Biography of Shradha Sharma: Founder of YourStory Media - Struggle to Success
Shradha Sharma: Championing India's Entrepreneurial Spirit
Shradha Sharma is the driving force behind YourStory Media,
a prominent platform that has been a steadfast supporter and chronicler of
India's startup ecosystem for over 16 years. Founded in 2008, YourStory Media
encompasses flagship properties like YourStory.com, HerStory, and SocialStory,
reaching over 10 million engaged readers monthly and sharing over 120,000
stories of entrepreneurs. The platform is multilingual, catering to audiences
across 12 Indian languages.
Shradha Sharma: Empowering Stories through YourStory
Early Life and Education
Shradha Sharma, an accomplished Indian journalist and
entrepreneur, was born in Patna, Bihar, India. She moved to New Delhi in 1997
to pursue her higher education. Sharma graduated with bachelor's and master's
degrees in History from St. Stephen's College, Delhi. Later, she completed her
master's degree from the Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad.
Academic Excellence and Early Life
During her school years, Shradha Sharma excelled
academically, consistently ranking at the top of her class. She was actively
involved in the elocution and debate society, showcasing her early passion for
communication and expression.
Family Background and Challenges
Shradha's father, educated in England and also a top
performer academically, struggled with alcoholism, which sometimes led to
destructive behavior at home.
Education and Meeting Her Husband
While pursuing a Master's Degree in History at St Stephen's
College in Delhi, Shradha Sharma met her future husband, Gaurav, who was
studying Mathematics. They decided to marry through a court marriage at the age
of 23.
Personal Tragedy and Career Beginnings
Tragedy struck when Shradha lost her mother in a cooking
accident that resulted in severe burns. Before founding YourStory in 2008, she
gained valuable experience as an Assistant Vice President at CNBC TV18 and
later as a Brand Adviser at the Times of India.
Educational Background and Early Career
Shradha Sharma's academic journey includes a master's degree
in History from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, where she specialized in Modern
India. Her career began as a Brand Advisor at The Times of India before she
transitioned to CNBC TV18 as an Assistant Vice President. These experiences
laid the foundation for her deep understanding of media and storytelling, which
she later leveraged to establish YourStory Media.
Biography of Shradha Sharma:Founder of YourStory Media- Struggle to Success/ Entrepreneur/Investor/Journey of Shradha Sharma/YourStory journey/success
Career Journey
Shradha Sharma commenced her career as a brand advisor at
The Times of India, showcasing her early prowess in media and communications.
She then transitioned to become an assistant vice president at CNBC TV18, a
leading business news channel in India. In 2008, driven by her entrepreneurial
spirit and passion for storytelling, Sharma founded YourStory, a dynamic
startup media platform that amplifies narratives of entrepreneurs and
innovators across India.
The Birth of YourStory:
Driven by her passion for untold stories of entrepreneurs,
Shradha began blogging about startup narratives that often went unnoticed.
Fueled by her desire to highlight the creativity and innovation of
entrepreneurs, she transformed her blog into YourStory. Supported by
visionaries like Ratan Tata and Mohandas Pai, YourStory has evolved into a
leading platform for entrepreneurial stories, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs
and the general public alike.
Vallabh: The First Supporter of YourStory
When YourStory was just starting out, its first member,
Vallabh, played a crucial role. Despite being a college dropout, Shradha Sharma
recognized his potential and gave him his initial salary of 1500 INR. She
acknowledges that without Vallabh, YourStory might not have survived its early
days, crediting him with its foundational support.
YourStory: A Leading Platform for Entrepreneurs
YourStory has earned the reputation as India's largest
platform dedicated to stories about startups and entrepreneurs. It serves as a
vital resource, showcasing the journeys and achievements of innovators across
the country, thereby contributing significantly to India's startup ecosystem.
Interviewing Narendra Modi
In January 2019, Shradha Sharma had the prestigious
opportunity to interview Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This event
underscored YourStory's growing influence and recognition as a platform that
not only highlights entrepreneurial stories but also engages with top leaders
on critical issues impacting the startup community and beyond.
Recognition and Impact
Shradha Sharma's dedication to fostering entrepreneurship
and sharing inspiring stories has earned her significant recognition. She was
honored as part of Fortune's prestigious "40 Under 40" list in 2016,
highlighting her influential role in India's media and startup ecosystem.
Through YourStory, Sharma continues to empower and connect aspiring
entrepreneurs, providing a platform for their successes, challenges, and
aspirations.
Achievements:
Shradha’s dedication and vision have garnered her numerous
accolades, including the NASSCOM Ecosystem Evangelist Award and the Villgro
Journalist of the Year Award. Her book, “Cut the Crap and Jargon: Lessons from
the Start-up Trenches,” became a bestseller on Amazon, further cementing her
influence in the startup ecosystem. Shradha’s commitment to storytelling and
entrepreneurship has received international recognition, with YourStory
expanding into Germany and plans for further global growth.
Legacy:
Under Shradha’s leadership, YourStory has grown
significantly, boasting over 72,000 articles, 10 million visitors, and more
than 100 employees. She remains steadfast in her belief in working with passion
and resilience, encouraging young minds to pursue their dreams and share their
stories.
Personal Life
Based in Bangalore, Shradha Sharma travels extensively for
work, often taking 12 to 16 flights each month. Despite her busy schedule, she
prioritizes her health and well-being. Walking is a big part of her routine,
helping her stay fit and allowing her to explore new cities. Sharma often
arranges meetings so she can walk instead of using a car, blending business
with leisure seamlessly.
Finding Peace in Meditation
Sharma practices meditation daily, spending 20 minutes in
the morning and at least 30 minutes in the evening. When she travels, she makes
sure to have quiet mornings to herself. She enjoys reading in her hotel room or
finding a peaceful garden. Her iPhone serves as her Kindle, holding books on
running and meditation that she enjoys reading during her travels.
Maintaining Health and Balance: Shradha Sharma's Approach
As a frequent traveler for business, Shradha Sharma faces
the common challenge of maintaining a healthy diet while on the move and
avoiding overeating. She emphasizes the importance of early dinners and
refrains from eating late, even during social events or parties that often
accompany business gatherings in India. Sharma believes that overeating can sap
her energy levels, so she opts to skip the snacks typically available at these
events.
Conclusion
Shradha Sharma's journey from Bihar to founding YourStory
exemplifies her commitment to journalism and entrepreneurship. Her innovative
approach and tireless efforts have not only shaped the narrative of Indian
startups but also inspired countless individuals to pursue their
entrepreneurial dreams. Sharma's impact resonates across India's business
landscape, reinforcing the power of storytelling in driving social and economic
change.
Shradha Sharma's commitment to showcasing and empowering
entrepreneurs through YourStory Media has made her a prominent figure in
India's startup ecosystem. Her leadership, coupled with her advocacy for
inclusion and innovation, continues to shape the narrative of entrepreneurship
in India and beyond. As she remains at the helm of YourStory Media, Shradha
Sharma's influence underscores her dedication to fostering a supportive
environment for entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed.
