Deep Kalra, founder and Group Executive Chairman of online travel company MakeMyTrip, is a self-confessed workaholic who sleeps with his phone and gets out of bed in the morning only after checking his inbox for mails. Kalra, 51, a veteran of Indian travel business industry, weighs in on the leadership skills required to sustain a business and where he himself draws inspiration from.
What time do you like to be at your desk?
Deep Kalra: Phone before desk. As soon as I wake up to clear urgent emails and messages. Actual desk hours are from breakfast to dinner time and then phone again till on esleeps. Truly boundaryless hours and 24/7 these days.
Where is the best place to prepare for leadership: at business school or on the job?
DK: On the job surely.
Describe your management style.
DK:Enabling and participative. Love seeing my team perform as self-driven entrepreneurs
Are tough decisions best taken by one person or collectively?
DK: Small handpicked group has worked well for me
Do you want to be liked, feared or respected?
DK: Liked and respected. Never feared.
What does your support team look like?
DK: 15 world class leaders and 1EA who is 24/7. But enjoy working with bright youngsters more than anyone.
