Ms. Nivedita Javadekar, Training Manager at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, on investing in people, building inclusive cultures, and why ‘Give to Gain’ is more than a theme – it is a way of life
An intimate interaction with Ms. Nivedita Javadekar, Training Manager, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026.
In the world of luxury hospitality, the guest experience is the visible product. What is less visible – but equally essential – is the architecture of people and culture that makes exceptional service possible. That architecture is built, day by day, by professionals like Nivedita Javadekar.
As Training Manager at the Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, and a key figure in the hotel’s Human Resources and Learning & Development function, Nivedita occupies a role that sits at the intersection of two of the industry’s most pressing priorities: building people capability and building inclusive cultures. On International Women’s Day 2026, she speaks with Tourism India about what the theme ‘Give to Gain’ means to someone whose entire professional identity is rooted in giving – knowledge, mentorship, opportunity, and trust.
The Philosophy of Giving
Ask Nivedita Javadekar to define ‘Give to Gain’ and she does not hesitate. For her, it is not a corporate slogan but a lived conviction – one that she articulates with the clarity of someone who has thought deeply about what leadership in hospitality really means.
“The theme highlights the idea that when we contribute positively to others – through support, knowledge, kindness, and opportunities – we ultimately create growth for ourselves and the community around us,” she says. “Personally, it means offering encouragement, empathy, and strength to other women. By sharing my experiences, uplifting one another, and fostering a sense of solidarity, we build confidence and stronger relationships.”
Professionally, she frames it as a challenge to every leader in the sector. “In the workplace, giving may involve sharing knowledge, guiding colleagues, recognising achievements, and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued. When women support and mentor each other, it helps build stronger teams, enhances professional growth, and encourages more women to step into leadership roles.”
And then, with characteristic precision: “Empowerment grows when it is shared. By giving our support, respect, and opportunities to others, we gain collective progress, stronger communities, and a more inclusive and inspiring workplace.”
Inspired by Trailblazers
When asked about the women who have inspired her career, Nivedita’s choices reveal the breadth of her thinking. She draws inspiration not only from within the hospitality world but from leaders across industries whose journeys illuminate what is possible when women rise to the top.
She points to Stephanie Linnartz – former President of Marriott International and now CEO of Under Armour – as a powerful example of how women can shape global organisations from the inside out. “Her leadership journey shows how women can rise to senior executive roles in hospitality through strategic thinking and a commitment to transformation,” Nivedita notes. Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, is another touchstone: admired for her perseverance, strategic vision, and her unwavering advocacy for women in leadership across industries.
Perhaps most unexpectedly, she also cites Ritu Karidhal – known as the Rocket Woman of India, a senior scientist at ISRO – as an inspiration. “While she belongs to the space sector, her journey inspires women professionals across all industries to break barriers and pursue excellence,” Nivedita says. The choice is telling: for her, inspiration is not industry-specific. It is about what human determination, given the right conditions, can achieve.
She is equally clear that inspiration does not only come from the famous. “In a woman’s career journey, inspiration can also come from closer circles – female mentors, managers, colleagues, or even team members – who guide, support, and encourage confidence in the workplace. Representation, mentorship, and determination play a powerful role in shaping successful careers.”
What Women Bring to Hospitality Leadership
For Nivedita, the qualities that women bring to leadership in hospitality are not peripheral — they are structural. She identifies six qualities with the precision of someone who trains and develops people for a living.
Empathy and emotional intelligence, she argues, are foundational in an industry where guest experience is everything. Strong communication and a collaborative instinct create the kind of team cultures where people feel genuinely valued. The ability to multitask and adapt — managing multiple priorities with composure – is a daily requirement in a fast-paced hotel environment. And the instinct to nurture and mentor, she believes, is what builds sustainable, capable workforces over time.
“Women leaders often focus on mentoring and developing others. By guiding and supporting team members, they help build confident and capable professionals, contributing to a stronger and more sustainable workforce,” she says. “Women’s leadership brings compassion, collaboration, resilience, and innovation. These qualities not only strengthen organisational culture but also create meaningful connections with guests and communities, helping the industry grow in a more inclusive and sustainable way.”
