What does leadership entail? Is it a trait that people are born with? Or is it a skill that can be learned? Let’s find out from Jyoti Bhatia, the Director of Jackberrys, who seems to have cracked the code. A graduate from Bombay University, Jyoti Bhatia is a dynamic leader who is disrupting every conventional definition of leadership and is well on her way to establishing gender equality in the industry and giving women the space, they deserve. A smart and focused leader, Jyoti carries a very unique perspective and sees every setback as an opportunity in disguise. An excellent example for many, Jyoti urges people to accept their failures, get up again, and pursue their goals with passion and determination.
Let’s explore further to learn more about Jyoti’s experiences and how the hospitality industry is evolving.
Aspioneer (A): Thank you for doing this with us, Jyoti. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your brand?
Jyoti Bhatia (J): “Jackberrys is a leading chain of restaurants. My husband and I launched Jackberrys together in 2004. As the Director of Jackberrys, my role encompasses strategic leadership, relationship management, talent development, and industry engagement. It is my passion and dedication to excellence that drive me to continuously elevate the company and make a positive impact in the hospitality industry. At Jackberry’s, our motto is to provide exceptional hospitality and serve our clients with all our hearts and souls. Our mission is to reach out, serve, and pamper our clients, ensuring their satisfaction and creating memorable experiences. My company has more than one location, allowing us to cater to a wider audience and expand our reach.”
(A): How would you describe Jackberrys? What sets it apart from the competition?
(J): “Jackberrys is best described as a hospitality-focused company that values good food, presentation, service, and client satisfaction. Our value proposition lies in our commitment to delivering a personalized touch to every detail we provide. We believe in going the extra mile to exceed our clients’ expectations and make their experience truly special. Moreover, keep it affordable so we can reach a wider audience.
What sets us apart from our competitors is the emphasis we place on the personal touch and the sincerity of our staff. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service, and they genuinely care about the details that make a difference. This attention to detail, combined with our passion for hospitality, creates a unique experience for our clients that they won’t find elsewhere. Our USP lies in our ability to create memorable moments and exceed expectations through our personalized service.”
(A): Could you tell us a little bit about your background, the changes you’ve seen in the hospitality sector, and how your challenges helped you become a successful leader?
(J): “Although I was meant to be in hospitality, I started by running a building material shop in my former days. Hospitality runs in my genes, and it has always been my passion. I graduated from the University of Bombay and waited to start my journey to pursue my dreams in the hospitality industry. While I may not have known the exact path I would take, I was certain of my love for this field and my desire to make a mark.
Since I started my career, I have witnessed significant changes in the hospitality industry, primarily driven by the impact of social media and aggregators. Social media platforms have transformed the way businesses promote their services and engage with customers. It has become crucial to have a strong online presence and leverage digital marketing strategies to reach a wider audience. Aggregators and online platforms have also influenced the way customers discover and book hospitality services. This shift has presented both opportunities and challenges for businesses like ours. Staying up-to-date with technological advancements and adapting our strategies to meet changing customer expectations has been essential to navigating these industry changes.
Over the years, I have gained valuable experience and expertise by working in various roles within the hospitality industry. I have learned from both successes and failures, and each experience has shaped me into the leader I am today. My dedication, hard work, and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences have helped me reach my current leadership position as the Director of Jackberrys.”
(A): How do you feel about the number of women in the sector? What obstacles did you encounter because you are a woman, and what should other women do, in your opinion, to carve out a place for themselves in the field?
(J): “As a woman in the hospitality field, I bring a unique perspective that is shaped by my experiences and the challenges I have faced. Women have often been underrepresented in leadership positions within the industry, and my presence as a female director challenges the traditional norms. I believe that women have a natural ability to empathize, connect, and nurture relationships, which are crucial skills in the hospitality industry. By bringing a feminine touch and a fresh perspective, I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment for both our clients and our team members.
Overcoming challenges and barriers as a woman in the industry required me to be open to change and adapt my business approach. One key strategy has been to listen to the needs of our clients and focus on delivering what they truly want. This approach allows us to provide tailored solutions and stand out from the competition. In the face of challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, I have remained flexible and agile, adjusting our business model to meet the changing demands of the market. By embracing change and being proactive in finding solutions, I have been able to overcome barriers and continue to thrive in the industry.
I do not believe that women have to act more masculine to get ahead in the workplace. I believe that women bring unique strengths and qualities to leadership roles. It should be celebrated and embraced. Women can succeed by being true to themselves, leveraging their innate abilities, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.”
"Overcoming challenges and barriers as a woman in the industry required me to be open to change and adapt my business approach. One key strategy has been to listen to the needs of our clients and focus on delivering what they truly want."
(A): It’s common to hear of great leaders. What do you think makes a strong leader, and how does it relate to women?
(J): “Great leaders possess qualities such as vision, empathy, resilience, and effective communication. They inspire and motivate their team members, encourage creativity and innovation, and lead by example. Women leaders often bring a unique approach to problem-solving, leveraging their intuition, emotional intelligence, and ability to understand and connect with others.
Women tend to approach problem-solving holistically, considering multiple perspectives and finding solutions that benefit the collective. They are often adept at nurturing relationships and fostering collaboration within teams, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. By combining analytical thinking with empathy, women leaders can bring a fresh and balanced perspective to problem-solving.”
(A): How do you rejuvenate yourself? What does a perfect day off look like?
(J): “As a workaholic, I find myself grounding myself during the day by taking short breaks to rejuvenate. This may involve stepping away from work momentarily, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or simply taking a walk to clear my mind. These small moments help me maintain balance and stay focused throughout the day.
A perfect ‘day off’ for me would involve watching a good web series that allows me to unwind and relax. However, even on my days off, I tend to have my laptop nearby to attend to any pending tasks or Excel sheets that may need attention. Finding a balance between relaxation and staying on top of responsibilities is important to me.”
(A): What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders?
(J): To the next generation of women leaders, I would advise that the path to success is not an easy one, but it is achievable with self-motivation and determination. There are no shortcuts to making a lasting impact and leaving a mark in history. It is important to wake up each day and assess yourself, understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. Define what you want to accomplish and envision where you see yourself five years from now. Then, take action and work diligently towards your goals starting today. Stay focused, persevere through challenges, and never lose sight of your aspirations.”
