Tina: Derby is a great city with some admirable plans for its immediate and longer-term future, do you have any thoughts about them?
Kavita: Derby is indeed a city with a vibrant vision for its future.
I am particularly impressed by its commitment to sustainable development and innovation.
Key initiatives that will help rejuvenate the city centre include the Becketwell project and the restoration of the Market Hall.
These projects are vital and demonstrate a commitment to revitalising the area.
Our vision must inspire confidence among local businesses, investors, and external funders, assuring them of Derby’s long-term potential.
Additionally, Derby’s emphasis on green spaces and environmental sustainability reflects a forward thinking approach that will benefit future generations.
Tina: What do you love most about Derby?
Kavita: What I love most about Derby is its unique blend of history and modernity.
The city has a rich industrial heritage, yet it continues to evolve and innovate.
The sense of community here is strong, with local businesses and residents working together to create a thriving environment.
Additionally, the accessibility to surrounding natural beauty is a huge plus. I love the fact that I can be in the city centre within 25 minutes while living in a tranquil rural environment.
Derby offers a vibrant city experience without sacrificing the peace and serenity of the countryside.
The city is surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Derbyshire, which boasts many beautiful places to visit, including several National Trust properties.
The combination of cultural richness, strong community spirit, and easy access to both urban amenities and rural retreats makes Derby a truly special place to live and work.
Tina: On your journey to the top who would you say has influenced you the most and how has that person’s influence shaped your leadership style?
Kavita: This is a challenging question for me because I don’t attribute my leadership style to any single individual.
Instead, I believe my approach to leadership is a reflection of my own experiences and values.
Before founding my business, I hadn’t been in a traditional leadership role, I have had to learn how to lead a team the hard way.
My style has been shaped by the challenges and opportunities I’ve encountered along the way.
The experience required me to learn and adapt quickly.
I’ve always valued integrity, hard work, aspiration, flexibility, striving for excellence, thinking outside the box and treating people with respect.
These principles naturally became the foundation of my leadership style and indeed our company values, I believe in fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, encouraging innovation, and supporting my team to achieve their best.
My journey has been one of continuous learning and self-discovery and organic development – always work in progress.
Tina: What do you love the most about your various business interests and the impact it has on the city and local business?
Kavita: One of the most rewarding aspects of my business and charity interests is the opportunity to give back to the community.
This is achieved through various means, including funding rounds from the Oberoi Foundation, which supports causes related to women and health.
Additionally, as Patron of the Star Trust, funds are raised from the business community and reinvested into local Derby and Derbyshire charities.
This allows us to support a wide range of causes, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in our community.
As the founder of the Oberoi Business Hub, I take great pride in how our services contribute to the growth journey of local entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
We provide essential services such as call handling, virtual offices, serviced offices, and meeting spaces.
These resources are designed to support businesses at various stages of their development, helping them to thrive and expand.
Seeing local businesses grow and succeed with the support of the Business Hub is incredibly fulfilling.
By enabling businesses to focus on their core activities and providing them with the infrastructure they need, we also play a crucial role in the economic development of Derby.
Overall, the combination of charity work and business support services allows me to have a meaningful impact on the city and its local businesses.
It is this blend of community involvement and entrepreneurial support that I find most fulfilling.
Tina: Given your success in business/ life, would you mind sharing your top 3 life hacks or lessons for our readers?
Kavita: Firstly, I strongly believe in the power of daily discipline. Consistency is key in achieving long-term goals.
Whether it’s dedicating time each day to personal development, exercise, or specific tasks related to my business, maintaining a disciplined routine has been instrumental in my success.
Secondly, I advocate for a laser-like focus and being relentless, never taking no for an answer.
Success rarely comes overnight; it requires dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to your goals.
By staying focused on my priorities and putting in the necessary effort day in and day out, I’ve been able to overcome obstacles and steadily progress towards my objectives.
Lastly, the importance of continuous learning and adaptation cannot be overstated.
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to evolve and innovate is essential for staying ahead.
The challenges posed by COVID-19 forced us all to innovate in order to weather the storm.
Embracing resilience, I make a conscious effort to seek out new knowledge, embrace feedback, and remain open to new ideas and perspectives.