Their job is one of the most creative and challenging of all communication arts. Corporate Communications’ leaders are often the unsung heroes, who work relentlessly behind-the-scenes, helping build brands and weave success stories.
Meet Anjali Mehra, one such dynamic leader who’s passionate about her job. Currently Chief Brand Officer and Senior Vice President Marketing, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, here’s Anjali’s story in her own words…
The Trigger
“I wanted to be a pilot, but couldn’t. So, I did the next best thing, work for an airline and marry a pilot. I come from an army background and the love for travel and hospitality has therefore been inherent in me. I started in aviation and after a few years moved to hotels, where I have found my true calling. My blood group is H+, the only industry that I have ever worked in or known is the hospitality industry. I have always enjoyed reading and studied English literature. One of my biggest learnings has been that storytelling builds emotional connections between people, between people and their surroundings and between people and ideas. Stories convey the culture, history, and values that inspire and bring people together. How brands are built, how they grow and become great brands, the stories they tell and the connections they build with their audiences has always fascinated me and brought me to where I am today.”
My biggest strength; and the rise into my current role
“My biggest strength is people, building relationships, the ability to see strategic connections and build stories – ones that really matter and resonate. I am also very passionate about what I do, and if you do what you truly believe in, chances are it will turn out right.“I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the best hospitality brands in the industry and learn from the very best. I have been blessed to have had great mentors who believed in me, guided me and took a chance on me. If you work with complete passion, commitment, and sincerity towards your goal, even the universe conspires to make it happen.”
My most challenging, and rewarding moments
“I have worked across some very volatile and sensitive markets and there have been many challenges that one has had to encounter while navigating the nuances of working across different geographies, but I think one of the biggest challenges we have encountered in our lifetime has been the pandemic. With no playbook to follow, these were indeed existential times. From bizarre to surreal to complete disbelief, each one of us has been through an emotional roller coaster, both personally and professionally trying to make some sense of what was happening around us. Even though this isn’t the first health crisis the world has faced, it is perhaps one that has had the most far-reaching and defining consequences.
“The most rewarding moment of my life has been the opportunity to work on some incredible brands and learn from the very best in the industry. Today, I am able to put all that learning to good use and be part of a story that someday we can all be very proud of.”
The best thing about working for an organisation like The Leela
“The Leela is a pure play luxury brand with a compelling portfolio of great assets. The brand has a beautiful legacy that is rooted in India. We are at a very exciting phase of our brand journey, ready to embrace the next new phase of our growth trajectory while preserving our core brand DNA… ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’.
“Very few organizations today provide the environment that is conducive to growth… both professional and personal. To be able to create and write the story of the brand and then watch it come to life every day is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am very fortunate and privileged to work for an organization that allows you to do that and in fact, challenges you to be the best version of yourself every day.”
A day in my work life
“What I love about my job the most is that no two days are alike. Hospitality is a dynamic industry with people at its very heart and no two people are the same. This perhaps is one of the many reasons why I love what I do and three decades later I still enjoy the challenges this brings.”
The Leela, to me, is
“An epitome of true Indian luxury and lives and breathes the essence of India and the richness within, placing the guest at the centre of everything it does. This is India at its luxurious best, experienced with the warmth and graciousness of Indian hospitality and savoured with all your senses.”
