In the picturesque foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, amidst the charm of Himachal Pradesh, began the extraordinary journey of Zarine Manchanda. Born into privilege and opulence, as the daughter of a respected minister and successful businessman, Zarine enjoyed a ‘Princess Life.’ However, her heart harbored a different dream – the dream of becoming a Bollywood actress. We at CIO Global, are proud to have Zarine Manchanda as one of Women Leaders of the 21st Century.
Leaving behind the comforts of her royal upbringing, Zarine ventured to Mumbai, the city of dreams. The path to stardom proved to be an arduous one, marked by countless auditions and rickshaw rides. Despite the setbacks, she never lost sight of her aspirations. Fueled by resilience, she embraced her mother’s wisdom and forged a new path in the realm of politics.
In 2019, Zarine Manchanda laid the foundation of her legacy – the Zarine Manchanda Foundation. Over four years, the foundation has spearheaded 500 charity donation programs, reaching the poorest residents of Mumbai. This endeavor became Zarine’s life mission, a tireless commitment to providing hope and dignity to those in need. The media soon took notice, and Zarine became the “Princess of the Poor,” earning national and international acclaim for her philanthropy.
Embracing her father’s entrepreneurial spirit, Zarine expanded her ventures beyond charity. The Zarine Manchanda Cafe, India’s first seven-star establishment, became a hotspot for Bollywood’s elite. Her foray into security services, cloud kitchens, and Himachal cuisine restaurants further solidified her status as a young and successful entrepreneur, earning her numerous accolades.
“In her businesses, where luxury and spiritual charm converge, she strives to provide a unique and unmatched experience. Understanding the expectations of her clientele, Zarine emphasizes that the user experience must not only reflect but also match the high standards her customers demand.”
Guiding Principles: Luxury and Spiritual Charm
Zarine’s businesses reflect a unique fusion of luxury and spiritual charm, guided by her upbringing and spiritual principles. Drawing from her ‘Princess Life,’ each establishment exudes opulence. The Zarine Manchanda Cafe and her restaurants are adorned with elegance, offering patrons an unforgettable experience from wall to wall. However, Zarine’s business ethos goes beyond mere luxury. A strong spiritual foundation, instilled by her mother, underpins every venture. Tibetan bells from Dharamshala, the home of the Dalai Lama, grace her establishments. These bells, rung by her staff, symbolize a blessing for guests, adding a touch of spiritual charm to the dining experience.
Even in her security agency, Zarine prioritizes spiritual charm. Guards and bouncers are not just trained for physical security but also to exude courtesy, professionalism, and ethics, creating an environment of safety and positivity.
As the CEO of a diverse array of businesses bearing her name, Zarine Manchanda recognizes the paramount importance of being at the helm. The impressive success and growth of her enterprises have propelled her to contemplate franchising and expanding beyond Mumbai, both nationally and internationally. However, Zarine doesn’t follow fleeting trends; instead, she boldly sets them. Rejecting the notion of trend-chasing, Zarine’s unique selling proposition (USP) combines luxury and spiritual charm, creating a timeless appeal that transcends the ephemerality of trends. This visionary approach ensures long-standing success on a global scale.
Leadership, according to Zarine, demands bold thinking and a vision that dares to be different. Rooted in her ‘Princess Life,’ Zarine strives to be the purveyor of all things luxurious, aiming to share the allure of opulence with India and the world. Her leadership style, infused with her passion for luxury and spiritual charm, feels authentic and organic. Zarine envisions her businesses not only as sources of profit but as platforms to address societal challenges, particularly in breaking gender norms within the entrepreneurial landscape. Drawing inspiration from her father’s success, Zarine forges her own unique path, demonstrating that a woman-owned business can be bold, strong, and robust.
For Zarine, exceeding customer expectations is not just a goal but a commitment. In her businesses, where luxury and spiritual charm converge, she strives to provide a unique and unmatched experience. Understanding the expectations of her clientele, Zarine emphasizes that the user experience must not only reflect but also match the high standards her customers demand. The marriage of luxury and spiritual charm, as part of her USP, becomes the bedrock for loyal and recurring clientele. Zarine’s approach to success is grounded in a bold and favorable vision from the start. The consistency and logic of business growth stem from the initial concept, combining luxury and spiritual charm. This vision, originating from Zarine herself, is ingrained in her management, who then instill these values in their teams. The commitment to excellence is not a sporadic endeavor but a daily practice guided by specific milestones and guideposts. Through this synchronized approach, the businesses under Zarine Manchanda’s name stay true to their initial vision, ensuring a trajectory of success that is both steady and purposeful.
“The commitment to excellence starts with vision and is crafted on a daily basis with specific guideposts and milestones that guide management and staff to achieve results in a synchronized manner that stays true to the initial vision.”
Workforce Empowerment:
Zarine Manchanda’s businesses stand on the shoulders of her dedicated employees, the face of her enterprises in the eyes of clients and guests. The meticulous hiring and training process reflects Zarine’s commitment to maintaining exacting standards. Her employees, be it security guards or restaurant staff, are not just workers but ambassadors of the luxury and spiritual charm that define her businesses. Uniforms and costumes align with her unique selling proposition (USP), ensuring a positive and unique first impression. Recognizing the significance of her staff, Zarine instills pride in their roles, making them an integral part of something special and unique.
Despite the phenomenal success, Zarine faced adversity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure of her café and the inability to conduct charity programs due to lockdowns posed challenges. Yet, Zarine’s commitment to her employees, paying full salaries during lockdowns, showcased her foresight. This decision strengthened the bond with her staff, fostering long-term commitment. While challenges arose, resilience and commitment prevailed, reinforcing the idea that adversity can be navigated with unwavering dedication to principles and people.
For Zarine, customer satisfaction is the linchpin of her businesses. The user experience remains her primary focus, seeking constant feedback to refine and enhance customer engagement. In instances where clients express dissatisfaction, swift and effective remedies are implemented, understanding that customer input is invaluable. Zarine’s mantra, “the customer is king,” is not just a slogan but a guiding principle, ensuring sustained positive client engagement.
Zarine Manchanda’s future vision extends beyond Mumbai to encompass national and international expansion. The franchises and business growth opportunities currently under consideration signal the unfolding of this ambitious plan. Anchored in the success of her initial ventures, Zarine envisions becoming one of the most successful women entrepreneurs globally. Her businesses have garnered global attention, with a network of followers expressing interest in employment and investment opportunities. Beyond entrepreneurial success, Zarine’s prestigious appointments in trade alliances and media underscore her multifaceted role and influence. Her upcoming political career, marked by the establishment of Zarine Manchanda’s People’s Party, is a testament to her commitment to societal welfare and compassionate governance.
Zarine Manchanda’s journey reflects a holistic business philosophy rooted in empowerment, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to principles. Transitioning from a ‘Princess Life’ to a prominent entrepreneur and political figure, she embodies a woman who not only dreams boldly but turns those dreams into reality, steadfastly focusing on people, principles, and the creation of unparalleled experiences. Her defining quality lies in an unwavering commitment to spiritual practices, treating every deed as an offering to God and ensuring a life that feels truly blessed. In her dual roles of philanthropist and entrepreneur, Zarine remains resolute in leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, luxury, and spiritual charm.
“Leadership requires bold thinking and a bolder vision. To dare to be different. A business USP must carve out new pathways for success and not copycat someone else’s success.”