismandinspireconfidencein others.Leaderscanalsousenonverbalcommunicationto motivateandenergizeteams.Enthusiasticgestures, positivefacialexpressions,andanapproachabledemeanor createapositiveworkenvironmentandencourage collaboration.
Overall,effectivenonverbalcommunicationstrengthens leadershipbyfosteringtrust,credibility,andinspiration, whichareessentialforbusinesssuccess.
TheImpactofNonverbalCommunicationin Business
“Business is made on paper and driven with actions”.
Understandingnonverbalcuesiscrucialin businessinteractions.Leadersusenonverbal signalstoprojectconfidence,inspireteams,and establishauthority.Maintainingeyecontact, usingopenbodylanguage,andaprofessional tonecreateapositiveimpressionandbuildtrust withclientsandcolleagues.Conversely,poor nonverbalcommunicationcanhinder communicationanddamagerelationships.
TheDarkSideofNonverbalCommunication.
Sometimes,thenon-verbalsactasabarrierto communicatingeffectivelyastherecipient cannotunderstandwhatthesenderistryingto sayandmayinterpretitwrongly
Avoidsendingthewrongmessage nonverbally.
Tomakeagoodpresentation,stayclearofthese nonverbalcommunicationmistakes.
1.Distractingyouraudienceiswhathappens whenyouwaveyourhandsupanddownlike you'releadinganorchestra.Youraudiencewill begintowatchyourhandsandfollowtheir gesturesratherthanpayingattentiontowhat you'resayingandyourpresentation.
2.Thisissaying,"Iwouldratherhide;Iamshy, andIdon'twanttobehere."Leaveyourpodium andapproachtheaudiencetoengageandinteract withthem.Thepodiumservesapurpose,much likethestage,andthatpurposeisn'ttohideyou fromyouraudience.Youcannotrelyonitto supportyouasyouconveyyourmessage.
3.Thisincludesconcentratingonthefloor,the ceiling,andtheoutsideworldratherthanyour audience.Toestablishtrust,youmustconsider youraudience.Bykeepingeyecontactand lookingdirectlyatyouraudience,youcan determinetheiremotionsandreactionsand adjustyourresponseaccordingly
IntegratingNonverbalCommunicationinto YourLeadershipStyle.
Assessandadaptthenonverbalcommunication style.
1.Makesureyournonverbalcuesandyour spokenwordsareconsistentbybeingconsciousof them.
2.Maintainingeyecontact,nodding,andoffering nonverbalcuesareexamplesofactivelistening.
3.Tofindareasthatneedwork,getinputfrom dependablecoworkersortakeacommunication skillstrainingcourse.
Encourageself-awarenessandcontinuous learninginnonverbalcommunication.
Turnoffyourdevicesandnodtoindicatethatyou arepayingattention.Payattentiontowhatothers aresaying,howtheyareexpressingit,andwhat theyarenotsayingtobeinvolvedandactive. Encouragethemtogoonorelaboratebygiving themindicationsbothverballyandnonverbally.
1.Ahelpfullistenermustpaycloseattentionto whattheotherpersonissaying.Itcanbe beneficialtosumuppartofwhattheysaidinyour responseandusethesamelanguage.Youcareby payingattentiontodetail.
2.Makeeyecontact,butrefrainfromgazing.Itis crucialtolooksomeoneintheeye.It demonstratesyourinterestinthemandyourliteral attentiontothem!
3.Keepyourarmsawayfromyourbodytoavoid comingoutasdefensive.Beingopen-mindedis communicatedthroughyourbodylanguage.
Followingstepscanbeusedtoimproveyournonverbalcommunication:
1. Asmilecanputthepeoplearoundyouatease.It makesyouseemkindandinviting,whichmakes otherswanttohearfromyoumore.
2. Alwaysstayaheadofyourcompetitors.An uprightpostureappearsprofessionalandgivesan
impressionofinteresttoothers.Otherswill probablyfindyouinspiringifyouarefocusedand active.
3. Testyourbodylanguage.Takeaweektostudy yourbodylanguageasanexperiment.Monitoryour posture,facialexpression,andbodylanguage duringmeetings,presentations,andcasual exchanges.
EndNote
Insummary,effectiveteamleadershaveattheir disposalapotentinstrumentintheformof nonverbalcommunication—thequietlanguageof communication.Beyondsimplegestures,itserves asachannelforinspiration,sincerity,anda representationofourcorporateculture.
Leanintothetransformingpowerofcommunication byembracingemotion,thoughtfulness,andhonesty inbothspokenandnonverbalcontexts,fromthe officetothecustomer'sdoor Wecanimproveour communicationskillsandforgegreaterbondswith peoplebylearningtoreadnonverbalcluesin ourselvesandothers.
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