Today, effective leadership hinges on more than just delegating tasks; it involves inspiring, motivating, and actively participating in the growth and development of individuals and the organization. Leaders like Abhimanyu Khanna (CEO at TAB Consulting) understand that real success comes from building a cohesive team that shares a common vision and goals.
Abhimanyu Khanna is a leader who inspires by example, embraces innovation, and prioritizes the well-being of his team. He’s a leader who builds companies and a legacy of excellence. Starting his career at a young age, he quickly climbed the corporate ladder, demonstrating a knack for leadership and a passion for growth. Moreover, Abhimanyu Khanna’s foundational experiences shaped a leadership philosophy deeply rooted in the welfare and happiness of his team, believing firmly that “a happy team directly influences client and customer contentment.”
Rising to the Ranks
Abhimanyu Khanna began his career at the age of 18. He initially joined Global Vantage as an agent engaged in a voice process for collections, covering both UK and US markets. His performance quickly led to promotions, ascending through roles as a Senior Executive, NS, SME, and ARM, eventually transitioning into the quality department of the organization after clearing several internal job promotions.
In 2008, he co-founded TAB, short for “Take a Break,” with his partner, now his spouse. For the past 16 years, they have been active in the industry, establishing TAB as one of the leading companies in India for team-building programs. Additionally, the company organizes numerous MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. Recently, TAB partnered with one of India’s largest Travel Groups , The STIC Travel Group, to create a new venture called Step Up Xperiences, which is currently being led by him and the CEO of STIC Group – Mrs Isha Goyal.
Under his leadership, TAB continues to thrive and expand. In the previous year, he was recognized by a prominent media house with the “40 Under 40” award, among other accolades that both he and his company have received in recent years.
Success Stems from the “Happiness of My Team”
Abhimanyu Khanna believes that maintaining a content and happy team is crucial because satisfaction directly influences client and customer contentment. Despite being the CEO, he emphasizes the importance of leading by example rather than merely managing from afar. He is always on the ground with his team, ensuring he is accessible whenever they need support. Even when not explicitly requested, he stands by their side, actively participating in events and team-building programs alongside them.
Abhimanyu Khanna considers these practices essential for any leader or organization aiming for success. He stresses the importance of practicing what one preaches. He believes respect is earned through actions and visible leadership, demonstrating commitment by working directly with the team. This approach fosters respect and cements his role as a true leader within the company.
Overcoming All Odds
Despite his role in motivating others through his team-building events, life has never been easy for Abhimanyu. He acknowledges that challenges arise daily, which has been especially evident since the inception of his company. The company started during the economic recession of 2008-2009 when industries were suffering, job losses were rampant, and engagement sessions were scarce, leading to minimal business for his company.
However, Abhimanyu Khanna and his team maintained their resilience, never losing hope. Their perseverance paid off as they began to innovate and adapt. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant challenge but became a critical lesson. Like many others, they faced difficulties in the early weeks of the pandemic. Yet, they managed to innovate and develop new concepts that allowed them to deliver over 1700 events during that period successfully. Despite the broader event industry struggling during the pandemic, his company thrived, overcoming substantial obstacles where there were no jobs, no work, and a lack of money in the market. This experience underscored a crucial lesson for him and his team: nothing is permanent, and situations can change swiftly.
Abhimanyu Khanna views each challenge as a difficulty and an opportunity to learn and grow. He believes in maintaining a positive attitude and being prepared to face whatever comes, which he finds to be the essence of life. This philosophy has not only helped him navigate his personal challenges but has also driven his company’s success in uncertain times.
Leading by Example
Abhimanyu Khanna firmly believes that true leadership is demonstrated through action and presence. “A leader ought to set a precedent through their own actions.” he often says, emphasizing the importance of being actively involved with one’s team. This philosophy is not just rhetoric for him; it is deeply ingrained in how he operates within his company. He holds that availability is a crucial attribute of effective leadership. “If you’re not available for your team, then you are not a good leader,” he asserts. To him, a leader’s absence is a significant shortfall, making it impossible to address the needs and challenges of the team effectively.
Throughout his career, Abhimanyu Khanna has consistently practiced what he preaches by working with his team in daily operations or critical projects. He believes that sharing his team’s successes and failures is fundamental. He lives by the motto, “Be there in the failures and face them as your own, and celebrate successes as though they belong to every team member.”
This approach has fostered a strong sense of loyalty and teamwork and built a foundation for future success. By taking responsibility for failures and attributing successes to the team, he cultivates an environment of trust and mutual respect. Abhimanyu Khanna credits this leadership style with the strong and cohesive team he has nurtured, which is poised to meet future challenges with confidence and resilience.
Beyond “Employee Engagement is more than just a pat on the back.”
TAB Consulting, led by Abhimanyu Khanna, primarily offers team-building programs, a service they continue to excel in. In addition to these, the company provides solutions for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events. It specializes in organizing corporate offsites, family days, network events, and creating employee engagement calendars. Essentially, anything related to employee engagement falls within the company’s expertise.
What distinguishes TAB Consulting in the industry is the personal attention it gives to each client. With 16 years of experience, Abhimanyu Khanna still makes it a point to be present at every event the company organizes. Unlike other organizations where senior leaders might step back as the company grows, he ensures that he remains actively involved in client interactions. This hands-on approach is not just about business for him; it is a passion he has successfully transformed into a thriving enterprise.
