Have you ever wondered why some people seem to navigate life’s challenges so smoothly on their success journey—while others, even with degrees and skills, feel stuck?
The secret ingredient might not be found in books or boardrooms. It’s something deeply human and often overlooked: emotional intelligence.
While exploring stories of powerful Indian women who’ve overcome life’s intricacies, one journey that stood out to me was that of Shraddha Sharma. Her success began when she started as a journalist and went on to build YourStory, one of India’s leading platforms for entrepreneurship narratives.
But her story isn’t just about startups and success—it’s about how understanding people, connecting deeply, and staying emotionally grounded can shape an extraordinary life and career.
Let’s take a closer look at her story—and what it teaches us about thriving in today’s world.
Shraddha’s Story: Built on Belief and Empathy
When Shraddha launched YourStory in 2008, India’s startup ecosystem was still in its infancy. Mainstream media largely focused on celebrities and large corporations. But Shraddha saw a gap—she wanted to shine a light on the journeys of small entrepreneurs, the dreamers and doers who were often overlooked.
She recalls a formative experience from third grade during a school dance competition. Without proper attire, she teamed up with a classmate and gave it her all. Though their performance didn’t go well, what followed left a lasting emotional imprint.
The next day, her teacher harshly accused her of manipulating her partner—the daughter of Patna’s District Magistrate—and claimed that “poor kids from poor families” are taught to be overly clever. She even struck Shraddha’s hand with a ruler. Shraddha, who had simply been excited to participate and genuinely admired her partner, felt unjustly punished. Her intentions were pure, driven by enthusiasm and joy.
That moment—and others like it—planted a deep desire in her to reclaim her own narrative. Indeed, this desire led to her success in creating YourStory.
Shraddha understood how powerful it is when someone truly listens and shares your story with the world. Her deep empathy enabled her to connect with people on a human level. Founders trusted her not just for her journalistic skills, but because she understood them—their struggles, dreams, and motivations.
This emotional bond became the cornerstone of YourStory. It wasn’t just a media platform—it became a community built on trust, respect, and shared purpose.
Self-Regulation: Choosing Positivity in the Face of Pain
Life threw Shraddha plenty of challenges. She once said, “Life has been hard and cruel, but I have chosen to smile and laugh.” That one line perfectly captures the essence of self-regulation, which was a key part of her success.
From dealing with financial instability in the early years of YourStory to hearing dismissive comments from media veterans, she never let negativity dictate her actions. She didn’t lash out or lose hope—she kept showing up with grace.
That ability to manage her emotions helped her stay focused on what truly mattered—building a platform with purpose.
Motivation: A Purpose Bigger Than Profit
Shraddha didn’t start YourStory for fame or fortune. In fact, she spent the first year making no money at all. What kept her going? A powerful internal motivation.
Her “why” was deeply personal—rooted in past experiences, including that third-grade moment of unfair punishment. That single incident ignited a lifelong determination to tell her own story—and help others do the same.
Even when her mother worried about her leaving a stable job, Shraddha remained committed. Her motivation wasn’t driven by fear, but by a desire to create something meaningful. And that kind of motivation doesn’t burn out easily. Her success was fueled by this unwavering drive.
Social Skills: Creating a Movement, Not Just a Media Company
While the spotlight often shines on her storytelling, Shraddha’s success also stemmed from her ability to connect with people.
From convincing IIT students to help her build the initial version of the site, to organically growing a loyal reader base, her interpersonal skills played a vital role.
She openly shared her own struggles, disappointments, and dreams—and people related to her. That authenticity built trust not just with her audience, but with the startup community that YourStory eventually became a voice for.
Why should this Matter to You?
You don’t have to be a CEO to benefit from emotional intelligence. Whether you’re a student, a professional, an entrepreneur, or someone simply trying to figure out life, emotional intelligence helps you:
- Understand your own thoughts and emotions better.
- Communicate more clearly and confidently.
- Build stronger relationships.
- Make better decisions under pressure.
- Lead and inspire others more effectively.
The good news? Emotional intelligence can be developed. And Shraddha’s story is proof that when you combine passion with empathy, and purpose with self-awareness, you can create something powerful—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you, thus achieving your own form of success.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Success Story
Shraddha Sharma didn’t just build a startup. She built a platform rooted in emotional strength, empathy, and purpose.
Her story isn’t just about what she achieved—it’s about how she achieved it: through emotional intelligence and genuine connections, which ultimately led to her success.
So the next time you feel judged, misunderstood, or stuck—remember Shraddha. And remember that your story matters too. Perhaps the key isn’t trying to be the smartest person in the room—but the one who understands themselves and others the most to achieve success.