Leadership has always been a topic close to my heart. When I started leading teams, I was curious—why do some teams consistently deliver more? Why do some teams seem happier, more motivated, and more innovative than others?

Over time, I realized the answer was simple: leadership makes all the difference.

We often talk about company culture, but if you think about it, a company’s culture is just the sum of the behaviors its leaders exhibit. Strong leadership traits shape strong teams. And these traits aren’t something you learn in a course or a college—they are built consciously, over time.

I recently had the opportunity to speak at TEDx T A Pai Management Institute, Manipal about 7 leadership traits I have seen in successful leaders. Those who consistently practice these traits don’t just build high-performing teams; they create a culture where people feel driven to make an impact.

Leadership is not about a title, a designation, or years of experience. You don’t wake up one day and have a leadership title conferred on you. On the contrary, one day, you’ll realize that people trust you, believe in you, and choose to follow you. That’s when you know—you have arrived as a leader.

Thank you, TEDx TAPMI team, for having me on your stage!