Sneh Sharma, Founder & CEO of ittisa and Co-Founder of Dogsee, recently shared a poignant reflection on her experience at a retreat in Shimla. In her post, she emphasized the importance of community, vulnerability, and mutual support among 60+ D2C founders who gathered not to exchange business cards but to share dreams and experiences. Sneh Sharma’s words offer a refreshing perspective on leadership and entrepreneurship, highlighting the value of heartfelt connections over competitive endeavors.
Sneh Sharma’s journey is a testament to her belief in the power of community and collaboration. As a leader, she has always prioritized creating spaces where people can be their authentic selves, free from the pressures of traditional corporate environments. This retreat in Shimla was a manifestation of that ethos, a space where founders from different backgrounds came together to celebrate each other’s successes and struggles.
The retreat, as described by Sneh Sharma, was devoid of pitch presentations and panel discussions. Instead, it was filled with heartfelt conversations and genuine interactions. This approach is reflective of Sneh Sharma’s leadership style, which focuses on fostering deep connections and understanding among peers. By eliminating the typical competitive elements of business gatherings, she created an environment where everyone felt safe to be vulnerable and share their true selves.
Sneh Sharma’s emphasis on vulnerability as a strength is particularly noteworthy. In a world where business leaders are often expected to project unwavering confidence and strength, Sneh Sharma’s openness about the importance of being vulnerable is refreshing. It underscores her belief that true leadership is not about always having the answers but about being open to learning and growing with others.
This retreat was also a celebration of diverse journeys and goals. Sneh Sharma highlighted how, despite coming from different walks of life, the founders shared a common sense of belonging and purpose. This unity in diversity is a core principle of Sneh Sharma’s vision for leadership. She believes that different perspectives and experiences enrich the collective wisdom of any group, leading to more innovative and inclusive solutions.
The bonds formed during this retreat, as Sneh Sharma noted, are likely to strengthen over time. This long-term view of relationships is another hallmark of her leadership philosophy. For Sneh Sharma, success is not just about immediate gains but about building lasting connections that can support and inspire each other through various stages of their journeys.
Sneh Sharma’s gratitude towards the organizers of the retreat, including Vaibhav Vardhan, Pooja Sareen, Utkarsh Agarwal, and the entire Inc42 Media team, reflects her appreciation for the effort and thoughtfulness that went into creating such a transformative experience. Her acknowledgment of their contributions is a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the work of others in creating meaningful experiences.
The quote from Helen Keller that Sneh Sharma included in her post, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” perfectly encapsulates her belief in the power of collaboration. It is a call to action for all leaders to prioritize collective growth and mutual support over individual success.
Sneh Sharma’s work with ittisa and Dogsee further illustrates her commitment to these principles. At ittisa, she leads a team that focuses on creative solutions and impactful storytelling, fostering an environment where innovation thrives through collaboration. Similarly, with Dogsee, Sneh Sharma has co-created a brand that not only offers high-quality products but also embodies values of sustainability and community care.
Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, inclusivity, and a genuine desire to uplift others. Sneh Sharma’s approach challenges the conventional notions of leadership that often emphasize hierarchy and competition. Instead, she advocates for a model of leadership that is compassionate, collaborative, and community-oriented.
Sneh Sharma’s vision extends beyond her businesses to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. By creating and participating in spaces like the Shimla retreat, she is actively shaping a culture that values human connections and shared growth. Her influence is evident in the way other founders respond to her leadership, finding inspiration and strength in her example.
Sneh Sharma is not just a successful entrepreneur but a visionary leader who is redefining what it means to lead in the modern world. Her commitment to building communities where vulnerability is welcomed, and collaboration is celebrated, sets a powerful example for others to follow. Sneh Sharma’s journey and her reflections on the Shimla retreat offer valuable lessons on the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and the enduring power of human connections in achieving true success.
