Name: Sanuri Sapre

Title: Employee Development and HR Manager

Organisation: Right Horizons Financial Services Pvt. Ltd.

People and brands are my business! 🌟 With nearly a decade of experience across Recruitment, Learning & Development, HR Strategy, and Employer Branding, I’ve had the privilege of shaping some of the most dynamic organizations. From hiring top talent to building high-performing teams, I’m passionate about creating work cultures that not only attract the best but also keep them engaged and thriving.

My expertise lies in strategic HR, talent acquisition, and building organizational frameworks that foster growth—both for businesses and their employees. I bridge the gap between people and strategy, ensuring companies scale efficiently while their teams evolve and succeed.

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

I hope Sanuri'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, one of the most profound challenges I’ve faced is navigating the intricate balance between organizational objectives and individual aspirations. In today’s dynamic market, where disruption is constant and agility is a prerequisite, ensuring alignment between business goals and the personal growth of team members demands a nuanced approach.

On a psychological level, it’s the complexity of human behavior and motivation that presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Each individual comes with a unique set of values, experiences, and ambitions. The task of understanding and fostering intrinsic motivation while ensuring accountability requires a deep sense of empathy, emotional intelligence, and a systemic approach to leadership.

One particularly challenging aspect is managing resistance to change, especially in a market where adaptability is non-negotiable. Whether it’s implementing new technology, restructuring teams, or evolving processes, change often triggers a psychological response rooted in fear of the unknown. Addressing these fears, not just through logical arguments but by creating an emotional connection to the vision, has been a key focus for me.

Moreover, balancing short-term results with long-term growth presents a persistent dilemma. In volatile markets, where quarterly performance often takes precedence, it can be difficult to stay the course on strategic initiatives that take time to bear fruit. Ensuring my teams remain motivated to think beyond immediate gains requires creating a culture of trust and psychological safety, where they feel secure enough to innovate, fail, and ultimately thrive.

Lastly, in a globally interconnected workplace, managing cross-cultural teams has its own set of complexities. Cultural nuances often influence communication styles, decision-making, and collaboration. It takes a leader with cultural sensitivity and adaptability to ensure that these differences are leveraged as strengths rather than barriers.

In essence, leadership, for me, is about understanding the interplay of human psychology, organizational dynamics, and market forces and orchestrating these in a way that drives sustainable growth while nurturing the well-being and aspirations of the people I lead. It is challenging, yes, but it’s also what makes the journey so rewarding.

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

Let’s just say leadership didn’t exactly happen in a “lightning bolt of enlightenment” kind of way. It was more like being shoved into the deep end of the pool and, somehow, managing to swim without drowning.

I’ll be honest, at 27, figuring out the structure of my life (work, health, finances—oh my god, the finances!) was already a full-time job. I was still working on fixing my sleep cycle, trying to eat something other than takeout three times a day, and figuring out what "adulting" even meant (spoiler: it’s mostly budgeting, which, by the way, I’m still not great at).

But somewhere in the chaos of figuring out how to exist like an actual functional human, I started realizing something—being a leader isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, messing up, learning, and doing it all over again with the hope that you’re getting slightly better. So, yeah, I learned the hard way that leadership involves a lot of failures, moments of "What the heck am I doing?", and an endless cycle of trial and error.

I didn’t just wake up one day and say, “Today, I’m going to be a leader.” In fact, most mornings, I wake up and think, “Wait, am I actually in charge of all this?” Spoiler alert: I am. But what really pushed me into the leadership space was feedback—and a lot of it. Constant feedback from my team, peers, and reportees helped me see where I could improve. You know, the kind of feedback where you’re told, “Maybe don’t send emails at 2 AM when you’re delirious from lack of sleep,” or “Your caffeine habit is becoming a leadership style.” It wasn’t easy to hear, but it helped me reshape my approach.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about making sure you’re listening to everyone who does have them. I made it a habit to constantly seek feedback, take notes (for real), and then act on it. The more I learned from industry leaders, the more I realized that real leadership is about vulnerability, learning, and being open to real talk from everyone around you. The best leaders I’ve observed aren’t the ones who know everything—they’re the ones who know they don’t know everything but are always striving to learn and evolve.

So, I guess the journey of leadership for me was like a never-ending cycle of self-discovery, some ridiculous mistakes, and a lot of “Hey, let’s try this” moments. Leadership’s definitely a work in progress, but I’m better for it each day. And honestly, if I can make it through my personal struggles with sleep deprivation, dodging financial disaster, and figuring out what’s for dinner, I can definitely handle leading a team.

