Venkat Gudipati

When I Let Go of My Dream for My Son, He Found His Own Wings In my last post, I shared the moment that shook me as a parent—the day my son Pranay finally said the words I never expected: “I’m not meant to be in the Army, Dad. I love art. I just wanted to make you happy.” That honest confession shattered something in me—and built something new. From that point on, we made a decision that changed our lives:To let go of my dream and support his. And let me tell you, for a traditional Indian parents like us, it wasn’t easy. There was fear.There was doubt.There was the silent voice asking, “Are you doing the right thing?”Because Pranay wasn’t choosing medicine, engineering, or CA.He was choosing art, animation, and YouTube. Something completely unfamiliar. Something we never saw anyone do in our family.But we took that first courageous step—and then something amazing happened: Our son gave us confidence by being who he truly was. The Power of Freedom The moment Pranay was free from the weight of carrying my dream, something shifted. He didn’t slack off.He didn’t drift away.He didn’t rebel. Instead, he took charge. He started learning animation, doodling, content creation, digital design.He explored widely—portraits, cartooning, even making short animation clips. For two full years, he learned with full energy and zero resistance. And where did he learn? Not in a classroom.Not from a teacher.But from YouTube. Yes, YouTube became his mentor, his college, his training ground. And my job?To just watch, support, and trust. And then came the moment that left us in awe: Pranay didn’t just pursue his passion…He also topped his Class 10 exams in his school. Yes.The child who once struggled under the pressure of my dreams,the child who once failed to submit his papers in Class 8,emerged as the top scorer in Class 10. Not just in his class.But the highest among all children in our family. The Day I Saw Him Become a Man By the time he completed Class 10, he didn’t just have a dream—he had clarity.He knew he wanted to pursue anime as a career. I saw a young man who was not waiting for someone to tell him what to do. He had direction. He had commitment. He had maturity. More importantly, he had earned our trust. We didn’t need to keep checking if he was serious.He showed us. Every single day. Through his actions, discipline, and effort. A New Definition of Parenting Looking back now, I realise something profound: When you trust your child with freedom, they show you their responsibility.When you remove pressure, they bring their own.When you stop controlling, they start owning. We, as parents, often confuse love with protection, and control with care. But real parenting is this: Listening deeply, even when it’s uncomfortable. Letting go, even when it scares you. Standing behind, not in front of your child. Pranay taught me that.He showed me that children don’t need us to choose for them.They need us to believe in them—especially when they choose something we don’t understand. A Note to Fellow Parents If you’re reading this and your child is trying to tell you something—please listen. That conversation could save more than their future. It could save their spirit. Support doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.It means creating space for exploration, failure, learning, and growth. Children are more capable than we give them credit for.They just need a safe place to discover that for themselves. In supporting my son, I didn’t lose my values.I redefined them. And today, I’m proud—because Pranay is not just doing what he loves.He’s doing it with depth, ownership, and clarity. Isn’t that what we truly want for our children?

