Leading with Purpose: A Journey Beyond Numbers
This April, Cygnett Hotels celebrated its 11th year — a milestone not just of endurance, but of evolution. For Sarbendra Sarkar, the man behind the brand, the occasion was less about accolades and more about acknowledgment.
“Eleven years have flown by,” he reflected. “Today, Cygnett celebrates this incredible journey. Thank you for being a part of our story.”
Sarkar’s gratitude is not performative. It’s rooted in years of navigating a hyper-competitive industry with agility and authenticity. The journey, he says, has been defined by a single question: How do we stay relevant, yet rooted?
Budget is Not a Compromise: The Rise of Cozzet
In May, Sarkar unveiled Cozzet, a smart hotel brand aimed at value-conscious travelers. But don’t mistake value for volume.
“Cozzet is smart, safe, and sensible,” he declared. “It sets a new benchmark in budget-friendly hospitality — without diluting the experience.”
With Cozzet, Sarkar is doing more than expanding a portfolio; he’s reimagining what accessible luxury can look like in an economy where experience often takes a backseat to price. In his words, “We’re not cutting corners. We’re shaping new ones.”
People First, Always
At the heart of Sarkar’s philosophy is a deep-seated belief in people — not just customers, but colleagues.
“We’re committed to creating a workplace that’s enriching and supportive — where every employee feels seen and empowered.”
In a sector often challenged by high attrition, Cygnett is investing in longevity through the Cygnett Learning Academy, a skilling initiative to nurture hospitality talent and address growing workforce gaps. “We recognize potential, and we build on it,” he adds.
Failures that Teach, Foundations that Last
Sarkar doesn’t shy away from talking about mistakes — in fact, he leans into them.
“In the early days, I was passionate but inexperienced. I trusted the wrong people, hired poorly, and ignored my gut. It cost me — financially and emotionally. But those years? They were my greatest teachers.”
It’s a rare admission in an industry that prizes polish. But for Sarkar, vulnerability is part of leadership — and resilience is the real ROI.
Conclusion: Building Hospitality that Feels Human
Sarbendra Sarkar’s trajectory — from early missteps to market-maker — offers more than a blueprint for business success. It’s a reminder that in an era of disruption, clarity of purpose is the most enduring compass.
In his story, we find more than a hospitality leader. We find a voice of influence — grounded, grateful, and geared for the long haul.
