Neha Mehrotra
04-Jun-2026
As a part of our Women Who Lead series, we speak with Manisha Sharma, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, on building great teams and staying true to yourself.
Twenty-one years. Dozens of properties. One consistent thread: people first. As the newly appointed General Manager of Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, Manisha Sharma is no stranger to stepping into rooms that need direction, energy, and a steady hand. Having helmed roles across The Oberoi, JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, and most recently The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, she arrives in the Delhi NCR market with a vision as sharp as it is human. In conversation with PEAKLIFE, she reflects on the moments that shaped her, the leaders she's building, and why authenticity will always be her greatest asset.
1. How would you describe your journey so far, and how has it shaped the leader you are today?
My journey has been one of continuous learning, adaptation & growth, and it has fundamentally shaped the leader I am today. Each phase of my career has brought its own set of challenges and lessons, whether it was understanding how to respect a property’s legacy while driving change, navigating moments of uncertainty, or finding ways to innovate without losing authenticity. These experiences have taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers but about asking the right questions and creating an environment where people feel empowered to contribute. Ultimately, my journey has reinforced that great leadership is rooted in emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to bring out the best in people.
2. What has been the biggest challenge in your journey, and how did you push through it?
Hospitality is an ever-evolving industry, and there are times when you’re required to make decisions without having complete certainty. Navigating those moments, whether it was adapting to new market realities or driving transformation within a team, tested both my resilience and my belief in my own leadership.
What helped me push through was staying grounded in clarity and purpose. I focused on listening both to my team and to our guests while being transparent and consistent in my decisions. I also learned the importance of trusting the people around me and giving them ownership, even in uncertain times. Over time, I realised that doubt isn’t a setback but part of growth. It pushes you to reflect, recalibrate, and lead with greater empathy and conviction.
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?
As General Manager, my vision is to build Hyatt Regency Gurgaon into a hotel guests feel truly connected to by blending its strong foundation with fresh, meaningful experiences. We’re enhancing our offerings through Kitchen District, our all-day dining restaurant, along with seasonal pop?ups, curated poolside sundowners and Shinya, our specialty restaurant offering a refined and distinctive Japanese dining experience.
Equally, my focus is on creating an agile, empowered culture where teams lead with warmth and intuition. Alignment comes from clarity of purpose and strong ownership. We anchor everything in emotional intelligence, understanding not just what guests want but why, while ensuring authenticity across every touchpoint. Most importantly, we continuously listen. For us, feedback isn’t a metric; it’s our roadmap to staying relevant every day.
4. ?What is one moment in your journey, professional or personal, that makes you feel proud?
One moment that makes me particularly proud isn’t tied to a single event but to the way I’ve evolved as a leader across different stages of my journey.
I’ve learned to set a clear vision, align the "orchestra", and then give everyone the space to shine in their own rhythm. Leading teams through change while respecting the legacy of each property has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. There have been moments of crisis, transformation, and reinvention, and each one has reinforced my belief that leadership is not about having all the answers but about asking the right questions and ensuring people feel seen and heard. What makes me proud is building teams that grow in confidence and capability where excellence isn’t enforced but inspired. Creating environments where people step up; take ownership; and deliver with commitment, craft, and courage – that, to me, is the most meaningful achievement.
5. How are you consciously giving back to the next generation — especially young women — through mentorship, leadership, or the ecosystem you’re building?
As General Manager, I see giving back to the next generation, especially young women, as a responsibility that goes beyond formal mentorship. I consciously create an environment where young professionals feel confident expressing themselves, take ownership, and step into leadership roles early. For women, I focus on reinforcing both confidence and capability, ensuring they know their perspective is valuable and their ambitions are achievable. I believe in leading with empathy while maintaining high standards. By giving my teams the space to learn, make decisions, and grow, I aim to shape leaders who are resilient, self-assured, and driven by purpose. I believe in building an ecosystem of inclusion and opportunity where talent is nurtured, voices are heard, and the next generation feels empowered to lead.
6. What advice would you give to young women who are building their careers in the hospitality industry?
My advice to young women building their careers in hospitality is to believe in your voice and own your journey with confidence. This industry is dynamic and demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Don’t hesitate to step forward, take on challenges, and make decisions, even when you feel unsure. Growth comes from experience, not perfection. At the same time, stay grounded in your craft. Hospitality is built on empathy, attention to detail, and genuine human connection, as these are your strongest assets. Invest in learning, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of consistency and discipline.
Seek mentors but also trust your instincts. And most importantly, don’t feel the need to fit into a mold; bring your authenticity to the table. Your perspective is your strength. If you combine confidence with competence and lead with both heart and resilience, there’s no limit to how far you can go.
7. ?What excites you most about the future, personally & professionally?
What excites me most about the future, both personally and professionally, is the opportunity to keep evolving while shaping meaningful experiences for others.
Professionally, I’m excited by how hospitality is becoming more intuitive and experience-led. The ability to blend innovation with authenticity and create spaces that feel both relevant and deeply personal is incredibly inspiring. Building agile teams that can adapt, innovate, and lead with emotional intelligence is something I look forward to every day.
Personally, what excites me is the chance to keep learning, refining my leadership, and mentoring the next generation. Seeing people I've worked with stepping into their own leadership journeys is deeply fulfilling. For me, the future is about staying curious, staying grounded, and continuing to create impact through the experiences we deliver and the people we empower along the way.
8. ?What is your success mantra?
I believe in setting a clear vision, aligning the team, and then trusting people to bring their own strengths to the table. Success, for me, is not just about outcomes of how we get there: with integrity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. At the core, it’s about staying authentic, continuously learning, and ensuring that both people and experiences grow stronger every day.
In Cover Image: Manisha Sharma, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Gurgaon
