Each week, we highlight one of our remarkable members—leaders who are shaping the future of travel and hospitality with vision, empathy and grit. This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight Vishakha Kaushik,  Business Development Manager, HCLTech, whose insights into leadership, resilience and human connection offer inspiration for us all.

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
    “The Black Swan” by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. It resonated deeply because it explains the world I operate in. In the travel and hospitality sector, unpredictable events are the norm. The book is a great reminder that success isn’t about predicting the future, but about building the resilience and agility to thrive when the unexpected happens.
  2. What do you love most about the industry?
    At its core, our industry is about human connection. We’re in the business of creating experiences, bridging distances and making the world feel a little smaller. I love that tangible impact, knowing that our work helps create memories, forge business deals and connect loved ones.
  3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
    That I’m a quiet competitor. While I thrive on collaboration, I have a very strong internal drive to meet the goals I set for myself. People often see the collaborative side, but self-motivation is the engine that keeps everything moving forward.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    Balancing empathy with decisive action. My instinct is to lead with compassion, which I believe is a strength. The challenge is making a tough call that you know will impact people you care about. Holding onto your empathy while doing what’s necessary for the business is the constant, difficult work of leadership.
  5. What are your non-negotiables when it comes to work-life balance?
    A full night’s sleep and disciplined mornings. Sleep is non-negotiable because it fuels everything else. And protecting my morning for quiet focus allows me to start the day proactively rather than reactively. That structure is what gives me the clarity to be fully present for my team and my family.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    Indra Nooyi. I admire her strategic vision, but what truly inspires me is her candor about the realities of leadership. Her honesty about the difficulty of balancing work, family and personal well-being is a powerful lesson in leading with authenticity.
  7. What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
    The practical application of AI in customer experience. It’s moving beyond a buzzword to fundamentally change personalization and efficiency. The opportunity is to implement it thoughtfully, so it enhances the human touch rather than replacing it. Getting that balance right is what I’m focused on.
  8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    Resilience. Skills can be taught, but I want to understand how a candidate has handled failure or navigated a tough situation. The ability to persevere and learn when things don’t go as planned is what truly defines a great team member.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    I learned that my capacity for resilience is far greater than I thought. Navigating recent challenges taught me that I’m more effective when I don’t take myself too seriously. Embracing a little more levity has actually made me a stronger, more approachable leader.
  10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
    “The problem is bigger in your head than it is in reality.” It’s a powerful reminder to stop overthinking and start acting. It has taught me that taking the first small step is often the best way to cut any challenge down to size.
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Trust, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose. Trust empowers people to do their best work. Empathy ensures we treat each other with respect. And a common goal is what channels all that individual talent into collective success.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    That I’m deeply invested. I genuinely care about the success of my team and our clients, and that translates into a commitment to showing up, listening and doing the work needed to help us all win together.
  13. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
    Be intentional about inclusion. In a hybrid setup, it’s easy for proximity bias to creep in. I make it a priority to ensure communication is equitable, recognition is given thoughtfully, and everyone has equal access to opportunities, regardless of where they work.
  14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?
    New York City. I’m captivated by its relentless energy

Connect with Vishakha on LinkedIn and reach out to us if you’re a member and would like to be featured.