The Architect of Change: How Shraddha is Reshaping Mysuru's Skyline and its Narrative  

• 176
• 0

In the culturally rich city of Mysuru, where heritage whispers through palace walls and progress pulses through a new entrepreneurial spirit, one woman has quietly redefined what it means to build. Shraddha, Mysuru's only woman real estate developer with over 17 years of experience, is not just an entrepreneur—she is a trailblazer, a community builder, and a powerful embodiment of resilience. Her journey is a testament to what happens when "heart meets hustle." We sat down with the recent winner of the "Inspiration Award (2025) for Excellence in Real Estate Development" to discuss her roots, her philosophy, and her vision for the future.

 

1. Your story is deeply rooted in Mysuru. How has growing up in such a culturally rich city shaped your unique approach to real estate development, which blends tradition with modern needs?

Mysuru has always been a city where tradition and progress coexist in perfect harmony. Growing up here has deeply influenced my perspective on development — it has always taught us the importance of aesthetics, heritage, and community. My father was the biggest motivation who always said do things differently, and my mother always imbued discipline and persistence, hence the values that we grew up with, along with the circles around always made us think differently.

In real estate, we always strive to bring that same balance to every project. Most of our NRI clients come back to Mysuru for its heritage and glory so keeping up trust with the value system always is our utmost priority.

Our approach has always been to create spaces that honour Mysuru’s architectural elegance and cultural identity, while seamlessly integrating the conveniences and design sensibilities required for modern living. It’s about preserving the soul of the city, even as we build for its future harmoniously.

 

2. The profile mentions an "unwavering spark" that sets you apart. Can you take us back to the moment you knew you wanted to build a career in real estate, an industry where very few women from Mysuru had ventured?

The spark was always there as it ran in the blood — a fascination with spaces, structure, and how thoughtfully designed environments can shape lives.

Growing up, I often found myself drawn towards creativity and management. The turning point came when I was offered a campus job, and my brother said Your annual package could be earned in a day. I realised that development could be much more than just a desk job but on-site at construction too. However, it could be a medium to express creativity, build communities, and preserve heritage while meeting modern aspirations. That realisation became my driving force. I wanted to bring a fresh perspective to an industry that needed both sensitivity and strength — and that’s what continues to motivate me every day.

 

3. Your work is guided by "collaboration over competition." In a field as competitive as real estate, how do you practically apply this principle, and can you share an example of a successful collaboration?

In an industry as competitive as real estate, which is mostly unorganised and complementing almost 250+ industries that are interdependent, so is also the sector where we have always believed that growth is far more sustainable when it’s built on collaboration rather than competition. For me, “collaboration over competition” isn’t just a philosophy — it’s a practice that guides us.

Our property management firm always encourages even a small-time broker who brings in customers for their bread and butter, which is the best part of this industry. Real estate development brings together people from many disciplines, and when we work collectively, the end result is always richer.

 

4. For over 17 years, you've been a pioneer as the only woman developer from Mysuru. Could you describe a specific obstacle you faced early in your career that made you realise you were breaking new ground?

When I began my journey more than 17 years ago, I was a novice in a world where women were almost invisible — on construction sites, in negotiations, or in developer meetings like CREDAI. The challenge wasn’t the work itself, but the quiet scepticism that followed wherever I went. “In the early days, I would walk onto a site and sense the hesitation in people’s eyes — as if they were wondering whether I truly belonged there,” I recall with a smile.

Rather than allowing it to deter, we turned those moments into motivation. I immersed myself in every technical detail — from soil composition to architectural drawings — determined to ensure that my understanding of the craft would speak louder than any doubt. Over time, the same people who once questioned my presence began to respect my expertise.

“Those early years taught me that breaking barriers isn’t about confrontation. It’s about quiet consistency — showing up every day, proving through action that gender has nothing to do with capability.”

 

5. The real estate world is often about numbers and negotiations. How do you leverage what the profile calls your "emotional intelligence" to build trust and turn challenges into opportunities?

Real estate may appear to revolve around numbers, negotiations, and transactions — but at its heart, it’s a people-driven business more like a Public Relations agency. Every customer walks in with his/her dream, their investment, their trust. Over the years, I’ve realised that emotional intelligence is what truly bridges the gap between a client’s aspirations and our vision.

