Wisdom in the Skies: A Conversation with Sudha Murthy on Life, Simplicity, and Purpose

There’s nothing quite like the joy of a conversation with someone who possesses a lifetime of wisdom. Recently, the universe gifted me such an experience when I found myself seated next to Mrs. Sudha Murthy on a flight. Our conversation was one of those rare moments that left me deeply inspired and reflective about life, purpose, and the progress we’ve made.

Simple Words, Profound Impact

As we began to chat, Mrs. Murthy shared an insight that has stayed with me: “Try and live simply. Don’t stress about life, let it unfold organically—you can’t control it, so why stress?” In a world that often feels like it's racing ahead, this was exactly what I needed to hear. Curious, I asked her why she continues to push for new ventures and challenges, even after all she has achieved.

Her response was so full of life and purpose: “I just want to keep trying what makes me happy, and makes a difference.” She’s nearly 75 years old, yet she speaks with the enthusiasm of someone just beginning their journey. Her words were a powerful reminder to keep following what brings you joy and to never stop pursuing meaningful change.

Reflections on Progress and Female Leadership

Our conversation naturally shifted toward the topic of gender equality, something I’ve always been passionate about in my role at She Capital, a female VC fund I founded to help more women entrepreneurs succeed. Mrs. Murthy's perspective, having been one of the few women studying engineering in her day, was both eye-opening and inspiring. She told me how there weren’t even restrooms for women in her college—an indication of how far we’ve come, but also of the challenges that still lie ahead for female founders and leaders.

At She Capital, our mission is to foster an environment where female founders have the resources and opportunities to excel. Listening to Mrs. Murthy’s stories of perseverance reminded me why we’re so committed to building a world where women entrepreneurs can thrive on their own terms.

Quiet Strength, Lasting Impact

What struck me most about Mrs. Murthy was her humility. She has accomplished so much—whether it's through her philanthropic work, her leadership in education, or her literary contributions. And yet, she walks so lightly on this earth, leaving behind deep impressions on everyone she meets. She shared with me her work rehabilitating sex workers, which she wrote about in her book 3000 Stitches—it’s now on my weekend reading list, and I can’t wait to dive in.

A Connection to She Capital

Before we wrapped up our conversation, Mrs. Murthy casually mentioned that she knew about She Capital. Hearing her acknowledgment of the work we’re doing was truly special. It was a moment of validation for me, personally, and a reminder of why we do what we do—to help female founders reach their potential in a world that is, at times, still catching up.

Takeaways from a Memorable Encounter

Meeting Mrs. Sudha Murthy wasn’t just a coincidence—it was a timely reminder of the value of living with purpose, staying true to your path, and finding joy in the journey. Her advice to let life unfold organically resonated with me as I think about the often fast-paced, high-pressure world of venture capital. As female founders, we face unique challenges, but the key is to stay focused on what brings us fulfillment and to keep pushing forward.

At She Capital, we’re working hard to create that space for female founders. The lessons from my conversation with Mrs. Murthy—her drive, her humility, and her dedication to creating change—are exactly what we need to keep in mind as we move forward.

This flight may have been just a few hours long, but the impact of this conversation will stay with me for much longer. Mrs. Murthy’s wisdom, her life story, and her continued efforts to make a difference have left a deep impression on me. It’s an encounter I will cherish forever.