Lessons from My Conversation with Shrutika Rastogi

When you think of a leader in tech, what comes to mind? A sharp resume? A title that turns heads? A voice that commands attention?

In this episode of The Leadership Sauce, I sat down with Shrutika Rastogi, Director of Product at Zinnia, to explore something far more powerful — leadership that whispers before it roars. Leadership that’s shaped not by loud victories but by quiet choices, hard-earned self-trust, and the courage to be deeply human.

The Comparison Trap — And the Courage to Step Out of It

Shrutika spoke candidly about growing up in a family of high achievers. The pressure wasn’t always spoken, but it was felt — in grades, expectations, and unspoken comparisons. And yet, what stayed with her wasn’t the scoreboard, but the moment she decided to define success for herself.

She didn’t try to beat the system. She outgrew it.

Her story reminds us: sometimes the first act of leadership is self-authorship — the decision to stop chasing someone else’s yardstick and start crafting your own.

Cracks that Build Character

There’s a Japanese philosophy called Kintsugi — the art of mending broken pottery with gold. Shrutika’s journey mirrors that. Therapy, reflection, and the willingness to confront her internal narratives became her turning point.

In a world where women are often rewarded for perfection, Shrutika chose presence over polish. “You don’t become whole by erasing the cracks — you become whole by honoring them,” she said. That truth echoed through the episode.

Redefining What Makes You Valuable

We dove into the big question many early professionals wrestle with: Does your college define your career?
Her answer? A resounding no.

Shrutika shared how, despite not coming from the most ‘elite’ institutions, her street smarts, empathy, and ability to learn on the go propelled her forward. Titles and degrees may get you in the room — but it’s your humility and hunger that help you stay.

Being a Woman Leader in Tech

Tech isn’t always a welcoming space — especially for women who don’t conform. Shrutika spoke about learning to hold space without losing herself in the noise. About choosing self-advocacy over silence. About redefining what it means to lead with empathy and clarity, even in rooms that weren’t built for you.

Her approach wasn’t combative — it was calm, grounded, and fiercely intentional.

Life Beyond the Resume

We ended our conversation reflecting on something deeper — that leadership isn’t just about performance. It’s about presence. Shrutika’s hobbies, her connection to music, her grounding rituals — all of it makes her a better leader, not a distracted one.

This balance — between high-performance and high-self-awareness — is the new-age leadership formula we don’t talk about enough.

💡 Final Takeaway

Shrutika’s story is a reminder that the strongest leaders aren’t always the loudest in the room. They’re the ones who’ve done the inner work. Who’ve failed, reflected, healed — and then come back to the world with clarity and calm.

This wasn’t just a podcast about breaking the glass ceiling. It was about removing the mirrors we place in our own path.

If you’re a young professional, a woman in tech, or simply someone trying to lead with more purpose — this conversation is for you.