The Leaders Who Influenced My Leadership 2.0 Mohit Nirula (EAM, The Oberoi, New Delhi – 2000)

Mohit was my reporting Manager?at The Oberoi, New Delhi (TOND). My first meeting with Mohit wasn’t an interview; it was a casual conversation in his modest office at TOND.?

He introduced himself with a humorous?reference: “My name is Mohit Nirula,?not Narula, similar to the guy who sells ice creams.” he said, adding, “And no, I don’t sell ice creams, none of my family members do”—a witty reference to the famous Nirula's Ice Creams.

This light-hearted?humor?was one of the traits that charmed nearly everyone who crossed his path. I remember introducing him to a trainer, and on his way back,?the Trainer?remarked, “The man isn’t just intelligent; he’s wise.” This simple comment encapsulated Mohit's ability to?provide perspectives to people in the first meeting?itself,?perspectives?that were both profound and gracious.

Mohit led us with boundless energy, always sporting a smile and maintaining a remarkable sense of calm, even amidst the complex challenges that come with managing a luxury hotel. Despite his demanding schedule, he always found time for people. He would say, “Macha, my calendar is?packed, but?let me see if I can make space for you”—and he always did.

As someone who quietly admired him, I always looked forward to our interactions, as they were consistently meaningful. From Mohit, I learned several valuable lessons that shaped my own leadership style:

1.?Accessibility

No matter how busy you are, people should always be your priority. A true leader finds time for their team, even when their calendar is overflowing.

2.?Sense of?Humor

I’ve rarely encountered anyone as witty as Mohit. He had a unique ability to crack a joke or share a light-hearted comment that could instantly uplift the atmosphere. You always left his presence with a smile on your face.

3.?Approachability

Mohit was approachable to everyone, regardless of their position or rank within the organization. Whether you were a senior executive or a junior team member, you never felt that his door was closed to you.

4.?Hard Work

Mohit was never one to ask his team to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself. He worked as hard—if not harder—than anyone else. As a leader, you need to work shoulder to shoulder with your team. Expecting others to do all the heavy lifting will only get you so far.

5.?Openness to Experimentation

I vividly recall discussing with him how we could enhance the HR function, moving beyond just serving the union. He was immediately receptive to the idea and even helped implement some of the changes. On another occasion, I approached him with the idea of conducting training workshops, as I had done in my previous role. Initially, he was?empathic with my?work load,?suggesting I bring in an external trainer. But once I shared my vision, he readily supported it, allowing me to lead workshops at the hotel. At yet another point, he approved hiring a chef with a back problem as an Assistant Training Manager, demonstrating his willingness to experiment and support his team in unconventional ways.

Mohit was not just a leader in the?meeting rooms?but also a team player outside of it. He participated in cricket tournaments with the team, attended every farewell and welcome party, and seemed to work around the clock. It's amazing how we encounter people who leave a lasting impact on our lives, even as time and circumstances take us in different directions. The lessons we learn from them—small yet profound—stay with us, becoming guiding principles for a lifetime.

Today, I was reminded that it's International Men’s Day, and the theme this year is "Positive Role Models." I?instantly thought of?Mohit Nirula. He has undoubtedly been a guiding light for many people whose lives he touched, including mine?in a lot of ways.

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