Ritika Sharma’s professional journey took an interesting twist from public policy to food and beverages (F&B) about a year ago. Ms Sharma – a graduate in International Business and Political Science from Boston University – had a steady career as consultant with NITI Aayog, Council for Social Development, the Ministry of Human Resources Development and other prestigious government organisations. Then last April, her burning passion for coffee and food nudged her into F&B industry, as she co-founded Pour Over Coffee Roasters, a speciality coffee brand in New Delhi. Her coffee brand – which swears by quality, craft and experiential coffee culture – is a part of Tiger Shark Hospitality. Ms Sharma has been introducing the best coffees of the world to India, as she blends her global exposure with her strong grasp of evolving consumer trends. In a lively conversation with Sharmila Chand, Ms Sharma speaks about her life, career, passion, interests and a lot more over steaming cups of coffee.

What is your philosophy of life?
Leave a legacy behind.

What is your passion in life?
Creating experiences through food, coffee, culture and travel

How has your journey been so far?
Challenging, but deeply rewarding

What is your management principle? 
Clarity in systems, trust in teams and leadership through action

What is the secret mantra of your success?
Success is still a work in progress. However, I believe in never getting too comfortable and staying curious and consistent.

What is your philosophy of work?
Doing everything with intent, integrity and wholehearted grit, along with a lot of hard work and a long-term vision

Business leaders you admire the most…
Roshni Nadar, Indra Nooyi, Melody Hobson, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna

Your source of inspiration
Travel and everything that it entails

What do you enjoy the most in life, generally?
A good getaway with my girlfriends – You always need some good girl energy to make you feel empowered.

How do you de-stress?
Spending some time with my dogs

Do you play any game which helps you in your work?
Swimming is a part of my routine. It teaches discipline, rhythm and mental clarity.

What dreams remain to be fulfilled?
We are just at the beginning, and there is a lot to achieve. My next big dream is to take Pour Over international.

Where do we see you ten years from now?
Creating multiple Pour Overs across the globe and still serving an evolved, intentional form of thoughtful hospitality

Lastly, how would you like to define yourself?
A creative person building with intent, curiosity, vision and purpose

Chand.sharmila@gmail.com