From Marine Engineer to CEO: Rohit Kishore on Scaling Hero Homes | Gamechangers Ep 5

What does it take to build trust, scale a business and succeed as a CEO in one of India's most competitive industries? In Episode 5 of *Gamechangers of India*, Ronesh Puri, Managing Director, Executive Access India, sits down with Rohit Kishore, CEO of Hero Homes, for a conversation on leadership, business transformation and the realities of India's real estate sector. From beginning his career as a marine engineer to leading some of India's prominent real estate businesses, Rohit's journey has been anything but conventional. Having taken charge of Hero Realty in 2025, Rohit shares the thinking behind his approach to growth, the importance of understanding customers and what it takes to build successful relationships with promoters. *In this episode, they discuss:* • The three qualities every successful CEO must possess. • Building customer trust in an industry where buying a home is as much an emotional decision as a financial one. • The strategy and decision-making behind scaling a real estate business. • Why pleasing promoters and building a successful company are not always the same thing. • How AI could accelerate change in India's real estate industry. • What aspiring CEOs should do differently to prepare for leadership. • Why attitude, adaptability and humility matter as much as professional competence when hiring. Rohit's perspective offers valuable lessons for business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals aspiring to reach the corner office. *Chapters:* 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Rohit Kishore 01:15 – The personal traits behind his success 03:16 – Three essential qualities of a successful CEO 05:52 – Building trust in real estate 08:48 – The strategy behind business growth 11:55 – Working successfully with promoters 17:35 – The future of real estate and the role of AI 20:00 – Advice for aspiring CEOs 24:25 – What Rohit looks for when hiring leaders 26:06 – Rapid fire: Leadership, success and life lessons *About Gamechangers of India* Over three decades, Executive Access India has had the privilege of placing leaders who have gone on to make a meaningful difference to their organisations and industries. Through Gamechangers of India, Ronesh Puri reconnects with these leaders to understand the decisions, values and experiences behind their success. Subscribe to Executive Access India for more conversations with leaders shaping India's business landscape. #GamechangersOfIndia #RohitKishore #RoneshPuri #ExecutiveAccessIndia #HeroRealty #Leadership #RealEstate #CEO