The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is being held on the French Riviera from May 14, with global luminaries set to make waves on the canvas of the prestigious film festival. India will be represented by actors and social media influencers alike and the list includes Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rahi Chadda, Sobhita Dhulipala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Viraj Ghelani and many others.


In addition to them, Finance Content creator and founder of the 1% Club, Sharan Hegde, will be gracing the red carpet at the prestigious Festival De Cannes, marking him as the first South Asian finance creator representing India at the film festival.


Sharan’s journey from a former management consultant to a viral sensation in the world of personal finance has been nothing short of remarkable. 


To know more, ABP Live had a conversation with him over email, where Sharan spoke about his achievement of being the first finance content creator at Cannes and also shared about the 1% club.


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Here Are Some Excerpts From The Interview:



  • As the first finance creator in the world to grace the red carpet at the Festival de Cannes, what does this achievement mean to you personally and professionally?


Being the first finance creator in the world to walk the red carpet at the Festival de Cannes is a huge moment for me, both personally and professionally. Personally, it's a surreal experience. I never imagined my journey in finance would lead to such a prestigious event. Professionally, it's a significant milestone. It gives me a platform to spread awareness about financial literacy to a global audience. Being recognised as the first South Asian finance creator to walk the red carpet at the Festival de Cannes is a real honour and highlights the importance of diversity in the finance industry. Overall, it's about breaking barriers and showing that finance can be just as impactful as any other field.


 



  • How do you plan to use this platform to further your mission of making financial literacy accessible to all?


My mission of democratising financial literacy is deeply embedded in my presence on this platform. Through concise, actionable insights, I aim to leverage its vast reach to empower individuals from all backgrounds. Cultivating an interactive community, fostering collaboration with experts, and maintaining authenticity in my content are key pillars of this endeavour. Together, we can amplify the conversation around financial literacy, creating a supportive environment where everyone can learn and grow, ultimately driving positive change in people's financial lives.


 



  • In your journey from a management consultant to a viral finance content creator, what has been the most significant challenge you've faced, and how did you overcome it?


One of the most significant challenges I encountered in transitioning from a management consultant to a finance content creator was finding my authentic voice amidst the noise of online content. As a consultant, I was accustomed to a more structured and formal way of communicating, but in the world of social media, authenticity and relatability are key. To overcome this challenge, I had to break out of my comfort zone and experiment with different styles of content until I found what resonated best with my audience. It required a lot of trial and error, but through consistent effort and listening to feedback, I gradually honed my unique voice and style. Additionally, building a presence in the digital space posed its own set of challenges, from growing my following to navigating the ever-changing algorithms of social media platforms. I tackled this by staying adaptable and continuously learning about the latest trends and strategies for engagement. 


 



  • Can you tell us about the 1% Club and how it has impacted its members in their pursuit of financial independence and early retirement?


The 1% Club isn't just a club; it's a community united by the pursuit of financial independence and early retirement. Members learn to enable transformative changes in their financial well-being from debt freedom to substantial wealth accumulation. It's about reclaiming control over finances, achieving freedom to pursue passions, and fostering a supportive community. Through disciplined saving and strategic planning, early retirement becomes a tangible reality, not a distant dream. The 1% Club isn't just about money; it's about empowerment and solidarity, guiding individuals towards a brighter financial future. And that's something I'm truly proud to be building.


 



  • In your opinion, what role can content creators and influencers play in democratising access to financial education, especially in regions where such knowledge may be scarce?


As a finance content creator, I believe we can simplify complex financial concepts into easily digestible content. Our platforms can reach diverse audiences, regardless of location or background. By advocating for financial literacy initiatives, we can drive awareness and policy change. Offering practical tips and tools empowers individuals to make informed decisions. Through guidance on budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management, we foster financial independence. 


 



  • What message would you like to convey to the global audience at the Festival de Cannes, both within and beyond the finance community?


Financial education is not just about numbers; it's about unlocking opportunities and realising dreams. Let's break down barriers and democratise access to financial resources and information. Whether you're a filmmaker, artist, or entrepreneur, understanding finances is essential for success and sustainability. Let's use our platforms to inspire change and promote financial inclusion on a global scale.