In a recently published interview, New York-based professional Aadeesh Shastry is using the spotlight to promote a powerful message: young people don’t need to wait for a job title or a degree to start thinking critically, leading effectively, and building lifelong habits of resilience.
In the wide-ranging Q&A, Shastry shares stories from his upbringing in Fremont, California—where he developed early skills through chess, basketball, track and field, and leadership in the Boy Scouts. His path, which includes degrees from the University of Chicago and NYU, reflects a pattern of high-performance built on consistent, structured effort.
“Strategic thinking isn’t a gift,” Shastry says. “It’s a skill that comes from practice—especially in environments where you’re under pressure, getting feedback, and learning to think ahead.”
He points to data that supports his view: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students who engage in extracurricular activities like sports or service programs are 30% more likely to report higher engagement and satisfaction in both school and work later in life.
“There’s this idea that leadership starts after college,” he explains. “But it starts way earlier—when you're trying to figure out how to lead a team, win a game, or meet a scouting goal.”
Shastry advocates for building what he calls “decision-making muscles”—the ability to think under time constraints, learn from failure, and focus on long-term patterns. His personal practice includes daily chess puzzles, journaling after setbacks, and revisiting philosophical texts like The Social Contract to refine how he views systems and responsibility.
Why This Message Matters Now
At a time when Gen Z is experiencing record-high levels of stress and uncertainty in education and work, Shastry’s insights strike a timely chord. A 2023 study by the American Psychological Association found that 61% of young adults report feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities and unsure how to handle decision fatigue.
Shastry believes the solution lies in early exposure to pressure-tested environments—not just in academics, but in sports, service programs, and games that teach logic and adaptability.
“Chess taught me how to slow down and evaluate. Track taught me consistency. Basketball taught me teamwork. And scouting taught me to lead with purpose. All of that prepared me for everything that came after.”
Call to Action: Build Your Own Framework
Rather than launching a formal initiative or promoting a program, Shastry wants others—especially students and early professionals—to take the first step on their own. His advice is simple:
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Engage in something difficult and strategic (like chess, debate, or a team sport)
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Track your decisions to spot patterns in how you think under pressure
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Journal your failures to extract lessons and build emotional resilience
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Read outside your field to develop broad, system-level awareness
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Practice leading with goals that are measurable and shared
“You don’t need permission to start thinking clearly. You just need practice and reflection.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Aadeesh Shastry
Aadeesh Shastry is a New York-based professional with a background in data, strategy, and systems thinking. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and his master’s from New York University. Outside of his work, he remains deeply engaged in chess, basketball, philosophy, and youth mentorship.
Contact:
info@aadeeshshastrynewyork.co
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