Sakshi Shah (GoodLives): 10 Key Things You Must Know
Overview
Sakshi Shah is a dynamic entrepreneur and the co-founder of GoodLives, an innovative mental wellness platform committed to transforming the mental health landscape in India and beyond. Educated at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Sakshi has effectively utilized her diverse background in data, strategy, and marketing to address the rising need for accessible mental health solutions in workplaces. GoodLives combines AI-powered personalized exercises with expert interventions to bridge the gap between professional therapy and everyday well-being. As mental health increasingly becomes a focal point in societal conversations, people are keen to discover how pioneers like Sakshi are leading the charge in this crucial arena.
1. Early Life and Education
Sakshi Shah hails from Gurugram, India, and completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, between 2017 and 2019. This education laid the foundation for her career, arming her with skills in project management, corporate finance, and consulting, which have been instrumental in her entrepreneurial endeavors.
2. Founding GoodLives
In 2020, Sakshi co-founded GoodLives along with Lawrence Bamania, another IIT Kharagpur alumnus. The vision to establish GoodLives stemmed from personal experiences and a realization of the societal need for mental health support that is both accessible and impactful. The startup offers a blend of AI-powered DIY exercises and professional therapy, marking a significant step in making mental health support an integral part of workplace culture.
3. Mission and Vision
GoodLives aims to destigmatize mental health and integrate it into everyday conversations. Sakshi's mission extends beyond providing therapy; it encompasses raising societal awareness and making mental health care a standard aspect of workplace culture. The startup has become a beacon for promoting emotional well-being through technological innovation and accessible services.
4. Impact and Outreach
Under Sakshi’s leadership, GoodLives has educated over 5 million individuals about mental health awareness and spearheaded campaigns to normalize discussions around this often-stigmatized issue. The platform’s accessibility and impact have positioned it as a crucial player in both the Indian and international domains of mental health.
5. Raising Funds and Expanding Reach
In 2024, GoodLives secured Rs 1.1 crore in pre-seed funding. This financial boost was led by notable institutions including IIM Lucknow and Rabindranath Tagore University. Sakshi plans to use these resources to enhance the platform's features, broaden its reach, and penetrate new markets, particularly focusing on workplaces in India and the USA.
6. Overcoming Challenges
Starting a bootstrap company that addresses mental health inherently involves overcoming societal hurdles, such as stigma and hesitancy to trust professional services. Despite these challenges, Sakshi and her team at GoodLives are dedicated to building trust through demonstrable impact and continued education on mental health issues.
7. Innovative Solutions
GoodLives is unique for its use of AI in mental health services. The platform’s innovative approach includes AI-driven personalized exercises complemented by expert-led interventions, offering a holistic wellness solution. This integration of technology signifies a revolution in how mental health care is approached, making it both accessible and effective.
8. Inspiring Change
Sakshi Shah draws inspiration from the positive transformations in clients’ emotional well-being witnessed through GoodLives' services. Her dedication is fueled by a desire to make a substantive impact on mental health awareness, aiming to encourage others to view mental health with the same importance as physical health.
9. Social Impact and Community Building
GoodLives is committed to social change, with initiatives focusing on widespread mental health education. The company collaborates with corporate partners to improve employee engagement and wellness, fostering environments that are more empathetic and supportive towards mental health needs.
10. Future Prospects
Looking forward, Sakshi Shah envisions expanding GoodLives’ influence and accessibility to ensure widespread mental health support. By integrating more advanced AI functionalities and reaching new markets, GoodLives under Sakshi's guidance is set to revolutionize mental well-being in corporate and individual settings.
Conclusion
Sakshi Shah exemplifies a new wave of entrepreneurs who are blending technology with compassion to address crucial societal issues. As the co-founder of GoodLives, she is actively redefining the mental health landscape through innovative solutions and impactful outreach. As awareness and acceptance of mental health continue to grow, the work of professionals like Sakshi Shah becomes increasingly pivotal. How the mental health sector evolves over the next decade could well depend on the pioneering efforts of such trailblazers, prompting further interest and investment in this vital area.