When My Son Said: I Just Wanted You to Be Happy A father’s confession. A child’s truth. And a wake-up call for every parent. I thought I was being a good parent. I had a dream — not for me, but for him.That he’d wear the uniform. Serve the nation. Become an Indian Army officer.It was the dream I held onto for years. And I worked hard — not to force it, but to guide him.From Class 2 onwards, I painted this picture of pride, courage, and respect.And my son — my sweet boy — took it all in. Silently. Seriously. Lovingly.But not authentically. THE YEAR EVERYTHING FELL APART In 2021, during his 8th grade, something shifted.He stopped engaging.He didn’t submit his final exam papers.And when results came, his name wasn’t on the list. We were confused. Furious. Embarrassed.How could our bright child fail to even submit his papers? We rushed to the school, only to be told he wasn’t promoted because of the missing work.We pleaded, we pushed, we helped him submit the papers late and requested re-evaluation.But deep down, I knew something was breaking — and not just in him. THE CONVERSATION THAT CHANGED ME FOREVER That evening, we sat down with him — me and Shailu.No blame. No shouting. Just silence and space. And that’s when it happened.Our son said something that felt like a punch to the gut — but was also the truth I needed to hear. “I never wanted to disappoint you, Dad. I just wanted you to be happy. So I kept pretending.” “But I don’t want to join the Army. I don’t feel alive doing that. I love… art.” I froze. All these years, I thought I was showing love through guidance.But he received it as pressure.All those dreams I framed as “for your future”…He was carrying them like weights tied to his wings. THE MISERY OF A MISGUIDED PARENT I felt miserable. Not because he didn’t want what I wanted.But because I didn’t see him. I had become so fixated on the path I thought was noble…That I never stopped to ask:What lights him up? What makes him feel alive?Not once had I asked him what he truly wanted. I was living my dream through him.And I mistook his silence as agreement.But in reality, he was slowly disconnecting — from studies, from himself, from life. THIS IS NOT JUST MY STORY Since then, I’ve been meeting teens and parents — and I’ve realized:My story is their story too.A silent epidemic of misunderstood children and well-meaning but blindfolded parents. We ask: “What do you want to become?”But we answer it for them. We praise obedience. We reward conformity.And then we’re surprised when they feel lost, anxious, depressed — or worse, numb. HERE’S WHAT I’VE LEARNED (THE HARD WAY) 💔 You can love your child deeply and still fail to listen.💔 You can guide with good intentions and still cause harm.💔 You can be proud of your dreams, but you don’t have the right to assign them. And most of all:💔 If your child feels they have to lose themselves to make you proud… we have failed as parents. A SIMPLE SHIFT THAT CAN SAVE A LIFE  Ask. Don’t assume. Listen. Without fixing.  Observe. Not just their grades, but their spirit.  Accept. Even if what they love scares you.  Support. Especially when they walk away from your dream to follow theirs. IF YOU’RE A PARENT READING THIS… Don’t wait for a report card to reveal the struggle.Don’t wait for silence to turn into suffering. Sit with your child.Not to lecture. Not to check homework.Just to be there. To ask:“What’s been hard for you lately?”“Is there something you’re doing just to keep us happy?” And then — stay silent.Let them speak. Let them cry. Let them finally be heard. I almost lost my son — not physically, but emotionally.He was slipping away while I thought I was being the perfect father. Now, I’m learning to be a better one.One conversation, one mistake, one breakthrough at a time.

Building with Hustle, Heart, and Honest Partnerships During a recent visit to Pune, I reconnected with my former colleague, Amit Sindhikumte. Over the past three years, Amit has built a company that now boasts a turnover of ₹45 crore. His journey is a testament to focused execution and unwavering commitment.​ When I asked Amit about the key lessons he would share with fellow entrepreneurs aiming to build successful and sustainable ventures, he highlighted three core principles:​ Be an Active HustlerAmit emphasized the importance of relentless effort and adaptability. He believes that consistent hustle is the backbone of any startup’s growth. Focus on Customer SuccessPrioritizing the success of customers ensures long-term relationships and business sustainability. Amit’s approach involves deeply understanding customer needs and delivering value consistently. Be Proactive in Taking ActionBeyond hustling, Amit stressed the significance of proactivity. He pointed out that many founders are reactive, waiting for problems to arise before addressing them. In contrast, proactive founders anticipate challenges, monitor financial health diligently, and seize opportunities ahead of time. Amit also shared insights into a critical challenge many startups face: co-founder conflicts. He likened choosing a co-founder to selecting a life partner, emphasizing the need for alignment in vision and commitment. In his experience, bringing on friends as co-founders without clear expectations led to challenges. Some operated with an employee mindset, lacking the ownership mentality crucial for a co-founder. Amit’s approach involved setting clear terms from the outset, including performance-based equity vesting and transparent communication. When misalignments became evident, he advocated for respectful conversations to address issues and, if necessary, part ways amicably.​MicroStartups.org Reflecting on Amit’s experiences, it’s evident that building a successful startup requires more than just a great idea. It demands relentless effort, a customer-centric approach, proactive leadership, and, importantly, honest and aligned partnerships.

