Driven by a strong focus on culture and people, Ankit has played a key role in shaping an open and trust-led environment at Grant Thornton Bharat. Here, he shares his journey and approach to building people-first leadership.
One of the most defining parts of my journey has been the opportunity to contribute to building a culture rooted in trust, openness and psychological safety.
Working closely with leadership, I have been involved in shaping an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions and challenging perspectives. For me, it has always been about creating a workplace that is not just high performing, but also supportive and inclusive.
A key shift I have seen is moving from position-based authority to a constellation mindset, where leadership is not defined by hierarchy but by relationships, collaboration and shared ownership.
Every time you move from position power to relationship power, you empower people.
This mindset creates an environment where people feel empowered to contribute, take ownership and lead from wherever they are. It also reinforces a strong belief that we grow, together.
Early in my career, I received a piece of advice that has stayed with me: Dress one level up. Behave two levels up.
To me, this goes beyond appearances. It is about showing up with intent, being prepared for the next step and consistently holding yourself to a higher standard.
I believe the next generation of leaders will need to balance digital fluency with empathy and a strong people focus.
As organisations evolve, creating environments grounded in trust and psychological safety will remain critical. For me, continuing to build a culture where people feel empowered and supported is an ongoing journey.