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

Ah, the daily routine—it's like a well-practiced choreography that sometimes goes completely off-script. My day is an interesting mix of structured productivity and the occasional chaos, and I’ve learned that it’s all about balance. That’s where Vipassana comes in—no, I’m not sitting in a cave meditating all day (although sometimes I wish I could escape to one!). But the principles of mindfulness and meditation help me focus, keep me grounded, and navigate the daily whirlwind of work and life.

I wake up early, but let’s be honest, I don't exactly spring out of bed like a well-rested superhero. There's a solid 10-minute mental battle where I try to convince myself that my bed and I are not meant to be parted. But, eventually, I manage to get up and start the day with a brief session of mindfulness—nothing too intense, just a couple of minutes to center myself before jumping into the madness of emails, calls, and Zoom meetings.

Since I’m a foodie (and I mean a real foodie—my friends would tell you it’s practically an art form), I take my meals seriously. Breakfast is usually a pretty decent affair—think oats, fruits, and maybe a little protein shake to kickstart my metabolism. It’s essential because if I don’t have something substantial in the morning, I turn into a cranky mess by 10 AM, and no one deserves to see that side of me. The rest of the day revolves around home-cooked meals—because who needs the stress of online food orders, right? Plus, when you have a home-cooked meal, you know exactly what’s in it, and nothing beats the comfort of a good homemade dish. That said, let’s not pretend I’m perfect—there are days when I’m tempted by an impromptu pizza delivery, but those are rare and usually coincide with stressful deadlines or, well, 'emotional eating' during a Netflix binge.

Work is my focus during the day, but I also take a break for lunch—usually around 1 or 2 PM. I’m a big believer in staying fueled throughout the day, so you'll rarely see me skipping meals. I tend to eat smaller meals more frequently to maintain my energy levels. And, let’s be real, it’s also an excuse to snack every few hours. Yes, the inner “snackie” gets me sometimes, but I think we’ve come to an understanding.

As for my gym routine, well, I try to go twice a week, but let’s just say my body isn’t always on the same page. On days I’m not feeling the gym, I’ll just let myself off the hook. No shame in that, right? There’s no reason to go all “beast mode” when your body is screaming for rest. So, on those days, I simply channel my inner relaxation guru and indulge in the art of unwinding. Maybe I’ll do a bit of reading, maybe I’ll take a walk, but either way, it’s about giving my mind and body the space to recover.

Now, let’s talk about the evening routine. This is where the struggle gets real. I’ve got work to wrap up, of course, but there’s also that nagging feeling that I’m supposed to be winding down for the night. I’ve realized over time that my sleep cycle isn’t always perfect—some nights I go to bed way too late (hello, midnight panic about an email), and other nights, I get way too much sleep (because I’ve literally been knocked out for hours after one too many workdays). But, hey, I’m 27, I’m still figuring this whole “routine” thing out. I’ve learned it’s a constant struggle between being productive and taking care of my mind and body, and some days I nail it, while others... well, not so much.

Overall, I keep things flexible. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes my perfect day just doesn’t happen, and that’s okay. I try to adjust and adapt where I can, and some days, I take a step back and remind myself that I’m doing my best. In the end, it's all about balance—one day, I’ll figure out how to perfect the routine, but until then, I’ll keep eating well, laughing at my mistakes, and embracing the chaos that comes with being a 27-year-old trying to have it all.

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

Oh, this one’s a gem. Recently, I had a major realization that being a leader is way less about being “the smartest person in the room” and way more about creating a space where everyone can thrive. I know, it sounds like I just had an epiphany by sitting under a tree, but hear me out.

It wasn’t a “moment of clarity” exactly—it was more like a series of small but mighty moments that knocked me out of my “I’ve got this” bubble. You see, for the longest time, I believed that being an effective leader meant knowing everything, making the big decisions, and somehow holding it all together while still running on five cups of coffee and one hour of sleep. (Who knew being a leader could make your sleep cycle worse than a toddler’s?)

But as I learned more about cognitive behavioral psychology and its practices (thank you, Udemy and case case-studies), I realized that effective leadership is actually about making others feel heard, understood, and empowered. I’m still figuring out how to fix my terrible eating habits (Chinese food is extremely distracting for me), but when it comes to people, building relationships has become my secret weapon. And that’s not just about asking someone how their day is going but truly making people comfortable enough to share, to challenge, and to grow.

Here’s the kicker: I’ve started incorporating some simple but powerful principles from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) into my leadership style. I know, it sounds like a stretch, but hear me out. In CBT, the focus is on challenging negative thought patterns and reframing them in a way that’s more constructive. And I thought, “Why not do this with leadership?” So now, when I get feedback (whether from my team or a client), instead of letting my ego take the wheel and reacting defensively, I ask myself, “Is this a thought pattern I can challenge?”

