Ankur Warikoo - I Have Made Mistakes—Sometimes Costly Ones (Enterpreneur, Author, 3.7 Million)

“When you’re young, you have fewer responsibilities, more risk-taking ability, and the most powerful asset—time!”

Q. What made you start sharing your knowledge and experiences on social media?

My journey of sharing began way back in 2006 when I was an MBA student, simply documenting my experiences. At that time, it was more of a personal journal, a way to track my progress and reflect on what I was learning. In 2012, when I became a startup founder, I started creating content with a purpose—recruiting the best talent for my company. 

Then in 2020, after years of experimenting, I wanted to explore where this content journey could take me. It was a mix of passion, curiosity, and the realization that sharing knowledge creates opportunities—not just for me, but for everyone who engages with it.

Q. Why do you think financial literacy is so critical for young people today? How do you approach investing, and what advice would you give beginners?

Financial literacy has always been crucial, but today, with so many investment options and financial tools available, it’s even more essential. The earlier you start understanding money, the better you can use it to create wealth. 

When you’re young, you have fewer responsibilities, a higher capacity to take risks, and—most importantly—time on your side. My approach to investing is simple: focus on long-term wealth creation rather than quick wins. For beginners, my advice is to start small, be consistent, and avoid chasing trends. Learn the basics, develop patience, and let compounding do its magic.

Q. Is there a myth about success you’d like to debunk?

One of the biggest myths about success is that it has to follow a defined timeline. Society often makes us believe that we need to hit certain milestones—getting a degree, landing a job, starting a business, or achieving financial independence—at specific ages. 

But the truth is, success is different for everyone and does not have a universal timeline. Some people achieve big things early, while others take longer to find their path. What truly matters is continuous growth and learning. The only race you should focus on is the one with yourself.

Q. Is there any book or course you would recommend that changed your life?

There are three books that have profoundly shaped my perspective on work, startups, and life:

• Rework – This book completely changed how I view work and productivity. It challenges traditional work norms and emphasizes simplicity and efficiency.
• The Hard Thing About Hard Things – A must-read for entrepreneurs, this book gave me invaluable insights into navigating the chaos and uncertainty of building a startup.
• Atmamun – Unlike the other two, this book helped me understand life on a deeper level, teaching me to be more self-aware and mindful.

Each of these books has left a lasting impact, shaping the way I think and make decisions.

Q. In your book ‘Do epic shit’ you have depicted Ego as a bubble. Would you like to highlight any incidence or circumstance that made that realisation concrete?

Every time my ego made me believe that “I know better,” I have made mistakes—sometimes costly ones. One such moment was when I had to lay off 25% of my workforce in my previous startup. It was a tough decision, but it could have been avoided had I been more open to listening and adapting earlier.

Another instance was during fundraising, where overconfidence led me to misjudge situations and make poor decisions. In both cases, my ego created an echo chamber, making me feel invincible, only for reality to hit hard. True growth happens when you challenge your ego, stay open to learning, and embrace humility.

Q. How do you decide what to say “no” to in both professional and personal life? Could you share your approach to work-life balance, especially in high-pressure environments?

My approach to saying “no” is straightforward—if something doesn’t make me say “Oh wow!”, it’s a no. Over time, I’ve realized that time is the most valuable resource, and guarding it fiercely is essential. I no longer entertain commitments that don’t excite me or add meaningful value. 

In high-pressure environments, work-life balance isn’t about strict boundaries; it’s about prioritizing what truly matters. I focus on tasks that align with my goals and personal happiness, ensuring that I’m not just busy but also fulfilled. The key is to be intentional with your time—because everything else is transient.

BIO

Ankur Warikoo is an Indian entrepreneur, content creator, and author. He is widely known for his engaging social media presence, where he shares life advice, personal finance tips, productivity hacks, and entrepreneurship insights. Formerly the co-founder and CEO of Nearbuy, Warikoo transitioned into mentoring and writing after stepping down from his role in 2019.

He is also the author of the popular book "Do Epic Shit," which focuses on personal development and career guidance. With his relatable storytelling and actionable advice, Warikoo has built a strong following among young professionals and students.

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Interviewed By Dixitaa Jaisinghani