Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Raj Shamani’s full-circle moment: From dreaming of studying abroad to speaking at London’s top universities

From an unfulfilled dream to a global stage, Raj Shamani’s story is a masterclass in personal branding and resilience.

Raj Shamani

Raj Shamani takes the global stage, inspiring students at London’s top universities

Instagram/rajshamani

Dreams of studying abroad often remain just that—dreams. For many, financial constraints become an unbreakable barrier. But for Raj Shamani, that roadblock became a launchpad. What started as an unfulfilled ambition transformed into relentless self-improvement, ultimately bringing him to the world’s top institutions—not as a student, but as an invited speaker.

Indian entrepreneur and content creator Raj Shamani has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian podcaster to be invited to speak at prestigious institutions such as the London School of Economics (LSE), London Business School (LBS), King's College London, and the University of Warwick. The creator of India’s leading podcast, Figuring Out, Shamani addressed students on topics including personal branding, entrepreneurship, and content creation.




Speaking about the achievement, Shamani reflected on his journey: “I once dreamt of studying abroad, but financial constraints and my father’s reluctance to take a loan kept me from it. For months, I resented it, but in hindsight, it was the best thing that happened to me. That incomplete dream fuelled my obsession with self-improvement, ultimately leading me to these very institutions—not as a student, but as a speaker.”


Raj Shamani sharing insights on personal branding and entrepreneurship with aspiring studentsInstagram/rajshamani


During his sessions, Shamani shared untold stories of his career, shedding light on how personal branding can shape one’s influence and opportunities. His insights connected deeply with students, reinforcing his philosophy of leveraging content and storytelling to build global credibility.


From dreaming of studying abroad to speaking at the world’s top universities—Raj Shamani’s journey comes full circleInstagram/rajshamani


Over the past few years, Shamani has emerged as a prominent voice in India’s digital space, with Figuring Out amassing millions of listeners. His ability to decode complex business concepts and personal development strategies has made him a sought-after speaker. His talks in London in fact mark a new chapter in his career, proving the growing recognition of Indian entrepreneurs on global platforms.


Students engage with Raj Shamani at the University as he shares his journey of resilience and self-made successInstagram/rajshamani


Shamani’s sessions received overwhelming responses from students, many of whom shared snippets on social media. In a post summarising his experience, he wrote, “To be on the same stages I once dreamt of studying at—it’s surreal.”

With this milestone, Shamani isn’t just amplifying his own success story, he’s redefining what’s possible for Indian voices in the global arena. His journey is a proof that borders may limit opportunities, but passion and perseverance can in fact break through them.

More For You

Chetan Bhagat

Chetan Bhagat says some Bollywood actors cannot enjoy a meal unless photographers spot them

Getty Images

Author Chetan Bhagat says the obsession with fame is harming Bollywood actors' mental health

Highlights:

  • Bhagat says some stars can’t enjoy meals if not photographed.
  • Author calls Bollywood a “drug house of fame.”
  • He left movies to focus on writing and moved to Dubai.
  • Sees industry as insecure, with friendships mostly transactional.
  • Believes creating stories gives him more satisfaction than films.

Chetan Bhagat says fame in Bollywood can take a serious toll on mental health. The bestselling author, whose novels like 3 Idiots and Kai Po Che! became major films, explained that many actors and directors struggle when their work doesn’t succeed. “There are actors who, when going to a restaurant, if they aren’t recognised, don’t enjoy the meal. They wonder, ‘No one came to click photos?’ Can you imagine what a sick life that is?” he said.

Bhagat added that the pressure of attention and constant public scrutiny can worsen insecurity. He recalled seeing stars fade over time, their mental health affected by the highs and lows of fame.

Keep ReadingShow less