Vinisha Jayaswal

Every journey is distinct. Mine has been an evolution driven by a thirst for learning and growth. Looking back, I see not just a career but a collection of experiences that have shaped my journey over the past 23+ years.

My story begins in hospitality, a field where human connection is paramount. As a Guest Relations Executive at The Shalimar, Mumbai, I learned firsthand the power of service and first impressions. From 2000 to 2002, I realized that excellence is not just about processes but also about people. My role at ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton honed my ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and craft impactful experiences. However, I wanted to shape not only guest experiences but also the people delivering them. This led me to training and development after completing my post-graduation in Human Resources. In 2004, I joined KarROX Technologies Ltd. as Assistant Manager - Training & Head of Quality & Content Development, where I found my passion: enabling others through education. I didn’t just train employees—I built frameworks that transformed careers and fostered excellence. My journey into luxury hospitality began in 2007 as the Training Manager at Hotel Leela Kempinski, Mumbai. A defining chapter, I blended hospitality experience with my growing expertise in learning and development. Winning the FHRAI "Young Training Manager - 2008" award was a highlight, but my true reward was witnessing employees transform from good to great. My desire to create a broader impact led me to independent consultancy in 2010. As a Hospitality Consultant & Corporate Trainer, I worked with diverse industries, refining service excellence, leadership development, and workforce training. While industries varied, one truth remained: People are at the heart of every organization, and their development drives success. In 2013, I made a bold move into healthcare, joining Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd. as Group Head – Learning & Organizational Development. Here, I realized transformation wasn’t just about training; it was about culture, leadership, and aligning people strategies with business goals. I spearheaded award-winning organizational development initiatives, showcasing how service excellence impacts patient care and business outcomes. Coaching became an integral part of my work—I coached senior leaders and medical professionals through leadership transitions and strategic challenges. In 2019, I embraced my most challenging and rewarding role yet: Chief Learning Officer & Healthcare Transformation Head at Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., the largest corporate healthcare provider in India, with 80+ hospitals and a workforce of 1.2 lakh. Over the next five and a half years, I led large-scale learning initiatives, coached healthcare leaders, and implemented transformation programs that elevated patient care standards. This role allowed me to integrate my expertise in coaching, leadership development, and operational excellence, leaving a lasting impact. Beyond my professional pursuits, I actively contribute to the community. I have held leadership positions, including Chairperson of the 23rd IAF Asia Conference and Past President of the IAF, India Chapter. I am also a member of the LIONS CLUB International. A trailblazer in my field, I have been honored with multiple awards, including four Facilitation Impact Awards, making me the first Indian recipient of this prestigious recognition. Driven by a mission to catalyse holistic transformation, I am dedicated to helping millions realize their fullest potential in personal, professional, and emotional domains. My bestselling book, Imagineering: 7 Success Principles to Engineer Your Imagination, is a testament to my commitment to empowering others. Each chapter of my journey has reinforced a singular truth: Transformation is possible when people are empowered with the right knowledge, skills, and mindset. That is the mission I continue to champion—bridging the gap between learning and performance.

I love witnessing individual or organisational transformation,  working in teams & leading teams. I love being part of communities. This work brings out the best in me as I don't enjoy moving alone, but taking along people with me. It truly energizes me.  

My Inherent Strengths:

• Achievement Orientation

• Strategic Leadership Ability

• Result Oriented

• Withstanding Pressure

• Service & Process Excellence

• Customer orientation

• Drive for excellence

My work is rooted in facilitation, positive psychology, and neuroscience, combined with leadership and organizational development practices, and coaching models. I've discovered that individuals can be transformed when human beings are enlightened with the right knowledge, skills, and attitude—and that is precisely what I do.  I apply adult learning principles, emotional intelligence, and behavioral science to design effective learning experiences. Facilitation and coaching form the foundation of my practice, guiding leaders and teams through change, unlocking potential, and delivering measurable outcomes.  In healthcare and hospitality, I have applied lean practices, customer-focused strategies, and service excellence to improve experience. Transformation activities are combined with Kotter's change model, design thinking, and transformational leadership to enable learning to be applied practically.  At my core, I am dedicated to bridging the gap between learning and action, between strategy and implementation, between vision and actuality. As a coach, facilitator, or author of Imagineering, my intention is simple: to empower human beings to create lasting change.

LIW’s purpose—to improve lives by transforming people’s experience of work through leadership—perfectly aligns with my own. Leadership, in my opinion, is critical to unleashing human potential, building cultures, and creating workplaces where individuals can thrive. LIW’s mission to develop leadership behaviors that drive real change resonates profoundly with me, since I am also committed to supporting meaningful growth in individuals and teams.

What truly sets LIW apart is their values, which not only shape their work but also reflect my personal approach to leadership development.

• We care – Leadership should be human-centered. Like LIW, I believe in leading with empathy, mindfulness, and a deep sense of responsibility—not just for business outcomes, but for people, communities, and the environment.

• We are authentic and bold - I encourage leaders to bring their whole selves to their work, embracing both their strengths and vulnerabilities. LIW provides an environment in which authenticity is valued and bold, transformative ideas are encouraged.

• We are high-impact, low-maintenance – Leadership shouldn’t be complicated. Like LIW, I strive to make leadership development practical, actionable, and focused on real-world impact rather than abstract theories.

• Above all, we are a team – Leadership is not about individual power; it’s about collective success. I strongly believe in LIW’s commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and creating a sense of shared purpose.

I chose to work with LIW because we have a common vision: leadership is for everyone and has the ability to transform lives. Together, we build settings in which individuals feel empowered to reach their full potential, teams work with trust and purpose, and organisations thrive under strong, values-driven leadership. LIW is the ideal leadership development partner for combining experience with authenticity, impact with simplicity, and care with boldness. I'm pleased to be a part of their mission to shape the future of leadership—one leader at a time.

Participants describe me as engaging, inspiring, insightful, and supportive because I make leadership development interactive, practical, and deeply personal. I create dynamic, discussion-driven sessions where participants actively engage, reflect, and connect leadership concepts to their real-world challenges. Rather than just delivering content, I encourage curiosity, self-awareness, and action. My approach is inspiring because I challenge individuals to see leadership as a mindset, not just a title. I help them step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and embrace new perspectives. I’m known for my insightful yet practical style, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies. Instead of providing one-size-fits-all answers, I ask the right questions to help participants discover their own solutions. Above all, I create a safe, supportive space where people feel heard, valued, and empowered. Leadership growth requires trust, and I ensure my sessions encourage open dialogue, honest reflection, and meaningful progress. Ultimately, I don’t just teach leadership—I help participants see and step into their full potential, leaving them energized, capable, and ready to lead with confidence.