Taking a beat, reframing negative reactions, and then processing feedback in a more positive, solution-oriented way has made a huge difference. When I let go of the idea that I always need to be right, I realized that being a better leader means creating space for others to be right. This goes hand-in-hand with making them comfortable enough to disagree, ask questions, and contribute ideas without the fear of judgment. If they feel psychologically safe, they perform better. And guess what? I perform better, too.

Another lesson? The “superwoman” act doesn’t work. Trust me, I’ve tried. I used to think that asking for help was a sign of weakness (hello, ego), but recently, I’ve been reminded—again—that asking for support is a superpower, not a flaw. Whether it’s from my peers, my team, or even someone outside the company, leaning on others for insight has been a game-changer. No one expects me to be a mind reader or have the perfect answer every time. So I started doing the one thing I rarely let myself do before—ask for feedback before I make decisions.

The funny thing? The more I practice vulnerability, the more my team opens up. Who knew that humanizing myself would make me a more effective leader? Spoiler alert: Everyone did. But I had to live it to believe it.

So yeah, the lesson I’m carrying with me right now is: leadership is about creating psychological safety and building relationships where people can be their authentic selves. Oh, and also sleep, exercise, and food. Working on those, too. Because let’s be real: If I’m not taking care of myself, how can I lead others effectively?

I think the most important takeaway is this: Effective leadership isn’t a solo sport. It’s about lifting others up, giving them the tools to thrive, and then stepping back to let them shine. And maybe, just maybe, grabbing a salad once in a while to show my team that I’m actually trying at this adulting thing.

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?

Ah, Chanakya Neeti and Aristotle's Politics—these two books have had a profound impact on my leadership journey, and I can’t help but laugh when I think of how they’ve made me re-evaluate not only my professional approach but also my personal chaotic life. I mean, let’s be real: If I didn’t read these books, I’d probably still be overthinking whether I should eat my third cup of coffee in a day while trying to keep my sleep cycle intact (spoiler alert: I’m still trying to figure out that sleep part).

First off, Chanakya—what a legend! For those who don’t know, he was a strategist and philosopher who understood human nature like no one else. If you've read Chanakya Neeti, you’ll know how he deconstructs human behavior and power dynamics with a level of precision that would make any modern psychologist take notes. Seriously, the guy was like a cross between Sun Tzu and your grandma, dropping wisdom bombs in the most blunt, no-nonsense way. Take this one, for example: "A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first." Cue the “Ouch, Chanakya, that's cold” moment.

But honestly, this line—though harsh—hit me right where I needed it. It didn’t teach me to abandon integrity, but it made me aware of how leaders need to be tactical, how they need to read the room, and how power dynamics play out. The book helped me understand the psychology of human beings, how they react to power, fear, and ambition, and how these emotions can either build you or break you as a leader. Chanakya emphasizes that you should always observe, always be strategic, and never act impulsively. It’s not just about what you say but how you say it and when. It was like a wake-up call to stop doing things based on emotions and to start thinking in terms of long-term impact.

Then comes Aristotle’s Politics—I won’t pretend I breezed through it in one sitting (I mean, have you seen the size of that book?), but once I dug into it, the concepts began to click. Aristotle’s insights into power, governance, and leadership were like a master class in human behavior. He essentially broke down the art of leadership, dissecting the traits of a good ruler—traits I’ve come to really value in my own leadership approach. For instance, in Politics, Aristotle says, “The law is reason, free from passion.” Now, this is gold for any leader. How many times have we acted out of frustration, only to regret it later? Aristotle’s perspective has really shaped the way I think about decision-making—don’t be ruled by your emotions, but instead, let reason guide your actions.

The genius of these books is that they both dive deep into power dynamics—how people interact with power, how they crave it, and how it affects the person wielding it. Chanakya Neeti is like a primer on how to deal with the raw emotions that come with power. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He talks about manipulation, control, and the art of influencing people—skills that every leader, whether in the boardroom or just managing their life, needs. And while some might think this sounds "evil", Chanakya doesn’t advocate for unethical practices. Instead, he teaches us how to navigate through power and influence with observation, understanding, and a deep sense of strategy.

On the other hand, Aristotle highlights how leaders must balance power with wisdom and fairness—not to be authoritarian but to build systems where everyone thrives. Leadership isn’t just about having control; it’s about knowing how to apply that control wisely and how to step back when necessary. I’ve learned to apply that delicate balance in my own leadership style, particularly in how I work with my team. For example, I use Aristotle’s teachings to empower my reportees, making them feel part of the process while still guiding them toward common goals.

