An interview with Ankoor Naik, Strategic Growth Advisor & Leadership Coach
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, effective leadership and strategic growth are paramount. Ankoor Naik, a renowned Strategic Growth Advisor and Leadership Coach, shares his insights on navigating challenges and fostering innovation.
With years of experience, Ankoor empowers leaders to unlock their potential and drive organizational success.
In this interview, we delve into his coaching philosophy, strategies for growth, and the importance of resilience in leadership.
Can you share your journey and what led you to become a Strategic Growth Advisor and Leadership Coach?
Ankoor Naik: During engineering, I read more self-help books than textbooks—that curiosity led me to choose behaviour training over a factory job. After leading training and ops at a startup, I realized I was built for solving real-world challenges and soon launched my first business in recruitment. But I missed working directly with people.
I explored NLP, ran public sessions, and discovered 1:1 coaching was where I truly thrived. Over time, I found my niche—coaching entrepreneurs on both business and self, helping them grow with clarity and purpose.
What are the key qualities you believe are essential for effective leadership in today’s business environment?
Ankoor Naik: Self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to zoom in and out—between big-picture thinking and real-time execution.
Today’s leaders need to be grounded in who they are, clear in what they stand for, and flexible enough to navigate change without losing themselves or their direction. And perhaps most importantly, they must be deeply human—willing to listen, unlearn, and evolve constantly.
How do you approach developing growth strategies for organizations, and what factors do you consider most critical?
Ankoor Naik: I approach growth by first slowing things down—because clarity comes from depth, not speed. I look at the founder’s mindset, the business model, the team culture, and the long-term vision.
Strategy isn’t just about scaling up; it’s about making sure the foundation can hold the weight. So I help clients ask the hard questions: Is this sustainable? Is it aligned? And most importantly, does it serve the life and impact they truly want to build?
Can you discuss a particularly challenging project you’ve worked on and the strategies you employed to overcome obstacles?
Ankoor Naik: I worked with a founder who felt lost after his co-founders exited. He was deeply technical but not yet a leader. We rebuilt his confidence, expanded his identity, and tackled his blind spots head-on.
The result? He raised funding, stepped into full leadership, and built India’s first indigenous machine in his sector. It was a powerful shift—from overwhelmed to unstoppable.
In your experience, what common pitfalls do leaders face when trying to drive growth, and how can they avoid them?
Ankoor Naik: One of the biggest pitfalls is mistaking activity for progress. Many leaders chase growth without asking if it’s the right kind of growth. Another is building too wide, too soon—adding complexity before there’s clarity.
To avoid this, I encourage leaders to slow down, simplify, and ask themselves: “Is this aligned with my core?” Sustainable growth comes from discipline, not hustle.
How do you tailor your coaching methods to meet the unique needs of different organizations or individuals?
Ankoor Naik: No two founders are the same—and I treat them that way. I don’t come in with a playbook; I come in with curiosity. I listen deeply, observe patterns, and then co-create a path that aligns with their vision, pace, and personality.
Some need structure, others need space. Some need to scale, others need to realign. My work meets them where they are, and walks with them toward where they truly want to be.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders looking to enhance their skills and drive growth within their organizations?
Ankoor Naik: Get to know yourself deeply. Your business will only grow as fast and as strong as you do. Invest in clarity—about who you are, what you stand for, and the kind of impact you want to create.
Don’t just chase scale; chase alignment. And surround yourself with people who challenge you to think better, not just do more.
Ankoor Naik’s expertise highlights the critical role of strategic thinking in leadership. His insights serve as a valuable resource for aspiring leaders and established professionals alike. By embracing his principles, organizations can cultivate a culture of growth and adaptability.
Ankoor’s commitment to empowering others underscores the transformative power of effective leadership. As businesses continue to evolve, his guidance will remain essential in navigating the complexities of the modern marketplace.
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