Gaurav Srivastava

Gaurav Srivastava is working tirelessly to address the challenge of food insecurity. As the founder of the Gaurav & Sharon Srivastava Family Foundation, Gaurav is leading the charge to find practical solutions to this pressing issue. With a deep understanding of the many obstacles that must be overcome – from climate change to pandemics – Gaurav is committed to bringing together governments and private entities with expertise in a wide range of fields. Through collaboration and partnership, he’s convinced that innovative solutions can be found. It’s a daunting task, but one that can’t be ignored. For Gaurav, the urgency of the issue demands nothing less than focused, determined action.

Access to basic needs such as food and energy supply should not be a luxury, but rather a fundamental human right. Gaurav Srivastava, through his foundation, believes in this principle and has dedicated their efforts towards building a world where everyone can have access to reliable food sources. Their initiatives, which go beyond research and development programs, play a significant role in solving the problems surrounding global food security. Gaurav Srivastava’s financial contributions to organizations working on addressing this issue have facilitated positive changes worldwide. Their unwavering commitment to improving the state of food security has raised awareness of the challenges that millions of individuals face every day. Gaurav Srivastava’s foundation’s efforts have made a notable impact, and their dedication to the cause gives hope to a brighter future.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

For me, every day has become a concentrated effort towards the work of The Gaurav and Sharon Srivastava Family Foundation. Our goal is simple yet crucial: to provide food to those who are struggling for it. But our vision extends far beyond immediate relief. We are constantly thinking ahead, strategizing to ensure that future generations have access to the resources they need for survival. Our approach is collaborative, working hand in hand with government and private organizations across the globe. Our collective efforts will lead to a more comprehensive solution, and a more secure food supply for those who need it the most. I feel a sense of purpose, knowing that our work is making a tangible difference in the world.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I am lucky to have a great team and my foundation is in partnership with my wife, Sharon Srivastava so to bring ideas to life I first run all of my ideas by her. From there we are able to brainstorm together, create a plan and execute delivery.

What’s one trend that excites you?

As the founder of The Gaurav and Sharon Srivastava Family Foundation, I am proud to say that we have successfully connected with countless individuals and spread awareness about the pressing issue of food insecurity. Witnessing this trend firsthand has been a humbling experience, as every passing year we have the privilege of tackling this challenge with even more dedicated supporters by our side. By working together, we have been able to provide nourishment for more individuals and families in need. Seeing the difference we have made in so many lives has only strengthened our resolve to continue this important work.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

One habit of mine that helps me stay productive is to write everything down including ideas, plans, meetings and notes. This helps me have a reference to my thoughts as I have much going on so it is easy to forget things.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could go back in time and give my younger self some advice, the first thing I would say is to focus on your personal growth and don’t worry too much about what others think. It’s easy to get caught up in other people’s opinions of us, especially when we’re young and trying to find our place in the world. But looking back, I see that the times I was most successful and happiest were when I trusted my instincts and stayed true to myself. I would tell my younger self not to be so hard on themselves, to make mistakes and learn from them, and to believe in their own potential. Because when you believe in yourself, anything is possible.

Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?

I strongly believe that if every person who has access to food could provide donations, knowledge and their time, we could eradicate the issue by the year 2030. Despite the countless efforts and initiatives already in motion, we still see millions of people worldwide struggling to access sufficient quantities of nutritious food. However, I believe that with collective action and collaboration, we truly have the power to create a society where the essentials of life are accessible to all. While it may seem like a daunting task, I am hopeful that we can unite to create a food-secure world for all.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

As a lifelong learner, I am always seeking to expand my knowledge base. That’s why I constantly engage in research, using a variety of methods such as reading, talking to others and taking the time to inform myself. By doing so, I ensure that I have access to the most up-to-date information possible. This approach not only keeps me informed, but it also allows me to form informed opinions on important issues. Whether I’m exploring a new topic or delving deeper into a subject I already know, I’m always eager to learn more and broaden my horizons.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I take time for myself whether it is going on a walk, resting or journaling- allowing myself to get my thoughts together makes me feel less stressed and more focused.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Our partnerships with various organizations have allowed us to leverage knowledge and expertise from different fields, ensuring that we are making the most significant impact possible. Although we face challenges bridging the gap between government and private entities, I am confident that our unwavering passion and commitment will lead us to success in 2024. As someone who is passionate about social responsibility, I firmly believe that collaboration is key when it comes to making a positive change in the world. Working with such a dedicated and hard-working team has been an incredible experience, and I look forward to continuing to work towards our goal of providing nutritious, affordable, and sustainable food for everyone who needs it.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

Looking back at the beginning of my career, I can now see that one of my biggest mistakes was not reaching out to others for help or collaboration. I was young, ambitious, and eager to prove myself, so I thought that I could manage and do everything for the Gaurav & Sharon Srivastava Family Foundation all by myself. However, as time went on, I slowly started to realize that I wasn’t making as much of an impact as I could have been. It wasn’t until I swallowed my pride and started reaching out to others for assistance that I truly started to see a significant positive change in our work. By collaborating with others, we were finally able to make a real difference in the lives of those we were trying to help.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Begin a business that has a greater good other than the sole purpose of making money.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Google Calendars is a great tool. It allows me to keep updated on all of my meetings, calls, personal events etc. because I can receive notifications on all of my devices. I do not miss any deadlines or responsibilities.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

The book Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia has provided me with great insight into the power of caring for people as if they were your family.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently enjoyed A Place at the Table as it highlights food insecurity in the United States.

Key learnings

• If every person who has access to food could provide donations, knowledge and their time, we could eradicate the issue of food insecurity