As Albert Einstein once said, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.”

This emotion is the core behind Nand Kishore Chaudhary’s (NKC) transformational leadership theory, which attempts to instill dignity and respect in everyone. His approach has created valuable and positive changes in the employees of Jaipur Rugs, as well as in the artisans at the grassroots, by stimulating and inspiring them to both achieve extraordinary outcomes and, in the process, develop their own leadership capacity.

Many years ago, NKC was faced with a choice: Accepting a secure job in a bank that had the approval of his family and society or taking the road less traveled to work with poor rural artisans. He picked the latter and has not regretted his decision. NKC’s goal is to empower the powerless and to provide a means for these rural artisans to earn income in a respectable manner.

The progression that NKC went through to achieve his dreams shows how he developed as a leader. What began years ago as a young man’s desire to help people improve the quality of their lives has grown into NKC’s lifelong belief that self-determination can be achieved when empathy, love, respect and integrity are nurtured and valued by a business whose goal is that all may prosper.

“Leaders are not selected,” says NKC. “They are not nominated. Leaders transpire and they emerge. They rise up in times of hardships while others stay seated. Leadership is not an occupation. It is not a job. Leadership is passion. It is a calling.”