Shilpa Mahtani, Co-Founder and Managing Director of bnbme holiday homes by Hoteliers, says the best way to shift mindsets is through results

Can you share your journey into the business world? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and marrying into one, business has always been second nature to me. It instilled an instinct to recognize opportunities and maximize their potential. My journey into the holiday home industry began unexpectedly—sparked by a personal bad experience with a rental unit.

At the time, short-term rentals were still an untapped market, giving me the perfect opportunity to experiment. With my background in hospitality, my goal was clear: bring a five-star experience to holiday homes. That vision led to the birth of bnbme, with a mission from day one—to create luxury stays that deliver unforgettable guest experiences.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman, and how did you overcome them?
Despite the progress women have made in the professional world, being taken seriously remains a challenge—especially in a male-dominated industry. Whether it’s managing internal teams or engaging with investors, there will always be those who approach conversations with bias. Overcoming this requires persistence, confidence, and breaking outdated perceptions. I’ve learned that the best way to shift mindsets is through results—delivering excellence leaves no room for doubt.

How do you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time?
I am self-driven, intrinsically motivated, and a firm believer in leading by example. My leadership approach focuses on building a team of high performers who take ownership of their roles. I see my role as twofold:

1. Problem Solver – Stepping in only when a roadblock arises and guidance is needed.
2. Mentor – Encouraging my team to take initiative, assume greater responsibilities, and grow within the organization. This approach has evolved over time, shifting from a hands-on style to one that empowers others to lead.

What strategies do you use to motivate and empower your team?
Open communication is at the heart of my leadership. I maintain an open-door policy, ensuring that anyone in the company can share concerns or ideas freely. We also hold quarterly town hall meetings where we implement a “Voice of the Employee” initiative, addressing concerns with concrete solutions before the next session. Another key strategy is empowerment through responsibility—allowing team members to execute tasks independently, as long as they align with the company’s core values. This fosters accountability and a sense of ownership.

Have you had any mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career?
Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, has been a constant source of inspiration. Beyond being a remarkable leader and speaker, the greatest lesson I’ve learned from her is the reality of balancing multiple roles as a woman—daughter, mother, wife, friend, professional. Perfection in all areas is unattainable, and there will always be trade-offs. Embracing this truth has been liberating, allowing me to perform each role to the best of my ability rather than striving for unrealistic expectations.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the business world?
Follow your passion—this is the only advice I truly stand by. When you pursue what you love, work doesn’t feel like a chore; it becomes fulfilling. Financial success should not be the sole motivator. As Oprah Winfrey wisely said, “Passion is the log that keeps the fire of purpose blazing.” When you align your work with your passion, success follows naturally.

Can you highlight some of your proudest achievements in your career?
I started bnbme with just one unit, and today, we manage over 200 units across two countries, with offices in four locations and a team of over 75. Along the way, I’ve been honoured with multiple awards, from SME of the Year to Best Holiday Home Company and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. While these accolades are rewarding, my proudest moments come from how my children perceive me. My son once wrote about me in his university application as an example of an A-player in business, and my daughter was disappointed to miss a career fair because she wanted to proudly share what it means to be a successful woman entrepreneur. These moments mean more than any trophy.

How do you manage work-life balance, and what tips do you have for other women striving for it?
I don’t believe in work-life balance—I believe in work-life harmony. When you love what you do, it all blends seamlessly. Whether it’s bringing my child to the office or having dinner with my spouse at 11 p.m., I’ve learned to integrate my personal and professional life in a way that feels natural. For other working women, my advice is simple: stop chasing balance. Instead, create harmony and accept that perfection in all areas is neither realistic nor necessary.