Living with Purpose
Living with Purpose is a podcast dedicated to exploring the journey of finding meaning and fulfillment in life. Hosted by Dr. Akhtar Badshah, a visionary leader and author, the podcast features insightful conversations with thought leaders, changemakers, and everyday heroes. Each episode delves into the stories, experiences, and philosophies that inspire individuals to live with intention and purpose. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, community impact, or just a deeper understanding of what it means to lead a purposeful life, “Living with Purpose” offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice to guide you on your own path.
Living with Purpose
#Episode 117 - A.B. Chakravarthy, Shruti Goel - Co-CEOs of Upaya Social Ventures
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Today, we have a very special conversation with not one, but two leaders from Upaya Social Ventures.
Joining us are A.B. Chakravarthy, known as Chakra, and Shruti Goel, Co-CEOs of Upaya Social Ventures.
Chakra leads Upaya’s India operations and brings more than 14 years of experience investing in early-stage enterprises across agriculture, energy, health, livelihoods, water and sanitation, technology for development and waste management. His work has helped build scalable businesses, dignified jobs and long-term prosperity in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Shruti is driven by a powerful belief that the world’s biggest challenges, from extreme poverty to climate resilience, need bold, market-based solutions that put dignity, inclusion and long-term impact at the centre. At Upaya, she leads strategic vision, impact strategy and evidence-building, helping prove that jobs can create a triple win for people, planet and profit.
Together, Chakra and Shruti are reimagining how capital can be used not just to fund businesses, but to create pathways out of poverty, build agency, support rural livelihoods and unlock human potential.
So today, we’ll be talking about purpose, impact investing, dignity through work, and what it really takes to build solutions that change lives from the ground up.