Isha Jaiswal Is Empowering Young Finance Learners Through Content Creation

At the Digital Women Awards 2025, Isha Jaiswal, founder of Grad Me Up!, was recognised for her impactful work in financial education and awarded in the Content Creation category. As she accepted Digital Women Award on stage, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “l actually feel very elated being awarded on this stage and in front of so many successful women.” 

Her words reflected not only her excitement but also her commitment to empowering young learners through practical, relatable finance education.

Through her self-funded venture, she has empowered over 10,000 students and professionals with real-world skills like financial modeling, taxation, Excel, and AI. 

Isha Jaiswal: Digital Women Awards 2025

STP: What is Grad Me Up! and what is your vision for the platform?

Isha: Grad Me Up! is my way of helping students and young professionals learn finance the way it’s actually used in the real world.

We focus on teaching practical skills like Excel, AI, Power BI, taxation, financial modelling, and valuation through simple, hands-on learning programs. 

So far, we’ve taught over 10,000 learners through structured courses and live cohorts. My goal is to make finance less intimidating and more relatable, so people can use these skills confidently in their jobs or businesses.

It’s not just about theory it’s about helping learners connect what they study to what they’ll actually do.

STP: What Is Your Business Model?

Isha: Grad Me Up! runs on a simple model we create and deliver finance-based learning programs through online courses, workshops, and live cohorts. Learners can enroll individually or through institutional partnerships.

Our revenue comes from course sales, collaborations with educational bodies, and customized training programs for corporates.

Alongside this, my content on YouTube and Instagram helps build awareness and trust creating a community of learners who want to keep upgrading themselves.

The idea is to keep education affordable but also impactful enough to genuinely improve someone’s career.

STP: What Is The Future Opportunity For Your Business?

Isha: There’s a huge gap between what’s taught in classrooms and what’s needed in the job market, especially in finance. That’s where Grad Me Up! fits in.

We plan to expand our platform to over 1 lakh learners in the next three years through new courses, certifications, and partnerships with colleges and corporations.

The goal is to become the go-to upskilling platform for young finance professionals not just in India but globally. 

With the growing demand for finance jobs and digital tools, the opportunity for skill-based education is massive, and I want Grad Me Up! to lead that movement in a practical, affordable, and student-first way.

STP: In What Ways Do Technology And Digital Tools Contribute To The Growth, Efficiency, And Overall Success Of Your Business?

Isha:Technology is at the heart of everything we do at Grad Me Up! It’s what allows me to reach thousands of learners across the country while sitting in my home office even now, as a new mother. We use digital platforms like Zoom, Notion, and Google Classroom to conduct sessions and track student progress.

Social media plays a massive role too  through Instagram and YouTube, I can make finance fun, visual, and relatable.

Technology also helps us automate operations from student onboarding to feedback and certification. Data insights tell us what learners are struggling with, so we can design better courses and update our content constantly.

Beyond that, digital tools allow flexibility something I value deeply as a working mother. Even with a newborn at home, I’ve continued working, shooting videos, and mentoring students thanks to how accessible tech has made education. In many ways, technology hasn’t just scaled my business it’s helped me live my purpose while balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and teaching.

STP: What Were Some Key Challenges You Faced While Building Your Business?

Isha: The biggest challenge was building everything from scratch  without funding, without a big team, and while learning everything on the go.

As one of the few female finance creators, I also had to break stereotypes and prove that women can lead conversations about money confidently.

And personally, balancing my pregnancy and work was another test of patience and purpose. I never took a maternity break I was creating content, teaching, and mentoring even when I was in my ninth month, and continued after my baby was born.

It wasn’t easy, but it reminded me why I started to help others learn and grow, no matter what life stage they’re in.

STP: As An Entrepreneur, What's The One Motto You Live By? 

Isha: Keep showing up  no matter what phase of life you’re in. Whether it’s during late-night study sessions, pregnancy, or while caring for a newborn, I’ve learned that consistency always beats perfection. Progress comes from persistence.

STP: Why Is It Important For Entrepreneurs To Prioritise Health And Emotional Wellbeing?

Isha: When you’re running a business, especially while juggling multiple roles as a founder, educator, and mother  your energy becomes your biggest asset.

I’ve learned that emotional wellbeing directly affects how you lead, create, and connect with others.

There are days when it’s overwhelming, but taking small pauses, being kind to yourself, and asking for help when needed makes all the difference.

For me, staying mentally grounded helps me stay creative and calm, even in chaos. A healthy entrepreneur builds not just a business, but a team culture that values empathy and balance.