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Sathya Lakshmi Srinivasan: A Young Woman Changing the Game

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Overview:

  • Sathya Lakshmi Srinivasan is a tech entrepreneur and founder of Quorum Chain, working to build inclusive and secure blockchain solutions.
  • Despite challenges as a young woman in tech, she turned rejection into resilience, proving that big dreams don’t need permission.
  • Her daily life reflects passion, grit, and the power of aligned living.
  • Her life motto, “Dream it. Believe it. Build it.” keeps her grounded and fuels her mission to empower others through innovation and courage.

1. What was your childhood like, and how did it shape who you are today?

I grew up in a world full of ambition, but not many believed a girl could dream beyond boundaries. As a child, I was endlessly curious, always asking why and what if. While many of my peers played it safe, I dreamed big.

My school years were filled with books, competitions, leadership roles, and late-night thinking sessions about how I’d one day build something that truly mattered. But it wasn’t always smooth. I constantly had to push back against the mindset that said “you can’t” either because you’re a girl, or because you’re too young.

That shaped me, and it made me determined. I learned early on how to speak up, to lead from the front, and to bounce back when things didn’t go my way. My childhood gave me grit, empathy, and a burning desire to prove that dreams don’t need permission-they need action.

2. What does a typical day in your life look like?

My days are intense, focused, and purpose-driven– just the way I like them. I sleep for three hours a night, and the rest of my time is devoted to building, learning, and evolving. I start each morning with a strong mindset and clear goals. My day is split between leading my company, Quorum Chain, attending meetings, brainstorming product strategies, and mentoring or learning from industry experts.

Afternoons are for deep work and collaboration: diving into research, designing new features, or preparing for upcoming talks. I juggle multiple roles-entrepreneur, speaker, student, all in one.

Evenings are reserved for networking, writing, or recording episodes of The Visionary Mindset podcast. And no matter how packed my schedule gets, I always carve out time for reflection, staying grounded, and planning my next bold move.

Every day is a new opportunity to grow, and I’m determined to make every minute count.

3. Tell us about your professional journey and how you got to the position you are in today.

My professional journey began with a bold dream and relentless determination. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and that fire only grew stronger over time.

I immersed myself in learning everything I could: programming, bioinformatics, blockchain, cloud computing, leadership. Basically, anything that could help me build something meaningful. I took on internships, tackled real-world projects, and earned awards that once felt out of reach. 

Eventually, I founded Quorum Chain, a blockchain service company born from my vision to create secure, decentralized solutions for the future. Building from scratch wasn’t easy– it meant facing doubts, rejections, and constant pressure. But I turned every no into fuel.

Along the way, I was invited to speak at TiE Hyderabad, selected for the Google Developer Expert (Road to GDE) program, and honored with the Entrepreneurs India Award and Forbes India DGEMS 200 (2025).

Every milestone came with hustle, heart, and sleepless nights, but I wouldn’t trade any of it. Today, I’m not just building a company– I’m building a movement for change. And this is only the beginning.

4. Name one or several people you admire in history and tell us why. They could be living or have already passed.

I deeply admire Sundar Pichai, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, and Elon Musk for very different, but equally powerful reasons.

Sundar Pichai inspires me with his humility, patience, and calm leadership. Coming from a middle-class Indian background and rising to lead Google showed me that your roots don’t define your limits– your mindset does. His journey taught me the power of staying grounded while dreaming on a global scale.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has always been a guiding light. His words about dreaming big, staying curious, and dedicating oneself to nation-building left a deep impact on me as a student. His life was a message in itself, proving that simplicity and brilliance can walk hand in hand. His unwavering passion for empowering youth continues to shape my path.

And then there’s Elon Musk. Controversial as he may be, I admire his guts. His fearless risk-taking, 100+ hour work weeks, and ability to turn the impossible into reality lit a fire in me. He reminds me that innovation isn’t safe-it’s bold, messy, and unpredictable.

Each of these leaders has shaped how I dream, lead, and show up in the world today.

5. Have you had any mentors along the way? Could you share about them and their influence on your life?

Yes, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have mentors who shaped not just my career, but my character. Above all, my greatest mentors are my parents. They are the pillars of my life. Their unwavering belief in me, their sacrifices, and their quiet strength have laid the foundation I stand today. My father taught me resilience, how to stay strong, never give up, and face challenges with confidence, even when the world doubted me. My mother, in her own graceful way, taught me how to be kind yet fierce, balanced yet ambitious. Together, they instilled the values that drive my personal journey and professional vision.

Along the way, I’ve also been guided by incredible mentors in the industry– individuals who helped me navigate difficult decisions, from launching my company to handling setbacks and preparing for global opportunities. These mentors didn’t just share strategies; they taught me to trust myself, especially when the path ahead was uncertain.

Having mentors, especially those who see your potential before the world does, is a rare gift. I carry their wisdom with me every step of the way.

