Q&A with Speaker, Advocate, Author, Philanthropist, and the Ambassadress of The Gupta Group, Reetu Gupta
Reetu Gupta was born and raised into the world of real estate and hospitality. After graduating with an M.B.A from the Schulich School of Business, Reetu’s career quickly progressed from The Gupta Group Executive Director to being named Chairwoman in May 2022.
Reetu’s mission goes beyond her impressive accomplishments. Her unwavering dedication lies in the pursuit of finding her soul’s purpose. Driven by a deep sense of introspection, Reetu is on a personal journey to discover the true meaning and calling of her life.
Through her various roles as a speaker, advocate, philanthropist, and Ambassadress of The Gupta Group, Reetu aims to create impact and opportunity. She believes that by aligning her actions with her soul’s purpose, she can make a profound difference in the world.
Reetu’s book Auspicious: Embracing the Path Toward Courage, Conviction and Confidence, is a transformative journey of self-discovery, guiding you to embrace auspicious moments and opportunities that lead to success in the present and the future.
Can your story and tell us how you got to where you are today?
I am Reetu Gupta and I am a speaker, advocate, philanthropist, and the Ambassadress of The Gupta Group, where I focus on creating impact and opportunity! I am also the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Rogue Insight Capital Ltd; the private venture capital arm for The Gupta Group, where I focus on investing in Canadian start-ups with female and minority leadership. I was born and raised into the world of real estate and hospitality, beginning my work and education at the age of 14. From working in Accounts Payable, Receivables, and performing rent rolls and other duties at the head office, I went on to train at the front desk while shadowing GMs to learn the operations of hotels. After completing my BBA M.B.A, I went from Executive Director within the business to being named President & CEO of the Easton’s Group of Hotels and The Gupta Group in 2018. During my time with the company, i’ve also served as Director of Sales & Marketing, as well as Chief Operating Officer!
I am extremely passionate about using resources to make an impact in local communities and to ensure that others are granted support and mentorship. I re-launched The Gupta Family Foundation in 2020 where we prioritize providing long-term solutions to global issues. Additionally, I am a life coach and mentor to women who are looking for professional, spiritual, and life guidance. As the Founder and President of The Shakti Society, I teach complimentary monthly meditation classes to empower all individuals with courage and to instill a strong sense of confidence.
I just published my first book, “Auspicious: Embracing the Path Toward Courage, Conviction and Confidence” which is a must-read for those who seek to honor their life’s purpose with spiritual intention!
How do you boost your self-esteem in moments of doubt?
Doubting yourself can happen to the best of us! When this happens to me, I will immediately begin positive self-talk. I make sure I am gentle with myself and reassure myself that I am capable and powerful and can accomplish whatever I set my mind to!
What are the three most important habits to be a successful entrepreneur?
Discipline is the most important habit in order to be a successful entrepreneur. Without discipline, it will be very difficult to achieve what you’re aiming for because there are so many factors at play and you yourself need to be a constant! Patience and perseverance are incredibly important as well!
What is a typical day like for you?
Courtesy of the hotel business, my days are not ever typical! No day is the same, which is something that I love about this business! The one element that does remain static is my morning meditation. I awake each day and meditate.
We all face challenges, but looking back, what have been some of the biggest challenges and pitfalls you’ve had to navigate?
Like many others, I experienced uniquely challenging situations during the pandemic. Working in the hotel business we had to adjust and pivot drastically in order to make sure that our company thrived and our staff were kept safe and secure! I learned many lessons during this time that I will take with me into future preparations.
How do you prioritize self-care and well-being while managing the demands of your business?
Prioritizing self-care and well-being are all about the mindset! Is this important to you? Then you must not just allow it but make time for it. I personally ensure that each day, I give myself time to meditate. For others, it might be reading, meditation, or exercise. Whatever it is, give yourself time to do this each day, it is incredibly important.
What advice would you give your younger self when starting this journey?
I would say to myself, “I love you. The universe loves you. Keep following your heart and your intuition.”
What challenges have you faced in the workplace, especially your experience in male-dominated environments?
I have been in many boardrooms where I’m the only woman present. I have had men essentially yell over me so I am not heard. I have had men look right through me in meetings. My MO is that I do not work to prove myself to anyone, I work only for myself and I know that my work speaks for itself.
Which female leader do you admire, and why?
I have so many female leaders that I admire!! Eleanor Roosevelt because she used her platform to stand firmly against racism. Maya Angelou because she worked against all odds to show the world that racism will not be tolerated and she elevated women. Kamala Harris because she currently is using her platform and work to elevate women and stand up for people of all ethnicities.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishment and why?
I define success in terms of the happiness of our teams. When the team is happy, I am happy. Recently, we had a former team member reach out and ask to be considered for a position, and his words were, “I want to come back home.” For me, this is what I want, a team that feels like home
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
I like to say, “Be daring. Be brave. Dream deep and love deeper.”
Want more inspiring interviews?
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Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?
