Helping women, students, and youth become Policy & Business Leaders since 7 years.

Shatakshi Sharma is a businesswoman, impact investor, and entrepreneur with more than decade of experience in management consulting, public policy, and international affairs. She's been leading as executive officer of 2 disruptive ventures: Global Governance Initiative (GGI), empowering global youth and women in public policy, consulting, and Third Space, where we are building lifelong communities for moms and solopreneurs. 

Her work has been recognized with The Economic Times Most Promising Women Leader (2021 & 2023) and featured in BCG alumni networks, World Economic Forum Davos, and several investor platforms- India Global Forum, Invest Goa etc .Her previous work spanned advising the Tony Blair Institute on extremism issues in the Middle East, leading digital inclusivity initiatives for the Government of India, and building equitable, inclusive ecosystems for youth across 4 continents.

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To learn more about her craft:Global Governance Initiative: www.globalgovernanceinitiative.org
Third Space: www.thirdspace.org.in/

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Connect with Shatakshi:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shatakshi.Sharma

Instagram: @shatakshi.sharma410

When I was in mainstream consulting, I felt I was just making rich people richer. 


I felt those who actually needed consultants could hardly afford them. 

For the last 4+ years at the Global Governance Initiative Impact Lab, we’ve been quietly proving all of that wrong.

When we started GGI Impact Lab, the mission wasn’t just to do consulting projects. 

It was to answer a fundamental question: 

Can we shift from 'investing' to 'impact investing'? From 'growth' to 'inclusive growth'?

We believed that if you give young, bright minds a seat at the table at leading NGOs along with the right mentorship, they won’t just advise (they will lead).

Truth be told, I was initially nervous will we be able to pull this in the world of Mckinsey, BCG here. 

Today, looking at the outcome from our pro-bono consulting arm, the answer is a resounding YES.

Our Fellows have been solving problems for real NGOs, navigating complex problems at the intersection of policy, business, and social welfare.


1. From building (Go To Market) and User Acquisition strategies for organizations like Goodstep and IBFF, to helping them scale their reach to those who need it most- fellows did it all !

2. Our fellows crafted robust Fundraising Strategies for Mantavya Foundation, Learning Curve Foundation, and MGDM, ensuring these NGOs thrive. 

3. We delivered comprehensive Media Strategies for PVRI, Project ShivShakti, and the Esther Foundation- helping them tell their impact stories to the world.

Note that I am not talking down mainstream consulting. Infact mainstream consulting gave me the tool kit to do the magic I do today. 

But yes, there's a gap that capitalists organizations leave often for us impact players to fill  in. 

Today, I realize impact doesn't necessarily need capital.

It needs a bunch of motivated young minds who are well trained and want to change the world.

In the end, to our 20+ #NGO partners who trusted us: Thank you for letting us serve. If you are leading an NGO and believe our team can be of help, write to me. 

To our Fellows- you are a living proof that you don't need a title to be a leader. You just need the bravery to care enough.

It's true, the next gen leaders aren't waiting for permission. 

They are building the table themselves ✊. 

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To read more, check us here at https://lnkd.in/dhswHsH7

Shatakshi Sharma

Founder & CEO, Global Governance Initiative | Ex-BCG | Advisor, International Affairs | Writer

Today 2.95 Lakh students will appear for CAT exam. 
For anyone who might be stressed- hear me out. 

I took CAT in my final year of undergrad because my father wanted me to! My heart was not into it and I failed miserably.

I didn't get a call from any of the IIMs!

Later, I realized I picked a battle where the cards were stacked against my skills.

I picked  #GMAT.

Today, I proudly share how it took me 3 attempts to get my GMAT right!

I am a live example of getting my  #career sorted even after having a hard time with exams.

But, my journey with  #MBA admissions made me realize how exams and coaching culture are overhyped in India.

Here is why-

1. As someone who worked in highly intellectual ecosystems such as Boston Consulting Group (BCG), I realized you don't need a 99.9 percentile to be working and thriving in such ecosystems.

2. Nassim Taleb once famously said, "I suspect I.Q., SAT, and grades are 
#tests designed by nerds so they can get high scores in order to call each other intelligent".

3. Today, a record 2.95 Lakh students will appeare for #CAT 2025.

Interestingly only 5500 will get a seat in IIMs.

On the one hand, we will congratulate these students for their hard work and success.

On the other hand, should we really feel happy about it?

Just think about it- only 1.5% of folks will get to study business from the top league in India. 

Now mind you I am not against top MBAs, I am against an unequal world that doesn't serve the average AT ALL !

Frustrated with the rigged system, I started Global Governance Initiative 7 years ago for Non MBAs, where top CEOs from McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), BlackRock, and Amazon teach in Harvard case method; with employment support.

Now mind you, I am not talking of idealist world. Plenty of GGians without any #MBA are earning in the (15 lakh and above) CTC brackets even without an MBA and working in elite policy and consulting careers. 
 
My fight is against a system that treats professionals like racehorses whose job is to win a race.

You get one life.

Don't let exams define your self worth please. 

