By Rajeswari Henn, Managing Director, Squared Circle E-Com Pvt. Ltd.

When I look back at how Squared Circle has grown — from an idea discussed over coffee to a cross-continental team with thriving clients in India, Germany, south east asia, Middle east, europe and Italy — I’m reminded of one simple truth: Leadership is less about control and more about consistency.

It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being the calmest in chaos, the clearest in doubt, and the most accountable when the stakes are high.

Here are the five principles that have shaped my leadership style — and, in turn, shaped Squared Circle.

1. Clear Communication Over Fancy Communication

Early on, I learned that the biggest cause of chaos in a growing team isn’t lack of effort — it’s unclear communication. I still remember a campaign week where five people had five different versions of the brief. The result? Confusion, delays, and a very tough client call.

Since then, we’ve adopted a mantra at Squared Circle: Say what you mean, and say it early.
Whether it’s a Slack update, a weekly team huddle, or a one-liner on a WhatsApp group — clarity comes first. I encourage my team to ask, repeat, and confirm. Because misunderstandings cost time, but clarity saves relationships.

2. Decide Fast. Own the Outcome.

There’s a myth that good leaders always wait for the “perfect data.” The truth is, in business, that day rarely comes. I’ve made quick calls on tight budgets, creative pivots, and client strategies — not because I had all the answers, but because waiting too long meant losing momentum.

What matters more is owning those decisions.

I tell my team: If you’re unsure, ask. But if you’ve made a call, stand by it — not because it was perfect, but because you’re willing to adapt fast if it wasn’t.

3. Delegate, But Don’t Disappear

Delegation is a tricky dance — too much, and your team feels abandoned; too little, and they feel micromanaged. At Squared Circle, I try to practice intentional delegation. That means: I trust my team with responsibility and give them context, feedback, and air cover.

Whether it’s a junior designer leading a product shoot or a campaign strategist handling a major pitch, I make sure they know:
“You’re not doing this alone. I’m here — just not in your way.”

And the results? Ownership. Confidence. Growth. That’s the goal.

4. Crisis Doesn’t Define Us — Our Response Does

No leadership story is complete without a few “everything-is-on-fire” moments.
We’ve had last-minute cancellations, server issues mid-campaign, and unexpected team exits. In those moments, I remind myself (and my team): Don’t panic. Prioritize.

One Friday evening, an international shipment was stuck and a client was furious. Instead of scrambling blindly, we divided responsibilities, created backup content, and got the client on a video call within the hour — with solutions, not excuses.

Crisis is inevitable. But grace under pressure? That’s a leadership muscle you build.

5. Cast the Vision — Again and Again

A vision isn’t a statement on the wall. It’s something you repeat, revisit, and realign with every week. For us at Squared Circle, the vision was never just about building a company. It was about building a culture — where strategy meets empathy, where results meet relationships.

Every time we take a tough call, invest in a new tool, or onboard a new client — I ask:
Does this serve the long game?

I talk about the why with my team often. Not because they forget, but because it fuels them. In the noise of deadlines and deliverables, the vision keeps us grounded — and going.

Final Thoughts

Leadership isn’t something you arrive at. It’s something you grow into, day by day, decision by decision. These five principles aren’t rules — they’re reminders. They’ve helped me stay real, stay calm, and stay focused — even when the path wasn’t clear.

And if there’s one thing I hope my team takes away from my leadership, it’s this:

You don’t need to be perfect to lead. You just need to show up with integrity, intention, and heart — every single day.

— Rajeswari Henn
 Managing Director
Squared Circle E-Com Pvt. Ltd.