“Leaders are not born; they are shaped by experiences, challenges, and the people they choose to serve. My journey as a leader has been one of constant learning, unlearning, and growth, rooted in the belief that leadership is not about power but about purpose—leading from the front while empowering others to flourish.”
Dhriti Mahanta, the Vice President and Business Head of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, believes that leadership is all about leading with purpose and vision. The hallmark of exceptional leaders lies in their ability to seamlessly blend ambition with humility, authority with empathy, and decisive action with emotional intelligence. For him, leadership is not just a role—it’s a personal journey. It is about cultivating trust, nurturing a culture where every individual feels valued, and creating an environment where challenges are embraced as opportunities for growth and transformation.
Transformative Leadership Journey
Over his 23-year career, Mr. Dhriti Mahanta has risen from an entry-level role to spearheading large-scale projects, guided by core principles of resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to empowering others. He began his journey as a management trainee at Woodland, where he learned the value of hard work and continuous learning. His experience in the BFSI sector helped him navigate structured environments and understand complex business dynamics.
However, it was his time at Monster India that significantly changed his view on leadership. Joining the company during the early days of online job postings in India, he faced the challenge of changing traditional recruitment practices. This experience taught him that leadership is not about hierarchy but about influence—driving change and inspiring others from any position within the organization.
Coming from a Tier-II/Tier-III city and gaining admission to Delhi University shaped his outlook on opportunities and resilience. Today, as the Vice President and Chief Business Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, he works to close the employability gap and enhance skills in India.
“I view this as a mission—not just as a career role—where my goal is to create pathways that lead to sustainable success for individuals and organizations alike,” he says.
Empowerment Through Skilling
Growing up in Guwahati, Mr. Mahanta observed the challenges faced by talent in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where opportunities often seemed scarce. Like cricket—a sport he passionately follows—he learned that success relies on perseverance, strategy, and the ability to unite others toward a common goal. The sport taught him patience, adaptability, and the importance of leading by example, even in tough situations. These lessons have guided him through various professional challenges.
His admission to Delhi University opened new possibilities, leading him to roles that required vision and resilience. He views setbacks not as roadblocks but as essential experiences for growth. Challenges enhance leadership by demanding courage and clarity while inspiring confidence in teams.
Today, Mr. Dhriti Mahanta expresses this philosophy through his commitment to skilling, which he sees as vital for empowerment and transformation. Skilling is not just about technical knowledge; it unlocks potential, builds confidence, and provides purpose. He believes skilling is an act of hope—turning barriers into opportunities. His journey has shown him that true leadership involves embracing failure, challenging the status quo, and uplifting entire communities. This mission inspires him to lead with empathy, integrity, and a belief in the limitless potential of people.
The Approach to Conflict Resolution
In challenging times, Mr. Mahanta draws inspiration from Sadhguru’s philosophy, which highlights that true leadership comes from clarity of thought and aligning one’s inner self with the outer world. This understanding has taught him that leadership is not about reacting to situations but about creating an environment where others can thrive by using their energies in meaningful ways.
This perspective has profoundly shaped Mr. Mahanta’s approach to leadership, particularly in conflict resolution. He prioritizes empathy and open communication, fostering an environment where team members feel heard and understood. Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, he embraces them as pivotal opportunities for reflection, learning, and growth, encouraging his teams to do the same.
Guided by the principles outlined in Good to Great, Mr. Dhriti Mahanta firmly believes that transformative leadership goes beyond mere competence or incremental improvements. For him, it is about breaking free from mediocrity by aligning individuals with a unified vision, inspiring them to reach their full potential, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. He champions the idea that true progress lies in empowering teams to strive for collective excellence, ensuring that every challenge becomes a stepping stone toward sustained success.
For him, success is not measured by his individual achievements but by the milestones reached by those he supports, mentors, and empowers. He believes that true leadership leaves a legacy—not merely of personal accomplishments, but of stronger teams, individuals who recognize their potential, and a culture that encourages continuous growth and resilience.
The Key to Empowering Innovation
Mr. Dhriti Mahanta believes that innovation is essential for sustainable growth and flourishes when people are empowered, trusted, and given the opportunity to explore. He emphasizes that providing innovation begins with creating a culture of trust and psychological safety, where individuals feel comfortable experimenting, taking risks, and learning from their mistakes.
