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
More from TED
- 13:04Immigration is beautiful — here’s why | Rodrigo Salgado Vallarino | TEDxCUIf you had to guess, how many of us are immigrants? Immigration has been a fundamental and key aspect of humanity since the beginning of history. Despite a negative and false narrative on immigration, this talk will answer this and many other questions to shed light on the beauty and impact of immigration. Rodrigo Salgado Vallarino is a first-generation college student pursuing a major in international affairs and economics. Rodrigo moved to the United States at the age of thirteen and has experienced firsthand the challenges and beauty of immigration. As an immigrant living in the United States, Rodrigo has had the opportunity to experience and explore the unique aspects that make immigration beautiful and impactful for immigrants in foreign countries and those countries themselves. He has been working since the age of thirteen in a number of industries, supporting his family, and has learned and adapted successfully to a foreign culture. Proficient in three languages, with plenty of experience in a number of fields, and big dreams in his mind, Rodrigo is pursuing a career on the international stage, working to promote development, immigration, and diversity across the globe. 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
- 15:41What goes around: Practicing student well-being with an Indigenous lens | Gavin Bell | TEDxNCStateIn this Ted Talk, Gavin Bell desires to bring a unique and visual lens by harnessing the Indigenous healing framework of the Medicine Wheel to provide a new perspective on wellbeing and practical daily applications for all ages Gavin Bell is a scholar practitioner from Durham, North Carolina. As a member of the Lumbee Tribe, the largest tribe east of the Mississippi river, Gavin holds strong ties to his native community. Upon his graduation from UNC Chapel Hill in 2017, Gavin’s professional journey has revolved around education at both the K-12 and university levels. Gavin has held a variety of different professional capacities in areas such as advising, university housing, campus programming, and many more. His current role is at NC State University, as an Assistant Director in Multicultural Student Affairs, where he is also pursuing his Ph.D. Through his engagement with a diverse array of campus populations, Gavin recognizes the importance of holistic well-being on student and staff populations alike. 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
- 8:45Secret to Financial Freedom: Consistency Over Income | Vibhor Jain | TEDxVCOEWhat if the key to financial freedom isn’t how much you earn—but how consistently you save and invest? In this inspiring TEDx talk, Vibhor Jain, a seasoned financial mentor, shares a life-changing perspective: regular saving and disciplined investing—no matter the income level—can lead to lasting financial security and freedom. Whether you're a salaried professional, a small business owner, or even a homemaker this talk offers simple, actionable steps to build your financial future—starting with small monthly investments. With relatable examples and deep insights into the psychology of money, Vibhor Jain shows how consistency beats complexity in personal finance. Discover how even modest amounts, when saved and invested every month consistently, can grow into a powerful wealth corpus over time. Start small. Stay consistent. Achieve big. Perfect for anyone looking to: • Create long-term wealth • Build a retirement corpus • Get control over their finances • Develop strong money habits • Reach financial freedom—regardless of income Vibhor Jain, a Mechanical Engineer and alumnus of DPS Mathura Road and DCE, Delhi, is a seasoned investor with 30+ years of experience across asset classes. He leads Wealth Tree, a thriving community of 500+ investors, sharing expert insights on financial investing. Passionate about wealth creation, he empowers individuals with strategic guidance. 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
- 10:10The New Zen Education and Entrepreneurship | Sharda Deepakraj Lala | TEDxVCOEIn 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
- 8:56The Trillion Dollar Blindspot | Carys Highum | TEDxVail YouthAt just sixteen years old, Carys Highum fearlessly confronts the pervasive gender discrimination she's experienced at Model UN and leadership roles, revealing how these barriers affect not just personal ambitions but represent a trillion-dollar economic blindspot. Drawing from her compelling personal journey as a high school sophomore and passionate advocate, she illuminates how societal expectations continue to limit young women's potential at critical developmental stages. Carys offers a powerful youth perspective on how addressing gender equity isn't just about social justice—it's an economic imperative that could unlock unprecedented global prosperity by empowering the next generation of female leaders. Carys is a sophomore at Battle Mountain High School, passionate about business, Model UN, Speech and Debate, and leadership. Within these activities, She has, since she was 13 years old, experienced misogyny and discrimination purely based on my gender, and that made me realize how drastic the societal expectations of women have become especially when it affects such young girls. 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
- 18:03¿Estás preparado? | Manolo Cámara | TEDxPlazaWeylerSi curre una catástrofe natural, ¿estarías preparado para enfrentarte a ella? Manolo Cámara te enseña todo lo que tienes que llevar en tu mochila como kit de emergencia Después de haber sobrevivido a quemarse vivo en una misión por la explosión de un cóctel molotov, dirige cursos de preparación ante desastres e imparte cursos de extensión universitaria sobre supervivencia y preparacionismo.Como voluntario de la DANA, explicará lo que necesitamos llevar en nuestra mochila para sobrevivir a desastres naturales. 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
