Sarah Shelke is a 15-year-old entrepreneur, social activist, and author. After founding the world’s largest youth-led nonprofit organization, Mind4Youth, she has reached over a million youth around the world in 40+ countries. Mind4Youth’s mission is to spread teen mental health awareness and provide free resources and support for underprivileged youth in marginalized communities. So far, she has led Mind4Youth’s initiatives, raising well over $180,000 and 2,500 donated items. Mind4Youth also has over 6,900 members and volunteers, as well as 14 chapters worldwide. Through partnerships with organizations including the UN, Kendra Scott, and Costco, Sarah has worked with them to create a more significant impact than ever.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Being a full-time high school student while running a nonprofit and managing other activities can be quite challenging. I start my day at 7:00 am and attend school; some days, I have dance practice after school for 2-3 hours as I am also on my school’s competitive dance team. To stay productive, my key lies in managing my time wisely by building a schedule and sticking to it.
How do you bring ideas to life?
First, I always build an execution plan for every idea I have to bring it to life. It’s also essential to clearly define your idea and do adequate research beforehand to know where to refine ideas and identify areas of improvement.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is teletherapy, or in other words, online therapy. As mental health counseling can be difficult to access for some people and communities, teletherapy is making therapy more accessible by breaking down geographical barriers. It provides a more convenient and flexible option for those with busy schedules or mobility challenges, making therapy a viable option for a broader range of people.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me be productive is creating a monthly calendar with events, meetings, and tasks that I need to finish by a specific date. Also, by blocking my time off on my calendar, I can ensure that I complete my work on time and have a good work-life balance.
What advice would you give your younger self?
One piece of advice I would give my younger self is that even if something seems unachievable, go for it anyway and take every opportunity you get. It might just take you on an unexpected path.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
Pineapple tastes great on pizza!
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I repeatedly do is set goals because, without them, it makes it difficult for you to know what you are trying to achieve in the end; setting clear goals also helps you stay focused and motivated.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I like to take a walk outside and clear myself from any distractions. Not only does it help me think better, but it gives my mind some peace so I am more focused when I return to work. However, having something that makes you feel less overwhelmed is completely different for everyone!
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has helped me advance in my career has been open communication. It has allowed me to make my thoughts and ideas clear to my partners and co-workers. Open communication does not just account for me; fostering open communication in the workplace has made it more inclusive and welcoming.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure in my career has been fundraising. As my nonprofit, Mind4Youth, wanted to expand its impact, we did not have enough funds to cover certain expenses. To overcome this issue, I did a lot of research- and I mean a lot, on ways to raise money. I looked into ways other nonprofits were fundraising and creative trends that were currently going on in the industry. The lessons I took away from it were to take a step back in stressful situations like these and build an effective plan to address it.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A boba food truck at local high schools with no boba places nearby. Students would absolutely love it- myself included!
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My absolute favorite software is Google Spreadsheets. Whenever I need to track, log, or plan anything at all, Google Spreadsheets always comes in handy and makes the process much more efficient.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
The best $100 I recently spent was at the Costco business center for a load of paper bags for my nonprofit’s recent project. It was my first time going to this location, and as Costco’s business center has a lot of items in bulk, there were two long isles just for snacks, and it was my first time seeing so much candy!
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
My favorite book has been Persepolis because I was able to explore many different themes in just one book and also learn about the lack of freedom for Iranians during the Islamic Revolution. It brought my attention to the complexities of cultural identity and the resilience of people during hardships.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
A series I have recently enjoyed has been Modern Family. Although I have rewatched it multiple times, the show never gets old!
Key learnings:
• Managing your time is crucial to success, as is maintaining a work-life balance with a lot on your plate.
• Set goals and have a clear path in order to achieve them
• Find ways that work for you to clear your mind in times of stress or when you feel overwhelmed.