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At NYU, the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship is alive and well, especially through the various programs at the Leslie eLab that support and empower young entrepreneurs. One of the most inspiring recent events was the Female Founder Lunch, which brought together two dynamic entrepreneurs: Drew Lederman, co-founder & CEO of Resist Nutrition, and Sruti Madhusudhan, co-founder & COO of Building Diagnostic Robotics.
Both women shared their entrepreneurial journeys and insights on how the Leslie eLab has been instrumental in helping them take their businesses to the next level.
The lunch provided an invaluable opportunity for students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and innovators to learn from the experiences of Drew and Sruti — two founders who are breaking barriers in the fields of nutrition and robotics. Both Drew and Sruti spoke candidly about the challenges and triumphs they've faced along the way, and how NYU's Leslie eLab played a pivotal role in advancing their ventures.
The Power of Persistence: Drew Lederman's Journey to Resist Nutrition
Drew, an alumna of the Tisch School of the Arts ('20), shared the story behind Resist Nutrition, a company that is revolutionizing the way people think about nutrition and wellness. She spoke about the importance of resilience and the unexpected opportunities that arise when entrepreneurs take risks and apply to programs — even if they don't initially think they're qualified. Drew’s personal journey is a testament to this.
Drew recounted how she applied to numerous programs during her early entrepreneurial days, despite doubts about her chances of being accepted. One of those applications led to a game-changing connection with Tara Bosch, the founder of Smart Sweets. Drew met Tara through one of these programs, and their relationship has had a profound impact on Drew's business growth. Tara’s mentorship has not only helped Drew navigate challenges but has also played a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of Resist Nutrition.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Don’t let fear of rejection hold you back — every opportunity is a potential game-changer. Drew’s story exemplifies the importance of networking, perseverance, and finding the right mentors to help guide your entrepreneurial journey.
Paving the Way in Robotics: Sruti Madhusudhan’s Story of Innovation
Sruti Madhusudhan, a recent graduate of the Tandon School of Engineering ('23), shared her own inspiring story of co-founding Building Diagnostic Robotics. Sruti's company is pioneering the use of robotics and AI to improve building inspections, making construction projects safer and more efficient. She highlighted how critical it was for her to have access to the resources, mentorship, and guidance that the Leslie eLab provided as she built her business.
Sruti emphasized how NYU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem helped her turn an idea into a scalable startup. Through the Leslie eLab, Sruti was able to connect with investors, advisors, and peers who provided invaluable feedback and resources. She stressed that, as a female founder in a male-dominated industry like robotics, having a supportive community is essential in overcoming both technical and gender-related challenges.
But Sruti didn’t shy away from discussing a more personal challenge: imposter syndrome. As a woman in STEM, Sruti said she has often found herself questioning whether she belongs in the room.
"It's something I think a lot of women in tech experience," she said. "There’s a constant battle of feeling like you have to prove yourself more than your male counterparts."
Sruti explained how, early in her career, the feeling of not being "enough"— not knowing enough, or not being as skilled as others — was something she had to work through daily. But over time, she learned that imposter syndrome is not a reflection of her abilities, but rather a reflection of the external pressures and societal expectations placed on women in STEM.
"I had to remind myself that being in a technical field doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers. It’s okay to ask questions, to learn, and to grow," Sruti shared. "The key is recognizing that everyone, no matter how experienced, has moments of doubt. What matters is how you push through those moments and keep moving forward."
Her advice to others struggling with imposter syndrome? You are where you are for a reason. Trust your abilities, seek support when needed, and don't let self-doubt derail you from your goals.
The Leslie eLab: Fueling Entrepreneurial Dreams
Drew and Sruti’s stories underscore the incredible value that the Entrepreneurial Institute brings to aspiring entrepreneurs at NYU. The eLab offers not only physical space and resources but also a robust network of mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs. For women looking to make their mark in tech, health, or any other industry, the eLab serves as a vital stepping stone, equipping them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.
Drew and Sruti both credited the eLab with providing a community of like-minded individuals who push each other to grow and innovate. It's clear that the Leslie eLab’s commitment to nurturing diverse voices in entrepreneurship is making a tangible difference.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Both founders ended the lunch with a message of empowerment for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Take risks: Don't be afraid to apply to programs or pitch ideas—even if you don't think you're ready.
- Build your network: Your next mentor or business partner could be just an application away.
- Embrace failure: The journey of entrepreneurship is full of setbacks. It's how you respond to them that counts.
- Find your community: Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you. It's essential for growth.
Looking Ahead
The Female Founder Lunch was not only an opportunity to celebrate these incredible women but also a reminder of the power of community, mentorship, and resilience in entrepreneurship. As Drew and Sruti continue to build their companies, they are paving the way for future generations of female founders. The Leslie eLab will undoubtedly continue to be a catalyst for the next wave of innovative, impact-driven businesses coming out of NYU.
For any aspiring entrepreneur, the message is clear: Take every opportunity to learn, grow, and connect — because you never know where that next big idea or relationship might take you.
Ready to start your entrepreneurial journey? Consider booking a coaching appointment, and join the growing community of innovators at NYU. The possibilities are endless when you have the right support — and who knows, maybe your next mentor is just an application away.
