Over the years, leadership styles and models have been challenged by various in the industry, and transformational leadership seems to be in vogue, spearheading the businesses in an uncertain economic environment. Practicing the same, Shruthi Lakshmi, Founder and CEO of Triverse Technologies (a company that specializes in creating interactive content and experiences, utilizing advanced technologies, such as AR, VR, 2D & 3D games and simulations) is a professional architect, educationist, and an entrepreneur who works at the intersection of design, technology, and learning science. WE magazine interviews Shruthi Lakshmi to know about her inspiring leadership and professional journey. Let’s read the highlights.

Take us through your early educational journey and the prior industry experience that you are bringing to the table. Also, what is your success mantra?

I pursued my undergrad in Architecture from School of Architecture and Planning- Anna University, Guindy. I then went on to do my master's degree in Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. Following that, I had a brief stint at IFC, World Bank in Washington, DC, and subsequently decided to return to Chennai, India. Upon returning home, I took over   Trileaves Group of Schools as the Creative & Curriculum Director. I continue to hold that post, while also building Triverse Technologies. My formula for success would be to establish very clear & specific goals with achievable timelines and make small progress towards that goal every single day. I also set some time aside for reflection and introspection because I think that's the key ingredient.

Tell us about Triverse Technologies as a company. What was the idea that intrigued you to found the company?

Triverse Technologies, primarily specializes in creating immersive content utilizing emerging technologies such as AR, VR, 2D & 3D games and simulations. We craft experiences, for a wide range of target audience, all the way from kindergarten to higher education, adult learning, and corporate training. We strive to design and develop engaging and empowering experiences that bolster the growth of institutions, businesses, and organizations. I would say, I saw a gap and huge potential in the AR, VR, and MR landscape and identified these technologies as tools that could transform businesses and industries, which inspired me to establish Triverse Technologies.

"While entrepreneurship is about believing in yourself, and your talent, it is most importantly about your perseverance and your dedication to build an organization, which will empower and reward not only you but also everyone who is a part of your entrepreneurial journey"

What are the responsibilities that you are shouldering as the Founder of the company? Tell us about your key focus areas.

As the founder and CEO of Triverse Technologies, I must say, I wear multiple hats which include handling HR, administration, and day-to-day operations of the business, and these are at a high level. But, at the core of it, I'm primarily responsible for ideating and implementing creative ideas that my team could then build upon which will ultimately result in immersive, high-quality content and experiences for our clients.

What are the most critical challenges you encounter while leveraging your services to your clients? How do you ensure to overcome those?

Well, as an entrepreneur, I have to assume multiple roles and responsibilities, which can be overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to learning all aspects of both business(leading the team and dealing with clients) and entrepreneurship as such. And second would be finding suitable talent who align with my creative ideas and values, and is able to translate the same into a tangible outcome while also staying dedicated to the growth of Triverse Technologies. Even after these proved challenging to me, I mitigated all mostly by constant mentorship and motivation. I also set some time aside for daily reflection to ensure that I'm leading my team in the right direction.

What are some of the key milestones that felt most accomplished in your professional journey?

I do everything in my power to build the organization with the right team and talent at the core of it. Having said that, there have been times when things have not gone the way I wanted them to, but I've always ensured and strived to build a very positive work environment and a second home.

Any advice you would like to give to the upcoming women leaders or entrepreneurs?

While entrepreneurship is about believing in yourself, and your talent, it is most importantly about your perseverance and your dedication to build an organization, which will empower and reward not only you but also everybody who is a part of your entrepreneurial journey. Passion is definitely key when it comes to entrepreneurship and pursuing your idea. There will be moments that will test your limits. So, be persistent and passionate, your hard work and dedication will certainly bring you success.

Shruthi Lakshmi, Triverse Technologies, Third I Learning

A professional Architect and an educationist, Shruthi works at the intersection of design, technology, and learning science and creates content and experiences utilizing advanced technologies, such as AR, VR, 2D & 3D games, and simulations for institutions, businesses and organizations.