Redefining Success: From Failure to Visionary Leadership | Sarthak Mittal | TEDxMRU
Sarthak Mittal shares his rollercoaster journey of self-discovery, failures, and entrepreneurial success. He begins with his early struggles in academics, scoring 81.25 percentile, which led to pressure from his parents to focus on studies. However, his passion was in graphic design and entrepreneurship, but he faced constant resistance from his family.
During 11th grade, a turning point came when he saw his mother making beautiful crafts, which sparked an idea to sell them online. Initially, he failed in the e-commerce market but pivoted to selling raw materials instead, which turned out to be a success. He experimented with buying clay for ₹5 and, using his graphic design skills and YouTube knowledge, sold it for ₹200, eventually making ₹2 lakh in profits.
Despite this success, academic failure struck—he failed his math exam, his grandfather’s favorite subject. While his family supported him, he felt lost. Then came the COVID-19 era, which added more struggles, and after completing 12th grade, he was left wondering what next? Without many options, he opted for B.Tech, as MBA seemed like a distant dream.
The first six months of college were great—he enjoyed coding and hackathons, but a visit to Mumbai changed his perspective. Seeing tall skyscrapers, he wondered about the wealthy business owners behind them. He realized that just coding wouldn’t get him there—he needed business acumen and vision.
Sarthak then launched multiple startups, hiring eight co-founders, but they all failed terribly. He learned the hard way that self-development and networking were crucial. Determined to improve, he worked six months unpaid to gain experience, after which companies started approaching him for mentorship. Soon, prestigious colleges like IITs and IIMs invited him to mentor students about business, even though he was still an undergraduate.
However, success came with criticism. After launching a failed business, he earned the reputation of a "bad CEO", despite his consulting company making clients huge profits. He even published a book in his college library, yet he felt unfulfilled. Reflecting on his Mumbai experience again, he asked himself:
"Is the owner of those skyscrapers truly creating value for society?"
This realization redefined his meaning of success—success is not just about personal achievements but about creating more successful people and adding value to society. He observed how the education industry operates as a business, where students are the product, parents are the investors, and the profits go to the industry. With this insight, he created Mittal Alliance, an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Sarthak ends with four key lessons for aspiring leaders:
1. Be a Visionary – Great people have a big vision.
2. Self-Introspection – Don't overthink; take action and strive to be the best in the world.
3. Networking Skills – Connect with the right people in your industry.
4. Believe in Yourself – Society will criticize you, but stay determined and make it happen.
His journey proves that failures are stepping stones to success, and true leadership is about empowering others and making a meaningful impact.Sarthak Mittal began his journey as a changemaker in class 11, overcoming social resistance to emerge as a youth leader. Now, as Chairman & CEO of Mittal Alliance India, he connects with 1.5M+ students on LinkedIn, providing insights into jobs, internships, and skills.With 4+ years as a social entrepreneur, he has impacted 50,000+ students through internships, job placements, and guidance. Leading 150+ seminars, he bridges academia and industry, sharing expertise through 50+ blogs, podcasts, and speeches.His initiatives, like the Mittal Innovators Network, connect students with mentors and real-world experiences. Aiming to empower 10 crore students in five years, Sarthak is a driving force in youth empowerment, inspiring students to dream big and lead boldly. 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
More from TED
- 21:15The Prophecy: How to Save the Hood | Isaiah "Prophet" Raines | TEDxRISDShoutout to Raheem who took a few of the photos, my boy Dante, my man Nelson, Jayvon, Brandon, Johnathan, Khalil, Stephen, Boston Maki, and KZ, the local figures doin’ it bigger, keeping the culture alive and representin’ so I can represent.Shoutout OUTS, Circle T, TF, DBM, DNA, YME, TFD, TLC, SCV, KRD, doin’ damage to the enemy. Rest in peace GYER, TOMB, PYRO, ATSET, and MORG.Shoutout Fall River, Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket, Attleboro, Brockton, New Bedford, Taunton, and all the nomads in between.Shoutout to the local heads fightin’ to keep their beds, to everybody tightroping the poverty line balancing between stability and starvation, and to the saints who get painted as the devil by the devil.Shoutout everybody in the Southside, everybody in the Eastside, and everybody above 195 who ain't in the Highlands all comfortable.And if you ain’t understand what i'm saying, I ain't talkin’ to you, mind ya business.Southside Pride till the day I die,Crimson Ebony till the death of me.I love y’all, Stay up. Isaiah “Prophet” Raines is an interdisciplinary artist from Fall River, Massachusetts. Due to his ability to recognize the early stages of artwashing in his city he’s been able to study and track its progress for years, collecting evidence and doing all he can to help preserve the identity. In 2023, he and his family were displaced from their apartment in the Southside of Fall River as a result of gentrification, causing Prophet to lose connection with one of the most cherished aspects of his life.He intends to speak on his experiences and provide strategies for pushback, warning about a process he’s seen replicated in almost every city he’s stepped foot in since. He also intends to spark hope in the people he loves, people who typically have to invisibly withstand what he personally understands to be a uniquely evil manifestation of greed and inhumanity. 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
