Impactful leadership is rarely born from certainty. It is shaped in motion — through pressure, reflection, and the courage to evolve in real time especially when times are tough. For Kavita Doshi, the journey has been deliberate and deeply formative. Her early years were marked by intensity and high self-expectation, driven by a desire to build with purpose and precision. Over time, experience has brought perspective — and with it, a deep commitment to reflection, learning, and growth.
Kavita grew up in an entrepreneurial family where discipline, responsibility, and hard work were deeply ingrained from an early age. Business was not presented as aspiration alone, but as stewardship — a responsibility to endure through both favourable and difficult cycles. “Business thinking was part of my DNA,” she reflects. “It was about commitment, endurance, and taking ownership, especially when conditions were challenging.” That early grounding shaped her work ethic and instilled a respect for long-term responsibility over short-term reward — a principle that continues to guide how she builds, leads, and invests today.
Kavita studied Law at the University of Cambridge in the UK, where she developed a strong foundation in structured thinking, intellectual curiosity, and rigorous discipline. Although she did not pursue a traditional legal career, the training has been formative — shaping how she approaches governance, risk, negotiation, and complexity today.
Kavita’s professional journey has evolved across management consultancy, hospitality, commercial, and residential development, spanning the UK and Kenya. Through London Town Group of Companies, and later as the founder of Innova Properties in Kenya, “I discovered my entrepreneurial spirit, gravitating towards environments that champion vision, resilience, and precision in execution.” Kavita says she has never been interested in shortcuts — only in focusing on substance over speed and lasting value over quick wins. “I do not see leadership as something one arrives at — I am very much still learning, still refining, and embracing the next level of the journey with curiosity and humility.”
Impact is an integral part of Kavita’s work, using her platform to champion the advancement of women in construction and ensuring that women have a rightful place in key decision-making roles at every level in the built environment. This year marks Innova Properties’ launch of Kenya’s First Women’s and Maternity PPE — a significant step forward for the industry. Kavita has also developed a first-of-its-kind Inclusive Site Checklist, giving developers a clear, practical framework for implementing safe and inclusive sites in practice, not just in policy.
Through tangible initiatives at Innova Properties, her board role at WIRE Kenya and her own inclusivity platform HerVoice creating pathways for women in real estate, Kavita strives to shift the narrative and deliver real, on the ground change to foster a more equitable industry
Moving to philanthropy, in 2016 Kavita founded Charity Connect focusing on transparency, trust and deep genuine impact as well as long term perspectives in its work. The foundation seeks to guarantee where every donation goes through complete accountability and reporting, and no administration fee being taken from donors.
Today, she believes that progress comes not from having all the answers, but from remaining open, thoughtful, and willing to evolve, and creating an environment where you continually challenge yourself to do better and question the status quo.
Elevating Benchmarks
Innova Properties was founded with a clear and deliberate purpose: to introduce an elevated, globally benchmarked approach to quality, reliability, and purpose-led standards in the Kenyan real estate market.
Kavita’s background in hospitality and property ownership through London Town Group exposed her to mature markets where global standards — in construction quality, governance, and delivery discipline — are expected. “When I began developing in Kenya, I saw both an opportunity and a responsibility to bring those standards into a local context, while remaining sensitive to place, people, and market realities.”
Innova Properties was built on a commitment to on-time construction, thoughtful and innovative design, and enduring quality. From the outset, the intention was not rapid scale, but credibility — built one project at a time. “Quality is not superficial; it is structural, operational, and cultural.”
Over time, the business has evolved beyond development alone. It has become a platform to demonstrate that commercial success can coexist with inclusivity, ethical site practices, and a genuine investment in people. Initiatives around safer and more inclusive construction environments, and sustainable building practices grew organically from this belief.
At its core, Innova Properties reflects how Kavita believes modern businesses should operate — grounded in values, disciplined in execution, and committed to innovation and excellence.
Driven to Evolve
Kavita’s appetite for business is shaped by challenge, responsibility, and ambition. She is driven to evolve — to push boundaries and build work of lasting value with intent and discipline. “For me, success is not defined by speed or scale, but by the quality and integrity of what is created over time.”
