The Balance of Kindness and Firmness in Leadership

The Indian billionaire speaks to Rahul Tandon about his journey from selling sim cards in a small Indian town to founding OYO, a global hospitality chain, at just 19.

A fellowship from US entrepreneur Peter Thiel gave Ritesh Agarwal $100,000 to pursue his start-up dreams. Despite rapid growth, OYO later faced serious challenges to its business. Now 31, the entrepreneur reflects on how he brought the company back from the brink.

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Presenter: Rahul Tandon Producer: Amber Mehmood

(Photo: Ritesh Agarwal, founder and chief executive officer of OYO Hotels and Homes, during the Mumbai Tech Week in Mumbai, India, in March 2025. Credit: Getty Images)