In the complex, fast-moving world of business leadership, few voices command quiet authority quite like Nakul Anand’s. The former Executive Director of ITC Ltd., Anand is not just a hospitality veteran—he is a visionary who redefined the luxury experience by embedding it with conscience, character, and clarity of purpose.
Over the past year, Anand’s reflections have offered a powerful blueprint for individuals and organisations seeking to lead with integrity and impact.
“Attitude and discipline. That’s all you need.”
These were among his opening lines at a recent convocation of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). Simple words. But, as Anand has demonstrated over a four-decade career, their application is anything but. Discipline, for him, is not about rigidity—it’s about consistency. And in that consistency lies both personal growth and professional credibility.
In a recent conversation , Anand shared one of his guiding philosophies:
“If it is to be, it is up to me.”
“Couch these words in the 10-letter ‘DISCIPLINE’ and you will have many wins in life.”
In an age where accountability is often dispersed and delayed, Anand champions the rare idea that ownership is everything. This isn’t just leadership advice—it’s life advice.
But his influence goes beyond personal conduct. As the architect of ITC Hotels’ now-renowned “Responsible Luxury” initiative, Anand married global standards of hospitality with Indian values of sustainability. Under his stewardship, luxury became not just a service standard but a statement of social responsibility.
“Luxury with a conscience.”
“We weren’t just offering rooms and restaurants; we were offering a way of thinking, living, and engaging with the world.”
This holistic view extended into environmental stewardship as well. At the FAITH “Travel for LiFE” initiative earlier this year, Anand emphasized India’s opportunity—and obligation—to reimagine tourism through the lens of sustainability.
“We must strike a balance between economic development and ecological preservation.”
It’s rare to find a business leader who speaks with such fluency across ethics, economics, and the environment. For Anand, these aren’t separate pillars—they are inseparable parts of a truly holistic system.
What does this mean for young professionals and leaders today?
First, Anand urges us to revisit the basics: focus, humility, and deliberate action. In a leadership masterclass, he advised:
“Starve your distractions and feed your focus.”
Second, he invites organisations to rethink their role—not just as profit-making entities, but as platforms for cultural, environmental, and social progress.
And finally, he reminds us that excellence is never accidental. It is the result of intention, effort, and above all—discipline.
In a world that often celebrates noise, Nakul Anand’s quiet influence reminds us that real leadership doesn’t shout. It simply shows up—prepared, principled, and purposeful.
