The Power of Storytelling
Mentoring at Wire the Wise
Storytelling has always been at the heart of who I am. I’m fascinated by people’s stories—their backgrounds, the moments that shaped them, and the paths they took to success. When I was younger, I thought I’d pursue a career in healthcare. At the time, I believed it was my interest for science driving that choice, but in reality, it was the desire to connect with people, listen to their stories, and understand the lessons they carried with them.
As my career evolved, I realized that my true calling wasn’t confined to a specific industry but rather in the art of building meaningful relationships and understanding through communication. Whether it was a classmate studying law, a journalist chasing a groundbreaking story, or an entrepreneur bringing an idea to life, I naturally gravitated towards connecting with them on a deeper level—understanding their unique journeys, struggles, and triumphs.
This passion for connection is what drew me to the power of storytelling. Behind every company, product, or idea is a founder’s grit, resilience, and vision. Effective storytelling isn’t just about relaying facts—it’s about making those facts relatable, human, and impactful. Every story has a message, and I’ve found immense fulfillment in uncovering that message and bringing it to life.
But let’s be honest—careers aren’t linear ladders; they’re jungle gyms. The setbacks, obstacles, and failures I’ve encountered early in my journey have only strengthened my resilience and deepened my commitment to growth. I’ve come to see these challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities to build grit, refine my voice, and share those lessons with others.
Throughout my experiences—whether it was simplifying the complexities of financial markets during volatile times or explaining the disconnect between a Parkinson’s drug’s clinical efficacy and its lack of patient adoption—I’ve realized the power of clear, empathetic communication. Every interaction, every product launch, every global event has a story waiting to be told, and I want to bridge that gap between complexity and clarity.
Amongst one of the most rewarding experiences that solidified my love for storytelling and connection was volunteering at Wire the Wise. Every month, over bagels and coffee, I had the chance to teach senior citizens about technology. In return, they shared incredible stories—tales from their days working at AP News, Reuters, and other remarkable chapters of their lives. These Sunday morning meetups weren’t just about tech tutorials; they were about human connection, wisdom exchanged across generations, and the realization that everyone has a story worth telling.
One of my dreams is to create a platform—a show, a series, or even just a space—where these stories can be shared authentically. A place where leaders, innovators, and changemakers can have meaningful conversations, and audiences can walk away not just informed, but inspired. I want to make the news, the markets, open internet, and even the most technical medical advancements feel human, relatable, and accessible.
At the end of the day, stories connect us. They remind us of our shared humanity and our collective potential. And if I can play even a small part in helping tell those stories—clearly, passionately, and authentically—then I’ll consider that a story worth telling.
Shelly meeting Dr. Sanjay Gupta at Columbia Journalism School
