A: How do you keep growing and developing as a leader and how do you motivate yourself?
P: I try finding inspiration in whatever I do. Whether I am on vacation or in a meeting or somewhere else, I learn from people, places, things, or conversations that I encounter. For instance, when I travel to different countries, I observe how they design their buildings, products, or services and how they solve their problems. When I meet new people, I listen to their stories and perspectives and learn from their experiences. When I see something interesting or unusual, I ask questions and try to understand how it works and why it matters. By doing this, I expose myself to different cultures, trends, and innovations that can enrich my own thinking
I periodically go back to universities to review or critique students’ projects. This way, I stay updated with their research and ideas and also give them feedback and guidance. I enjoy interacting with young minds who are passionate and curious about their fields of study. They often challenge me with new questions and insights that make me rethink my own assumptions and approaches. They also inspire me with their enthusiasm and optimism.
I enjoy factory visits to keep abreast with materials, production practices and systems with the suppliers I work with. By doing this, I gain a deeper understanding of the whole process and the value chain of our business. This helps me make better decisions and improve our performance.
A: Since you mentioned the future, do you have any advice for the next generation of women leaders?
P: I would say that one of the most important things for the next generation of women leaders is to not be afraid of taking on challenges or opportunities that seem scary or difficult at first. Sometimes we might feel intimidated or insecure about our abilities or qualifications, but we should not let that stop us from pursuing our goals and dreams. Instead, we should try them out and see what happens. We might discover that we have more potential and talent than we thought, or that we can learn new skills and overcome obstacles along the way. We might also find out that we enjoy doing something that we never imagined before, or that we can make a positive impact on others and the world. So, I would encourage the next generation of women leaders to be bold and adventurous, to embrace challenges and opportunities, and to give their best in everything they do.
A: What kind of impact do you want to have on others? What might be your legacy?
P: Well, my main goal as an architect is to improve and enhance the way people live, work, play, and learn through our design. I guess it’s about making a difference in someone’s life by creating spaces and cities that are functional, beautiful, and comfortable. If I can design better spaces and cities, it affects their life a lot because it influences their output, their health, their mindset, and everything else. For example, if I design a school that is spacious, bright, and stimulating, it can improve the learning outcomes and well-being of the students and teachers. Or if I design a park that is green, inviting, and accessible, it can encourage people to spend more time outdoors and connect with nature.
I also want to do more sustainable and eco-friendly design, like net zero buildings or reducing waste. That way, we can help preserve the planet for future generations by minimizing our environmental impact and carbon footprint. I think that’s a very important responsibility for architects today, to not only create beautiful structures but also to protect the environment and the people who live in it. So that’s the kind of impact I want to have on others: to improve their quality of life and to contribute to a better world through our design. This is something that I’m very passionate about and that motivates me every day. I love seeing how my work can make a difference in someone’s life, whether it’s a small or a big one. I hope that through my work, I can inspire others to also pursue their dreams and passions, and to use their capabilities for good.
A: Priya, thank you so much for talking to us.