Introspect, what you want and why you want things. 

MBA should be a means to an end. Not the end itself. 

If for any reason you score off today, write to me.  I will try my best to assist. 

And most importantly know that exams are not the end of things and life ❤️.

Goa deserves better. Women in India deserve better !!

Indians don't struggle with work-life balance.


We struggle with "not having a life" balance. 

You see most Indians (and myself guilty until now) are so hard wired for hustle since school. 

That the biggest myth of our generation is "#IIT karlo life set ho jayegi" !

Ask anyone who has been to IIT or equivalent institute, it's not a life set moment, infact if anything it's the start of a never ending #hustle moment. 

Until you consciously put a halt to that grind. 

I am someone who went to St. Stephen's College, Delhi, did MBA from Indian School of Business, and worked at firms such as Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Tony Blair Institute in Dubai. 

And I had to actively ask myself in my late 20s, should I continue doing something just because I am good at it, even if it doesn't give me #joy ?

Now mind you, I am not passing a judgement on my peers who're still at it- maybe they enjoy it or maybe life hasn't given them a chance to show a mirror yet. 

But hate me for saying it- we Indians struggle with 'living a life'. 

Of course there are huge advantages of a hustle life- an average mid 20 Indian (without heritance) is doing professionally better than a European counterpart. 

But we often overlook the huge costs we are bearing. 

Most Indians are burnt out, #stressed, anxious and craving for their next vacation at the end of the quarter. 

You may cheat yourself by saying you don't have a choice. But you always have a choice, I know slowing down may feel unsafe today.

But our parents were able to work till 60 because most of them were employed in the public sector or TATAs (equivalent). 

I am realizing the real meaning of life is not to keep ourselves busy with- (weekend brunches, weddings, reels, errands).

It's to be alone with our silence, a silence which we have been running away from ever since we collectively crossed 10th grade.

In this country, rest is considered guilty because most parents were in traumatic relationships and just couldn't rest and they have passed the same restlessness on us.

This year end, I'm writing a message to book vacations to “disconnect”, not post reels on instagram. 

Interestingly, we look for peace outside because inside feels so unfamiliar.

So no, Indians aren’t just having work life balance issue.

We’re having an 'escaping from life' issue. 

Chase silence. 

Because in life, the ultimate privilege is not money.

It is a quiet mind ❤️ .

I don’t respect someone just because he is a billionaire.
Especially not someone like Elon Musk.


In our chimp evolved capitalist world, people subconsciously idealize people with money.  But here's the thing-

1. The millionaires stare upward with an open mouth at the #billionaires.

2. The billionaires at the decabillionaires.

3. And the decabillionaires? They are stupidly chasing immortality (LOL). 
You see, there is no finish line to that race.

I respect and judge (if I have to),always based on people's actions. And how they treat people who bring absolutely no value to them.

Having said this, Elon did say something worthwhile, "Most #jobs will become optional in the next 10–20 years."

And I hate to admit, he’s right.

When I started Global Governance Initiative 7 years ago, my mission was very clear:

Put youth and women at the center of policy and power positions so they have a real seat at the table where decisions are made by joining firms like United Nations, McKinsey & Company etc. 

In 2025, I started and am growing mission of Da Vinci Lab (at thirdspace.org), creating 1 person solopreneurs as they use AI to create ventures without funding. 
 
If you don't believe me, just read weekly news about mass layoffs at the hand of AI. 

The real powerful next generation will come from solo entrepreneurs who will own their time, mind, money, and voice, like I do. 

I genuinely believe, we are nearing an end of Kalyug - and AI may act as a boon for us to go back to being mentally free from chains of clerical bondages. 

Osho once said, Indian scriptures were written primarily by Brahmins (not because brahmins were prodigies) but because only Brahmins (as a sect) back then had the true privilege of time to think about life. 
While other sects were too busy surviving.

Are you also busy surviving ?  Time is an ultimate wealth. Don't believe me ?

Ask anyone in his/her late 30s, 40s or 60s !

And as solopreneurs will rise, the people with time will rise. To become Philosophers. And truth-tellers.

There is and should never be any pride in working 14 hours/day (that's plain modern day slavery). 

The answers for previous generations will not serve us. 

The previous generation has beautifully served their role. 

But we will write our own roles. 

By finding our correct role models, to begin with !

A recent chat with a friend made me realize how women on the top feel lonely (lonelier than men). 

A lot of people say that women are becoming equal. Really ? 

Take a quick reality check just by looking at the economic activity of women 10 years post graduation from top institutes like #IIMs. 

And you'd see if women are really equal !

Many (many) extraordinary talented women drop off post pregnancy and childbirth.

And those who stay in workforce are often rewarded  for "not standing out" from men. 

For those who don't know, women in leadership are rewarded for speaking truth (but within limits), for challenging status quo (but without hurting a male ego). 

Infact, a lot of women like me in mid 30s are facing a new struggle that no one prepared us for- how to lead alone- with a #wolfpack- while there are hyenas around.

They say women ought to be each other's best friend but that's far far away from the reality. 

