Dubai: Age is just a number—what truly matters is conviction, knowledge, confidence, and the ability to prove yourself.
It’s this mindset that propelled Amrita Hothi, 18, to her current role as a CEO-in-training at Knowledge Academy, Dubai, where she leads a team of 40 professionals, many of whom are much older than her.
Hothi’s journey from Windsor, UK, to Dubai’s corporate world is one of unconventional choices, determination, and real-world learning.
Falling Out of Love with Traditional Education
Hothi’s academic journey took a turn when COVID-19 disrupted her schooling. Having completed her GCSEs at Jumeirah College, she struggled to stay engaged with online learning. The traditional university route no longer appealed to her, and she began searching for something more practical and challenging.
Her first step? A course in chartered accounting—only to realize it wasn’t the right fit.
She then turned to her parents, founders of Knowledge Academy, a global professional training provider. With no prior corporate experience, she took on a high-stakes role at just 16 years old.
Managing a Team at 16: A Trial by Fire
Stepping into an operations instructor role, Hothi was suddenly managing 50 people—a daunting challenge for anyone, let alone a teenager. But for Hothi, business was second nature.
“I grew up around professional conversations. My parents started Knowledge Academy in 2009, so I was always exposed to business discussions and decision-making,” she explains.
Her daily responsibilities included scheduling, guiding professionals through certification programs, and working closely with clients.
Breaking Barriers: Earning Respect in a Corporate World
Two years later, she is now a CEO-in-training, leading a team of 40 professionals. But doubts still creep in—not from her, but from others.
Will people take her seriously because of her age? Will clients see her as credible?
Hothi has learned to navigate these challenges with confidence. In the fast-paced world of sales and corporate training, she regularly interacts with HR managers, curates training programs, and crafts business solutions.
She reminds herself:
- Experience and knowledge matter more than age
- Perception is key—walking the walk and talking the talk earns credibility
“I know the product I’m selling, and I know how to guide people through it,” she says with conviction.
And while many assume her parents directly mentor her, she clarifies:
“My parents handle mergers and acquisitions. We don’t work directly together—I’ve had to figure things out on my own.”
No Regrets—Just Growth
Does she miss out on the traditional university experience?
Hothi pauses before answering:
“I hear about it from my friends, but then I look at what I’m doing—something unheard of at this age. I’m proud.”
Instead of regrets, she sees continuous growth. She enjoys closing deals, managing people, and tackling real-world challenges.
One of her biggest milestones:
- Landing a high-stakes corporate training deal for a private Saudi company
- Six to eight months of hard work, intense negotiations, and a final successful pitch
“It was tough, but we got there in the end,” she says, with visible satisfaction.
The Gen Z Mindset: Balancing Hustle and Life
Hothi represents a new generation of professionals who believe in work-life balance, self-prioritization, and fulfillment over blind hustle.
Unlike previous generations who stayed in jobs they disliked for stability, Gen Z, she says, is more focused on meaningful work.
“Work experience is so important,” she emphasizes. “There’s a huge shift—people are taking gap years, working before studying, or trying different career paths before settling into one.”
And despite her busy schedule, Hothi ensures that work doesn’t consume her life:
- Weekends are for relaxing with friends, hitting the gym, or lounging by the pool
- She values professional growth, but not at the cost of personal well-being
For her, success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about learning, adapting, and making work fit into a life well-lived.
