In the latest episode of the Why, Not How podcast on Spotify, Manuel had the privilege of interviewing Sukadev Bretz, the founder and spiritual leader of Yoga Vidya, a network of yoga centers in Germany. Sukadev’s journey from a young, spiritually curious individual to a prominent leader in the yoga community offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, especially those starting with a vision to create purpose-driven, impact-focused ventures.
From Corporate Roots to Spiritual Exploration
Sukadev’s path to spiritual leadership began in an unconventional way. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs in the furniture industry, Sukadev was exposed to business life early on. However, despite growing up surrounded by commerce, he felt a deep disconnect between the corporate world and his spiritual quest for meaning. The furniture business, though ethical, didn’t align with Sukadev’s deeper calling to serve humanity in a more profound way.
From a young age, Sukadev was consumed with questions about the purpose of life. What is the meaning of existence? Why are we here? These questions led him to seek spiritual answers, and by the time he was 16, Sukadev began practicing meditation daily. His exploration of these deeper questions ultimately led him to study and practice yoga, eventually dedicating his life to helping others find their own spiritual truths.
Integrating Spirituality and Business: Building Yoga Vidya
Despite his deep immersion in yoga and spirituality, Sukadev continued to recognize the importance of practical skills, which led him to pursue a degree in Business Administration (BWL). While his heart was set on yoga, Sukadev believed that understanding business principles would be crucial in creating a sustainable model for his spiritual work. This dual approach—blending spirituality with business acumen—became the cornerstone of his later success.
After completing his studies, Sukadev traveled the world, immersing himself in the practice and teaching of yoga. He spent time in countries like France, Switzerland, and the United States, learning from various teachers and refining his approach. It was during this time that Sukadev realized that his true calling was not only to practice and teach yoga but also to create a community where others could deepen their spiritual practices.
In 1992, Sukadev returned to India to explore his next steps, and it was there that he had a vision: to bring yoga to Germany, creating a network of yoga centers that would eventually become Yoga Vidya. He founded the organization with the goal of combining spiritual practice with democratic principles, offering a space where people could learn, practice, and ultimately serve the greater good.
The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership
Sukadev’s leadership style is centered on the idea of being an instrument of service. In his interview with Manuel, he shared that his role is not about striving for personal achievement but about channeling something greater than himself—“letting it flow through me.” This selfless approach to leadership is deeply aligned with the principles of social entrepreneurship and building impact-driven ventures. For entrepreneurs looking to make a difference, Sukadev’s perspective offers a powerful lesson: true leadership comes from serving others with purpose and humility.
One of the challenges Sukadev faced in his early years was the inevitable friction between his spiritual practice and the logistical realities of running a business. He realized that even in a purpose-driven organization, practical decisions had to be made, whether it was about the finances of running a center or the team dynamics of a growing organization. Sukadev shared that in moments of frustration, especially when handling tasks like taxes or legal requirements, he had to remind himself of his deeper purpose and use that to refocus his energy.
The Spirit of Innovation in Yoga Vidya
As Yoga Vidya grew, Sukadev learned to balance creativity with structure. Just as a startup must continuously innovate while staying grounded in its core mission, Yoga Vidya also had to adapt to the changing needs of its community while maintaining the integrity of its vision. Sukadev described how in the early days, he was deeply involved in every aspect of the organization—from designing promotional materials to leading meditation sessions. Over time, as the organization grew, he learned to delegate, allowing others to take on responsibilities while still ensuring the organization’s spiritual integrity was maintained.
This approach is particularly valuable for early-stage ventures looking to scale their impact. Sukadev’s experience highlights that, even in a spiritual organization, there is room for creativity and innovation. Entrepreneurs building impact startups can take inspiration from this, understanding that purpose-driven innovation is key to maintaining momentum while staying true to their core mission.
Key Learnings for Entrepreneurs
As Sukadev continues to lead Yoga Vidya, his journey offers key insights for entrepreneurs, particularly those interested in creating impact-driven ventures or working in purpose-driven industries. Here are the top five takeaways from Sukadev’s story:
- Start with Purpose, But Be Practical: A strong sense of purpose is essential, but practical skills—like business acumen and organizational structure—are necessary to bring your vision to life. Entrepreneurs can learn to balance spirituality with business practices to create sustainable ventures.
- Leadership Through Service: Sukadev’s approach to leadership is rooted in service to others. For purpose-driven entrepreneurs, this mindset is key. Your role is to empower others and help them grow, rather than focusing solely on your own success.
- Embrace Innovation: Even in a spiritual organization, Sukadev recognized the need for creative problem-solving. Entrepreneurs in impact-driven industries can benefit from constantly seeking new ways to meet the needs of their communities while staying true to their mission.
- Delegate and Trust Your Team: As your venture grows, it’s essential to delegate and trust the people around you. Sukadev learned to pass on responsibilities, allowing his team to take on leadership roles while maintaining the organization’s values.
- Maintain Flexibility: Entrepreneurship requires adaptability. Sukadev’s ability to modify his approach and experiment with new ideas is a crucial lesson for anyone in the early stages of building a venture. Sometimes, the best path forward comes from continuous trial and error.
Sukadev’s Next Steps: Continuing the Mission
As Sukadev looks to the future, his focus remains on the deepening of spiritual practice and supporting those who are on their own journeys toward self-realization. For entrepreneurs in the impact startup space, Sukadev’s story is a powerful reminder that the path is often not linear, but rather a series of small steps that build on each other. Purpose-driven leadership means navigating challenges with perseverance, while always keeping the end goal in mind: making a positive impact on the world.
Sukadev’s vision for Yoga Vidya has grown into something far beyond his initial idea. It’s a network of yoga centers, communities, and individuals who are committed to spiritual growth and holistic well-being. His journey teaches us that with patience, humility, and a commitment to a greater cause, anything is possible—whether it’s building a spiritual organization or a purpose-driven startup.
Sukadev’s insights into entrepreneurship and social impact provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to create something meaningful in today’s world. By blending creativity, innovation, and purpose, he shows that it is possible to make a lasting difference while staying true to your inner calling.
