Yana Chothani Interview
Q. You’re documenting your 75 Hard journey alongside your life at IIM. What originally pushed you to commit to something this demanding, and what has it revealed about you so far?
There were actually a couple of things that pushed me to start. I was preparing for a major exam and had put aside all my creative pursuits to focus entirely on it. That phase was internally draining. When I didn’t clear it due to nervousness, I felt like I had sacrificed everything I enjoyed for something that didn’t work out.
Content had always been on my mind. I had started YouTube about a year and a half ago just for fun- to step out of my comfort zone, build discipline, and get comfortable on camera. It wasn’t serious back then. But when the exam didn’t work out, I decided to give content a serious shot.
I’ve always believed I don’t want to be defined only by my college. I always try to have at least one extra project alongside academics. So I turned content into a challenge because external accountability works for me. I had previously done gym streaks on Instagram, and that consistency helped. Similarly, posting daily removed overthinking and hesitation.
It has revealed that I thrive under structured challenges. Even on difficult days, I show up. It’s demanding, but I don’t like breaking commitments to myself-and that has strengthened my discipline and resilience.
Q. Being at IIM comes with structure, pressure, and high expectations. How do you balance academic rigor with personal growth and content creation?
IIM life is rigorous and highly structured. You’re in a residential campus, and most of your time is consumed by academics, committees, and clubs. It’s easy to become isolated in that ecosystem.
For me, content helps me stay connected with the outer world. Education can sometimes become redundant if you’re not actively applying and observing the real world. Content creation allows me to explore marketing, storytelling, branding, public speaking, and the attention economy in real time.
When I started, I decided to treat content like a job. During my summer internship, I gave everything to an institution. I asked myself -why can’t I give the same seriousness to something of my own? So I became strategic about it: planning, analyzing performance, improving scripts.
My classes are often scheduled from 8 AM to 8 PM. So I work on content post 7–8 PM. Some days the video isn’t perfect, but showing up matters. Even if creativity feels low, consistency keeps momentum alive. That mindset helps me balance both worlds.
Q. Before the titles, institutions, and milestones-where did this journey really begin for you?
This journey didn’t begin at IIM. It began in childhood.
It has a lot to do with my upbringing-my parents, the books I read, the shows I consumed, and the ideologies around me. I’ve always loved writing. English was my favorite subject. I wrote poems, essays, speeches, and loved storytelling.
I was naturally inclined toward public speaking and creative expression. All of those small interests are now coming together. Content is just a platform that allows me to express what was always within me. So there wasn’t one defining moment. It was a gradual shaping of identity over years.
Q. You’re building a space for future business leaders. What kind of leader do you personally aspire to become-and why?
I believe a leader must have a vision. And vision comes only when you follow your own truth.
Personally, I love art, culture, storytelling, fashion, and women-led narratives. My mother has influenced me deeply-especially in standing up for oneself and not being manipulated by societal pressures. I want to inspire women to enter business fearlessly. Business is often male-dominated, and many believe women need to operate in “masculine energy” to succeed. I disagree. I believe there’s immense power in feminine qualities like empathy and emotional intelligence.
The kind of leader I aspire to be is someone who blends strength with empathy, ambition with creativity, and inspires women to build without losing themselves.
Q. Has there been a moment at IIM that challenged your assumptions about success, leadership, or yourself?
Yes.
One misconception we have about prestigious institutions and successful people is that everyone there is extraordinary or fundamentally different. But when you actually enter those rooms, you realize they’re normal people-they just had more courage to experiment and take risks.
That realization changed my understanding of success. It’s less about genius and more about courage. The willingness to start, fail, and continue experimenting makes the difference.
I also realized the importance of leveraging your unfair advantages. Titles and institutions have value only if you use them strategically-to connect, create opportunities, and stand credible in the outer world. They mean nothing if they only serve ego.
Q. Social media often rewards speed, while institutions like IIM demand depth. How do you navigate these two very different worlds?
I disagree that social media is only about speed. Speed is important-but depth matters equally.
If you don’t understand storytelling, audience engagement, scripting, and funnel building, speed alone won’t help. Social media requires strategic depth.
At the same time, IIM teaches you leverage and smart work. You learn how to manage time, find shortcuts, and optimize effort. So I see both worlds as complementary. It’s about combining depth with smart execution-not just working hard, but working intelligently.
Q. What does a normal day in Yana Chothani’s life look like-classes, self-work, content, and everything in between?
My days are quite dynamic.
I attend classes and actively focus on learning. Since I create content around marketing and leadership, I consume a lot of information-news, articles, podcasts, videos-to ensure my perspectives are well-informed.Then comes scripting-which is sacred to me. Even a 10-line video should feel like a story that flows. After that, filming and experimenting-different lighting, angles, voice modulation, acting where necessary. I treat it like art.
I also try to socialize during meals to avoid becoming isolated in my own cocoon. Recently, I’ve been trying to get back into workouts and meditation because physical and mental balance are essential, especially when you’re in front of a camera regularly.
Some days are hectic, some are relaxed-but overall, it’s a mix of academics, content creation, learning, and self-work.
Q. Looking ahead, how do you see your journey evolving after IIM, and what advice would you give to students who want to grow beyond just grades?
I’m not over-planning my future. I’m experimenting.
I believe money is fluid and dynamic. If you combine your unfair advantages, skill sets, and interests, you can create a profession that both pays well and fulfills you.
My advice to students:
Trust your gut.
Don’t blindly chase society’s version of success.
Don’t define yourself only by your college.
Keep evolving.
Try things outside your comfort zone.
Explore art along with technical skills.
Don’t let failure discourage you.
Comparison is the thief of joy. The world is bigger than you think. The more you experiment, the more opportunities you discover.
Everyone has a voice. Lead with your own.
Bio:
Yana is a content creator and IIM student who scaled from 0 to 100K followers in 50 days. Her work sits at the intersection of brand building, entertainment, and lifestyle choices for young leaders, focused on creating progressive and high-value content.
Interviewed by: Gunjan Joshi
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