Anand, who couldn’t do well in his studies, fought against all odds to pursue his love and passion for the hospitality industry.

Anand Shekhawat is the General Manager and Regional Director, India for Aman Resorts. He is responsible for properties in Ranthambore and Alwar and has been working with the Aman group for the last eleven years.

Discussing his childhood, Anand says that since his father was an IFS, he spent his days amid nature and wildlife which is very close to his heart. He took up Science in his 11th standard since his father wanted him to join the military or be a Forest Officer, but since he was not that inclined towards studies, he couldn’t make it. Anand failed in his 9th and 11th standard and switched to Commerce in his 12th passing only with a second division.

Thereafter, Anand moved to Kerala to pursue Hotel Management to perform for his family whom he had let down unknowingly. His first training was with The Oberoi where he worked for 18 hours a day and received appreciation for his work. This internship cemented his belief in this profession and he decided to take it forward. Though his father was not that happy with his choice, Anand’s mother pushed him to pursue his passion which lay in hospitality.

In 2003, Anand got his first job in Udaivilas, Udaipur and became a Supervisor within 18 months of joining. In 2007, he joined OCLD, a management programme run by The Oberoi group grooming General Managers to be the commandos of hospitality. In 2009, Anand got posted in Mumbai handling a restaurant but ended up quitting in six months. Thereafter, he joined Aman Resorts in 2010 that provided him with the flexibility which helped him find his true potential. He became its General Manager in 2015.

Discussing COVID, Anand shares that it is important to adapt to situations over a period of time and he has been doing fantastic till now.

Anand considers one of his former General Managers when he was working as an Assistant as his role model. He truly admires his working style, handling a huge team but still doing certain tasks himself. Anand learnt from him that success is not what we get every day and failures shouldn’t demoralize you. Anand believes that every individual has their own personality and one shouldn’t judge all on the same parameters.

He urges the youth to have patience and not calculate their success only in terms of monetary benefits. He says that it is important to be honest and do what makes you happy. Anand’s passion also lies in sustainability and he wishes to become a farmer upon retirement.

Talking about leadership, Anand shares that leadership is not about being at the forefront, but it is about collective work. As a leader, Anand would groom his colleagues to take up his responsibilities so that he can take up another ensuring everyone’s growth and learning in the process.

Anand is fond of nature and wildlife. In his leisure time, he relishes evening drives watching the moon rise. He loves travelling and has spent his time amid the beautiful oceans of Indonesia. Anand has also been to Japan as part of his work. Besides, he loves cooking and trekking.

If he could time travel, he would like to revisit his childhood when he was just five years old watching his father rescue a leopard and be in the eternity of nature.