She is motivated by building with vision and innovation, and by the courage it takes to bring new thinking into established industries. “Progress, in my experience, comes from a willingness to test ideas, to learn through complexity, and to refine continuously.” Transformation is rarely linear, and she strives to lead with clarity and conviction, even when the path is unclear and fraught with complexity.
In Kavita’s words, “the privilege to lead and author a new status quo is centred on insight, growth, and most importantly lifting others as you climb. It is about open-book thinking and cultivating environments where people are empowered to grow, contribute, and excel. I am committed to building cultures of excellence grounded in a growth mindset — where high standards coexist with curiosity, learning, and respect.”
This philosophy carries particular weight in property development, a sector where women remain underrepresented. “I feel a strong responsibility to open pathways, break barriers, and challenge norms — not only through representation, but by materially shaping systems and cultures that enable women and future generations to thrive in leadership and decision-making roles at all levels of the industry.”
Ultimately, Kavita believes leadership only matters if it is lived. Values and vision must be evident not just in strategy, but in everyday decisions — especially when circumstances are difficult. It is the consistent alignment between intent and execution that builds trust, credibility, and enduring impact.
Making a Transformational Difference
Kavita says what truly drives her is the opportunity to make a transformational, tangible impact through what she creates, builds, and represents — physically, culturally, and socially.
At the core of her work is the conceptualization and on time delivery of high-quality spaces that elevate how people live and work. ‘Quality, to me, is about respect and responsibility — for end users, for communities, and for the craft of building itself.”
Equally key is pushing boundaries around inclusive construction and having positive impact on surrounding communities. Kavita is committed to challenging norms, improving site practices, and creating safer, more equitable environments for women, and doing so through taking clear, tangible steps. As well as pioneering Kenya’s First Women’s and Maternity PPE, the company also actively partners with local TVETs and NGOs to provide mentorship and training opportunities for tradeswomen on her sites, and has developed an Inclusive Site Checklist for contractors and developers to ensure they are running safe non-discriminatory construction sites. Although this work is complex, imperfect, and often uncomfortable for those who have only ever adhered to conventional modes of thinking — Kavita firmly asserts that it is “an undisputed necessity”.
Alongside her professional work, Kavita founded Charity Connect nearly a decade ago — a Kenya-based charitable foundation built on the principles of transparency, trust, and long-term impact. She describes the work as a “deeply rooted passion,” one that allows her to contribute with intention beyond the commercial sphere.
She is also a certified Barre fitness instructor, a discipline that mirrors many of the values she holds closely — focus, consistency, and resilience. “Teaching Barre allows me to combine wellbeing with mentorship, supporting others on their fitness journeys and helping them reconnect with strength, energy, and self-belief.” Through her classes, she creates space for people to challenge themselves, build confidence, and discover a renewed sense of determination — both physically and mentally.
The journey of building — whether businesses, communities, or initiatives — is rarely neat. It is demanding, full of hurdles, and deeply instructive. “I am motivated by the creative process of evolving and building, and my belief that thoughtful, values-led, diligent work in anything that ignites a spark within you can create lasting impact.”
A Strong Leader
According to Kavita, her strengths lie in vision and creativity, underpinned by grit, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. She brings a high level of attention to detail to everything she undertakes, from early concept through to execution. ‘Hard work has never felt optional to me; it is simply part of how I operate and how I honour the commitments I make.”
Standards matter to her — not as an abstract ideal, but as a lived practice. In her words, “quality is inseparable from integrity: doing what you say you will do, following through consistently, and taking ownership when things don’t go as planned.” This mindset also shapes how she builds relationships. “I place great value on trust, transparency, and long-term partnerships, and I believe strong interpersonal connections are priceless.”
Kavita adds that she has learned to operate in uncertainty, while also acknowledging how demanding that can be. Making decisions without perfect information, carrying risk, and remaining steady when outcomes are not guaranteed requires resilience and judgement. There are moments when the responsibility feels heavy — particularly when decisions affect teams, partners, and communities. Over time, she has learned to stay present with that discomfort and to lead thoughtfully, even when clarity takes time to emerge.
