Leaders

In the ever-evolving business landscape, female leaders are significantly reshaping the concept of success, particularly in the hospitality sector, where empathy and innovation are essential. Their unique perspectives foster inclusive environments that enhance guest experiences and strengthen team cohesion. One such inspiring leader is Smeeta Pradhan, CEO of Avianna Group, a hospitality brand that transcends traditional accommodation to create spaces where guests feel connected, rejuvenated, and inspired. With a strong belief that 'energy flows where attention goes,' Smeeta aligns her professional journey with personal values, cultivating an energetic atmosphere where guests, staff, and partners share a profound sense of belonging.

Under her leadership, Avianna Group stands out for its commitment to continuous learning, impact-driven service, and sustainable growth, exemplifying how women can lead with purpose and authenticity in an ever-changing industry. The company is built on the principles of care, excellence, and innovation, specializing in creating high-touch experiences that cater to diverse guests,from families to honeymooners, emphasizing luxury, sustainability, and personalization. Smeeta's vision is not just about business growth, it's about crafting memorable experiences that resonate on an emotional level, ensuring that each interaction nurtures the soul.

Let’s read on to explore how Smeeta Pradhan is setting a remarkable example for future generations in hospitality.

Could you share your professional journey in the hospitality sector with us? What have been some of the most pivotal moments along the way?

My professional journey has been an evolution of both my leadership and inner self. Initially, I focused on mastering the daily aspects of hospitality, managing operations and catering to guests' immediate needs. However, I soon realized that lasting impact comes from building systems that empower teams and enhance the guest experience consistently, without losing the personal touch. Overcoming challenges like scaling the business and embracing new technologies taught me to trust the process and find clarity amidst chaos. Key moments include recognizing the importance of systems for scaling without sacrificing quality and leveraging digital innovations to elevate guest experiences. Ultimately, it’s about creating experiences that touch hearts and addressing the deeper needs of guests.

Please introduce us to Avianna Group and share the core vision behind the venture, along with its primary areas of expertise.

Avianna Group transcends traditional hospitality, creating a space where individuals feel connected, rejuvenated, and inspired. At the helm of this innovative brand is Pranoy Chettri, the Managing Director, whose unwavering dedication and vision have been instrumental in transforming dreams into reality. His approach extends beyond mere business growth, it aims to cultivate an experience that resonates deeply with both guests and staff. Pranoy emphasizes the importance of nurturing a strong second line of leadership, fostering a team of capable individuals committed to the company's mission. He envisions Avianna Group operating seamlessly, with empathy and strong connections forming the foundation of its success.

Known as a 'cool MD,' Pranoy is approachable and understanding, yet he isn't afraid to deliver impactful conversations that realign everyone toward excellence. His blend of warmth and assertiveness sets him apart as a leader. Central to Avianna's philosophy is the belief that true luxury lies in the details, creating memorable, personalized experiences that not only provide comfort but also nurture the soul.

Avianna specializes in high-touch experiences tailored for families, solo travelers, and couples, emphasizing luxury, sustainability, and personalization. The brand merges traditional hospitality with modern innovation, connecting with guests on an emotional level and providing real value that extends far beyond accommodation. Ultimately, Avianna Group is dedicated to building a loyal community united by a commitment to exceptional service and excellence.

As the CEO of Avianna Group, what are the key roles and responsibilities you oversee? Additionally, what are your primary focus areas for driving the company's growth?

As CEO, I see myself as both a visionary and an energy leader, maintaining a clear, high-vibration mindset to inspire my team and advance Avianna Group’s vision. My responsibilities focus on two key areas: building systems that enable growth without compromising quality, and empowering everyone in our ecosystem. Leadership development is also a priority, as I believe strong teams arise when individuals are equipped and trusted to lead. My main focus areas include expanding our impact through sustainable practices, enhancing guest experiences with technology, and preserving the soulful connection that keeps guests returning. Like in digital marketing, I view systems as the backbone of scalable, sustainable business growth.

"At avianna, we’re embracing aidriven guest personalization while prioritizing human connection"

What do you consider to be some of the most critical challenges you face as a leader in the hospitality industry? How do you address and overcome these obstacles?

Challenges are inevitable, and I’ve faced many throughout my journey. One of the biggest hurdles is maintaining authenticity and personal connection in a tech-driven industry. While we embrace automation and AI for efficiency, I ensure that the human touch remains at the core of our guest experience. The energy shared between people is crucial, and creating spaces where guests feel warmth is essential. To overcome challenges, I focus on both internal and external strategies. Internally, I prioritize my own energetic balance, knowing that my clarity affects the entire business. Externally, we systemize guest service protocols, employee training, and feedback loops to maintain consistency. Additionally, preserving company culture as we grow requires empowering the team with the right tools and systems.

Could you share some of the most significant professional milestones you've achieved during your career? What has been your success mantra over the years?

My career milestones reflect not just numerical growth but also energetic shifts in our operations. A significant achievement was expanding Avianna Group to multiple locations while preserving our distinctive guest expe­rience, recognized for service excellence. This required creating systems that enabled growth while maintain­ing our brand's core values. Additionally, I successful­ly integrated sustainable practices into our operations, minimizing our environmental impact while enhancing guest experiences. My success mantra is 'Align, Serve, and Scale'. This means aligning your energy with your purpose, serving others authentically, and building sys­tems that support scaling without compromising your mission. Ultimately, how you do everything shapes how you do anything.

How do you envision the growth and evolution of the Indian hospitality sector in the coming years? Which industry trends do you believe will have the most significant impact in the near future?

The future of Indian hospitality holds immense potential as guests increasingly seek meaningful and personalized experiences. The focus is shifting from traditional luxury to holistic well-being and sustainability. I anticipate the growth of wellness tourism, where properties nourish the body, mind, and soul. Eco-conscious travel will be significant, with hotels adopting sustainable practices and gaining a competitive edge. Technology will reshape the industry, but successful brands will leverage it to enhance, not replace the human experience. At Avianna, we’re embracing AI-driven guest personalization while prioritizing human connection. As Ritu teaches, energy is the currency of the future, and businesses operating with high-frequency energy will attract abundance. We aim to create a legacy based on authentic service and sustainable practices.

Smeeta Pradhan, CEO, Avianna Group

Smeeta Pradhan is The CEO Of Avianna Group, dedicated to harmonizing personal values with professional excellence. With a focus on authentic service and sustainable practices, she creates transformative guest experiences and empowers her team through innovative systems and leadership development.