In a world increasingly driven by metrics and milestones, Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma stands out as a beacon of purpose-driven leadership. A former Sea Warrior, Columbia Business School alumnus, best-selling author, and the visionary behind SKS Universe, Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma has spent over two decades blending strategic insight with soulful wisdom to empower a new generation of conscious leaders, Shreyaspreneurs™. In this exclusive interview with TheCconnects, Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma shares his transformative journey, the challenges shaping today’s leadership landscape, and his vision for a world where success meets significance.
TheCconnects: Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with your journey. How did you transition from Naval Aviation to founding SKS Universe, and what inspired you to become a mentor for conscious leadership?
Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma: My journey has been anything but linear, and I think that’s where its richness lies. I began as a Sea Warrior in Naval Aviation, navigating high-stakes missions that demanded precision, resilience, and clarity under pressure. The Navy taught me discipline and systems thinking, but it also sparked a deeper question: What does it mean to lead with purpose? After my service, I transitioned into corporate strategy, working across industries, from boardrooms to startups. My time at Columbia Business School further sharpened my ability to bridge strategy with human behavior.
The turning point came when I realized that success, while rewarding, felt hollow without alignment to a deeper purpose. I saw too many leaders chasing metrics at the expense of meaning. That’s when SKS Universe was born. I wanted to create a platform that didn’t just coach people to succeed but guided them to live and lead with intention, rooted in what I call Shreyas, the pursuit of what is good, right, and purposeful. Today, through SKS Universe, I mentor youth, entrepreneurs, and executives to become Shreyaspreneurs™, leaders who build legacies with integrity and impact.
TheCconnects: That’s inspiring. Who has been the most influential figure in shaping your philosophy and approach to leadership?
Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma: That’s a tough one because I’ve drawn from many wells, both ancient and modern. If I had to choose a foundational influence, it would be the great Indic philosopher-sage Chanakya. His teachings on strategy, ethics, and statecraft remain timeless. What resonates deeply with me is his unwavering emphasis on dharma , the alignment of duty with purpose , and his view that leadership is less about authority and more about responsibility and foresight.
Equally profound has been the influence of Lord Ram. His leadership model speaks volumes about humility and collaboration. Despite being a prince of Ayodhya, He consciously chose to engage with forest dwellers, boatmen, vanaras (monkey allies), and ordinary people, not as a ruler, but as one of them. He empowered them, inspired loyalty, and demonstrated that true leadership uplifts others, irrespective of social or economic status.
Then there is Lord Shri Krishna, whose counsel to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra is, to me, the ultimate leadership discourse. By raising Arjuna’s consciousness, Krishna taught the importance of clarity, detachment, and the courage to uphold dharma, even in the face of personal dilemmas. His way of coaching, blending wisdom with compassion, continues to guide my approach in difficult decisions.
Swami Vivekananda’s vision also lit a fire in me, his belief in the spiritual and transformative power of youth, and his call for strength, service, and inner awakening, made me realize that leadership isn’t just intellectual, it’s spiritual and deeply human.
And of course, Shivaji Maharaj remains an enduring icon. His concept of Shashwat Swarajya, eternal self-rule, his valor, people-centric governance, and clarity of mission offer a powerful model of ethical and visionary leadership rooted in cultural identity and justice.
On a personal note, the most intimate influence has been my mother. She embodied quiet strength, resilience, and compassion. Through her, I learned that true strength lies in lifting others up. Her life taught me the essence of mentorship, always human-first, always purpose-driven.
Each of these figures has shaped my philosophy in a unique way. Leadership, to me, is a sacred duty, one that blends vision with humility, courage with compassion, and clarity with service.
TheCconnects: Your journey spans such diverse worlds. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma: The biggest challenge was navigating my own transition from a structured, high-discipline environment like the Navy to the ambiguity of the entrepreneurial world. It wasn’t just a career shift; it was a mindset shift. In the Navy, success was clear-cut, execute the mission. But in entrepreneurship and coaching, success is messier, more human. I struggled with self-doubt, wondering if I could translate my skills into a world that felt less predictable.
What helped me overcome it was embracing vulnerability as a strength. I leaned into learning, studying human behavior, emotional intelligence, and Indic wisdom traditions. I also surrounded myself with mentors and peers who challenged me to think bigger. The key was reframing failure as feedback. Every setback became a lesson in refining my purpose and approach. That’s a principle I now pass on to my mentees: challenges are not roadblocks; they’re invitations to grow.