God’s Delays Are Not God’s Denials “God’s delays are not God’s denials.”I first came across this beautiful line in Tony Robbins’ Awaken the Giant Within.It stayed with me ever since — not just as a comforting thought, but as a living truth that unfolds in both life and entrepreneurship. In our fast-paced world, especially as founders or creators, we often expect instant results.We invest our time, our energy, and our hearts into our ideas, and then naturally, we look for immediate signs of success.When they don’t appear, doubt creeps in.We question ourselves, our capabilities, and sometimes, even the worth of our dreams. I’ve been there. For the last 5 years, I’ve been building a community organisation with the dream of creating meaningful impact.But honestly, I wasn’t giving it the full commitment it deserved.Deep inside, I expected things to fall into place just because the intention was good.But the universe — or as I call it, GOD — has its own wisdom. It didn’t deny me the success I was longing for.It simply delayed it until I was ready. This year, something shifted.I made a conscious decision to go all in.No half measures.No shortcuts.Just pure commitment. And when I did that, something magical started to happen.People who believe in my vision started showing up.Opportunities began to align.The fog of uncertainty slowly cleared.Momentum built. It was as if the universe had been waiting all along, just for me to truly commit — to not just dream, but to act. Here’s the truth:The universe never denies you your dreams.It only delays them until you grow into the person who is ready to receive them. So, to every founder, dreamer, or anyone feeling stuck in life:Don’t let the delay make you believe in denial.Focus on becoming the version of yourself who is ready for the success you seek.Do the work.Take the actions you’ve been postponing.And trust that when you are prepared, life will meet you halfway. Because it always does. Question to ponder:What is that one thing you know you need to fully commit to, but have been holding back? Maybe, just maybe, your breakthrough is waiting for you on the other side of that decision.

Even If You Don’t Speak the Truth, Don’t Lie A few days ago, I had an incredible journey, 600 kilometers of non-stop learning from Mr. Natarajan a 71-year-old wise man. His energy, clarity of thought, and wisdom were truly inspiring. He drove from Hyderabad to Bangalore with only two short meal breaks, demonstrating endurance, focus, and a zest for life that left me in awe. Beyond his impressive stamina, what truly made this journey remarkable was the conversation we had. At one point, I asked him a question: If you had to give one piece of advice to the younger generation to help them live a meaningful life, what would that be? His answer was profound: Even if you don’t speak the truth, don’t lie. Silence is more eloquent than speaking. A Lesson in Integrity At first, his words felt paradoxical. Isn’t truth supposed to be the foundation of integrity? But as we discussed further, I began to grasp the depth of his wisdom. In life, we are often put in situations where revealing the complete truth may not always be the best option—perhaps because it’s not our place to share, or it may cause unnecessary harm. But that doesn’t mean we should resort to falsehoods. Instead, choosing silence can be a powerful way to maintain integrity without deception. Application in Business and Leadership For startup founders, professionals, and leaders, this lesson is invaluable. Business ecosystems are filled with negotiations, strategic discussions, and sensitive decisions. While transparency is crucial, there are moments when speaking less—or simply refraining from giving misleading statements—can be the wisest choice. In leadership: A great leader knows when to speak and when to stay silent. Over-promising or giving misleading optimism can damage credibility. Silence, when necessary, speaks volumes about maturity and self-control. In business negotiations: Silence can be a powerful tool. Sometimes, the best way to handle a tough negotiation is to listen more and speak less, rather than blurting out something just to fill the void. In personal relationships: Whether it’s family, friendships, or partnerships, being mindful of what we say is crucial. Not every truth needs to be spoken, but honesty should never be compromised. The Impact of Thoughtful Silence We live in a world where people are constantly pressured to have an opinion on everything. Social media, workplace discussions, and personal interactions often compel us to speak—even when we don’t have something meaningful to say. But Mr. Natarajan’s wisdom serves as a reminder that choosing silence over unnecessary words is a mark of wisdom, not weakness. Actionable Takeaways Practice mindful communication – Before speaking, ask yourself: Is this necessary? Is this helpful? Is this truthful? If the answer is no, maybe silence is the better choice. Develop strategic patience – Whether in business or personal life, recognize when holding back your words can be more powerful than speaking impulsively. Avoid deception at all costs – If you cannot speak the full truth, do not resort to lies. Find a middle ground where you neither mislead nor betray your integrity. Final Reflection As I reflect on this lesson, I realize that wisdom doesn’t always come from textbooks or boardrooms. Sometimes, it arrives in the form of a 71-year-old man who has lived through decades of experiences and distills it all into a single, unforgettable insight. So, here’s a question to think about: How often do we speak just for the sake of it, when silence might be the better choice?

