How a Home Kitchen Became the Incubator for a Leader's Success

Lessons In Leadership: From Home Kitchens To Enterprise Transformations In a remarkable example of leadership development, Sanjay Srivastava, a seasoned entrepreneur and Forbes contributor, credits his mother's home kitchen as the incubator for his transformational skills. According to an article published on September 19, 2025, by Forbes, Srivastava's experiences in frying puris, a delicate Indian bread, taught him valuable lessons in leadership that he has since applied to his professional endeavors. Srivastava recounts how his mother would often involve him in the kitchen, initially assigning him tasks such as plating courses. However, she soon promoted him to a more challenging role: frying puris at scale. This experience not only honed his culinary skills but also taught him the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail. "My mom had a way of pulling her unwilling son into the kitchen where I could add the most value," Srivastava said in an interview. "Frying puris in an Indian home kitchen is unlike anything else. The challenge was simple but relentless: every puri had to be just-cooked, perfectly puffed, and still hot for everyone at the table all at once." This experience has had a lasting impact on Srivastava's approach to leadership. He believes that the skills he developed in his mother's kitchen – such as multitasking, prioritization, and effective communication – are essential for success in any field. "Leadership is not just about giving orders; it's about creating an environment where everyone can thrive," Srivastava said. "My experience in my mom's kitchen taught me the value of collaboration, empathy, and adaptability." The article highlights the significance of women's contributions to leadership development, often overlooked or undervalued. According to a 2020 report by McKinsey & Company, companies with more diverse boards are more likely to outperform their less diverse peers. Srivastava's story is just one example of how women's experiences and perspectives can shape leadership skills. His mother's home kitchen served as a platform for his growth, demonstrating the importance of inclusive and supportive environments in fostering leadership development. As Srivastava continues to share his insights on leadership, he emphasizes the need for more diverse voices and perspectives in the business world. "We must recognize the value of women's contributions and create opportunities for them to lead and innovate," he said. The article concludes by highlighting the potential for home kitchens and family environments to serve as incubators for leadership development. By acknowledging and valuing these experiences, we can tap into a wealth of untapped talent and foster more inclusive and effective leadership. Background: Sanjay Srivastava is a seasoned entrepreneur and Forbes contributor who has mobilized transformation at scale and built AI and data startups. His article, "Lessons from Cooking," was published on September 19, 2025, by Forbes. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, a renowned expert in women's leadership development, notes that Srivastava's story is not unique. "Many women around the world are leading and innovating in their communities, often without recognition or support," she said. "We must create more opportunities for them to share their experiences and perspectives." Current Status: Srivastava continues to share his insights on leadership development through his Forbes articles and public speaking engagements. His message emphasizes the importance of inclusive environments and diverse voices in fostering effective leadership. Next Developments: As Srivastava's story gains attention, it is likely that more women will come forward to share their experiences and perspectives on leadership development. This could lead to a shift in how we approach leadership training and development, with a greater emphasis on inclusive and supportive environments. *Reporting by Forbes.*