Name: Abhishek Saraswat

Title: Travel Blogger & Writer

Organisation: Nomadic Wizard

Abhishek Saraswat is an acclaimed travel writer, influential blogger, and skilled photographer known for his captivating storytelling and visually stunning captures, with a globally renowned blog, Nomadic Wizard.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Abhishek's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader in the travel blogging and writing domain, I have faced several challenges. One of the most significant challenges has been managing a balance between my creative endeavours and the administrative responsibilities that come with running a successful blog. As the founder of Nomadic Wizard, I must not only create engaging and informative content but also handle various aspects of the business, such as website management, SEO, marketing, and collaborations.

Another challenge is staying consistent with content production and maintaining a regular posting schedule. Travelling and exploring new destinations can be exhilarating, but it can also be demanding and time-consuming. Finding a balance between being on the road and managing the blog's day-to-day operations has been a continuous challenge.

Lastly, the travel industry is constantly evolving, and staying relevant and competitive in this dynamic landscape requires continuous adaptation and learning. Keeping up with the latest travel trends, technology, and marketing strategies has been another ongoing challenge.

Overall, despite the challenges, being a leader in the travel writing and blogging realm has been an incredibly fulfilling journey that has allowed me to connect with fellow travellers and inspire people to explore the world. The challenges have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of building a strong support network to navigate through the ever-changing travel landscape.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey as a leader in the travel writing and blogging domain began as a simple side hustle, driven by my passion for travel and the desire to share my experiences with friends and family. It all started with an Instagram account where I would post photos and short captions from my trips. Initially, it was more of a personal entertainment outlet, and I had no idea it would evolve into something much bigger.

As I continued travelling and sharing my adventures on Instagram, I noticed that my posts were resonating not only with my close circle but also with a broader audience of travel enthusiasts. People started reaching out, asking for travel tips, recommendations, and more detailed stories about the destinations I visited.

Realising the potential and the growing interest, I decided to take it a step further. I began writing longer travel narratives and sharing them on a personal blog. Gradually, the blog started gaining traction and attracting a larger following. To accommodate the growing demand for diverse travel content, I expanded my blog to include destination guides, travel tips, and practical advice for fellow travellers.

Over time, the blog, now known as "Nomadic Wizard," transformed from a mere side hustle into a full-fledged travel website and a platform where I could showcase my writing, photography, and expertise as a travel writer.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

In my role as a travel writer and blogger, I make the most of my days by following a structured routine. I start early in the morning, dedicating that time to creative tasks like writing and content creation. Scheduling posts and analyzing performance come next, followed by engaging with my audience through comments and emails. Collaborations and team management are essential as well. Throughout the day, I take breaks for self-care and ensure a healthy work-life balance. By planning my evenings and setting priorities for the next day, I can stay productive and continue to grow Nomadic Wizard, my travel blog, into a valuable resource for fellow travelers worldwide.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A valuable leadership lesson I've learned is the importance of adaptability. As a travel writer and blogger, the industry is constantly evolving, and being able to adapt to changes is essential for success. Whether it's staying up-to-date with the latest travel trends, adjusting our content strategy, or finding new ways to engage with our audience, being flexible and open to change is crucial. Embracing new technologies and approaches has allowed me to stay relevant and innovative in a dynamic and competitive field.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has had a profound impact on my leadership is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. This book explores the concept of leadership from a unique perspective, emphasising the importance of putting the well-being and success of the team before individual interests.

"Leaders Eat Last" had a profound impact on my leadership style by emphasising the importance of building a supportive and empowering team culture. It taught me the significance of prioritising the needs of my team, leading by example, and embracing the principles of servant leadership. As a result, my leadership has become more empathetic, inclusive, and focused on the collective growth and success of the entire team at Nomadic Wizard.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could give one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be to embrace continuous learning and never stop seeking knowledge. As a leader, you will face various challenges and encounter new situations throughout your journey. By maintaining a curious and open mindset, and constantly seeking to improve your skills and understanding, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions, adapt to changes, and inspire your team. Learning from both successes and failures will help you grow as a leader and lead with confidence and wisdom. Remember, the journey of leadership is a continuous process of growth, so stay curious, be open to learning, and never stop seeking knowledge to become the best leader you can be.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One meaningful story that stands out from my time as a leader is about a collaboration with a young, aspiring travel writer. He reached out to me through email, expressing his admiration for Nomadic Wizard and his passion for travel writing. He shared his dream of becoming a travel writer and sought guidance on how to get started.

Instead of simply offering advice via email, I decided to take a more personal approach. I invited him for a video call, where we had a candid conversation about his goals, aspirations, and fears. I encouraged him to pursue his passion for travel writing and shared some tips and insights from my own experiences.

Over the next few months, we stayed in touch, and I continued to mentor and support him on his journey. I reviewed his writing, provided feedback, and offered opportunities for guest posts on Nomadic Wizard. It was incredible to witness his growth and development as a writer, and his enthusiasm was infectious.

Eventually, he secured his first paid travel writing assignment, and I could feel his excitement and gratitude through our conversations. Witnessing his progress and knowing that I played a small role in helping him achieve his dream was immensely rewarding.