CHENNAI: Setting foot in the city as a nervous newly-married 19-year-old, Nina Reddy had no idea her story would inspire many women. Known for her eccentric and colourful style of dressing and love for her employees, the hotelier has the Savera group and its subsidiaries, O2 Fitness Studios, and initiatives like the Duchess Club, to her name. As CE speaks to her about life as a successful businesswoman and health enthusiast, it's hard to believe that she is a grandmother. She talks to us about her journey, her love for the city, recovering from failures and why she always likes to be the boss.
How has Chennai influenced you and your business?
I came here more than 30 years ago, and in all that time, Chennai hasn’t changed that much. People haven’t drastically become something else, something that's happened in other places like Hyderabad. There’s been a whole influx of people from elsewhere and somehow when I go back to Hyderabad, I cannot identify with the city anymore. Chennai still has the same values and traditions despite modernity. We are simple, intelligent and functional. That’s why when people ask me if I want to make Savera a five star, I say no. I am happy with where we stand right now.
Your husband and you — how different are your work ethics?
Oh god, we are completely different! We argue over work decisions. Because we are a married couple, we take a little more liberty in making our opinions heard. We resolve our issues with what’s good for the business rather than to nurse one’s ego over the other. Now the next generation is walking into the family business — my daughter and my brother-in-law's son. Clashes are there but we have a fresh perspective and it’s great to see them taking over the reins. At the same time, we are still strong enough to not let go so soon and ensure everything is handed over well.
How have you struck a balance between business and family?
There’s no compromise on the household. Today our work environments are such that the workplace has become a flexible concept. You have to be around physically for your children but don’t forget to prioritise yourself too! I was an obsessed mother but I have moved on since. Back then, kids had a 2 pm lunch hour. I was there to give them their food and I am glad to say I invested that time and kept them above everything else (despite not compromising on work) because kids give you time today. Even today, nothing comes above the kids.
In this start-up era, what are people getting right and wrong?
What people are getting wrong is entering with expectations. You can’t come in expecting `100 crore with a click of the finger. Building a business needs more hard work than before. What they're getting right is that this is a smarter crop. Parents have invested a lot in preparing their kids for the world.
How much of a risk is it to be emotional in a business?
Being emotional doesn’t mean surrendering. Passion and the drive to succeed come only with emotion. I look at it as a good thing. It’s all about perspective.
How do you cool off and take a break from work?
I don’t travel much. My home is my work base. I make short trips in the year with my friends. I love travelling with like-minded people. I cycle a lot, and so last August, I went on a trip with other cyclists. I like going to Thailand for its’ lovely food. I am a collector — I collect for my restaurants and home.
You have always been particular about your tea. Where have you had the best tea?
At home, where else? (laughs). My cooks are good, especially the one who has been with us for close to 30 years —Yadagiri, and he makes the best tea and mirchi baiji. He is around 60.
Will there ever be a point where you abandon life in the business forever? What will you take up then?
Another business perhaps? (smiles). There are already avenues that aren't essentially business but ideas. Like with O2, I want to introduce vegan diets. It’s not something the family agrees with, but it's still something I will try to the best of my abilities.
Do you like being the boss?
Yes, I do. I am grateful that I have a decently good eye to pick up the right people. Age doesn’t matter; I look for skill and passion. I am people's person and that’s been my biggest strength. Plus, there is a thin line between confidence and arrogance. I am aware of that line.
If there was one thing you could do differently, what would it be?
I think I would have gotten more formal education and training early on. But life has taught me a lot more than anything else and I don't really want anything different.
(The writer is a freelance journalist)