Name: Dr Priya Yabaluri

Title: Founder and CEO

Organisation: World Art Fair

Dr. Priya Yabaluri Dr. Priya Yabaluri is a professional artist, entrepreneur, and advocate for the global art community with over 25 years of experience in the art world. She is the founder and CEO of World Art Fair, an MSME organization based in Mumbai, India, dedicated to conducting art fairs, publishing art-related books and magazines, and promoting artists internationally.

Prior to founding the World Art Fair, Dr. Priya Yabaluri established the renowned art brand Art for Awareness, which serves as a platform for artists to showcase their work and gain global recognition. Her ventures have created numerous opportunities for both emerging and established artists, with a strong focus on community support and creativity. During the pandemic, her organization demonstrated resilience by supporting employees and sponsoring online art events for artists and children.

As a professional visual artist since 1995, Dr. Priya Yabaluri has participated in over 60 solo and group art exhibitions across India and internationally, including in the UK, Germany, Russia, France, and Taiwan. Her solo exhibition at the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai in April 2022 highlights her artistic accomplishments.

Dr. Priya Yabaluri holds a Doctorate in Fine Arts and a Global MBA from Deakin University, Australia. She is a member of prestigious organizations such as the International Visual Artist Association (Italy), VIPAA (USA), the Art Society of India, and the Amazon Author Club. Her contributions have earned her numerous awards, including the NEA Excellence Artist Award (2023), the Excellence Artist Award from India Records (2020-21), and the Women Start-up Award (2023-24 ). Indian Icon Award 2024 for contribution to art in society.

These accolades celebrate her impact as an artist, entrepreneur, and advocate for the arts. Through her leadership at World Art Fair, Dr. Priya Yabaluri has published several books and magazines, furthering the promotion of art on a global scale. Her influence extends beyond her artistic endeavors, as she actively supports the art community by organizing events and nurturing emerging talent. Her work has left an indelible mark on the art world, making her a respected and influential figure in the industry.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

What I’ve found most challenging as a leader is balancing empathy with tough decision-making. Supporting my team while ensuring the organization’s goals are met requires constant adaptability and emotional intelligence.

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

I became a leader by following my passion for art and my desire to make a difference. Over the years, I poured my heart into creating platforms that not only showcased my work but also supported other artists. The founding World Art Fair was a natural extension of this journey—an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate creativity, and empower others. Leadership, for me, wasn’t a title I pursued; it was a role that grew organically from my commitment to inspiring and uplifting the art community.

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

My days are a mix of structure and flow. I start early with some quiet time—either journaling, planning, or simply reflecting to set the tone for the day. Mornings are my most productive hours, so I focus on important tasks like strategizing, organizing events, or brainstorming ideas.

By afternoon, I shift to collaborative work—meetings, connecting with artists, or handling team matters. Evenings are my creative sanctuary, where I dive into painting, writing, or curating. Before bed, I take a moment to reflect on what I’ve accomplished and plan for the next day. It’s a routine that keeps me grounded and inspired.

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

Recently, I was reminded of the power of listening. As a leader, it’s easy to focus on problem-solving but taking the time to truly hear my team’s thoughts and concerns made me realize how much value their perspectives bring. It showed me that leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about understanding and growing with your team.

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?

The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander.

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

Stay true to your vision, but embrace change and growth along the way. Surround yourself with supportive people and never stop creating.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? One meaningful story from my time as a leader is when I organized an online art event during the pandemic. It provided a platform for artists to showcase their work when galleries were closed, and it not only helped them gain exposure but also connected artists from around the world. Seeing their gratitude and how it reignited their creativity reminded me of the true power of leadership—creating opportunities for others to thrive.