His vision is to change customer experience with transparency and trust. A marvelous businessman with a big knack for people management and clientele, Pradeep Lala is also 2019’s “Best CEO of Integrated Facility Management Services Company”.

 

The driving force of Embassy Services Pvt Ltd – CEO Mr. Pradeep Lala is a vital arm for the group closely connected with his team, his focus, and his passion for progress. Pradeep studied Mechanical Engineering and is an alumini of MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology. A leader in its true essence, his contributions have helped achieve many milestones that have garnered only positive remarks for the company. Today, under his leadership, Embassy Services has presence in 12 Indian cities with team strength of more than 6000 people managing a diverse portfolio of almost 60 million sq.

 

In colloquy with the unwavering man himself, PEAKLIFE explores the essence of leadership, his words for novice, how he manages his well-knit team, and a quick gospel of his favorites we were so eager to discover:

 

 

 

• What has been your biggest learning as the CEO of Embassy Services?

 

The biggest learning that I have as the CEO of a large-scale skill-oriented company like Embassy Services is to constantly keep leading by learning. In an ever-evolving environment like our’s if you want to create a thriving organizational culture you have to start by being it’s own brand ambassador. Your character, candor, delivery, curiosity, management of relationahips, attitude towards change and acceptance of diversity all become important attributes where you can lead by example and that happens only if it comes from within. Be it in daily-life routines or embedded in the workflow I constantly apply learning strategies and also encourage them in others.

 

 

• What distinguishes your enterprise from the competitors in the market today?

 

At Embassy Services, we work like proactive strategic partners instead of simply being service providers. Our transparent, open-book model makes us highly relevant in client’s day to day decision making. We do not only work on cost-cutting but also lay excessive effort on creating value for our clients. This has resulted in generating a positive work environment and increased employee retention. Sustainability is high on our agenda. ESPL has set up a Specialist Support Group(SSG) who are experts at Energy Management, Water Management, EHS and compliance management. We audit properties regularly and come up with energy & cost saving solutions. To be more specific, the energy managers conducts audits and offers no cost improvements, low cost improvements and capex improvements to clients. 40 percent of global energy consumption is from buildings.We through waste, energy, water , safety & health management contribute to recycling and decreasing of the carbon footprint. Optimal use of spaces helps in serving client’s needs better. From sitting with them on appropriate design to managing empty spaces into cafeterias and amphitheatres, we are able to make more of a less space. We have a good grip on technology. We constantly leverage virtual models like Embassy 360 to keep connected to our client’s needs. We use data analytics to understand performance,  facilities, interactions and behaviour across all real estate properties. And finally, we are able to customise our service as per client’s needs and vision. A big benefit to us is the fact that we own our manpower and security company. While people have started subtly implementing these diffentiators, a 25 year old brand like ours, is well positioned thanks to it’s lead time.

 

 

 

• What does the future hold for you (with reference to Embassy Services)?

 

It is my vision to transform customer experience with transperency, technology and trust. At ESPL, we’re passionate about delivering end-to-end integrated facilities management (IFM) the way it has never been done before. We believe that better, greener, and smarter facilities management is long overdue. ESPL is well positioned to capitalize on the opportunity in the sector and this is why we’re consciously driving our business in a new direction. Our aim is to centralize facilities management on a single digital platform to track everything, connect everyone, and measure results. Our endeavor is to empower occupiers to deliver great experiences.  Our goal is to reimagine smart, connected workplaces. Our objective is to enhance employee engagement and productivity. Our ambition is to automate sustainable systems. Essentially, our aspiration is to empower customers with business intelligence to address tomorrow’s challenges.

 

• Your advice to young first-time entrepreneurs?

 

Ask the right questions, listen carefully to advice, but always form your own answers. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Think deep and give it a try. You either succeed or you learn.

 

 

• Who do you turn to for advice when faced with making a difficult decision?

 

I have managed to build a great team to lean on when required. I am also blessed to work alongside sharp and dependable friends who have stood by me for decades. I just have to knock a door to get a bounce board.

 

 

 

• Your biggest strength as a leader and your biggest weakness?

 

I feel my strengths have been people management, a desire for continuous improvement and knowledge. I am street smart and have been told to have a maverick business acumen. My kind-hearted nature has sometimes worked against me as a weakness but most days it is a strength.