On humility, grace: 5 leadership questions with BKT's Minoo Mehta

It is one thing to lead, but entirely something else to be a leader.

Because real, honest-to-goodness leaders inspire. They build cultures of trust and never fail to learn from those around them.

Minoo Mehta strives to be one of those leaders. And as managing director of Balkrishna Industries (BKT) Ltd. USA Inc. and BKT Tires Inc., he does all of that as he works to strengthen the company's place in the U.S. ag, industrial and OTR tire markets.

Mehta, who also served as president of the U.S.-based BKT unit from 2014-21, has roughly 50 years of experience in the tire industry.

What does leadership mean to you? How do you demonstrate it?

A successful leader leads by example.

Leadership, to me, means guiding and inspiring others toward a shared vision or goal. It involves listening, empathy and the ability to adapt to different situations while fostering a sense of collaboration and trust within a team.

A good leader empowers others, encourages growth and creates an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

Leadership is about service and responsibility, ensuring that the needs of the team and the mission are at the forefront. A leader knows the products offered by the company, is able to make strategic decisions, solve problems efficiently, adapt quickly and always is easy to reach.

A successful leader creates a "politics-free" environment where each member is clear in its message and thrives in teamwork spirit. The ultimate goal is to bring out the best from each team member while giving them the opportunity to improve on their weaknesses.

Culture is essential for thriving companies. What is the culture at BKT and how do you cultivate it?

BKT has a strong family culture that starts at the top with our chairman, Mr. Arvind Poddar, and joint Managing Director, Mr. Rajiv Poddar. Family culture passes down to all employees.

Family-type culture in an organization emphasizes close relationships, support and a strong sense of belonging among employees. Some key characteristics are:

1. Supportive Environment: Employees look out for one another, providing emotional and practical support. There's a focus on well-being, both personally and professionally.
2. Open Communication: Communication is often informal and open, fostering trust and collaboration. Employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns.
3. Loyalty and Commitment: There's a strong sense of loyalty among employees, with a focus on long-term relationships and commitment to the organization.
4. Inclusive and Welcoming: New members are welcomed warmly, and efforts are made to integrate them into the team.
5. Shared Values: The organization often promotes shared values and goals, creating a sense of purpose that binds employees together.
6. Work-Life Balance: Family-oriented culture prioritizes work-life balance, understanding that personal life is important and should be respected.
7. Celebration of Milestones: Organizations with this culture often celebrate personal and professional milestones, creating a sense of shared joy and accomplishment.

Overall, a family-type culture fosters strong interpersonal relationships, enhances employee engagement, and can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention.

One thing that differentiates BKT is that we prioritize long-term relationships over short-term gains.

Trust is important when building strong teams. But trust isn't always easy to build. How do you help build trust within the teams at BKT?

Building trust within teams in BKT is essential for fostering collaboration and a positive work environment. We use these effective strategies:

1. Open Communication: Encourage transparent and honest communication. Create a space where team members feel safe to express their thoughts, ideas and concerns without fear of judgment.
2. Lead by Example: Demonstrate trustworthiness through your actions. Actions speak louder than words. Be consistent, reliable and accountable, showing that we value integrity.
3. Encourage Vulnerability: Allow team members to share their challenges and mistakes. This vulnerability can help humanize relationships and promote empathy.
4. Foster Collaboration: Promote teamwork through collaborative projects. When team members work together toward common goals, we build rapport and trust in each other's capabilities.
5. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge individual and team accomplishments. Celebrating success strengthens bonds.
6. Provide Support and Resources: Offer support, whether through training, mentoring or resources one needs to excel.
7. Solicit Feedback: Regularly ask for and act on feedback from team members.
8. Be Approachable: Be accessible and approachable. Encourage informal interactions to build personal connections.

By implementing these strategies, I can create a foundation of trust that enhances collaboration and ultimately drives team success.

Leadership also is about learning. What have you learned from others as you continue to lead the company forward?

Leadership is indeed a continuous learning journey, and I've learned a great deal from others along the way. Here are key insights:

1. Empathy is Essential: Learning the value of empathy in building strong relationships and fostering a positive culture.
2. Adaptability Matters: Learning from others who successfully navigate change has reinforced the importance of being flexible and open to new ideas.
3. Diverse Perspectives: Collaborating with individuals from varied backgrounds has shown me that diverse viewpoints lead to more innovative solutions and better decision-making.
4. Communication is Key: Clear, open channels reduce misunderstandings and keep everyone engaged.
5. Empowerment Leads to Growth: Empowering teams has taught me that providing autonomy fosters ownership and accountability, ultimately driving performance and morale.
6. Continuous Improvement: The importance of a growth mindset has been a valuable lesson.
7. Building Relationships: I've learned that strong relationships are the backbone of effective leadership. Investing time in getting to know team members personally can lead to a more cohesive and motivated team.

No matter what one's age or level of experience is, one always learns and can better themselves.

Who or what inspires you as a leader?

As a leader, I draw inspiration from a variety of sources:

1. Influential Leaders: Figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Narendra Modi inspire me with their unwavering commitment to take their country forward, demonstrating how leadership can drive meaningful change. I admire leaders who prioritize empathy, vision and integrity.
2. Team Members: My team members' dedication, creativity and unique perspectives remind me of the power of collaboration and the potential that lies within everyone.
3. Mentors: The guidance and wisdom of my mentors who have navigated challenges in their own leadership journeys have been invaluable. No matter who you work with, one learns what to do and also what not to imbibe.
4. Stories of Resilience: I find inspiration in stories of people overcoming their fears and adversity.
5. Continuous Learning: The mind is one of the most intriguing organs in our bodies. I have learned the art of turning negative thoughts to a positive thought in an instance. It keeps me grounded to keep learning, polishing and improving.
6. Nature and Art: As an artist myself, I often feel drawn to nature and art for inspiration. The beauty and complexity of both spark creativity and remind me of the importance of balance and reflection in leadership. These sources collectively shape my approach to leadership, motivating me to lead with purpose and integrity.