The capitalist workforce rewards more masculine energy than feminine energy (by feminine energy I mean slow, creative, natural energy- against aggressive, fast goal based work). 

To be completely transparent- 

I don't have perfect answers to complicated problems I am writing about myself. 

But yes to begin with, the first thing we all need to do (irrespective of our gender) after climbing up is to periodically look down and pull up other women who might feel dragged down due to patriarchy, and societal conditions. 

Not as a favor to them. 

But because that's how you somehow would have gotten up too. 

I often say brainwashed patriarchal women are more dangerous than traditional men to the feminist women, because these women often act against the benefit of other women. 

I once met a woman who was educated, working, would party on weekends and said I am not a #feminist (LOL). I didn't say this but asked her in my mind, "girl who do you think fought generations before you to give you access to these priviledges" ?

I am writing today to reemphasize that the feminist movement is and cannot be stopped specially by women leaders like us in our mid 30s- because we have no choice but to make path for the women coming behind us and infact left behind us too. 

We cannot just have 1 Indra Nooyi in US or Falguni Nayar in India- that's the beginning. 

I am sorry- I absolutely refuse to accept it as the end. 

If you are a woman reading this-

Trust me, there's space and need for you and many more !

For the longest time, I lived my life like it was a race- in constant comparison mode. 


Today, I’ve realised I don’t really want a lot from life. (not in more material sense)

Just my own version of peaceful life.

Contrary to what people want on LinkedIn. For me, following are 10 commandments of my daily life: 


1. Wake up and do yoga without interruption.

2. Work for a few deeply intentional 4 hours, not drown in meetings. 

3. Create work that actually impacts thousands, not impresses a handful of bosses.

4. Have enough time to explore creative persuits (art, music, dance) that make me feel human again. 

5. Write daily journal to connect with my emotions while feeling sunlight and air on my skin - basics we forget.

6. Cook for someone I love (or for myself, with music on).

7. Move my body because it reminds me I’m alive.

8. Take a vacation without asking anyone for permission. 

9. Say NO to people who drain your soul. 

10. Not force myself into roles of organizations because of paychecks, so I DON'T betray myself.

That’s it.

Nothing exotic. Nothing fancy.

Many people call this “unrealistic” in modern world. 

But I have quietly built this life for me (and I am not flexing)- I am writing to share it is possible !

How ?

The key is to build it backwards, by starting from the feeling you want, and then reverse engineer your priorities around that feeling.

Today, most entrepreneurs and #corporates accidentally build a prison.

and then spend years trying to escape the very prison they created.

Me on the other hand, I designed my life first.

Then I built structures, income goals, and schedule- that protect that life.

I am teaching top corporates and students how to do it.

All with my playbook: https://lnkd.in/d-sdtcKD

See the thing is, your dream life isn’t unachievable.

It’s just not designed properly yet. You are still living the old playbook your parents handed over to you. 

And the moment you start from truth - not fomo.

Your life goals become very very achievable ❤️.

1. People who guilt you using morals, are often the most immoral in life.

2. People who quote religion ofteb, behave the least religious privately.


Yes, we are talking of the same naive #moral science we all learnt during early school age, which infact completely scewed our worldview. 

You'd always see a chasm in morality. 

What is “right” in one continent will be considered “sinful” in another (look at #Afghanistan).  Similarly, what one generation celebrates, the next will cancel !

And yet, generations after generations we have allowed these “keepers of morals” walk around freely- in the mask of politicians, billionaires. 

If you think I am done. Wait, here’s one of my favorite cosmic jokes-

They say when you reach heaven, you notice few souls burning below. Upon asking who they are, they’ll say:

“We were the religious guardians". :)

That's also the reason why in #India when marriages are on the verge of collapse, married people still smile in public. 

In such "collective" societies, the individual suffers the most to maintain peace of the collective (family/society).  

Then you'd see dhekedaars of "morals" say what higher values Indians used to have ! (LOL). 

They were never values, it has been "self-abandonment" beautifully packaged as morals.

Many may not know, but I teach ethics to Global Governance Initiative fellows and scholars.

And here’s the No. 1 ground rule in ethics. 

In ethics, there are no right or wrong answers.

You have your own answer, driven by your wisdom and priorities (and not morals). 

I am writing this dry, ugly and may be hard hitting note on #Monday afternoon to challenge something fundamental. 

Have you ever made a tough decision in life ?

If yes, did you decide based on morals (driven schools/parents/society) or decide based on what made your soul peaceful ? 

If you decided based on morals, I am sorry to break it to you, you are still living someone else’s story.

And the challenge with this is- 

There will come a day (and it always does), when you'd be tired of the fear, the stress, the noise in your mind.

And only 2 possibilities will exist day:

1. You’ll say “Thank you for choosing me.”

2. Or say, "I betrayed who I was all along”

Don't be afraid to choose yourself, unconditionally (but not at other's behest). 

And to end I'd remind what Dante said in 9 circles of hell, 

“Do not be afraid; your fate cannot be taken from you; it is a gift.” ❤️.

taplio

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