In this talk, entrepreneur Gautam Munjal shares his journey of breaking away from expectations to find his true calling. From leaving law school to hitchhiking across Europe and transforming an abandoned building into a thriving hotel brand, his story celebrates courage, clarity, and perseverance. Gautam reflects on how failure, pain, and walking alone can shape resilience and purpose, reminding us that success begins when we stop chasing approval and start chasing authenticity. Gautam is a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur and the founder of Minimalist, India’s leading design-led hospitality brand, inspired by a backpacking trip across Europe in 2016. With prior experience at OYO and a diverse background across hospitality, tourism, real estate, F&B, and retail sectors, he launched Minimalist in 2017 with the aim to redefine urban Indian hospitality through vibrant, community-driven hotel experiences tailored to millennials and Gen Z.Minimalist currently operates six hotels across India, with six more in the pipeline. Gautam emphasizes a value-driven, multi-dimensional approach offering spaces that cater not only to leisure and business travelers but also to staycationers, event hosts, and creative communities—anchored in immersive design and evolving market needs. In 2023-24, the company reported a revenue of ₹7.4 crore, up 7% year-on-year. It made a net profit of ₹2.2 crore 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
- 15:56The Science of Burnout — And How Your Brain Rebuilds You! | Agastya Sharma | TEDxYouth@JGISWhat really happens to your brain when you’re burnt out? In this insightful TEDx talk, Agastya Bhuvnesh Sharma dives deep into the neuroscience of burnout — explaining how chronic stress rewires our brain, silences motivation, and weakens emotional control.But there’s hope. Through fascinating research and relatable insights, Agastya reveals how the same brain that breaks down under pressure is also wired to rebuild itself — through rest, reflection, and resilience.From the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex to the dopamine system, this talk explores how understanding our mind’s biology can help us move from breakdown to breakthrough. Agastya Sharma, a 16-year-old IBDP student at JG International School, is passionate about science, education, and social impact. With a strong academic focus on Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, he aspires to become a neurosurgeon, inspired by his curiosity about the human brain and its healing potential. Agastya has led community outreach initiatives with organizations such as Hamari Pahchan and India Recycles, championing education and social equity. A seasoned public speaker and MUN awardee, he is fluent in five languages and is currently authoring a research paper on BDNF-mediated neurogenesis. Balancing academics with badminton and guitar, Agastya envisions opening a hospital that provides affordable healthcare for underserved communities. 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
- 15:24Making Happiness a Choice - A Journey from Challenges to Joy | Ms. Shalini Jaiswal | TEDxYouth@JGISWhat if happiness wasn’t something to chase — but something you could choose every day?In this heartfelt TEDx talk, the speaker shares a deeply personal journey of turning life’s challenges into opportunities for joy and strength. Drawing from her experience as a mother of twin sons diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, she reveals how compassion, honesty, gratitude, and mindfulness can transform pain into purpose.This talk reminds us that happiness isn’t about perfect circumstances — it’s about perspective, gratitude, and courage to respond to life with positivity. Shalini Jaiswal is an accomplished education leader with over 10 years of teaching and 19 years in school administration. Currently Principal of Seth M. R. Jaipuria School, Lucknow, she has previously led St. John’s Universal School, Mumbai, to national and international recognition, winning the British Council International School Award and a top Times of India ranking. Recipient of accolades including Progressive Principal of India and the Gloria de Souza Excellence Award, she is also a TEDx community member who has hosted TEDxYouth events. A dynamic leader, she continues to shape institutions that empower students with values, innovation, and global outlook. Her vision is to nurture future-ready learners who combine academic excellence with strong character and creativity. 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
