Name:  Mohit Loonkar

Title: Consultant

Organisation: Goalseek Shares Services Pvt Ltd

Dedicated Chartered Accountant with a strong track record in Direct & Indirect Taxation, Internal Audits, Statutory Audits, and Bank Audits.

Passionate about helping clients optimize their financial operations and navigate intricate tax regulations.

Committed to delivering high-quality work and cultivating enduring client relationships.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

One common challenge as a leader is navigating and managing diverse personalities within a team. Balancing the needs, expectations, and communication styles of individuals with varying backgrounds, skills, and perspectives can be demanding. Effective leadership involves understanding each team member's strengths and weaknesses, fostering a collaborative environment, and ensuring everyone feels valued and motivated. Additionally, addressing conflicts and maintaining open lines of communication can be challenging but is crucial for team cohesion and productivity.

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

"I started as an intern with a background in Chartered Accountancy, demonstrating dedication and proficiency. Moving through the ranks as an employee, I actively sought additional responsibilities, showcasing leadership potential. My commitment to learning and mentoring paved the way to becoming a partner and consultant, contributing to the organization's success."

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

I start my day by waking up early, incorporating exercise or mindfulness activities, and having a nutritious breakfast. Throughout the workday, I focus on key tasks, prioritize effectively, and take breaks to stay productive. Afternoons are often dedicated to meetings and collaborative work. Evenings involve reviewing progress, planning for the next day, and completing outstanding tasks. I make time for personal activities in the evening, including relaxation, dinner, and pursuing hobbies. This routine helps me maintain a balanced and productive lifestyle.

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

I have recently come to appreciate the power of vulnerability in leadership. Sharing my own limitations and imperfections has fostered a sense of trust and connection with others, allowing them to feel comfortable doing the same. This vulnerability creates a more open and honest environment, where we can learn from each other's mistakes and grow together.

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?

A recent leadership lesson that many individuals have found valuable is the significance of adaptability in the face of change. The fast-paced and dynamic nature of today's work environment often requires leaders to be flexible, open-minded, and resilient.

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

For young leaders, prioritizing effective communication is paramount. Clear and transparent communication is the cornerstone of building trust, fostering collaboration, and ensuring alignment within the team.

Active listening, constructive feedback, and an approachable demeanor are key to creating a positive and cohesive team environment. Strong communication skills not only help convey the leader's vision but also encourage open dialogue, which is essential for long-term success.

By prioritizing effective communication, young leaders can lay the foundation for a thriving and successful team.

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

One defining experience from my leadership journey involved a complex project demanding the collaboration of a diverse team. Despite initial discord and differing perspectives, I fostered an environment of open communication and inclusivity, ensuring everyone felt valued and heard.

As we delved deeper into the project, individual strengths began to shine through, fostering respect and camaraderie among team members. We tackled challenges together, embraced victories as a collective, and learned valuable lessons from our stumbles. Ultimately, the project's resounding success served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of effective leadership in uniting a diverse group towards a shared goal.