When the quest for personal fulfillment can feel like navigating a labyrinth, Jay Shetty stands out as a modern-day philosopher of clarity and purpose.
As a bestselling author, award-winning podcast host of ‘On Purpose’ and modern-day guru, Jay Shetty’s influence transcends traditional boundaries, offering a holistic approach to well-being, finding your feet in life and achieving success. Not to mention, he’s even recently ventured into acting, with his first appearances in J-Lo’s visual album This Is Me… Now: A Love Story and action-comedy Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
Spiritual awakening
Jay’s journey from a young British guy to a global thought leader is as compelling as it is inspiring. Born in 1987 in London, he was raised in a traditional Indian family, which gave him a unique perspective on both Eastern philosophies and Western practices. His early years were marked by a strong academic focus, but Jay’s life took a pivotal turn during his time at university.
At the age of 22, he embarked on a transformative journey as a monk in India. For three years, he immersed himself in the ancient teachings of spirituality and meditation. This experience profoundly shaped his worldview, instilling in him a deep understanding of purpose, mindfulness and the interconnectedness of all life. The lessons learned during this period would later become the cornerstone of his teachings and influence.
“Living as a monk felt like going to school, and it was when I felt my lowest that I started to apply the principles of my training,” he told GQ magazine.
“The way I define ‘monastic’ is far more internal than external… Internally, the monastic life has stayed with me because my intention through everything I’m doing today is to serve and help improve people’s lives. So, from an intention standpoint it’s stayed similar. But yes, things have changed.”
From monk to media mogul
With a unique blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary relevance, Jay began to share his insights in social-media posts, where his message resonated with a global audience. His ability to distil complex spiritual concepts into relatable, actionable advice quickly garnered attention.
In 2016, his rise to prominence was solidified with the launch of his podcast, On Purpose’, which focuses on self-improvement, mindfulness and purposeful living. It became an instant hit. With episodes featuring a diverse array of guests, from celebrities like Will Smith to experts in various fields like psychologist Jonathan Haidt, ‘On Purpose’ has amassed millions of listeners and received numerous accolades.
Jay has also taken a more personal angle on the podcast, featuring his wife, Radhi Devlukia-Shetty, to openly discuss relationships and help couples across the world to be proactive and engage in authentic, insightful conversations.
“My podcast is dedicated to helping people find, live and thrive in their purpose. We focus on everything from physical and mental health to emotional and psychological well-being. My intention is that people leave the podcast feeling happier, healthier and healed,” he told The Chalkboard Mag.
“Kobe Bryant was one of my favourite guests ever. It was so powerful to have a conversation with him following his retirement from the NBA and discussing his transition into focusing on life as a dad and coach as a main component of finding his purpose in life. It was tragic to later hear of his passing, but I am beyond grateful to have had that moment with him and have this conversion for the world to enjoy in remembering his power and legacy.”
Thinking out the box
In 2020, Jay’s first book, Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day, was released and quickly became a global bestseller. The book, which draws on his experiences as a monk and his subsequent journey, offers practical advice for achieving mental clarity, emotional resilience and a deeper sense of purpose. It delves into topics such as overcoming negativity, finding inner peace and cultivating meaningful relationships.
“When we accept the temporary nature of everything in our lives, we can feel gratitude for the good fortune of getting to borrow them for a time,” he wrote.
“Here’s the life hack: Service is always the answer. It fixes a bad day. It tempers the burdens we bear. Service helps other people and helps us. We don’t expect anything in return, but what we get is the joy of service. It’s an exchange of love. When you’re living in service, you don’t have time to complain and criticise. When you’re living in service, your fears go away. When you’re living in service, you feel grateful. Your material attachments diminish:’
In 2022, Jay published Life Changing Quotes, and in 2023 followed up with 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go, a roadmap to fostering more meaningful connections —another No.1 New York Times bestseller.
“I always knew I wanted to write a book about love and relationships, because it is something that’s so essential to living a fulfilled life,” he told Vogue India. “When we learn to love ourselves, we develop compassion, empathy and patience. Then we can use those qualities to love someone else.”
Merging mindfulness with technology
In addition to his writing and podcasting, as Chief Purpose Officer of Calm, Jay is responsible for guiding the company’s mission and integrating mindfulness practices into their offerings.
Calm’s partnership with Jay represents a strategic alignment of purpose-driven values. By leveraging his expertise in mindfulness and spirituality, Jay aims to enhance the app’s content and broaden its impact.
His involvement underscores a growing trend in the tech industry: the integration of mindfulness and mental wellness into digital platforms to support holistic well-being.
In getting you where you want to be, meditation may show you what you don’t want to see… When you align with your breath, you learn to align with yourself through every emotion — calming, centring and de-stressing yourself,” he said on his podcast.
Purpose-driven entrepreneurship
Beyond his roles in media and wellness, Jay’s entrepreneurial endeavours are deeply rooted in his commitment to purpose-driven business practices, with a focus on social impact and ethical practice. His ventures are designed not only to achieve financial success but also to contribute to the greater good in the world. This approach resonates with a growing audience seeking businesses that align with their values and aspirations.
He is also the co-founder of the non-profit Jay Shetty Academy, which offers educational programmes and resources aimed at personal and professional development. It reflects his belief in empowering individuals to live purposefully and make a positive impact on the world.
Jay Shetty’s influence extends far beyond the realms of his professional achievements. His teachings have touched millions, inspiring individuals from all walks of life to seek greater meaning and purpose. His ability to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary challenges has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader.
Follow Him
Instagram: @jayshetty
X: @jayshetty
TikTok: @jayshetty
Facebook: Jay Shetty
YouTube: Jay Shetty Podcast
By: Saadiqah Schroeder
Photography by: Gallo/Getty Images
Text courtesy of Man magazine