- 11:03Why you should stop buying new and mod what you have | Gresh Chapman | TEDxRISDGresh's talk challenges the way we see maintenance, proving that fostering, not just fixing, can lead to lasting innovation—whether it’s a car, a toaster, or even a bonsai tree.” Gresh, a designer and self-proclaimed “pretengineer,” explores how simple, DIY modifications can make old vehicles more sustainable. In this TED Talk, he shares how he transformed a a 1994 Toyota Hiace —boosting its fuel efficiency and running it on biofuel —all in a weekend. Drawing from his experience building race cars with Brown University engineers, Gresh applies aerodynamics and ecology to rethink transportation. 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
- 15:5117th-Century Caffeine Addicts Teach Us About the Future of Work | Chris MacNeil | TEDxRoyal HollowayUsing 17th-century caffeine addicts as a case study, the speaker explains how change brings opportunity, and an entrepreneur will look at that opportunity and find a way to create a business venture out of it. Chris MacNeil is a London-based historian, entrepreneur, and expert walking tour guide, blending a deep understanding of the past with a keen eye for the future. Over the last 30 years, Chris has launched and led businesses in e-commerce, technology, and tourism, always focused on value creation and reinvention. As a Freeman of the City of London and a certified City guide, he brings history to life—today, he’s here to explore what caffeine-fuelled innovators of 1600s London can teach us about the future of work. Talking about What 17th-Century Caffeine Addicts Can Teach Us About the Future of Work. 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
- 17:56Who You Are Matters at Work, Not Just What You Know | Marie Hemingway | TEDxRoyal HollowayThe speaker talked about how diverse backgrounds and perspectives are important for solving complex challenges innovatively. Why who you are (as well as what you know) matters in the job market. Marie is the founder and CTO of the multi award winning Not-For-Profit Speak Out Revolution, a #TechForGood organisation working to eradicate workplace inequality.Alongside her entrepreneurial pursuits, Marie works as a Principal Consultant at AtkinsRealis, a global engineering consultancy. Marie supports the UK Defence Enterprise designing and delivering programmes to mature organisational approaches to Asset Management with expertise in digital transformation, strategic investment decision making and people centric change. 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
- 9:23Reflective Resilience: Black Belt Tips for Combating Chaos | Nguyen Griggs | TEDxThird WardDr. Nguyen “Tom” Griggs almost had a physical confrontation with a stranger while running a routine errand. Tom found an assertive and respectful approach to de-escalate, while not using the physical aspects of his martial arts skills. In his talk, he shares insights on how reflection, inquiry and empathy can help us positively address adversity and challenge. Mixing humor and insightful stories, Tom combines academic and personal elements to create an engaging and memorable talk on personal resilience. Dr. Nguyen “Tom” Griggs is a high content trainer and speaker with a rich, motivational style. Tom works with organizations to create black belt teams that overcome stress and cultivate cultures of success. His background in martial arts, adult learning and education have shaped his unique style of facilitation. Tom's uses movement, role-play, game theory and participant led activities to create engaging, impactful & applicable takeaways. Dr. Griggs lives by his belief that learning won't always be easy, but it can still be enjoyable. He owns Lead Connect Grow LLC and is a senior instructor at TnT Jujitsu in Houston, TX. You can learn more and connect with Tom at www.ntgriggs.com where he will challenge you to Find Your Inner Black Belt™ 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
- 12:17Navigating Two Identities | Farzana Mursal Alizada | TEDxZurich WomenAs a teenager, Farzana Mursal Alizada navigated two identities. This experience gave her a unique understanding of the freedoms and privileges that come with being a boy, while also deeply feeling the limitations placed on girls. This journey shaped her perspective on gender, freedom, and self-worth. It wasn’t easy—facing challenges —but she discovered that the power to lead her life was always within her. By trusting herself and making decisions, she reclaimed her true identity and found strength in her own choices. Farzana Mursal Alizada is an expert in human rights, gender equality, and community development, with years of experience working across diverse sectors. Her work primarily focuses on supporting marginalized groups, particularly women and refugees, by advocating for their inclusion and empowerment. She has been involved in research and advisory roles, addressing the needs of individuals affected by conflict and disability, and facilitating their integration into society. Throughout her career, she has contributed to projects that bridge cultural and linguistic divides, helping migrants navigate complex systems and access essential resources. She is deeply committed to fostering sustainable development, advocating for gender equality, and promoting the rights of vulnerable populations. Her experience spans international organizations and governmental sectors, where she has played a crucial role in advancing social justice and community engagement. Mursal has been a dedicated advocate for these causes since 2013, working to create more inclusive and equitable environments. 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