“A genuine growth area for me has been perfectionism.” While it has driven high standards, it has also, at times, held back momentum and clouded the bigger picture. Learning to tolerate imperfection — and to see setbacks as part of progress rather than failure — has been one of Kavita’s most meaningful areas of development.
She continues to learn how to balance ambition with patience, and intensity with grace — for herself and for others. That ongoing process shapes how she leads, builds, and grows. ‘I have truly learnt the value in slowing down, taking time for circumspection and listening to other perspectives as the cornerstone for self-development.”
The Growth Equilibrium
Balancing professional ambition with personal life is an ongoing negotiation, one Kavita approaches with honesty and intention. She does not believe balance is something that can be perfected. “Balance is an elusive concept,” she reflects. “Especially when you are striving to build something meaningful, committing yourself fully to excellence, and raising a family alongside that journey.”
There are seasons when work — and her own expectations of herself — have demanded more than is manageable. Rather than resisting that reality, Kavita has learned to acknowledge it honestly. What matters, she believes, is how you respond within those moments.
Through the intensity and momentum of entrepreneurial life, it is family — her partnership with her husband and motherhood in particular — that provides steadiness and emotional clarity. Motherhood has reshaped how she thinks about success, time, and presence. It has brought a deeper sense of joy and attentiveness, and a reminder that while work may demand intensity, life is lived in moments of connection and care.
Harmony is the Goal
For Kavita, harmony — not balance — is the more honest aspiration. For her, harmony comes from making space for all parts of who you are, as often as you can, without striving for perfection. Practically, this means being intentional with time, setting clear non-negotiables, and building strong support systems that allow both ambition and family life to coexist.
Quality time with her children, moments of connection with her husband, close family and friends, and the ability to be fully present — mind and body — are priorities she protects. “Learning to switch off doesn’t come naturally to me,” she admits. “It’s a discipline I continue to practise — and one that has taught me the true value of presence, love, and grace.”
Mastering the Success Mantra
In her advice to others aspiring to take on leadership roles in their respective fields, Kavita says: Lead with integrity and commitment alongside ambition. Skills can be learned, markets will change, and strategies will evolve — but values endure.
Be patient with growth and uncompromising on quality. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, and push you to evolve. Learn to listen deeply and act thoughtfully. There is always more to discover, new perspectives to absorb, and deeper layers of experience to understand.
Most importantly, stay firm in the belief that leadership is a responsibility, not just a title. When you lead with humility, remain open to learning, and commit to lifting others as you grow, success becomes both sustainable and meaningful.
Finally, to the readers, Kavita’s prosperity mantra is simple: Build with consistency, a commitment to excellence, and with intention. The most meaningful success is created in the hours no one sees — through grit, perseverance, integrity, and respect for the people around you. Stay curious, innovate and iterate, remain grounded, and allow purpose to guide you when the noise fades.
Milestones That Give Meaning to the Journey
Professionally, Kavita is proud of building projects recognized for their quality and integrity.
- Inova Properties’ landmark commercial development, The Cube, Nairobi, Kenya, was awarded Best Commercial Building in Africa First Runner-Up 2024-2025 at the African Property Investment Awards.
- Their current ongoing residential development Kai, Diani at the Kenyan coast has received industry recognition for its design and execution, awarded Best Multiple Residences in Kenya 2025-2026 at the African Property Awards.
- Kavita was recently honoured with the Kenya Women Leaders Award 2025 at the 13th World Leadership Congress Awards by CMO Global, recognizing purpose-driven leadership and contribution to the industry.
- Kavita was also named Woman Developer of the Year 2025 by the Women In Real Estate Society Kenya – a dynamic community driving change and excellence in Kenya’s real estate industry
“The achievement I value most is building platforms that continue to grow and break barriers — commercially, culturally, and ethically — while remaining open to learning at every stage, alongside my incredible team and industry partners.”“I continue to learn how to balance ambition with patience, and intensity with grace — for myself and for my teams and partners, as we evolve and strive to achieve excellence in what we do.”