Empathy is crucial in this process; by understanding his team’s strengths, challenges, and aspirations, he can offer the right opportunities and support for their success. Open communication is the foundation of this culture, allowing ideas to flow through active dialogue, collaborative brainstorming, and cross-functional discussions, which lead to fresh solutions.
He also stresses the importance of agility and adaptability, encouraging his team to stay curious, embrace change, and challenge the status quo. He nurtures creative ideas and ensures they translate into meaningful outcomes by providing the necessary tools and resources.
Leading by example through resilience and accountability, Mr. Dhriti Mahanta aims to inspire confidence and align individual growth with a shared vision. Ultimately, innovation is not just about generating ideas; it is about creating an environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to drive lasting progress for the organization.
The Approach to Purposeful Decision-Making
The true essence of decision-making lies not in the certainty of the path, but in the courage to navigate ambiguity with purpose. Mr. Dhriti Mahanta believes that decisions are not merely outcomes; they are the forces that shape an organization’s future. When faced with complex or high-stakes situations, he balances rational analysis with an understanding of the human elements involved.
He views decision-making as both an art and a science, blending strategic foresight with intuition, grounded in data while allowing space for empathy. A recent example of this was when TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship decided to integrate AI and machine learning to improve skill assessment and apprenticeship matching. This decision was about making technology accessible and beneficial for employers and apprentices, bridging skill gaps.
Navigating uncertainty was crucial, as AI was new to the sector, and human factors were essential for successful implementation. In such moments, he relies on the collective wisdom of his team, available data, and insights into industry trends. Leadership decision-making is about harmonizing analytical thinking with emotional intelligence, ensuring choices are purposeful and contribute to long-term growth. The decisions he makes today are the building blocks for tomorrow’s success.
Balancing Vision and Adaptability
“While the winds of change may alter our path, clarity of vision is essential for progress.” Mr. Mahanta says. Balancing a long-term vision with adaptability requires a steadfast commitment to purpose while remaining flexible in the face of uncertainty. A strong vision acts as a guiding principle that aligns teams and maintains focus, even during disruptions.
True leadership involves anticipating change, being aware of market realities, and responding with agility. He emphasizes the importance of proactive contingency planning and developing strategies that prepare for risks and unforeseen challenges, enabling quick pivots without losing sight of ultimate goals.
Adaptability does not mean abandoning the vision; rather, it means discovering smarter, more efficient ways to achieve it. This often involves empowering teams to think critically, collaborate, and view challenges as opportunities for innovation. Mr. Dhriti Mahanta encourages continuous learning and cultivates a culture where creativity and resilience thrive, ensuring that decisions are both bold and informed.
The Impact of a Positive, Inclusive Culture
Creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture begins with providing an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. Mr. Mahanta believes that culture is built through intention, trust, and actions that align with an organization’s values. His approach starts with open communication, establishing spaces for honest dialogue where team members can share ideas, express concerns, and celebrate successes.
Mentorship is also essential; he actively encourages coaching and knowledge-sharing to ensure individuals receive the guidance needed for growth. Inclusivity involves recognizing and appreciating diverse perspectives, which fuels creative solutions through collaboration across teams.
Mr. Dhriti Mahanta emphasizes promoting psychological safety, where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, allowing individuals to take risks without fear of judgment. To strengthen team cohesion, he incorporates regular team-building initiatives and recognition programs, ensuring everyone feels seen and valued.
He also prioritizes work-life balance and flexibility, recognizing that a healthy workforce is crucial for long-term productivity and retention. Ultimately, a positive, inclusive culture is foundational for organizational success, driving motivation, innovation, and trust, which leads to a thriving workplace.
The Role of Mentorship in Leadership Success
Mr. Mahanta views mentorship as the cornerstone of leadership development, rooted in the Indian tradition of the guru-shishya relationship, where guidance and shared wisdom provide personal growth. His journey has been shaped by exceptional mentors, particularly Riturparna Chakraborathy, who instilled in him the discipline to think critically, take ownership, and strive for excellence—values that have been fundamental to his career.
As he progressed into leadership roles, his mentorship needs evolved to focus on navigating complex decisions, cultivating vision, and empowering teams. Ramesh Alluri Reddy (Managing Director, Allegis Group), has profoundly influenced his leadership style. Ramesh’s wisdom and commitment to people-first leadership have shaped Mr. Mahanta’s approach to business and mentoring.
