Neha Mehrotra
24-Mar-2026
As part of our Women Who Lead series, PEAKLIFE catches up with Kanthi Aneesh, General Manager at Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini, on leadership, resilience, and crafting meaningful luxury experiences.
In the evolving landscape of luxury hospitality, leadership is no longer defined by hierarchy alone but by empathy, adaptability, and vision. Kanthi Aneesh, General Manager at Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini, embodies this new-age approach. From her early days in finance to leading a nature-led luxury retreat, her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and a people-first philosophy that continues to shape both guest experiences and future leaders.
PEAKLIFE spoke to her about her journey, leading a luxury property and building her path in a traditionally male-led industry.
1. How would you describe your journey so far, and how has it shaped the leader you are today?
My journey in hospitality has been one of continuous learning, resilience, and steady growth. I began my career as an Accounts Assistant in the Finance Department, and over the years, I had the opportunity to take on different roles, including Finance Manager, Audit Manager, Resident Manager, and eventually General Manager - Operations.
Each stage of this journey gave me a deeper understanding of how a hospitality organisation functions, from financial discipline to operational excellence and guest engagement. Working in luxury hospitality has taught me that leadership is not only about managing processes but also about inspiring people and creating memorable experiences for guests. Over time, I have come to believe that an effective leader must be approachable, supportive, and decisive. I strongly believe in leading by example, nurturing talent within the team, and fostering a work environment where every individual feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.
2. Every person faces moments of doubt. What has been the biggest challenge in your journey, and how did you push through it?
Hospitality is a demanding industry, and there are times when the pressure of managing operations while ensuring exceptional guest experiences can feel overwhelming. However, those moments also became important turning points in my journey. What helped me move forward was a strong sense of perseverance and a deep commitment to my work. I learned to approach challenges with a positive mindset, focus on solutions, and continue learning from every situation.
Having supportive colleagues and mentors also played an important role. Their encouragement, along with my own determination, helped me navigate difficult phases and emerge more confident and resilient as a leader. Every challenge carries the opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally.
3. As a General Manager, what is your vision for the property you lead, and how do you ensure your team aligns with that vision?
My vision is to consistently create authentic and memorable experiences for every guest while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. In today’s world, luxury hospitality goes beyond beautiful infrastructure; it is equally about genuine warmth, personalised service, and meaningful connections that make a stay truly special.
To ensure that the entire team aligns with this vision, communication and empowerment are essential. I believe in creating a work culture where every team member understands that they play a significant role in shaping the guest experience. Through regular engagement, training, and recognising individual contributions, we encourage a strong sense of ownership within the team.
Working in a nature-based destination like Kabini has also reinforced my belief that true luxury lies in authenticity, sustainability, and the ability to create meaningful moments that connect guests with the destination and its natural surroundings.
(Evolve Back, Kabini)
4. What is one moment in your journey, professional or personal, that makes you feel proud?
Seeing the individuals I have had the privilege to work with grow in their fields are very proud moments for me. Watching them as they develop their skills, gain confidence, and gradually take on greater responsibilities is extremely rewarding.
In hospitality, success is rarely the result of one individual’s effort; it is always a collective achievement. Knowing that I have been able to mentor and support team members as they progress in their careers gives me a great sense of fulfilment. Seeing them grow into capable professionals and future leaders is, for me, one of the most meaningful aspects of this journey.
5. How are you consciously giving back to the next generation, especially young women, through mentorship, leadership, or the ecosystem you’re building?
I strongly believe in creating opportunities for young professionals to grow, and that includes encouraging more women to pursue careers in hospitality. Mentorship plays an important role in this. By offering guidance, sharing my own experiences, and encouraging them to trust their abilities, I try to support young team members as they navigate their professional journeys.
Equally important is building an inclusive and supportive work environment where people feel respected and valued. When young women see strong leadership and know that their ideas and contributions matter, it naturally builds their confidence to take on greater responsibilities and aspire to leadership roles themselves.
6. What advice would you give to young women who are building their careers in the hospitality industry?
Hospitality is a very rewarding industry, but it also requires dedication, patience, and genuine passion for working with people. My advice to young women entering this field is to believe in themselves and stay committed to continuous learning. Every experience, whether big or small, contributes to your growth. It is also important to remain curious and open to new challenges. Building strong professional relationships, observing experienced leaders, and consistently striving for excellence can make a significant difference over time. Most importantly, do not place limits on your own aspirations.
7. What excites you most about the future, personally and professionally?
What excites me most about the future is the way the hospitality industry continues to evolve. Today’s travellers are looking for experiences that are more meaningful, immersive, and connected to the destination. This creates wonderful opportunities for creativity and innovation in how we design guest journeys and deliver memorable stays.
On a personal level, I look forward to continuing to grow as a leader while contributing to the success of the organisation and the teams I work with. Mentoring and supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals is also something that I find deeply rewarding, and I hope to continue playing a role in helping them build fulfilling careers in this industry.
8. What is your success mantra?
My success mantra is simple: stay committed, stay humble, and never stop learning.
Hospitality is an industry built around people, and success comes from having a genuine passion for creating memorable experiences. Consistency in service, respect for the team you work with, and the ability to adapt and grow with changing times are equally important.