I’ve always tried to approach every conversation with empathy and patience — to listen first, understand what people really need, and then offer solutions that balance both practicality and emotion and settle issues amicably without escalating it to the next level. There have been times when a project hit roadblocks or market conditions turned uncertain, but maintaining honest communication and calm decision-making helped turn those moments into opportunities for deeper trust.

For me, emotional intelligence isn’t a soft skill — it’s a strategic strength. It allows me to see beyond the deal and focus on the relationship, and that’s what sustains success in an industry built on trust.

 

6. Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give your younger self on the day she decided to enter this male-dominated industry?

Trust yourself, embrace patience, and let your work speak for you. Women have always proved themselves in every sector, but without a man, a woman cannot be who she is. That feminism needs to still show up while being a director with the masculine energy around, and still remain a female without carrying the masculine energy around. I wouldn’t say breaking the stereotypes is easy; it is just the acceptance that is required around the people you are surrounded by and the environment you are in. Challenges are there is every step, but always tell yourself that every challenge is a stepping stone — not just for your career, but for changing perceptions and inspiring others.

This is just a phase, and this too shall pass.

 

7. Your firm, Red Clover, operates on the principle of "under-promising and over-delivering." What experiences led you to adopt this specific ethos for your premium clients?

Early in my career, I noticed that many projects over-promised and under-delivered, which often eroded client trust. I remember my first client, Ms. Sucheta Krishnan, who had given me a checklist of things to do before moving into an apartment and had little or no trust in me, but at Red Clover, we chose a different path: we set realistic expectations and then exceeded them. She was so astonished that she came back to us and wrote a testimony of our work with heaps of appreciation.

 

8. Between your premium property management services, affordable service apartments like Indra Suites, and Airbnbs, how do you shift your mindset to cater to the diverse needs of these different clienteles?

Any industry that you take part in is a B-C industry where the customer is the king, the customer is your god. Shifting between diverse client needs is both a challenge and a joy, in any industry, as service is the key.

I remember preparing Indra Suites for a long-stay guest while also managing a high-end property for a premium client — two very different expectations. For premium clients, my focus is on precision, trust, and anticipating every detail. For service apartment guests, it’s about warmth, comfort, and creating a home away from home. Even Airbnb travellers seek personalisation and small touches that make their stay memorable.

The mindset shift comes from empathy: stepping into each client’s shoes, understanding what matters most to them while they spend and travel miles away from home just for comfort, and delivering an experience that exceeds those expectations. At the core, it’s always about trust, care, and creating value — tailored to each individual.

 

9. You've collaborated with developers across Mysuru, Bengaluru, and Pune. What is the single most important lesson you've learned from working in these different markets?

Working across Mysuru, Bengaluru, and Pune has taught me that while markets may differ in scale, pace, and client expectations, the fundamental principle of listening and understanding people’s needs remains constant. Each city has its own rhythm — Mysuru values heritage and community, Bengaluru thrives on innovation and speed, Pune blends modernity with lifestyle.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about following trends or numbers; it’s about observing carefully, adapting thoughtfully, and building solutions and relations that resonate with the local context.

 

10. You have been deeply involved in impactful campaigns like "Masoom" and "Ideathon MyMysuru2030."

Being part of campaigns like ‘Masoom’ and ‘Ideathon MyMysuru2030’ has been incredibly fulfilling. These initiatives allowed me to contribute directly to projects that impact the community, blending creativity with social responsibility. ‘Masoom’ was particularly close to my heart because it helps in creating awareness of child sexual abuse. The reality on the ground has a lot of untold stories when you get to the roots unless society becomes conscious of it mysteries, like these will be hidden.

The vision mymysuru2030 was conceptualised by the office of the High Highness of Mysuru with an envision of a more sustainable and inclusive future for our city. Experiences like these reinforce my belief that, as a city, sometimes the smallest of the issues are neglected. Complaining about problems is rampant, but the implementation challenges for the development of the city are plenty. Somewhere, the MP / His Highness has a vast vision for the city, which is appreciated.

 

11. Which of your community leadership roles has been the most personally meaningful, and why?

Among my community leadership roles, the most personally meaningful has been leading the ‘Masoom’ campaign against child sexual abuse. It was emotionally intense yet deeply transformative, while I used to go to schools and talk to young girls about good touch and bad touch — it reminded me that silence and stigma are battles we must consciously fight as a community. Creating safe spaces for children, especially through awareness and education, became not just a cause but a personal commitment, as the kids need a safe place to express themselves. They need to be heard too, without being judged.