Abhimanyu Khanna emphasizes the importance of maintaining this personal touch within his team and with clients and customers. He believes that this personal attention is particularly appreciated in the Indian market, where it is seen as crucial for business success. For him and his company, ensuring this close personal connection remains a key factor in their continued success and client satisfaction.
In 2021, TAB Consulting received the prestigious award for the most outstanding employment solutions provider at the Corporate Excellence Awards, hosted by a UK media house. The company proudly represented India and was ranked the top team at this international event. Furthermore, Abhimanyu has been recognized by various influential publications such as Insight Success, ZIPAC, Silicon India, and Prime Insights, highlighting his achievements and his company’s innovative practices.
Abhimanyu Khanna believes that innovation is crucial for the growth of any organization, especially in today’s rapidly changing world. He notes that as technologies evolve and demographic shifts occur, from Millennials to Generation Z, the needs and behaviors of customers also change. A company needs to adapt and evolve to meet these new demands.
He refers to the curve in business to illustrate his point: when business performance starts to climb, it is critical to introduce innovations to prepare for the future. Innovation, for him, is a continuous process, and he dedicates considerable effort to finding new and creative ways to serve their customers. This commitment to innovation is why his company has maintained long-standing relationships with clients, some lasting over a decade. These clients remain engaged because they consistently experience his team’s new, refreshing, and diverse offerings.
Fostering a Culture of Positivity
Abhimanyu Khanna believes that cultivating a positive and inclusive workspace is crucial for the success of any organization. He holds that the core reason for this belief is that the team members are the ones who ultimately deliver results on the ground.
The interaction with his helps him gauge their needs, understand their challenges, and provide guidance where necessary. Abhimanyu emphasizes the importance of learning from these engagements, which he views as essential for effective leadership.
Updating his knowledge of new concepts and industry trends allows him to support his team effectively. When team members face difficulties or need clarification, he is prepared to guide and educate them, ensuring they understand and can perform their roles effectively. This commitment to understanding and supporting his team is a foundational strategy for fostering a learning environment within the company, reinforcing its success and growth.
Aligning with Market Dynamics for Continued Success
Abhimanyu Khanna acknowledges the dynamic nature of the market, agreeing that it changes continually and unpredictably. With each shift, such as the transition from Millennials to Generation Z, the company faces new challenges that require adaptation and evolution. He points out the importance of understanding and adapting to customer behavior to stay competitive and well-prepared for the future.
He reflects on the rapid advancements in technology, noting significant shifts like the digital revolution and the emerging age of AI. In response to these changes, his company continually evolves to meet the demands of new technologies and customer behaviors. This proactive approach was instrumental in allowing his company to remain operational and successful during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to their early adoption of technology-driven engagements.
Looking forward, Abhimanyu Khanna is considering integrating AI into its services. Although not immediate, he recognizes that AI represents the industry’s future, and the company must prepare for this inevitability to stay ahead in the market. He sees these technological advancements as challenges and opportunities to enhance the company’s offerings and secure its future success.
Building a Legacy
Abhimanyu Khanna’s aspirations for the future are deeply intertwined with his desire for growth and excellence. Currently, his company stands among the top team-building firms in India, but he has set his sights higher. “We want to be the number one team-building company in India and then achieve that globally,” he often states, outlining a clear, step-by-step approach to dominating the national and international markets.
Alongside financial growth, he has recently ventured into the MICE industry with a new company, Step Up, aiming to elevate it to one of the major players in India. He believes that the MICE sector holds substantial potential and wants Step Up to be recognized as a significant force within it. Regarding the legacy he hopes to leave, Abhimanyu Khanna is passionate about setting high-quality standards in the industry.
“When they talk about quality, they should talk about us,” he says, envisioning a future where his company’s name becomes synonymous with excellence, even in his absence from active business engagements. This commitment to quality has been a cornerstone of his company’s reputation, fueling its growth primarily through word-of-mouth, without the need for a traditional sales team.
He emphasizes execution excellence as a key driver of business success, explaining, “If your execution is great, then half of your sales is done on the job itself.” This philosophy has led to initial sales and repeat business, as clients who venture elsewhere often return, drawn back by the high standards they experienced with his company. Ultimately, Abhimanyu envisions leaving a legacy where his company sets a benchmark in quality that others in the industry will aspire to reach, maintaining a lasting impact that continues to influence standards and practices long into the future.
Leadership Lesson 101 with Abhimanyu Khanna
Abhimanyu Khanna has observed distinct differences between being a manager and being a leader, particularly among the new generation of entrepreneurs. He often says, “To be a true leader, you need to work hand in hand with your team rather than just assigning tasks.” This philosophy highlights the importance of active participation and collaboration with team members. He believes many young leaders today are too quick to give up and lack the patience required for true success.
“Success does not come overnight. It is a process that slowly and gradually comes into you,” he explains, emphasizing the value of perseverance and steady effort. Abhimanyu Khanna sees the essence of leadership in being consistently available and ready to tackle any challenge alongside his team.
For him, the real measure of a leader’s success is their ability to be patient and to experience the journey of achieving goals from the ground up. This approach leads to substantial achievements and ensures genuine satisfaction and happiness. He holds that the most rewarding success is built through direct engagement and shared efforts, providing true fulfillment beyond mere professional achievements. “And that’s something which will give you the true essence of success and happiness when you will achieve it from the ground rather than just being there and asking people to work on your behalf,” he concludes.
