The ideal holistic leadership style encompasses a fusion of creative thinking, operational acumen, and relationship-building prowess, forming a dynamic synergy that propels success and innovation in the dynamic realms of retail strategy and real estate expansion. Aakriti Singh serves as an exemplary model for this holistic leadership style, which not only enhances operational efficiency but also cultivates an environment of innovation and strong collaborations. This sets the groundwork for enduring growth and adaptability within the continuously evolving retail industry landscape.

Aakriti Singh stands as an eminent figure in the domain of strategy and real estate expansion, currently holding the position of Head of Strategy & Real Estate Expansion at Ethos Watch Boutiques. With a distinguished career marked by a proven track record, she has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in propelling growth and enhancing brand value within the retail sector. Her journey is characterized by a strategic blend of design thinking, operational excellence, and adept relationship- building skills. Below is an excerpt of her exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur magazine.

Tell us about the key business lessons you have learned over the years in the Indian retail industry. What are your key areas of expertise as a business leader?

In my extensive journey within the Indian retail industry, a pivotal lesson is the primacy of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These guidelines precede even elaborate business plans, offering a foundational framework crucial for efficiency. Moreover, in the context of the Indian retail landscape, I've gleaned that relationships are the lifeblood of success. Networking and maintaining relationships are integral, facilitating growth and industry prominence. As a business leader, my expertise spans real estate, retail, and E-mobility, with a distinctive knack for brand expansion. Notably, I have excelled in strategically situating brands like Kama Ayurveda, Hero Cycles, and now Ethos, showcasing my ability to align brands with diverse Indian markets.

Describe the various responsibilities you shoulder in your current role.

In my capacity as the Head of Strategy & Real Estate Expansion, my role is pivotal in orchestrating the annual retail store rollout across India. Whether it's delivering mono or multi-brand boutiques, I am responsible for the entire process from positioning to execution. Additionally, I bear the responsibility of cultivating a robust project pipeline for future expansion. Beyond diverse retail formats, I also oversee the strategic placement of our offices, warehouses, and a comprehensive network of service centers nationwide. It's a dynamic role where I navigate the intersection of strategy, real estate, and sustainable growth for the company.

In your opinion what are some of the most critical challenges you encounter in your current role driving strategy in the retail industry? What steps do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?

In steering strategy within the retail industry, a paramount challenge is the scarcity of quality infrastructure for luxury brands in the country. With only a handful of malls catering to this segment, my approach involves strategic acquisitions of larger spaces to create bespoke luxury destinations. We've initiated plans to transform high street spaces into top-notch infrastructure, ensuring an optimal consumer experience for our premium clientele. Additionally, recognizing the untapped potential in tier-two cities, we've embarked on establishing flagship stores, anticipating substantial growth in these markets. This proactive strategy not only addresses the current infrastructure gap but positions our brand for future expansion and heightened consumer satisfaction.

Tell us about the most significant milestones you have achieved throughout your professional journey so far.

During my tenure as the Head of Retail at Hero Cycles, a standout milestone was spearheading the establishment of Hero Lectro, a revolutionary brand for E-mobility. Crafting the brand's design philosophy, we conceptualized and implemented innovative experience centers across cities, ensuring a seamless end-to-end consumer journey. The crowning achievement was setting up the inaugural Experience Center, a testament to our team's dedication from scratch to launch. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in developing a training digital app for sales enablement for 250 plus store sales staff, marking a significant foray into technical endeavors. These milestones underline my commitment to innovation, brand building, and fostering impactful consumer experiences.

What has been your success mantra or guiding leadership philosophy as a business leader?

My guiding leadership philosophy revolves around transformational leadership, urging my team to explore beyond their comfort zones. This approach, favored by growth-focused companies, inspires employees to realize their full potential. Embracing continuous transformation, ensures constant enhancement of the company's practices, fostering a culture of innovation and growth.

Aakriti Singh, Head Of Strategy & Real Estate Expansion, Ethos Watch Boutiques

Aakriti Singh, a seasoned strategist, holds an Engineering Degree in Electronics & Instrumentation. With an illustrious career, she has contributed her expertise to esteemed organizations, including JLL, Kama Ayurveda, Hero Cycles and now Ethos Watch Boutiques. A trailblazer in real estate and retail strategy, she combines educational expertise with hands-on experience, shaping industries with strategic brilliance.