OYO Boss Ritesh Agarwal Does This Every Day—And It’s Not What You Think
OYO Founder Ritesh Agarwal Explains Why He Cleans Hotel Washrooms
Ritesh Agarwal’s Hands-On Leadership: A Lesson in Humility
OYO founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal is known for his unconventional leadership style, and his latest revelation has surprised many. Speaking at the second edition of Mumbai Tech Week on March 1, Agarwal shared that he still cleans hotel washrooms as part of a leadership exercise. This practice, he says, sets an example for his team and reinforces a culture of humility and hands-on involvement in business operations.
A Leadership Philosophy That Challenges Norms
Agarwal, who founded OYO in 2012, has built the company into a global hospitality giant with over 1 million rooms across 80 countries. During his talk, he emphasized the importance of overcoming personal barriers to success.
“On day one, you have to leave fear, embarrassment, pride, arrogance—everything outside the room and enter, because these are the biggest enemies of entrepreneurial success,” Agarwal was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
For Agarwal, cleaning hotel washrooms is not just a symbolic act but a way to demonstrate that no task is too small, even for a CEO. His leadership philosophy encourages employees to embrace humility and prioritize customer experience.
Shifting the Mindset: Pride vs. Impact
Agarwal also highlighted the importance of shifting one’s mindset in business.
“Are you looking to pride-seeking or wealth-seeking? I am very clear that I want to create a big impact,” he said.
This mindset, he believes, has played a significant role in OYO’s rapid expansion and success in the competitive hospitality industry. By leading by example, he encourages his team to focus on delivering value rather than seeking personal recognition.
Commitment to Hygiene: The ‘Spotless Stay’ Initiative
This isn’t the first time Agarwal has emphasized cleanliness. In July 2023, he launched the ‘Spotless Stay’ initiative to enhance hygiene standards across OYO properties. The program introduced daily on-site audits conducted by dedicated officers, with Agarwal personally participating in inspections to ensure compliance and improvement.
“We’re starting with over 3,000+ audits soon and aiming to scale it to 6,000+ by October,” he had announced.
This initiative was part of OYO’s broader mission to offer high-quality, affordable stays, ensuring customer satisfaction through rigorous cleanliness and maintenance checks.
OYO’s Valuation and Market Growth
Under Agarwal’s leadership, OYO has not only maintained high standards of service but also continued its financial growth. In December 2024, the company’s valuation stood at $4.6 billion after Nuvama Wealth and Investment Limited acquired shares worth Rs 100 crore in its parent firm, Oravel Stays Ltd.
OYO’s resilience and ability to innovate in the hospitality industry have made it one of the leading hotel chains globally. Agarwal’s leadership strategies, including his hands-on approach, have played a crucial role in this success.
Why Ritesh Agarwal’s Leadership Style Matters
Agarwal’s approach to leadership stands out for several reasons:
- Hands-On Involvement: His willingness to engage in fundamental tasks fosters a culture of responsibility and dedication among employees.
- Humility and Accountability: By cleaning hotel washrooms, he demonstrates that no job is beneath anyone, reinforcing a strong work ethic.
- Customer-Centric Focus: His ‘Spotless Stay’ initiative prioritizes guest experience, ensuring hygiene and comfort.
- Long-Term Vision: His focus on impact over personal pride has driven OYO’s sustained growth and expansion.
A Leadership Lesson for Entrepreneurs
Ritesh Agarwal’s unconventional leadership style serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and business leaders. His commitment to cleanliness, humility, and hands-on involvement in operations has helped OYO become a global success story. By breaking traditional corporate norms, Agarwal proves that true leadership is about setting an example and putting the customer first.
