Dhruv Sayani
In today's challenging business landscape, effective leadership has never been more critical. With rapid changes, economic uncertainties, and evolving consumer expectations, leaders must navigate these complexities with resilience and vision. One prominent figure rising to meet this challenge is Dhruv Sayani, CEO of KT Professional, a pioneering brand in the Indian haircare industry. He was recently awarded with Icons Of India- "Pioneer Of The Year" in Beauty Innovation.
KT Professional specializes in keratin-based haircare solutions, addressing the diverse needs of consumers across India. Under Dhruv's leadership, the company has not only focused on delivering high-quality products but has also embraced a mission to foster inclusivity and sustainability in the beauty sector.
Here he talks winning the award, about leading KT Professional and what he would like to say to aspiring leaders. Excerpts from the interview:
1. Let's talk about your innovation in the beauty industry, the reason you won the award. How have you differentiated KT Professional in India's competitive haircare industry?
The keratin in your hair decreases over time due to factors like water, weather, chemicals, coloring, and styling. This can lead to 18 different hair problems. For the past five years, KT has been the only salon-recognized brand in India working to solve these issues for all hair types. I believe KT is India's first and only salon-approved haircare brand focused on keratin protein. Our products-like serums, shampoos, conditioners, masques, and in-salon treatments. This focus on protein makes us unique, as protein is essential for healthy hair.
2. Explain to us how you lead KT Professional? What is your approach to leadership?
It is like being a captain of a ship. Just as a captain navigates the ship toward its destination, a leader helps their team reach their goals. It's important to stay true to values, like honesty and teamwork, and to inspire others to do the same. Leading by example means showing others how to behave and work. For instance, if a leader is hardworking and respectful, the team is more likely to follow that behaviour. The main job of a CEO is to make sure that everyone on the team is doing their jobs well. This includes checking in with employees and providing support when needed. I believe that managing tasks is closely related to managing time. When a leader uses their time wisely-like planning tasks and prioritising work-they set their team up for success
3. What new initiatives is KT Professional pursuing?
KT Professional is currently working on an exciting project to create haircare products for kids. The market for children's haircare in India is quite large but hasn't been addressed. We believe it's important to tackle keratin issues early, during school and college years. So, our brand is developing keratin-based solutions for kids aged 3 to 13, specifically for boys and girls who are facing significant hair challenges at a young age. This can help address their hair concerns before they escalate. I think this is an important gap that hasn't been talked about or solved in India. I'm very excited about the pediatric-tested, clinically approved products we will be launching under the KTKids line very soon.
4. What do you consider as the most rewarding aspect of your role at KT Professional?
The most rewarding aspect of my role at KT Professional is the opportunity to work across India, collaborating with talented individuals from diverse cultures and lifestyles in 86 cities, including tier 1, tier 2, tier 3, and tier 4 regions. This experience inspires us to build a truly pan-India brand.
5. What common mistakes do you see new leaders making, and how can they avoid them?
One major mistake is focusing too much on profits rather than the quality of their products or services. It's essential to start with something you genuinely believe in; when you deliver quality, a great product will naturally attract customers. Another common error is prioritizing quick wins over building a lasting impact. Many startups get caught up in short-term gains, but it's important to think long-term and create a legacy that endures. This requires patience and vision.
Finally, new leaders sometimes overlook the importance of company culture. In the fast-paced world of business, it's easy to lose sight of humanity and the values that matter. To avoid this, leaders should strive to build a company that gives back to society and maintains strong humanitarian principles. By focusing on these areas, new leaders can set themselves up for more meaningful success.
