Shreyaa Kapoor

I am the stupidest person alive!


I believed that for a long time. I was in a job where my unique skill sets were not valued.

For those 2 years, I genuinely thought I was an imposter. Somehow got into a top DU college and then a top consulting firm - only to be exposed as the most ludicrous analyst in the history of consulting.

It took me another year to get to this realisation - Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.

We're all unique with our own distinct talents and skills. If we keep comparing our unique being to a yardstick which isn't meant for us - we will spend our whole lives in mediocrity.

Let's embrace the genius within us - the fish that swim brilliantly, the monkeys that climb exceptionally, and the birds that soar high. After all, the world needs all kinds of minds and talents to truly thrive! :)

Would love to know your thoughts on the same in the comments below!
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#consulting #linkedinforcreators #linkedinlearning #freelancingtips

2 years ago, today, I said no to a major Fin-tech company when they asked me to be the face of their Youtube channel.

A little bit of context - I was working as a freelancer with this company for a while and they were on a lookout for a host for their YouTube channel.

I remember saying no - right away. I was so scared of being in front of the camera that no amount of money or other perks could change my mind.

For the next 4 months, I grappled with the idea of whether or not this will be my identity forever. Just a camera shy freelancer - reluctant to change.

And that is when, after much contemplation, I started my own finance page on Instagram. Initially it was just carousel posts and 5 second videos - because that is all I could get myself to do.

And gradually 5 seconds became 10 then 20 and now, it is something I enjoy doing for a living.

This one experience has made me realise that we often get too comfortable with a trait we have - without much effort to change it and often use it as an excuse. Like I am a procrastinator or I am a messy person - often using it as a shield and refusing to change but I feel growth really lies outside of what we know.

I just refused to accept that I am camera shy and here we are 2 years later, as an ex-camera shy person who makes finance reels for a living.

Let me know if you want to read a dedicated post on the process of being comfortable in front of the camera and I would be happy to do so! :)

#linkedinforcreators #linkedincreator #creatoreconomy #fintechstartup #growthtips

Here are 5 personal finance rules that you should follow as your North Star:

1) 20/10/4 rule:
- Make a down payment of at least 20% of the total purchase price of the car.
- Monthly car expenses, including loan payments, insurance, and maintenance, should not exceed 10% of your gross monthly income.
- opt for a car loan term of no longer than four years.

2) 3 day rule:
For non-essential purchases, implement a waiting period of three days. If after three days you still feel strongly about the item, you can reconsider the purchase. This rule helps separate impulse buys from genuine needs or desire!

3) 3-6 Month Rule:
Maintain an emergency fund that covers living expenses for three to six months. This provides a financial safety net in case of unexpected events or job loss.
Eg: With monthly expenses of INR 30K, have emergency fund of at least 90K or more.

4) Focus on big purchases:
Cutting out the occasional Starbucks will not reap any benefit if you do not get the big ticket items such as house, car, education, marriage right. Do not overload your budget when it comes to these!

5) The 80/20 rule:
This rule states that roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. In personal finance, it can mean that approximately 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Apply this principle by focusing on the most impactful actions that will yield the greatest financial benefits.
Eg: 80% of your monthly income could be coming from 1 international client.

What are some of the other personal finance rules you abide by?
Let's discuss in the comments below! :)

#personalfinancetips #personalfinance #financetips #linkedinforcreators #linkedincreator

I left my six figure consulting job, at an MBB firm.

No, I did not have another job offer or an MBA admit in my hand.

Moreover, my workplace offered insane monetary benefits, incredible bonuses, international travel, brilliant co-workers among other things so it is only natural that I get asked - why did you leave?

The answer for me is really black and white.

Majority of the work I did there, did not match my strengths.

I spent countless hours improving on a skill-set, I did not enjoy in the first place.

It is a personal opinion that it's vital to focus on what you are good at and produce a competitive advantage there.

You are much better off making the good aspects of your skill set great rather than making the bad aspects mediocre.

If you feel stuck at your current job here are 2 books I would highly recommend -
Managing oneself by Peter Drucker and Finding your element by Ken Robinson.

These books provided incredible clarity when I left my job and also insights on what I should do next!

What's the name of the book you think everyone should read? Let me know in the comments below! :)

#linkedinforcreators #linkedincreator #consultingcareers #managementconsulting

To pee or not to pee - that is the question.

I am currently back in sub zero degree temperature in a little village north of Manali, HP.

I took my first solo trip back in 2018, also to a little village in Himachal. Serendepity, in some ways.

Travelling solo has been liberating, personally in a lot of ways and the countless people I have met on the way - would agree to the same.

Here are three things I learnt in the process:
- We are more similar to others than we think: While we are all unique in our DNA, the emotions and values that drive us are very similar. We all have internal/ external motivations, fears, aspirations and emotions that make us human. This holds true across India and outside.