Additionally, insights from peers and colleagues have enhanced his understanding of leadership, reinforcing that true mentorship fosters a culture of growth, trust, and collaboration. Today, Mr. Dhriti Mahanta strives to pass on these lessons, helping others unlock their potential and build leadership that creates lasting change.
“Mentorship is about nurturing teams and cultures that thrive together, ensuring a legacy of growth for future generations,” he says.
The Philosophy of Continuous Improvement
A guiding principle that has significantly influenced Mr. Mahanta’s leadership journey is the philosophy of “Good to Best to Great,” which emphasizes continuous evolution and the relentless pursuit of improvement. This philosophy encourages moving beyond the comfort of success to achieve excellence for the entire organization. For Mr. Mahanta, leadership involves embracing a learning curve from individuals, cross-functional teams, and organizational growth.
Throughout his career, he has recognized that each stage of growth presents unique challenges and opportunities to learn and adapt. Transitioning from operational roles to sales leadership, he learned that true leadership creates environments where individuals strive to be their best and contribute to building something great.
He advocates for a shift from hierarchical to flat structures, promoting collaboration and mutual learning among teams. Success in leadership, he believes, is built upon the collective strength of diverse perspectives and skills. As AI and technology transform industries, embracing innovation while maintaining human values is crucial for sustainable growth.
Leadership as Legacy
Looking ahead, Mr. Dhriti Mahanta’s aspirations for his leadership role are grounded in the belief that leadership is not a possession but a legacy—a powerful force that transcends the individual and impacts future generations. He resonates with the Hindi quote, “नेतृत्व कोई जागीर नहीं, बल्कि एक अमानत है जो आप पीछे छोड़ते हैं,” emphasizing the responsibility to forge paths for others and build systems that uplift communities and empower individuals.
For him, leadership is about creating a brighter, more inclusive future, where talent is harnessed from every corner of India, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, which are rich in untapped potential. In a country where the divide between opportunity and access persists, he sees a unique chance to transform migration and skill development narratives.
With the right investment in skilling and infrastructure, these cities can become hubs of innovation. One can reshape the economic landscape by focusing on holistic development through a unified labor code, quality education, and targeted skill-building initiatives. Mr. Mahanta envisions a leadership legacy defined not by accolades but by lives transformed and opportunities created, fostering empowerment and inclusivity for all individuals to achieve their success.
Key Takeaways from Mr. Mahanta’s Empowering Journey
- Leadership is about empowering others, not just holding power. Dhriti Mahanta believes that a good leader focuses on helping their team grow and succeed. It’s about building trust, valuing everyone’s contributions, and seeing challenges as chances to learn and improve. It’s not about simply telling people what to do but inspiring them to do their best.
- Skilling is the way forward for individual empowerment and national progress, and Mr. Mahanta is deeply committed to driving this mission. He views skilling as a transformative force that unlocks potential, builds confidence, and opens doors to opportunities, especially for those in smaller cities who have limited access to resources. For Mr. Mahanta, skilling is more than just a tool for employability—it is a vital bridge that connects talent with opportunity, paving the way for sustainable success and a brighter future for individuals and the nation alike.
- Adaptability and continuous improvement are essential for success. Mr. Mahanta’s career shows the importance of being able to change and learn. He believes in constantly striving to improve, individually and as a team. He emphasizes the need to be flexible, embrace change, and see setbacks as learning opportunities. This “Good to Best to Great” philosophy encourages always pushing for better results.
- A positive and inclusive culture is key to innovation and success. Mr. Mahanta prioritizes creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and safe to express their ideas. He believes that open communication, mentorship, and recognizing diverse perspectives are essential for fostering innovation and achieving collective goals. By creating a culture of trust and psychological safety, individuals are empowered to take risks and learn from their mistakes.
- Mentorship plays a vital role in leadership development. Mr. Dhriti Mahanta emphasizes the importance of mentorship, drawing from the Indian tradition of guru-shishya. He acknowledges the significant impact his mentors have had on his career and leadership style. He believes in passing on this guidance to others, helping them reach their potential and become effective leaders themselves. He sees mentorship as a way to build a legacy of growth and development for future generations.
