From Inbox to Impact: How Deepinder Goyal’s Blunt Advice Sparked Unacademy’s Growth Mindset

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 550 Views

Unacademy CEO Gaurav Munjal recently shared how a candid email from Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal in 2015 shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Goyal’s advice—“Kyon milna hai yaar? Dhandha banao”—pushed Munjal to focus on building the business. The interaction evolved into mentorship, influencing Unacademy’s culture of persistence and daily growth.

Startup Wisdom Served Raw: Deepinder Goyal’s One-Liner That Fueled Unacademy’s Rise

In a now-viral post on X (formerly Twitter), Gaurav Munjal, CEO of Unacademy, reflected on a pivotal moment from 2015 when he was just 25 and trying to build his edtech startup. Seeking guidance, he emailed Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal, hoping for a meeting. The reply he received was short, sharp, and unforgettable: “Kyon milna hai yaar? Dhandha banao.” (Why do you want to meet, man? Build the business.)

Key Highlights from Munjal’s Reflection:

The Power of Direct Advice

Goyal’s blunt response wasn’t dismissive—it was a wake-up call. Munjal says it taught him to prioritize execution over networking, especially in the early stages of building a company.

Persistence Pays Off

Despite the initial rejection, Munjal kept emailing Goyal weekly. Months later, he secured a 10-minute meeting, which he describes as life-changing, even though Goyal was in a bad mood that day.

Mentorship That Grew Over Time

Munjal eventually met Goyal several times and now considers him a mentor. He credits Goyal with shaping Unacademy’s growth mindset and focus on fundamentals.

“Grow 1% Every Day” Philosophy

One of the key takeaways Munjal shared was Goyal’s mantra: “Just grow 1% every day.” This simple yet powerful idea became a cornerstone of Unacademy’s internal culture.

Social Media Buzz

The post resonated widely, with founders and professionals praising the value of honest feedback and resilience. Goyal himself reacted to the post, acknowledging the journey with a smile.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Munjal’s story underscores the importance of focus, grit, and learning from rejection. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best advice comes not from long meetings—but from one bold sentence.

In the world of startups, where noise often drowns clarity, Deepinder Goyal’s advice cut through—and helped Unacademy find its voice.

Sources: India Today, Financial Express, Moneycontrol

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