We recently had the privilege of interviewing Priya Jaganathan, Co-founder and Managing Director at Auriga International Management Consultants. With an exclusive experience of over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Priya is contributing fresh and impactful ideas and strategies to counterparts within the industry.
As the Managing Director, Priya Jaganathan has been pivotal in shaping the organization’s face and helping businesses realize their full potential. In this insightful interview, Priya Jaganathan shares her inspirations behind joining this field, major turning points, visions on collaboration among the team, and embracing diversity.
Spark Behind The Journey
We started the interview by asking, “What inspired you to start your company or become an industry leader?”
Priya shared, “Auriga Consultancy was born from a passion for the Hospitality industry, including Hotels, restaurants, and spas, fueled by a love for exceptional experiences and a drive to create unique offerings. Aspiring to innovate, I established a company dedicated to introducing novel concepts and experiences. This journey has led me to become a leader and contribute fresh and impactful ideas and strategies to counterparts within the industry.”
Sustainability – A Central Element
To learn more about Priya Jaganathan’s insights on the disruptors impacting her field, we asked, “What are the biggest disruptors shaping your industry today?”
She responds, “Integrating technology encompasses utilizing data analytics for streamlined operations and personalized services. Shifts in consumer and employee behavior are propelling the adoption of different solutions, reshaping the industry landscape. Sustainability takes center stage, with consultants steering businesses toward eco-friendly practices.
Sector innovations feature augmented reality and intelligent technologies. Consultants are instrumental in guiding hospitality-centric enterprises through these shifts, ensuring alignment with sustainability objectives while providing secure, technologically advanced, personalized dining experiences.”
Following The Core Ethics
Every business embraces specific missions and a vision to advance in the industry. We asked, “What is the mission and vision of your company? How do you ensure that these principles are embedded throughout your organization?”
Priya shared, “Our vision is to help a business realize its full potential in hospitality projects. Our mission is to nurture a culture of delivering on our promises and making it happen.
We ensure our Vision and Mission are embedded by encouraging a company-wide commitment to realizing business potential. Our culture emphasizes delivering on promises, making it happen through dedicated teamwork, and aligning every effort with our core values. Regular communication channels, transparent goal setting, and performance evaluations reinforce our commitment. Training programs instill these principles, and leadership exemplifies them in daily operations.
Employee recognition for embodying our Vision and Mission further strengthens a collective dedication to helping businesses thrive. These principles are not just statements but integral guides shaping our organizational DNA and driving success at every level.”
Pivotal Turning Points
We were intrigued to learn more about the factors that impacted Priya Jaganathan’s career journey. So, we asked, “What was a pivotal decision or risk you took that impacted your career or company?”
She replied, “A pivotal decision in my career was leaving a secure role in a prestigious established organization, stepping out of my comfort zone and venturing on my own. Embracing entrepreneurship, I took the risk to pursue my vision and create a sustainable business model. This decision challenged me to navigate uncertainties, build from the ground up, and ultimately lead to personal and professional growth.
Though daunting, it empowered me to shape my destiny, make impactful decisions, and contribute innovatively to my industry. This bold step transformed my career trajectory and underscored the importance of embracing change and taking calculated risks for meaningful success.”
Fostering Collaboration
Having a solid team is paramount to excel as a business. So, we asked Priya Jaganathan, “How do you attract top talent and foster a culture of collaboration?”
Priya responds, “Attracting top talent involves offering competitive benefits, emphasizing a clear company vision, and practicing inclusive recruitment of like-minded people. Positive employer branding, collaborative work environments, and recognition for performance contribute to a compelling workplace.
Also, it facilitates professional growth and maintains transparent communication. Leadership exemplifies collaborative behavior, and flexibility in work arrangements maintains a healthy work-life balance. These strategies collectively create an environment that attracts top-tier candidates and nurtures a culture of collaboration, innovation, and employee satisfaction.”
Setting Auriga Consultancy
To maintain a strong brand presence in the competitive landscape, offering unique services and products is essential. So, we asked, “How do you differentiate your company from competitors in the market? What unique value proposition do you offer to your customers?”
“We differentiate our company by providing a comprehensive 360-degree service, ensuring our clients experience unparalleled support throughout their startup journey. Unlike competitors, our approach goes beyond singular solutions, offering peace of mind as every aspect of their business enterprise is meticulously taken care of.
From strategic planning and execution to ongoing support, we tailor our services to meet individual client needs. This holistic commitment sets us apart, providing a service and a partnership that empowers our clients to focus on their core business, confident that every facet of their startup is expertly managed for sustained success.” Priya shared.
Responsible Business Operations
We asked, “What is your approach to sustainability and corporate social responsibility?”
She continued, “Our dedication to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is deeply embedded in the fabric of our business philosophy. We prioritize environmentally conscious practices, actively working to diminish our carbon footprint through energy-efficient operations and initiatives to reduce waste. In our supply chain, we strongly emphasize ethical sourcing and fair labor practices, leading to positive impacts on local communities.
We invest in the well-being of our employees, fostering diversity and inclusion while creating opportunities for professional growth. Transparent reporting and regular assessments ensure accountability and drive continuous improvement. By integrating sustainability into our core values, our goal is not only to impact the planet positively but also to contribute to the well-being of the communities we serve. This aligns our business success with social and environmental responsibility.”
Embracing Diversity
As a business operating globally, embracing diversity within its approaches is crucial. So, we asked Priya Jaganathan, “How do you navigate international markets and cultural differences?”
She replied, “Navigating international markets involves a nuanced approach to cultural differences. We prioritize extensive market research and cultural understanding, adapting strategies to align with local norms and preferences. Establishing strong local partnerships and hiring diverse, culturally aware teams enhances our ability to navigate complexities.
Regular communication channels and a flexible mindset enable us to respond effectively to dynamic cultural landscapes. Embracing cultural diversity improves mutual respect and facilitates successful market entry, ensuring our global presence is characterized by adaptability, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of the unique dynamics within each international market.”
Envisioning Hospitality Industry’s Future, we asked Priya Jaganathan
We ended the interview by asking, “What excites you about the future of your industry?”
“The future of the Hospitality industry is thrilling due to the continual enhancements and innovations. State-of-the-art hotels, culinary concepts, and dining experiences are emerging, driven by evolving consumer comfort, tastes, and preferences. Technological advancements, such as intelligent ordering systems and in-room facilities, promise streamlined processes and enhanced customer interactions.
Post-COVID, entrepreneurs are empowered by a shift in consumer behavior towards local and innovative dining, feeling more secure in launching ventures. This recovery of entrepreneurship creates a vibrant landscape of diverse offerings, from sustainable dining to experiential gastronomy. The industry’s adaptability and resilience amid challenges excite me, as they pave the way for a more dynamic, tech-infused, and consumer-centric Food & Beverage landscape, creating opportunities for novel experiences and ventures that cater to evolving market demands.” Priya concluded.
Follow Priya Jaganathan on LinkedIn.
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