Now, let’s be honest here: Life as a leader isn’t all sunshine and strategies. I’m still figuring out how to budget my time, keep my expenses in check, and maybe—just maybe—eat something healthy without ordering pizza every night. But these books have given me the tools to face those daily “adulting” struggles while honing my leadership qualities. The key takeaway for me? Constantly observe. People will reveal their nature, their desires, and their power dynamics if you just take a step back and watch. The wisdom of Chanakya and Aristotle is timeless, and I’m continually applying their strategies to build better relationships with my team, ensure fairness in decision-making, and create an environment where people grow, not just follow.

So, if you haven’t read either of these yet, do yourself a favor. The next time your team is trying to figure out why you didn’t get your five hours of sleep, you can laugh and confidently say, "I’m just applying the wisdom of the greats… Chanakya would approve of my power nap strategy!"

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

Run for your life. Just kidding... kind of.

But on a serious note, leadership is not as glamorous as the Instagram posts make it seem. Sure, it’s all about “inspiring teams” and “leading change,” but in reality, it’s a lot of late nights, constant problem-solving, and trying to figure out how you still can’t seem to get your sleep cycle under control (it’s 2 AM, why am I thinking about whether I should get a second coffee?).

Here’s the thing: the satisfaction that comes with being a leader is unlike any other. Watching your team grow, seeing their “aha!” moments, or even just receiving a “thank you” for being there when things got tough is priceless. But it’s a bumpy road. Like, I’m still figuring out how to balance my eating habits and expenses while not losing my mind. (Honestly, if you can master budgeting while keeping your mental health intact, you’re already ahead of 90% of us!)

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: Embrace feedback. And I don’t mean the kind where people tell you, “You’re doing great!” and you end up believing you’re some kind of leadership unicorn. I mean the kind of feedback that stings a little—okay, a lot—but pushes you to grow. Every time someone points out an area where I can improve, it feels like getting hit with a cold splash of water, but guess what? That’s the stuff that’s going to make you a great leader.

And also, learn to laugh at yourself. I swear, if I didn’t laugh at the ridiculous mistakes I make, I’d probably be curled up in a corner somewhere, crying over a missed deadline, my messed-up sleep schedule, or the fact that I forgot to budget for an unexpected expense. It’s all about resilience. Be open to mistakes, be open to learning, and if all else fails, take a moment to laugh at how wild the journey is.

So, my advice? Don’t take yourself too seriously. Leadership is hard, and no one has it all figured out. But if you can laugh through the chaos and learn from the inevitable screw-ups, you’ll not only survive—you’ll thrive.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? Ah, I have one. So, picture this: It’s 3 PM, I’ve had about 3 cups of coffee, and I’m deep into managing a massive project deadline. My team is on a roll—except for one person who keeps, for lack of a better term, disappearing. Every time I check, they’re either in the bathroom, on a “quick call” (that lasts an hour), or mysteriously “offline.” Now, I’m a big fan of giving people the space to manage their time, but this was getting out of hand.

So, instead of getting frustrated and sending passive-aggressive emails like a robot, I decided to pull the person aside for a chat. This was a bit of a challenge since I’d been taught that having difficult conversations is like trying to pull teeth while riding a rollercoaster (basically, it’s never fun). But hey, leadership is about growth, right?

What happened next surprised me. Turns out, the person had been struggling with some personal issues—health, relationships, the kind of stuff that makes you wonder if “adulting” was a scam. Instead of telling me what was going on, they had been bottling it all up and just hoping it would magically go away. Cue the psychology angle: sometimes, people avoid tough conversations because they don’t want to seem weak or admit they’re struggling.

So, I listened. Not just because it was my job but because at that moment, being a leader meant being a human. We talked about their workload, the challenges they were facing, and what kind of support they needed. And guess what? They came up with a plan to balance their personal life and work without burning out.

I’ll admit, the next few days were a little awkward. They apologized profusely like they’d just eaten an entire pizza and were trying to explain to their trainer why they gained 5 pounds. But you know what? We fixed it. That conversation, that vulnerability, actually made our team stronger.

The lesson? Leadership isn’t about being the boss with the loudest voice—it’s about being the person who listens. It’s not all about deadlines and productivity stats. Sometimes, people need someone who understands that life happens, and not everyone has it figured out all the time. As a leader, it’s your job to create an environment where mistakes are okay, feelings are valid, and there’s always room for improvement.

Oh, and pro tip: I also learned not to assume the worst about people. Everyone has a story, and I’m just glad I got to hear this one.