Will you keep living in the past or make the most of today? Most of the time, we live in the past without even realizing it. We replay old conversations, regrets, and missed opportunities like a movie stuck on repeat. But here’s the truth—the past is already gone, and the only reality that exists is this moment. I recently came across an incredible lesson from Brianna Wiest’s book The Pivot Year, and it struck me deeply: “Will you continue to replay the memories of yesterday, or will you meet the moment and make the most of what is in front of you now?” This question isn’t just about moving on—it’s about waking up. Are You Living in Yesterday? Think about it. How often do we let past failures define what we believe is possible today? How many times do we hold ourselves back because of what went wrong before? A business deal that didn’t work out makes us hesitant to try again. A personal setback convinces us we’re not good enough. A past mistake keeps us from taking bold action. We cling to yesterday, hoping to find answers, but in reality, it’s already written. The only thing we have control over is what we do now. The Shift: Meeting the Moment Living in the present doesn’t mean ignoring the past—it means learning from it and choosing to act now, despite it. It’s about shifting our focus from “What happened?” to “What can I do right now?” Instead of regretting lost time, we can start now. Instead of overanalyzing past failures, we can take a new step forward. Instead of waiting for the “right time,” we can make this the right time. The Only Reality is Now The past can’t be changed. The future isn’t promised. But this moment? It’s real. And what you do with it now will define your tomorrow. So ask yourself: Are you replaying yesterday, or are you creating today? Are you carrying the weight of the past, or are you stepping into the present? What would change if you stopped looking back and fully embraced this moment? Because in the end, the only thing that truly matters is what you do right now.

Raising Children Who Think Beyond Themselves What do you think about taking revenge? This was the question my son asked me today. Without thinking much, I replied, “It’s just a waste of time.” Then I turned the question back to him “What do you think?” His answer surprised me. “I believe the same,” he said. Curious, I asked him why. His response made me feel a deep sense of pride as a parent: “Life is meant to be lived happily without troubling others. If I think of revenge and operate with the mindset of troubling someone, one day it will come back to me. And moreover, when I think of revenge, it’s not me who is driving myself it’s the other person who is controlling me.” At that moment, I realized parenting isn’t just about raising children, it’s about raising responsible human beings. Long ago, I learned an important lesson from Sadhguru about parenting: “If you don’t nurture your child to be at least 1% better than you, then you have done great damage to humankind and the universe.” This thought hit me hard, and ever since, my partner and I have been intentional in helping our boys grow into individuals who respect others unconditionally, think deeply, and live with kindness. Hearing my son’s words today reassured me we are on the right path. Parenting isn’t about controlling our children it’s about guiding them, shaping their perspectives, and creating a world where they can be better humans than us. As parents, what are you doing today to ensure your child is growing into a responsible and kind human being?

The World is a Reflection of Who You Are “The way we experience life is a reflection of who we are inside. Our thoughts, mindset, and emotions shape the reality we see around us.” This belief has been a guiding principle in my journey—both in business and life. I’ve learned that the world is not acting against us; rather, it mirrors what we hold within ourselves. A Personal Story of Reflection There was a time when I felt stuck. No matter how much effort I put in, things didn’t seem to align. I questioned why challenges kept appearing, why opportunities seemed scarce, and why success felt distant. Then, during a conversation with a mentor, I was asked a simple but powerful question: “How are you seeing the world right now?” Without thinking much, I responded, “It feels uncertain, frustrating, and full of obstacles.” To that, my mentor smiled and said, “Maybe that’s because you’re looking at it through a lens of uncertainty and frustration.” That moment changed my perspective. It made me realize that my internal state was shaping my external experiences. The Shift in Perspective I started noticing a pattern: When I felt confident and open, opportunities seemed to flow naturally. When I carried doubt, everything felt difficult. When I focused on what was missing, I saw only limitations. When I focused on gratitude and possibilities, solutions appeared effortlessly. This realization led me to one key insight—if I wanted to change my world, I had to start with myself. Applying This in Business and Leadership Over the years, I’ve seen this principle play out in entrepreneurship as well. Founders who believe opportunities are scarce often struggle to grow because they operate from a place of fear. Leaders who trust their vision and act with confidence build organizations that attract talent, customers, and innovation. Teams that focus on solutions instead of problems create a culture of resilience and success. This applies not just in business but in all areas of life. We don’t experience the world as it is—we experience it as we are. Final Thought: Change Begins Within If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain, take a moment to ask yourself: What is my world reflecting about me right now? Am I focusing on problems or possibilities? Is my mindset shaping my reality in a way that serves me? The world will always be a mirror. If we want to see a different reflection, we must start with the person standing in front of it. Have you ever had a shift in perspective that changed how you saw the world? Share your thoughts at venkat@venkatgudipati.com

