Priya Paul
When Priya’s father was alive, she was not in the highlights. Since her father was handling the entire business, all Priya used to do was manage the business’s marketing. However, things escalated downwards when her father passed away in sudden death.
It was indeed a shock for the family; however, leaving everything was not an option, and someone had to take the command. In those times, Priya decided to replace her father’s position and joined the company as the chairperson.
A 24-year girl, who did not have any experience of chairpersonship, suddenly got into it. However, we must say, she was brilliant and ensured that the legacy of excellence and quality that her four-father left is continued.
In an interview, Priya said that she learned discipline from her father. She learned the importance of balance in life from her father, who believed in balancing work, family life, and personal life.
She says I try to emulate his lessons. However, I can’t say that I am truly the reflection of him.
Career
In 1990, Priya Paul took charge of The Park hotels as a chairperson. Before that, she worked as a marketing manager for the company, but her father passed away and got into the business.
The Park Hotel during the regime of Priya Paul progressed and elevated the new heights of success. Priya chose to stick with her legacy and decided to keep the hotel close to history simultaneously with her heritage touch.
She believes that sticking to our roots helps us understanding and growing better. Since the hotels are luxury, she did not miss adding the royal details of the business’s history.
Priya shared that she enjoys exploring other places since it helps her in getting a fresh perspective. She so far aced her business by introducing the latest innovations yet keeping her grounds.
Priya thinks that being relevant in the business is the only way towards success. If you choose to stick to your objectives, then there’s nothing that can hold you back.
Her career journey is still in progress, and every day, she chooses to establish her empire more.
Achievements
The achievement list of Priya is pretty long. She has been awarded, appreciated, and recognized at many levels because of her tireless contribution to the business.
Here are a few of the awards that she holds for her timeless efforts
- The Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Association of India conferred on her Young Entrepreneur of the Year award (1999–2000)
- The Economic Times Awards as the Businessperson of the Year (2002–2003)
- Paul has been awarded the Padma Shri award by the Government of India.
Other than that, her contribution towards women empowerment, helping other people grow and ensuring the middle-class people experience a good hotel’s luxury can’t be overlooked.
Priya Paul made sure to uplift people during her journey, and therefore, she is highly regarded and appreciated in the concerned industry.
Lesson learned
- Stay Relevant
If there is anything Priya has emphasized, then it has to be the importance of staying relevant. Priya made sure to keep herself relevant by learning the on-going changes in her business and the market. If she would have stayed happy with the existing business, then growing it further was not an option.
She always stressed that learning over time keeps her going, and thereby, she ensured that the business is growing and the rest is history!
If you are looking to build your business, then focus on being relevant. Discuss your ideas with others and find the best solution to the matter.
- 2. Adapt
The power of adaption is very critical. Priya Paul always ensured that she knows what the business is doing. Unlike most people who visit their business once a month, Priya chose to remain connected once it settles. She understood the importance of learning and adapting new things, and thereby, her hotel is the epitome of class and culture.
Since she was adapting to the new changes in the business, the Park Hotels never went outdated. Rather, it was growing and succeeding at every level.
- Take autonomy
As much as Priya was privileged, she did not let it come in her way to be independent and take the autonomy of decisions and her business. Her boldness and the power to make a decision was sufficient enough for her to move forward.
Since she was the decision-maker, she had the complete autonomy of the things that were happening in the business, and her strategies were according to it.
If you are interested in building a business, then take the full authority and lead with grace!