Leadership Journeys [242] - Kahraman Yigit - "The best manager is the one who replaces himself"

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What does it take to leave behind a legacy business and redefine success on your own terms?

In this episode, Kahraman Yigit—co-founder and CEO of Olive Hospitality—shares his bold journey from Turkey to India, navigating culture shifts, economic crises, and rapid innovation.

We dive into his philosophy of leadership, why empowering others is the real mark of success, and how personal passions fuel professional vision.

Whether you're building a startup or leading a team, Kahraman’s story offers practical insights on resilience, reinvention, and staying grounded while growing big.

Tune in to discover how choosing leadership—every day—can unlock possibilities you didn’t know existed.

You can find Kahraman Yigit at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kahraman-yigit-68110a24/
• https://www.instagram.com/kahraman_yigit/

In the interview, Kahraman shares

• "True leadership begins the moment you choose to step out of a predetermined path and forge your own."
• "At just 13, Kahraman embraced discomfort, moving abroad alone—a bold first step toward the leader he would become."
• "Crises don’t crush visionaries—they fuel them. Kahraman built opportunity out of economic chaos."
• "Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about making yourself replaceable and lifting others up."
• "Moving to India wasn't just a business decision—it was a leap of faith rooted in long-term vision."
• "You can’t grow a business on copy-paste leadership. Kahraman tailors growth paths to individual strengths."
• "From real estate in Turkey to reimagining hospitality in India, Kahraman's journey is a lesson in adaptability."
• "Olive Hospitality's rise shows how global thinking paired with local insight creates market-leading innovation."
• "Leadership thrives where creativity and business intersect—Kahraman’s passions for aviation and photography keep his perspective fresh."
• "Choosing leadership is not a one-time decision. It’s a daily act of courage, curiosity, and conscious choice."