TheCconnects: Speaking of lessons, what are some key takeaways from your career that you’d share with aspiring leaders?
Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma: First, align before you act. Too many leaders rush into execution without clarifying their why. Purpose is your compass; it keeps you grounded when the storms hit. Second, leadership is not about you; it’s about the people you serve. The best leaders create environments where others can thrive. Third, embrace lifelong learning. The moment you think you’ve “arrived,” you’ve already started to stagnate. And finally, integrate soul and strategy. In a world obsessed with data, don’t lose sight of the human element – empathy, intuition, and values are what drive lasting impact.
TheCconnects: The digital age has transformed how brands operate. What do you see as the biggest challenge for businesses in this space?
Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma: The biggest challenge is authenticity, or the lack of it. In the digital space, where consumers are bombarded with noise, brands struggle to stand out unless they’re genuinely aligned with their values. Customers today, especially younger generations, can spot inauthenticity a mile away. They don’t just want products; they want purpose, transparency, and connection.
The other side of this is the pressure to chase trends, whether it’s jumping on the latest social media platform or adopting AI without a clear strategy. Brands that lack a grounded identity get lost in the noise. The solution lies in what I call conscious branding, building a narrative that’s rooted in purpose and delivers real value, not just viral moments.
TheCconnects: How does SKS Universe address these challenges for its clients?
Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma: At SKS Universe, we don’t just offer coaching or consulting; we provide a holistic framework for transformation. Our four pillars, Holistic Leadership Architecture, Science of Change, Sector-Wise Precision, and Scalable Personalization, address the unique pain points of individuals and organizations. For instance, we help leaders clarify their purpose through our IGNITE framework, which stands for Inspiring Collaborative Innovation, Guiding Authentic Leadership, Nurturing Excellence, Illuminating the Soul, Touching Lives, and Elevating Consciousness.
For businesses, we translate personal alignment into organizational outcomes. Whether it’s a startup struggling with brand identity or a corporation navigating digital disruption, we create tailored strategies that blend emotional intelligence, data-driven insights, and timeless wisdom. Our clients, ranging from youth changemakers to C-suite executives, walk away with not just solutions but a renewed sense of purpose that drives sustainable growth.
TheCconnects: That’s powerful. Let’s shift gears, how do you recharge outside of your work?
Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma: I’m a bit of a nature enthusiast. There’s something grounding about being outdoors, whether it’s a trek in the Himalayas or a quiet walk by the sea. It reminds me of my Navy days, where the ocean was both a teacher and a sanctuary. I also practice mindfulness and meditation, drawing from Indic traditions like yoga and Vedantic reflection. These practices keep me centered and help me bring clarity to my work.
I’m also a voracious reader, everything from behavioral psychology to ancient philosophy. And I’ll confess to a guilty pleasure: I love cooking. There’s something meditative about creating a dish from scratch, blending flavors like you’d blend strategies in a boardroom.
TheCconnects: You’ve worked with young professionals and entrepreneurs. What advice would you give someone just starting out in your industry?
Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma: First, know yourself before you try to lead others. Invest time in understanding your values, strengths, and blind spots. Second, don’t chase success; chase impact. Success follows when you create value for others. Third, build a tribe, surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. And finally, stay curious. The world is changing fast, and the most successful leaders are those who adapt while staying true to their core.
TheCconnects: One last question. Where do you see SKS Universe in the next five years, and how will it shape the future of leadership?
Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma: By 2030, our vision is to empower one million Shreyaspreneurs™, leaders who drive global transformation by aligning innovation with intention. We’re building a movement where prosperity isn’t just about valuations but about values. SKS Universe will expand its reach through digital platforms, immersive workshops, and partnerships with institutions that share our commitment to conscious leadership.
The future of leadership is human-centric, purpose-driven, and soulfully strategic. We’re here to make that a reality, one Shreyaspreneur™ at a time.
TheCconnects: Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma, your passion for purpose-driven leadership is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your insights with our readers.
Dr. Subhash Kumar Sharma: It’s been a pleasure. Let’s keep igniting passion, aligning purpose, and unlocking potential together.