- You are stronger than you think: Overcoming an adversity all by yourself on a solo trip can be a major confidence booster - be it trekking in sub zero degrees or having your luggage get lost on the airport, little things teach you that in the face of adversity, you are a lot more capable than you think!

- Alone is not lonely: I get this question a lot - do you get lonely when you travel alone? Absolutely not. Some of the best trips I have taken in my life have been solo. Time alone can prove to be a much needed reset button for many and for many to just exist outside of preconceived notions about them. You learn to enjoy your own company and as cliche as it sounds - that's the most important relationship of all. So spend quality time with yourself.

What lessons have you learnt on your solo trips? Let's talk in the comments below!

#linkedinforcreators #linkedincreator #linkedincontent #travelguide #travelindia

Here are four things consulting firms will not tell you about CV selection!

I have worked at a consulting firm and have friends in all - McKinsey, BCG and Bain.

Here are four things I have learnt from their experience and my own about how to build the right CV for consulting:
- Academics matter: They might tell you otherwise but a certain level of grades are necessary when you are applying to the Big 3. This is one of the few quantitative metrics on your CV so it is taken very seriously.

- Internships matter: Consulting firms are not looking for 5 mediocre internships, they are looking for 1-2 great ones. You are much better off doing quality internships rather than picking 6-7 random ones. If you do an internship at a big 3, big 4, Fortune 500 brands - that is preferred. If you are doing an internship with a startup make sure your job description proves that you made a significant impact there. Bottom line - Pick quality and Brand name.

- Extra-curricular matter: Pick anything you are passionate about apart from academics but excel at it. I did not have a fancy society in my CV but I had a startup of my own which I scaled. Anything apart from academics that makes you stand out from the crowd is vital!

- Hobbies matter: Yes! The biggest mistake I have seen people make is write “Excel“ and “Powerpoint“ in hobbies! That is not a hobby. That is a skill. Your hobby needs to be unique to you. Don't write the generic - reading books, listening to songs either. Write something that defines you. I remember, a friend of mine got interviewed for Bain, Toronto and was only asked case studies around golf and aviation because they related to his hobbies. Don't fake who you are but dig deep and write 2-3 things that make you stand out from the crowd.

Please note, these only help you in the CV selection process. Anything after that will depend purely on you handling interview stress!

Do you want a part two to this? Let me know in the comments below!

PS: This picture was taken right outside my office in Cyberhub, Gurgaon!

#linkedinforcreators #linkedincreator #consulting #managementconsulting

Transforming your side hustle into your full-time gig—this is the game-changer many of us are chasing.

Well, let me share a good news - it is very much achievable, I am a living proof!

Here's a three-step plan to fuel your side gig's transition into a full-time pursuit: 1) Financial Strategy: Map out your fiscal blueprint meticulously. Stack away savings and create a solid budget for the upcoming switch. Dedicate at least six months to creating a financial buffer. This cushion is the lynchpin in your transition's success.

2) Time Allocation: Make every second count. Pour more hours into your side venture without compromising your day job. It could mean stealing minutes from your leisure hours, but view it as an investment towards your brighter future, not a sacrifice.

3) Skill Enhancement: Seek continual improvement. Identify, pursue opportunities that allow you to refine your skills, elevate your proficiency. Bolstering your side gig’s value proposition can fast-track its transformation into your full-time role.

Shifting gears from side hustle to primary occupation may seem intimidating. It's not a cakewalk by any means, but judicious planning and relentless skill enrichment can bring your dreams to fruition.

What are your thoughts on the same? Let me know in the comments below!
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#personalfinance #freelancing #sidehustle #freelancingtips

Freelancing doesn't come with yearly hikes and bonuses so how do you increase your rates as a freelancer?

1. Specialise: In the freelancing world, generalists are a dime a dozen, but specialists are worth their weight in gold. To increase your freelance rate, it's crucial to choose a specific niche you're interested in and possess skills in. The more specific your niche, the higher the demand for your specialised services, and the higher the price you can command.

2. Demonstrate Value: Your value as a freelancer is defined by the results you provide, not the hours you put in. Therefore, it's important to not just tell but show potential clients the tangible results you've achieved in the past through case studies, testimonials, and a comprehensive portfolio.

3. Negotiate: Negotiation is often underrated, but it’s a powerful tool to increase your freelancing rates. It's important to know your market value and be confident in your skills and abilities. Often times, clients are willing to pay more than their initial offer, but it's up to you to ask for it. Make sure to be assertive and clearly communicate your expectations.

4. Value-Based Pricing: An alternative to the traditional hourly rate is value-based pricing. For instance, if you create a logo for a company and that company believes your logo will increase their brand visibility and sales, they may be willing to pay a higher rate for that perceived value. This approach can often lead to higher rates and more satisfied clients because they're paying for results, not time.

Remember, increasing your freelance rate is not an overnight process. It takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work. But by implementing these strategies, you can definitely make it happen.

What are your thoughts on the same?
Let me know in the comments below!
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#freelancingtips #freelancinglife #negotiationskills #linkedincreators #linkedinlearning