The New Zen Education and Entrepreneurship | Sharda Deepakraj Lala | TEDxVCOE
In this inspiring TEDx talk, Sharda shares her unique perspective on integrating Zen philosophy with modern entrepreneurship and wealth management. Drawing from her own journey, she explains how Zen principles—such as mindfulness, simplicity, and Shoshin (a beginner’s mind)—can lead to more conscious, value-aligned financial decisions.While finance often focuses on numbers, returns, and ambition, Zen introduces clarity, presence, and purpose. Sharda emphasizes that true financial well-being isn’t about accumulating wealth—it’s about achieving balance between growth and stability, aligning your investments with personal values, and simplifying complexity to make finance accessible and empowering.She poses a powerful question to her clients:
“What does wealth truly mean to you?"
The answers—freedom, security, legacy—go far beyond money.Her mission is to humanize wealth management, transforming it into a mindful practice where financial strategies reflect who you are and what you stand for. Sharda Deepakraj Lala, the founder of Siddhantha Wealth Managers, is a great example of a woman entrepreneur who integrates Zen principles into her approach to business. Sharda started her wealth management firm with the aim of providing not just financial guidance but also holistic growth. She believes that financial planning is not just about numbers but also about understanding the human emotions tied to money. Through mindful listening and understanding, she offers clarity to her clients, helping them make decisions that align with their life’s values and goals. In her own work, Sharda practices mindfulness, often stepping back to center herself and approach challenges with a calm mind. This has allowed her to build deep, meaningful relationships with clients and a thriving business in a highly competitive field. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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