Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sheetal Singh, Founder of OTI Advisors, located in Ashburn, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an organizational development advisory practice that helps organizations, teams, and Individuals reach their highest leadership and performance potential. Our customers work in a variety of industries, such as hospitality, technology, and government.
Tell us about yourself
I am an award-winning researcher, author, corporate trainer, leadership coach, and advisor to CEOs, Cabinet Members, and Heads of State. I am the founder of OTI Advisors- a growing organizational development advisory practice. I am an Associate Clinical Professor at Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, and a Partner with HVS providing organizational and leadership development services. I bring a blend of scientific knowledge, creative approach, and inspirational delivery to influence industry leaders responsible for driving positive change. Both my research and organizational development work are motivated by my goal to support individual and organizational performance and well-being.
I completed my Ph.D. In Organizational Behavior and Strategy from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. I completed my undergraduate work in Commerce at Delhi University and in Hotel Administration at the Institute of Hotel Management, PUSA, Delhi, India. I also completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Hotel Management from The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development, Delhi, India, earning the Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi Gold Medal for excellent all-round performance.
Prior to my doctoral work, I worked for over a decade in the hotel industry with the Oberoi Group of Hotels & Resorts and Carlson Group in various positions in Rooms and Food & Beverage before transitioning into Training & Development. Apart from designing and conducting training programs for Oberoi Hotels and Marriott branded hotels, I also delivered training for the government, IT firms, financial sector, broadcast, and travel industry. I have been invited to speak at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration and the University of Maryland and continue to serve as a mentor to the Leadership Development Program at the School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University.
I am married to Shalinder Singh (MMH, 04), an accomplished hotelier, and we have two teenage daughters. We are both avid runners, having completed multiple marathons. As a family, we love outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and cycling.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, my biggest accomplishments are my clients' successes. It gives me immense joy and pride to see the impact of my work shaping the future of communities through the leaders I work with. My professional achievements include winning Best Paper Award (2016, 2012, 2009) from the Academy of Management, Best summer paper award (2015) from GWU, Best Reviewer Award (2014) from the Academy of Management, and Best Research Paper 2008 awarded by the Dingman Centre of Entrepreneurship and Best Conceptual Paper Award 2008 and IDEA award for research promise (2009) awarded by the Entrepreneurship division of Academy of Management.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Limitation of time. There is a lot of opportunity to do good work; however, there is a limit to how much you can take on.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Play to your strengths.
- Have a group of cheerleaders who will lift you on your tough days.
- You are the best salesperson your business can have. No one can talk about your work more passionately and accurately than you. Go out there and talk about your work.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
My Recent Publications:
http://www.managementgeneral.ro/pdf/2-2019-5.pdf
https://www.hotelexecutive.com/feature_focus/5506/how-to-minimize-the-cost-of-emotional-labor
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1744-6570.2011.01214.x
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.otiadvisors.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Otiadvisors-103034879241953
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otiadvisors/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/otiadvisors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oti-advisors-llc/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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