Are You Attached or Committed? The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything Yesterday, I had a deep and eye-opening conversation with one of my mentees. She was struggling with two things—craving sugar and being inconsistent with her daily walks. Even though she knew both habits were not good for her health, she couldn’t break the cycle. She expressed frustration over her inability to reduce sugar intake and stay committed to her walks. Instead of jumping into solutions, I encouraged her to first acknowledge her struggle. I told her, “Go easy on yourself. Don’t fight the craving or the inconsistency. Instead, observe it.” Then, I asked her a simple but powerful question: “Are you attached to being healthy, or are you committed to being healthy?” This question changed the entire direction of our conversation. Attachment vs. Commitment: Understanding the Difference Many of us say we want something—whether it’s better health, a successful business, or personal growth. But are we truly committed, or are we just attached to the idea of it? 1. Attachment: Wanting Without Action Attachment means you like the idea of something but remain controlled by emotions, habits, and external circumstances. You may say, “I want to be healthy,” but when cravings hit, or motivation fades, you struggle to take action. You feel guilty when you don’t meet your expectations, leading to self-blame or frustration 2. Commitment: Taking Ownership Commitment means you make a conscious decision to follow through, regardless of obstacles. Even when cravings come, or you don’t feel like walking, you still take action because you’ve made a promise to yourself. Commitment is about doing what is necessary, not just what is convenient. When my mentee reflected on this, she realized that she had been attached to the idea of being healthy but had never truly committed to it. The Turning Point: Moving from Attachment to Commitment After gaining this clarity, she made a shift. Instead of saying, “I want to be healthy,” she started saying, “I am committed to my health.” With this new mindset, she: Accepted her sugar cravings without guilt but started reducing them intentionally. Stopped waiting for motivation and became consistent with her walks. Understood that commitment is a practice, not a feeling. This small but powerful shift changed her approach from struggle to empowerment. A Lesson for All of Us This conversation reminded me that we all face this dilemma in different areas of life—whether it’s fitness, business, relationships, or personal growth. We often say we want success, health, or happiness, but unless we commit to the daily actions required, we remain stuck. How to Move from Attachment to Commitment Acknowledge where you are – Accept your struggles without judgment. Make a clear decision – Decide to commit, regardless of challenges. Take small, consistent actions – Progress is built on daily habits, not just motivation. Detach from perfect results – Focus on showing up, not being perfect. Final Thought Attachment keeps us in wishful thinking. Commitment pushes us into action. So, ask yourself today: Am I attached to my goals, or am I truly committed? That answer might just change everything for you. What is one area of your life where you need to shift from attachment to commitment? Share your thoughts in the comments! 

The Resilience of a Founder: Rising from the Ashes to Build Again The Resilience of a Founder: Rising from the Ashes to Build Again Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as a thrilling journey of success, but those who have truly walked the path know that it is riddled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of despair. I have had the privilege of working closely with Rahul, the founder of Careerpedia, for the last five months. When I first started, everything seemed shattered for him—his business was struggling, his confidence was shaken, and the weight of failure loomed over him. Yet, in these moments of despair, true entrepreneurs reveal their character. The Power of Commitment and Feedback Rahul could have given up. Many would have. But instead, he chose to face the situation head-on. His ability to take feedback, reflect, and apply his learnings was the mark of someone truly committed to growth. He understood that failure was not the end—it was simply a phase of learning. His resilience was tested at every step—paused operations, investor rejections, and the daunting task of rebuilding. We had heated debates, disagreements over business models, and countless brainstorming sessions. Some ideas failed. Some ideas evolved. But what never changed was Rahul’s unwavering commitment to his vision. The Pause That Led to a Breakthrough One of the biggest misconceptions in business is that stopping means failing. But sometimes, the best way forward is to take a step back. The pause in operations wasn’t a failure—it was an opportunity to reflect, strategize, and refine. And with this pause came clarity. Rahul started thinking differently—more strategically, more fearlessly. He wasn’t just chasing survival; he was now building something truly meaningful. From Surviving to Thriving This transformation in thought process was stunning. Rahul went from a place of uncertainty to one of conviction. He redefined his approach, strengthened his vision, and started making bold, calculated moves. Watching this journey unfold has made me more confident than ever that he will achieve what he aspires to—because he has already conquered the most important battle: the battle within. To every founder out there struggling with setbacks, remember this: Your journey is not over unless you decide it is. Pause if you need to. Reflect. Evolve. But never stop believing. Because when you have the commitment and courage to rebuild, success is inevitable.