Selected as WCRCINT best CEOs, Jairaj Singh, Founder and CEO, Sireh Hospitality, the owners of the splendid Chanoudgarh Fort Palace is an inspirational story of rustic charm blended with world class hospitality that attracts lovers of luxury worldwide.
In conversation with Jairaj Singh, Founder & CEO, SIREH HOSPITALITY
What makes a reliable and trustworthy business leader?
A reliable and trustworthy business leader takes into consideration the impact of their decisions on the wider community, including their customers, employees, suppliers, and the environment. Chanoud Garh is a family run luxury hotel, we are also an integral part of the a larger business community – the Chanoud village. As a business leader I believe in prioritizing the well-being of both the business and the community. We implement environmentally-friendly policies, ensure fair and ethical labor practices and provide employment for the village.
How have you re strategised and adopted to the digital transformations globally?
We are a boutique luxury hotel, our guests come from different countries. Social media for us is new, we were driven by word of mouth which was very strong. in the past we have not used it as effectively as we could have. The reason was that all our energies were involved in the day-to-day running of the property. We do not have managers or mid-level staff, the family works on the property. However after Covid we have realised the need domestic clientele and have now moved more aggressively on to Social media. We have also incorporated digitalisation to optimise our operations by streamlining back-office functions such as inventory management, procurement, and accounting, freeing up staff to focus on more customer-facing tasks.
What are the clear changes that you have made to your journey in the last decade?
Streamlining processes is one of the main changes I have made in my business. Covid git the travel industry barely, but it also have us a chance to pause and think of the changes we could incorporate for effective business.
What is the current vision and mission at your current role?
I hope to continue to make the property more exclusive than before, in a more sustainable way. And continue our work for the village community.
How do you draw a balance between target orientation and empathetic and compassionate leadership?
It’s a fine balance, but we are very aware of our responsibilities towards our staff and the village. With the support of the family I have been able to manage both sides.
What has been your greatest strength and weakness in context of leadership?
We are a family run property, so strength has definitely been the family; especially during Covid.
Weakness I think has been not been able to incorporate process earlier in the business. We started as a small property run by family and we could have been more process oriented from the start.
What has been your driving force or philosophy in life?
Treat the guests, how we would treat family coming to our house.
How do you plan to drive your business at a global level at your current role?
More visibility on digital platforms, and reaching out specific luxury travel agents from around the world to widen our clientele.
Your top leadership goals during tough times?
Patience and belief that this will pass
Your greatest success mantras?
Don’t be afraid to be great.
How actively have you been personally involved with corporate social responsibilities? What have you felt driving societal responsibilities?
As a property in the village we are involved with the social responsibilities of the village. Education, Sanitation are key areas where we work. We are also a part of the Panchayat and involved maintaining law and order in the village.
What’s your vision for the industry and the Indian economy?
We are looking at a good season ahead in Tourism. India is emerging as a key destination for world tourism. We hope that the government can support hotels like us, and we think going ahead it should be good.
