Neha Mehrotra
02-Apr-2026
As part of our Women Who Lead series, we get in a conversation with Mandeep Kaur, General Manager, Taj Wellington Mews, Chennai on leadership, growth, and building an all-women team.
With over 16 years at IHCL, Mandeep Kaur brings extensive experience across operations, housekeeping, and guest services. Her career spans leading roles at some of the group’s most prominent properties, including Taj Falaknuma Palace, Taj City Centre Gurugram, and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives. Now, as General Manager of Taj Wellington Mews, Chennai—South Asia’s first luxury serviced residence operated by an all-women team—she is focused on delivering consistent service excellence while fostering a strong, inclusive work culture.
In an exclusive conversation with us, she talks about her leadership approach, navigating challenges, and mentoring the next generation in hospitality.
1. How would you describe your journey so far, and how has it shaped the leader you are today?
My journey has been about learning at every stage and from every role, shaped by strong mentors and the opportunity to work across diverse Taj properties, each of which strengthened my understanding of people, service excellence and operational leadership.Along the way, I also realised that leadership is less about authority and more about the culture you create. I have seen how leaders who lead by example can transform team energy and performance simply through consistency and values. I try to lead the same way – by being approachable, by listening and by creating an environment where people feel confident to do their best work.
2. What has been the biggest challenge in your journey, and how did you push through it?
Like many women in leadership, one of the biggest challenges has been moments of self-doubt – wondering if you are ready for the next step or whether you need to prove yourself more than others do. What helped me was realising that nobody ever feels 100 percent ready. Growth comes when you say yes and then grow into the role. I also learnt that self-belief is not arrogance; it is acknowledging the hard work and resilience that brought you there.
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?
I want Taj Wellington Mews, Chennai, to be a benchmark for personalised luxury, a place where guests feel completely at home and where colleagues feel genuinely valued. When those two things come together, everything else follows. I want the property to be known not just for service excellence, but also for the authenticity and passion of the team behind the experience. I strongly believe in empowering teams, giving them ownership and creating an environment where people feel valued and trusted.
4. ?What is one moment in your journey, professional or personal, that makes you feel proud?
Small moments, like when you see someone you mentored grow into a leadership role or when a team member tells you they feel more confident because they were trusted with responsibility, matter to me. Of course, there have been professional milestones that felt special, but what stays with me most is seeing a strong team culture take shape and knowing you played a role in creating that environment.
5. How are you consciously giving back to the next generation — especially young women — through mentorship, leadership, or the ecosystem you’re building?
Giving back happens through consistent actions rather than big gestures. I try to do this in simple, practical ways. It could be mentoring young professionals, encouraging someone to apply for a bigger role, recommending deserving talent, ensuring fair appraisals, or sometimes just taking the time to listen. At Taj Wellington Mews, Chennai and within Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), we focus on structured mentorship, leadership development programmes and creating opportunities for women to gain exposure to operational and strategic roles.
6. What advice would you give to young women who are building their careers in the hospitality industry?
My advice would be simple: don’t wait until you feel completely ready. Take opportunities as they come, speak up, stay curious and learn the business beyond your immediate role. I would also say invest in continuous learning, seek mentors and don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. Growth comes when you challenge yourself and stay open to new experiences.
7. ?What excites you most about the future, personally & professionally?
Professionally, what excites me most is the growing representation of women in leadership and the opportunity to contribute to building more inclusive teams in hospitality. The industry is evolving, and diverse leadership will continue to strengthen both business outcomes and workplace culture. Personally, what excites me is the fact that there is always something new to learn. Hospitality keeps you on your toes. Every year brings new guest expectations, new teams and new opportunities to grow, and that constant evolution keeps the journey exciting.
8. What is your success mantra?
My success mantra is built on empowerment, adaptability and a people-first approach. When you trust your team, invest in their growth and lead with integrity, performance naturally follows. I also strongly believe in self-belief and resilience. Back yourself; continue learning and create opportunities for others along the way – that, to me, is true success.