A Decade of Progress – and the Barriers That Remain
Nivedita has watched the role of women in Indian hospitality evolve significantly over the past decade – and is clear-eyed about both the progress made and the distance yet to travel. “Women are increasingly taking on leadership and decision-making roles, moving beyond traditional operational positions into areas such as hotel management, aviation leadership, tourism strategy, and entrepreneurship,” she observes. “I have seen hotel operational leaders now appointed as unit leaders through GM leadership training programmes. This itself endorses the facts of women in the modern world.”
Yet structural barriers persist. Women remain concentrated in operational and support roles while strategic and executive positions continue to be largely male-dominated. Work-life integration remains a genuine challenge in an industry defined by long hours and shift patterns — particularly for women who are also managing the care of children or elderly relatives. Unconscious bias continues to influence hiring and promotion decisions, often invisibly. And the underrepresentation of women at the top creates a self-perpetuating cycle: fewer role models mean fewer women who see senior leadership as an attainable destination.
“Addressing these barriers through inclusive policies, leadership development programmes, and supportive workplace cultures can help create a more balanced and equitable industry,” she says — speaking not just as an observer, but as someone actively engaged in building those solutions.
Where the Opportunities Are Brightest
Looking across the tourism ecosystem, Nivedita is optimistic about the landscape of opportunity opening up for women. The hotel sector, she notes, offers diverse pathways across management, guest relations, sales, human resources, and culinary leadership – with increasing momentum towards women in senior roles. Tour operations and travel services are seeing more women build careers as consultants, planners, and entrepreneurs. Destination management and tourism boards offer the chance to shape tourism strategy at a national and regional level.
In aviation, she highlights a moment of particular resonance. During India’s recent Operation Sindoor, two women – Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh – led operations with remarkable courage and capability. “The two women defied all odds,” she notes. “Their story is a powerful reminder that when women are given the opportunity to lead, they do so with distinction.”
Building Inclusion From the Inside
As the Training Manager responsible for Learning & Development at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, Nivedita does not merely advocate for inclusive cultures – she builds them. She speaks about structured mentorship with measurable outcomes, leadership workshops, networking platforms, and career development plans designed to help women build the confidence and capability to move into senior roles.
She is a strong proponent of flexible work arrangements, fair parental leave policies, and leadership that actively communicates its support for women’s advancement. “Companies can support women by offering flexible work arrangements, fair maternity and parental leave policies, safe workplaces, and equal opportunities for career growth,” she says. “Encouraging open communication, supportive leadership, and a culture that values work-life balance helps women manage both professional responsibilities and personal commitments effectively.”
If she could initiate one major programme for women in tourism today, she would create a Women in Tourism Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programme – a structured platform providing mentorship, leadership training, financial support, and networking for women across the hospitality ecosystem. “Such a platform would help women develop skills, build businesses, and progress into leadership roles, creating a stronger and more inclusive industry for the future,” she says.
A Message for International Women’s Day
For the women working across travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality today, Nivedita Javadekar has a message that is simple, direct, and deeply felt. “Your passion, resilience, and dedication play a vital role in shaping meaningful experiences for people around the world. Continue to believe in your potential, support and uplift one another, and never hesitate to step forward into leadership roles. Together, women can create a more inclusive, innovative, and inspiring future for the industry.”
And in one sentence, she distils the spirit of ‘Give to Gain’ to its essential truth: “Empowering others through mentorship, opportunities, and collaboration – because when we support and uplift each other, the entire industry grows stronger.”
In a sector that touches the lives of millions – through every journey made, every welcome extended, every experience curated – the work of building people and culture from within is among the most consequential work there is. Nivedita Javadekar understands this with quiet certainty. And on International Women’s Day 2026, her voice is a reminder that the most powerful investment any organisation can make is in the women already within it.
