At FocusU, we’re always looking for real-life stories that speak to the heart of leadership — not the title, not the role, but the behavior. Srikanth Bolla’s story continues to be one of the most powerful reminders of what good leadership truly means in action. In our experience, when we talk about basic leadership qualities, his name often comes up — unprompted.
His journey is a powerful illustration of what building leadership skills looks like when the odds are stacked against you. And in today’s post-pandemic world, where resilience and authenticity are becoming essential leadership markers, Srikanth’s story is more relevant than ever.
Seeing Challenges as Opportunities
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Born in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, India, Srikanth had to face his destiny when doctors pronounced that he would be born blind. Being blind is a disadvantage in a country that is yet to develop facilities for specially-abled. But his parents showed the tenacity to go through the tough times with confidence. There is a saying – “you can see a problem as an opportunity or vice versa.” His parents saw this unfolding as an opportunity and got their blind son admitted to a school with a hope of a miracle. Not a surprise to his parents, Srikanth performed with flying colors even after his disadvantage. For leaders there is a lot to learn; one can take a business challenge as an opportunity or see it as a problem. Organizations like Flipkart, Shop Clues, Snap Deal, Amazon, and more, saw an opportunity to engage people through the Internet to shop online, while there were other companies that saw the Internet as a problem. How you see the world around you makes a difference in the quality of results you get. Now back to the story.
Keep on Going on and on and on – The Power of Persistence
After the 10th standard (intermediate education level), he wanted to take up science as a subject but somehow, the government refused. The reason cited by the education board was that he was unfit to have science as his core subject. Srikanth Bolla had something inside him that wanted him to challenge the system, and he did. After six months fighting the system, he won and he chose science as his core subject. When you persist, you begin to turn the tables. Leaders are those who persist where an average person would give up. Just one more try can make a difference. Whether you are starting a business or on the verge of bankruptcy, don’t give up, just take one more shot. You never know when the gates of abundance will open for you. This is what happened with Srikanth.
In our leadership sessions, we often ask participants to reflect on a time they persisted against odds. What stands out every time is how deeply these moments shape one’s confidence and growth.
Leaders often forget that failure isn’t final—it’s just feedback. Srikanth’s journey reminds us that grit is not just admirable, it’s necessary.
Flexibility is a Strategic Superpower
He topped with 98% in Class 12 and henceforth applied to India’s top educational institution – IIT. He was refused the admit card to the IIT entrance because of his disability. When you have mindset of growth you become flexible and find solutions. That’s what Srikanth believed in – having a flexible approach to achieve his outcomes. He applied to schools in the United States for an undergraduate program and secured admission in four of the top schools – MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon. Finally, he chose MIT and completed his education. Leaders must know that there is no one way to success; you might have to test new roads to know what’s possible and how to get the end outcome. Srikanth tried and succeeded in getting the education he wanted.
Leading with Purpose
Srikanth didn’t stop at personal success. He built Bollant Industries with a singular mission: to empower others like him. Today, he employs hundreds of specially-abled individuals—and proves that business and purpose are not opposites.
This aligns closely with what Simon Sinek calls “The Big Why.” In our conversations with CXOs and HR leaders, we’ve noticed that organizations that are mission-led attract and retain better talent. People want to belong to something bigger than profits.
We often bring up Srikanth’s story during activities to develop leadership skills because it helps participants think beyond goals and KPIs—to purpose, culture, and impact.
Have Meaning:
The story doesn’t end here; Srikanth went ahead and started his own organization called Bollant Industries Pvt. Ltd. in Hyderabad. His sole purpose was to help the specially-abled make a living. To live his purpose, he hires a workforce that is specially-abled and trains them for regular jobs in his company. Angel investors are investing in his company for the sheer hard work and passion he brings into growing this company. Having a mission bigger than just earning profit creates a meaning for everyone who is a part of the organization. In the book The Big Why by Simon Sinek, the author shares how companies can create a bigger purpose and generate tremendous energy in the organization with the power of the “Big Why.”
Today Srikanth Bolla is a CEO of this 50 crore-rupee company and his life has become a message. Such leaders are transforming the lives of people with the sheer power of their grit. I would like to invite you to share a story of a leader that has inspired you the most. For me, Srikanth tops the leadership chart.
Lessons for Corporate Leaders
So, what does this story mean for L&D professionals, HR teams, and business leaders?
Here’s what we’ve distilled over the years:
- Mindset over means: You don’t need perfect conditions to start. You need clarity and conviction.
- Adaptability: Whether you’re denied a resource or a pathway, leaders look for alternatives.
- Purpose-led culture: Teams thrive when they know their work matters.
- Persistence as a habit: One of the most underrated leadership skills is simply not giving up.
When we conduct leadership sessions, we often use Srikanth’s journey to highlight these qualities — because it doesn’t just inspire, it activates deep reflection.
Final Thoughts
In our experience working across industries, we’ve realized one truth: Leadership isn’t born. It’s built.
Stories like Srikanth Bolla’s show us that with courage, clarity, and compassion, it’s possible to build something extraordinary. His story is not just inspirational—it’s instructional.
If you’re a leader, a manager, or an HR professional looking to deepen leadership culture within your team—Srikanth’s journey offers more than admiration. It offers a roadmap.
We’d love to hear from you: Which leader’s story has stayed with you? What experiences shaped your understanding of being leadership? Drop us a note or connect with us for a conversation.
Because stories, after all, are how leadership lessons come alive.
