-Ghanshyam Dholakia, Founder & Managing Director, Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd.
1. What are the best leadership lessons you have learned so far?
In our dynamic industry, continuous learning and adaptability are essential to staying competitive. However, learning also requires empathy. I realised that a good leader leads by understanding people. When you listen actively, stand by your team during challenges, and create space for their growth, you build an organisation rooted in trust and unity.
2. How has your leadership style changed over the years? What have you intentionally cultivated or worked on?
I place greater emphasis on collaboration, empowerment, and trust. Encouraging professional autonomy also helps create a more agile and innovative environment.
3. What are the most far-sighted decisions you have taken for your business?
Decisions taken with a long-term perspective lay the foundations for the resilience and relevance of our brand. Investing in automation helped us streamline operations and improve efficiency while committing to ethical sourcing practices reinforced our values and strengthened trust among our stakeholders. Another significant decision was expanding into the digital marketplace, which opened new channels for growth and customer engagement.
4. We all focus on constantly improving what we do well. Tell us more about it.
Improving constantly is embedded in our everyday practices – from regular training sessions for employees to stay updated about new design techniques to language and communication classes that enhance customer engagement. We also invite guest lecturers and industry experts to offer fresh perspectives and spark new ideas.
5. What are the most difficult problems you have solved for your organisation?
Our most complex challenge was establishing direct relationships with major diamond mining companies, as it required navigating longstanding industry dynamics and proving our commitment to transparency and ethical business practices. Overcoming this strengthened our supply chain and allowed us to offer greater assurance to our customers about the integrity of our sourcing.
6. If you were to go back to any incident over the last few decades, what would you change about it?
If I could revisit any period, I would focus more on the early adoption of technology and digital infrastructure. Embracing these earlier would have accelerated our growth and allowed us to capitalise on emerging opportunities sooner.
7. What is the most valuable lesson you have gained from your incredible journey over the years?
The most enduring lesson has been that integrity and consistency are the cornerstones of lasting trust. In the jewellery business, where sentiment and value go hand in hand, customers must feel confidence in the product as well as the brand.
8. What would you advise your younger self?
I’d encourage trusting my vision with greater confidence. I’d also stress the importance of learning faster and seizing every chance to grow as they are imperative for adapting and innovating.
As told to Pratyasha Kumari