Equally meaningful has been fostering inclusivity at the workplace by actively hiring and supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community. I’ve seen firsthand, while we started an interview session with Pranati locally and then learnt how diversity brings empathy, creativity, and balance into an organisation.

Both these efforts — protecting the vulnerable and embracing inclusivity — reflect my belief that leadership isn’t about hierarchy, it’s about humanity.

 

12. As a mother to a teenager and a multifaceted entrepreneur, how do you navigate the demands of your personal and professional life? What does work-life integration look like for you?

Motherhood and entrepreneurship are both full-time callings — neither comes with a manual nor a handbook, yet both demand your best self every single day.

Raising a teenager while managing multiple ventures has taught me that balance isn’t found, it’s built — moment by moment. There are days when board meetings overlap with school meetings, or when a late-night business call or a commitment turns into a quiet conversation about growing up. The extended family is always a support.

My son keeps me rooted; my work keeps me inspired. I’ve learned that leadership at home and at work stem from the same place — empathy, patience, and clarity. While you are at work, you are the boss, but as soon as you walk back home, you need to be a human with no authority but just a mother with compassion.

Work-life integration, to me, isn’t about drawing lines; it’s about allowing one role to strengthen the other. After all, both teach you resilience — one through deadlines, the other through love.

 

13. You recently received the "Inspiration Award (2025) for Excellence in Real Estate Development." What does this recognition mean to you at this stage in your career?

Every award is a reward to oneself, a motivation to do better each year in every situation and keep it going. Dress up, show up and never give up if you are not achieving. Try and try till you succeed. The can-do attitude is always the winning edge, and this shows up while you are recognised.

The Inspiration Award 2025 is more than a milestone — it’s a validation of purpose. In a field that tests resilience every day, this recognition reminds me why I began — to build with integrity, impact, and inclusion. It’s a celebration at the end of the day, as rewards are the yardsticks of accomplishment.

 

14. The profile says you are "reshaping the skyline — and the narrative." What is the narrative about women in Indian real estate that you are most passionate about changing?

For too long, the narrative around women in Indian real estate has been one of exception — as if our presence itself is the story. I wish this thought process reforms for good.

I’ve faced my share of raised eyebrows and underestimation, but I chose to let my work speak louder than assumptions. My goal is to make space for more women — in boardrooms, on sites, in strategy — so that tomorrow, a woman leading a project won’t make headlines for her gender, but for her genius. That’s the narrative I want to reshape.

 

15. Your journey is described as "what happens when the heart meets hustle." For aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, what is your key advice on balancing passion with the practical demands of business?

Passion gives your work its heartbeat, but discipline keeps it alive. I’ve learned that heart and hustle must move together — one without the other burns out too quickly. For women especially, it’s easy to get caught between emotion and expectation, but the real growth happens when you align both.

Extend your work hours, be fearless, be available. The world out there is waiting to pull you down, yet never give up. Be confident and assertive. Never doubt your own self.

Let your passion fuel your purpose, and let structure protect it. Every great idea needs a spreadsheet behind it. And never apologise for being ambitious — when your heart leads with clarity and your hustle follows with consistency, success becomes inevitable.

 

16. When you think about the future, what does the ultimate legacy of Shraddha look like, both on the skyline of Mysuru and in the community you serve?

My legacy isn’t just in Mysuru’s skyline, but in the communities we uplift. Running behind name, fame, and money is purpose-driven driven but at the end of the day, if you are impacting lives, that is the biggest achievement. Right from giving a job or even hearing a person by spending your time is making yourself available to vent their sorrows. Every person comes to a point where they need to be heard; hence, if you are the one, then that’s an achievement.

While I say this, my son has a legacy to choose whatever he wants value value-driven plus purpose-driven.

If years from now people remember us for making the city more inclusive, thoughtful, and human — that will be my greatest achievement.

 

From navigating scepticism on construction sites to building a brand synonymous with trust, Shraddha's journey is a masterclass in quiet consistency and empathetic leadership. She isn't just building properties; she's building a legacy of inclusion, proving that in real estate, as in life, the strongest foundations are built not just with steel and concrete, but with integrity, passion, and a deep-seated commitment to uplifting others.