Siddharth Maheshwari, a 34-year-old IIT Roorkee and ISB Hyderabad alumnus, has gained attention for his honest reflections on the challenges of leadership. In a viral Instagram post, he shared how his management style led to the resignation of three talented employees early in his career. Maheshwari explained that he mistook silence for recognition and defensive behavior for authority, highlighting the lack of formal training in people management at prestigious institutions. He learned that recognition must be verbalized, disagreements indicate employee engagement, and vague responses can push talent away. His experiences underscore that the first years in management are often filled with mistakes, which can serve as valuable lessons for future leadership. Maheshwari's insights have resonated with many on social media, with users praising his self-reflection and growth as a leader.