The Story of Smarthveer Sidana: Through the Eyes of 12+ Global Leaders
The Story of Smarthveer Sidana: Through the Eyes of 12+ Global Leaders
Chapter II — Emotional Intelligence
The second chapter of this multi-episode series explores the remarkable emotional intelligence (EQ) of Smarthveer Sidana, an alumnus of IIT Delhi—often described by global leaders as both a “Poet and a Quant.”
While Chapter I examined his intellectual brilliance, this episode turns the lens toward the qualities that define his leadership style: empathy, humility, generosity, and an abundance mindset.
Through verbatim testimonials from global leaders—including former global CEOs, Ivy League directors, BCG leaders, venture capital advisors, a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and academic leaders from IIT—this chapter presents a portrait of a leader whose influence extends beyond intellect to character.
At IIT Delhi, Smarth was among the rare B.Tech. students to receive more than ten major awards, including distinctions for three consecutive years, recognition for Outstanding Contributions to Student Affairs Councils, the Amit Garg Ethical Leadership Award, the Sumant Sinha Sustainability Leadership Award, and recognition for Extraordinary Contribution to his Department, among others.
Yet those who know him closely suggest that his defining quality lies not in accolades, but in how deeply he invests in people.
Leading with Empathy and Character
Many leaders emphasize Smarth’s natural instinct for collaboration and his genuine respect for individuals across roles and hierarchies.
Kate Brennan, Founder of Brennan Group and LP in two venture capital funds, observes:
“He works incredibly hard, but he's also kind and respectful to his team, especially women.”
Jim Moffatt, former Global CEO of Deloitte and Board Advisor to Greycroft VC, describes him as:
“A natural collaborator… someone with deep empathy and thoughtfulness. He’s not a leader who wants to take credit for everything.”
Academic leaders echo the same sentiment.
Prof. K. K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee and former Head of Department at IIT Delhi, recalls:
“He was a very collaborative, committed and helpful person. He had earned the respect of his peers and elders.”
Tim Ruthven, Director of External Engagement at University College London, adds:
“He is a man of character and cares deeply for people.”
The Abundance Mindset
Another theme that repeatedly emerges from these accounts is Smarth’s quiet generosity and instinct to give.
Kate Brennan notes:
“He operates purely from an abundance mindset and has a heart of gold.”
She further recalls witnessing him donate portions of his own salary to charitable causes.
Annu Jha, Academic Head at SARD and a former client during Smarth’s time at BCG, recounts similar experiences:
“He genuinely cares about people. Usually people hesitate to spend money, but he never thought twice. He would get food and essentials for ten or twenty people—not because he needed something from them, but simply because it is in his nature to give.”
Through their NGO initiatives, she also witnessed him quietly supporting underprivileged children by helping provide books, laptops, and educational support.
As she summarizes:
“He gives away a lot, without ever telling anyone.”
Building Deep and Lasting Relationships
Those who know Smarth also point to his unusual ability to build deep and enduring relationships, often sustained through thoughtful gestures over many years.
Seema Bansal, former Asia Head of BCG Social Impact, reflects:
“He can build a really good and deep connection with people very quickly because of his energy and passion.”
Pulkit Shamshery, now a lead at Rivian and formerly President of a society at MIT, remembers hosting Smarth during his first visit to MIT in 2016.
“Smarth is all about caring for people. You build deep trust with him because there is no hidden agenda in his actions.”
He adds that the small gestures mattered most:
“Happy Diwali messages, birthday wishes… these small things helped build real relationships.”
Even mentors have experienced this continuity.
Prof. Geoffrey Maitland—Commander of the Order of the British Empire and former President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers—notes that since working together in 2017:
“Every year on Teacher’s Day, he contacts me to say thank you for giving him an early opportunity.”
Professional Discipline with Emotional Intelligence
Smarth’s emotional intelligence is not separate from his professional approach—it is deeply integrated into how he works.
Jim Moffatt highlights his respectful persistence:
“Smarth is persistent, but extremely respectful and accommodating. Even my executive assistant went out of her way to thank him for always being so gracious.”
He also describes him as a disciplined thinker and an attentive listener.
Kate Brennan similarly emphasizes his professionalism and thoughtfulness:
“He understands business, he listens, and he thinks things through end-to-end. He doesn’t just wing it.”
And for some, his support has been deeply personal.
As Annu Jha reflects:
“There were moments when I felt completely broken, and he quietly helped me stand again.”
Chapter II ultimately presents a portrait of leadership defined not only by intellect, but by emotional depth—where empathy, generosity, and sincerity shape both professional impact and human connection.