6. What has been the greatest challenge in your journey, and how did you overcome it?

The greatest challenge in my journey was being taken seriously as a young woman entrepreneur. People didn’t just question what I was building– they questioned me. I was young, ambitious, and female. That combination often led to doubt, dismissal, and underestimation.

I walked into rooms where I was overlooked, spoke in meetings where my voice was barely heard, and pitched ideas that were initially brushed off. But instead of letting it break me, I used it to build me. I doubled down on learning, embraced every rejection, and worked relentlessly,100-hour weeks if that’s what it took to prove that I belong at the table and I could build the table myself.

Another challenge was the mental exhaustion and self-doubt that come with building something from scratch. When you’re constantly juggling responsibilities and pushing limits, it’s easy to lose your sense of self. What helped me stay grounded was reconnecting with my ‘why’.

I reminded myself that this journey isn’t just about me, it’s about showing other girls that it can be done. I didn’t just overcome the challenges, I transformed through them.

7. How do you balance your work and personal life, and what is one thing you enjoy doing in your free time?

To be honest, I live a life that’s more purpose-driven than perfectly balanced. I work around 100 hours a week and sleep just 3 hours a day, but I don’t see it as a sacrifice. For me, building my dream and empowering others through it is deeply personal.

That said, I do believe in moments of pause and reflection. I make time to speak with my family and stay connected to my closest friend, who’s been by my side for years. These conversations ground me and remind me why I started in the first place.

One thing I truly enjoy in my free time is writing and inspiring young minds,  whether through poetry, books, blogs, my podcast, or speaking sessions. Helping others believe in their potential brings me joy and a sense of purpose that no title or award ever could.

To me, balance doesn’t mean dividing time equally-it means living in alignment. And every day, I choose to align with what I love and who I want to become.

8. What do you think is the biggest concern for global youth today, and how do you think it could be solved?

One of the biggest concerns facing global youth today is the lack of direction and clarity. In a world overflowing with information, constant comparisons on social media, and pressure to succeed quickly, many young people feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what they truly want. They’re often told to chase success, but rarely guided to define what success actually means for them.

Another major issue is the fear of failure. So many are afraid of making mistakes, they don’t take the first step. But the truth is, failure is part of the process. I’ve failed, been rejected, doubted, and overlooked. And yet, those very experiences shaped me into who I am today.

The solution lies in awareness, mentorship, and honest conversations. We need to create more spaces where young people can explore their strengths, connect with mentors who truly listen, and hear real, unfiltered stories, not just polished success stories.

Education systems also need to shift focus toward mindset, creativity, and emotional intelligence, not just marks and ranks. Above all, every young person should hear this: It’s okay to take your time. It’s okay to fail. But never stop believing in your worth.

9. What are some ways in which you are creating a positive change in the world?

I believe true change begins with courage, and I’m using every part of my journey to ignite that courage in others. Through my company, Quorum Chain, I’m building blockchain solutions that champion transparency, security, and innovation. My mission is to help businesses and communities embrace the future of technology without fear or complexity. Tech should be inclusive, and I’m making sure it is.

As a speaker, writer, and podcaster, I share my real and unfiltered journey with young minds, especially girls who are still finding their voice. I speak at events, publish motivational content, and mentor students because I know how powerful it is to hear “you can” from someone who’s walked the same tough road.

I’m also creating change simply by being unapologetically myself as a young woman founder, tech leader, and dreamer. I want others to see that you don’t need to fit into a box to build something meaningful. All you need is vision, resilience, and purpose. Whether it’s through code or conversation, I strive to leave every space better than I found it.

10. What is a mantra that you live by, and how does it help you on a daily basis?

My life mantra is simple, but powerful: “Dream it. Believe it. Build it.”

I repeat it to myself every day, especially during the tough moments. It reminds me that everything begins in the mind. If I can dream it, I have the power to believe in it. And once I truly believe, I’ll always find a way to build it, no matter how impossible it may seem. 

This mantra grounds me, fuels me, and keeps me moving forward even when I’m tired, doubtful, or facing challenges. It’s more than just a quote. It’s the way I choose to live my life.

11. If you were to give advice to young people aiming to follow your professional path, what would it be?

Be brave enough to dream big and bold enough to start small. Don’t wait for permission. Don’t fear failure.

Whether you want to build a company, dive into tech, or inspire others, just begin. Learn relentlessly. Take risks. Strengthen your mindset like you would build a muscle with effort, consistency, and stretch. Most importantly, believe in yourself, even when no one else does. If you stay committed to your vision, the world will eventually catch up.

Conclusion:

Sathya Lakshmi Srinivasan’s story is a powerful reminder that age, gender, or background should never define what’s possible. With a clear vision, strong values, and unstoppable determination, she continues to build, lead, and inspire. Her journey proves that big dreams don’t need permission, just courage, action, and belief. And for every young person out there still figuring it out, her message is clear: start small, stay bold, and never stop believing in your worth.

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