Courtyard Marriott GM on Women's Leadership in Hospitality

"Expand the Table" - A Marriott GM's Honest Take on Women and Leadership in Hospitality

By Author

Published on March 8, 2026

There's a quote that Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, lives by and it shapes everything she says about leadership:

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail for others to follow."

It's not just a motivational line. For her, it's personal.

Kadambari's journey to becoming a General Manager wasn't just about hard work and performance, it was also about someone, at some point, choosing to believe in her and opening a door. That experience is what drives her belief that leadership isn't just about the seat you occupy. It's about how many seats you create for others.

"Leadership is not simply about occupying a seat at the table, it is about expanding the table so more voices are represented and more women have the opportunity to lead, influence and redefine what leadership looks like."

India's hospitality sector has made real progress when it comes to women entering and growing within the workforce. Higher literacy levels, rising career ambitions, and more visible role models have all played a part. More women are now exploring diverse roles across functions and leadership tracks, than ever before. But progress and arrival at the top are two very different things. Structural challenges still slow down the pace at which women reach senior leadership. It's not always about performance, it's also about access. Access to sponsorship, to strategic assignments, to the right networks, and to leaders who actively advocate for emerging talent. These things still remain unevenly distributed.

The good news is that organisations are waking up to the real business case for gender diversity. Diverse leadership teams make better, more balanced decisions. They build workplaces where people feel genuinely heard and that has a direct impact on innovation, resilience, and long-term growth. Even in a hospitality market that's expanding fast while watching costs carefully, diversity and inclusion remain firmly on the agenda. The conversation has also matured, it's no longer just about representation in numbers. It's about meaningful inclusion, building leadership pipelines, and making sure different perspectives are part of key business decisions from the start.

When it comes to what practically moves the needle, Kadambari is clear. Cross-functional exposure, leadership training, and rotational assignments build the commercial and operational experience women need to step into senior roles with confidence. Structured mentorship and shadowing programmes help with the softer but equally important side, building confidence and navigating career transitions. But the most powerful combination, in her experience, is mentorship paired with sponsorship.

"Mentorship offers guidance, perspective, and support, while sponsorship actively advocates for talent, creating visibility and opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. When both work together, they create a powerful pathway for leadership growth."

It's a distinction worth paying attention to. Mentors help you grow. Sponsors help you get seen. Both matter, but together, they're transformative.

For women just starting out or navigating their way up, Kadambari's advice is simple - don't wait for a defined path. Create one. And when you do, make sure you're leaving enough markers behind for the women who come after you. Women's Day, she says, is a good moment to pause, reflect on these journeys, celebrate the leaders who mentor and advocate, and recommit to building spaces where talent, regardless of gender, gets a genuine shot at the top.

Amrit Bhawan to Host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' This Monsoon

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 26, 2026

Haridwar's heritage riverside retreat, Amrit Bhawan, is set to host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' from 25 July to 1 August 2026, inviting guests to embrace a slower and more mindful way of travelling this monsoon. Open to all guests regardless of the length of their stay, the week-long programme combines wellness, relaxation, and meaningful riverside experiences in a peaceful setting.

The programme features a thoughtfully curated schedule of daily yoga sessions, personalised nutrition consultations with wellness expert Srishti Chatlani, massage therapies, wellness-focused meals, and interactive sessions covering Ayurveda, fermentation, gut health, herbal infusions, and everyday wellness practices.

Evenings will centre around the property's private ghat, where guests can take part in Ganga Aarti, heritage walks, documentary screenings, sound healing, meditation, and Yoga Nidra. These experiences are designed to help visitors reconnect with nature, local traditions, and themselves.

Speaking about the initiative, Varun Bajaj, Founder & Managing Partner, Ekat Travel & Lodging, said, "Wellness isn't something we wanted to package as a retreat or an escape. It already exists in the rhythm of this house, in the river, the slower pace of the day, shared meals and quiet moments by the Ganga. This programme simply creates more opportunities for guests to experience that rhythm with intention."

Guests can also choose from curated wellness packages based on the duration of their stay. The packages, available per night for up to two adults, include a range of wellness benefits such as massage therapies and personalised nutrition consultations.

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Nidhhi Agerwal Launches Hair Dare You Rituals in Chennai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 25, 2026

Actress and entrepreneur Nidhhi Agerwal has officially launched Hair Dare You Rituals at the Chennai Trade Centre, introducing a Korean-developed water filtration solution aimed at improving everyday hair and skin wellness by addressing one of the most common yet often overlooked concerns, hard water.

Built on advanced Korean beauty water filtration technology, the solution is designed to improve the quality of shower water by helping reduce impurities commonly associated with hard water. The brand believes that making healthier water a part of daily routines can contribute to stronger hair, a healthier scalp and improved skin through a preventive, science-backed approach to personal care.

With this launch, Hair Dare You Rituals aims to make innovative hair wellness solutions more accessible to Indian consumers. Beyond introducing a new product, the brand seeks to raise awareness about the role water quality plays in hair health, encouraging consumers to shift from corrective hair care to long-term prevention through simple everyday habits.

Speaking at the launch, Nidhhi Agerwal, Actress & Co-Founder, Hair Dare You Rituals, said:

"Hair and skincare routines have evolved significantly over the years, but one aspect that often goes unnoticed is the quality of water we use every day. Hard water can impact the health of both our hair and skin, yet very few people consider it as part of their beauty routine. Through Hair Dare You Rituals, we wanted to introduce a solution that addresses this concern in a simple and effective way while bringing Korean beauty innovation closer to Indian consumers."

Prachi Mishra, Co-Founder, Hair Dare You Rituals, added:

"This journey has been driven by a desire to offer solutions that fit naturally into everyday life. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure that the technology is practical, accessible, and delivers a meaningful difference. We hope this encourages people to look beyond products and adopt a more holistic approach to caring for their hair and skin."

Sharing her thoughts, Gayathri Devi, Co-Founder, Hair Dare You Rituals, said:

"For us, innovation isn't about adding complexity; it's about making better everyday choices accessible to everyone. With Hair Dare You, we've created a practical solution that seamlessly fits into daily routines, making hair wellness simple and effective. We hope consumers experience not only healthier hair, but also the confidence that comes from adopting healthier everyday habits."

Speaking about the brand's vision, Daisy Morgan, Brand Architect & Investor, Hair Dare You Rituals, said:

"Consumers today are increasingly looking for solutions that combine innovation with everyday wellness. The Korean Beauty Water Filtration Solution represents our commitment to introducing globally trusted technologies that solve real consumer concerns while making self-care simpler and more effective."

Founded by Nidhhi Agerwal, Hair Dare You Rituals focuses on bringing globally inspired beauty innovations to India through products designed to address everyday hair and skincare challenges. With an emphasis on quality, authenticity and long-term wellness, the brand aims to transform daily routines into meaningful self-care rituals.