An Evening Filled With Learning & Laughter With The CEO Of Paytm!

Recently, I attended an interactive session with Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the CEO of Paytm. Saying I was surprised by his humility would be an understatement. He’s the kind of person who, after sharing insightful stories during the session, stays behind, chatting with everyone like they’re old friends—sharing ideas, beliefs, and experiences with genuine warmth and simplicity.

The session itself was light-hearted, full of humor, and packed with personal stories about his journey with Paytm—and even before that. Here’s what really stood out for me:

"Make That Call"

What hit home the most was how Mr. Sharma responded to questions about handling tough moments—whether it was finding mentors, fundraising, or dealing with situations where nothing seemed to be working. His advice? Just make the call.

He explained that too often, we let fear, doubt, or pride hold us back, preventing us from reaching out for help. In his words, people are usually far more willing to assist than we assume. All it takes is stepping out of our comfort zone and asking. He shared how many times he simply picked up the phone, made the call, and found the guidance or support he needed.

It’s a simple yet powerful philosophy. It reminded me that, many times, the only thing holding us back is our own hesitation.

Health is Wealth

While this wasn’t something Mr. Sharma addressed directly, it came up through his personal coach, who was present on the panel. He shared how Mr. Sharma, like many of us, had put his health on the back burner for years. As his business grew, health became less of a priority until it started affecting his productivity and overall well-being.

This resonated with me because many of us do the same—we get caught up in work, money, and relationships, neglecting our health. But as the saying goes, what’s the point of success if you’re not healthy enough to enjoy it? It served as a wake-up call to prioritize health, no matter how busy things get.

Quantum Growth vs. Linear Growth

Mr. Sharma made a thought-provoking point about business growth—especially for those of us with family businesses. He said, “You’re already making money, but what’s stopping you from multiplying it now?”

He explained how linear growth is natural for established businesses, but pushing for quantum growth—that next big leap—is the real challenge. Often, we become comfortable with steady progress and don’t push beyond that.

He posed a powerful question: if we already have a solid foundation, why not take things to the next level? It made me reflect on how easily we can settle into comfort zones and how much more we could achieve if we pushed ourselves further.

Steadfast in His Belief in India

One thing that came through clearly during the session was Mr. Sharma’s strong belief in India’s potential. He isn’t rushing to take Paytm global because, in his view, India is where the opportunities lie.

He spoke about how, in the coming decade, India will shift from exporting technology and services to using that expertise locally. It’s inspiring to see someone so dedicated not just to building a company but to contributing to the growth of an entire nation’s economy. His vision for India made me think about the many untapped opportunities in our own backyard.

Attention to Detail

What impressed me the most was his attention to detail. As the CEO, he knew exactly what was happening—not only at Paytm but also within the fintech industry, the economy, and beyond.

Of course, he isn’t involved in every little detail of the company’s day-to-day operations, but it’s clear he makes a deliberate effort to stay informed. That level of knowledge and attention to detail, despite his position, was truly impressive and something I took to heart.

The Big Picture

Sessions like these remind me of the big picture, as well as the sacrifices that come with the journey. The path to making Paytm a household name wasn’t without compromises: constant travel, long hours, and letting go of many other things to stay focused on his vision. The opportunity cost of success at that level is significant. While there are clear lessons to learn from his career, the unspoken ones—the grind, the persistence, the resilience needed to create something remarkable—are just as valuable.