This article's factual accuracy is disputed. (February 2026) |
Jay Shetty | |
|---|---|
Shetty in August 2021 | |
| Born | 6 September 1987 London, England |
| Education | Queen Elizabeth's School |
| Alma mater | City, University of London |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Notable work | Think Like a Monk[1] |
| Spouse | Radhi Devlukia[2] |
| Awards | 11th Shorty Awards |
Jay Shetty (born 6 September 1987) is a British podcaster, author, entrepreneur, and life coach.[3][4] He has appeared on television programs to informally discuss mental health and life purpose.[5]
Early life
Shetty was born in London on 6 September 1987 to a Hindu family of Indian origin. He was raised in Barnet, North London and has a sister.[6][7] From childhood, he claims to have been a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, known as the Hare Krishna movement or Hare Krishnas.[8] His mother is a Gujarati who was raised in Yemen and his father is a Tulu Bunt from Mangalore.[9]
He attended Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet,[10] then went on to graduate from the Bayes Business School at the City St George's, University of London in 2010 with a degree in Management science.[11]
Career
In a 2008 interview, Shetty claims that at a 2006 event in France of the Iskcon Pandava Sena (the Hare Krishna youth group) he had undergone a "massive transformation" and become appreciative of the Hare Krishna movement.[8]
In business school around 2007 (though Shetty had provided inconsistent accounts of when the event took place),[8] Shetty claimed to have met Gauranga Das, a monk invited to speak at the school on selflessness and living a minimalist lifestyle.[12] Shetty claimed to have spoke with Gauranga after his talk and followed him for the remainder of Gauranga's lecture circuit around the United Kingdom.[7]
Shetty claims to have then spent four summers in India interning at corporations and training with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Shetty has often claimed that he spent three years, from 2010 to 2013, living the ISKCON lifestyle at an undisclosed ashram in Mumbai, India,[13][14][15]. Despite this claim, his blog posts and people familiar with his movements during that period indicate he actually spent a majority of this time making promotional videos at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford,[12] with Shetty writing in a blog post that he had arrived in India in October 2010 and had spent less than four months in the country before leaving again.[8]
Shetty began his career at Accenture, working on digital strategy and as a social media coach for the company's executives.[16][17] In 2016, Shetty broke away to become an independent content creator.[8] His work caught the attention of Arianna Huffington, who hired him to produce videos for Huffington Post about topics such as relationships.[11][16][18][19] Shetty stopped working for the HuffPost in early 2017, later releasing videos independently on Facebook and YouTube. By 2019, Shetty had over 1 million subscribers on YouTube and 20 million followers on Facebook.[8]
In 2018, Shetty appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and the Red Table Talk show (hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith) on Facebook, and became the "personal spiritual adviser" to Will Smith.[8]

In 2019, Shetty launched the podcast On Purpose.[20] The podcast was downloaded 64 million times in its first year.[12] On Purpose became the number one health podcast in the world according to Forbes.[21][22] In July 2023, Shetty interviewed US President Joe Biden on his mental health initiatives in a podcast episode filmed at the White House.[23] Shetty has conducted interviews with a number of other public figures.[24][25]
In August 2019, YouTuber Nicole Arbour criticized Shetty for posting quotes without proper attribution, leading him to edit 113 posts from his Instagram to add attributions.[26][27][28]
Jay Shetty Certification School
In 2020, Shetty founded the Jay Shetty Certification School, an online learning platform for becoming an in-house accredited life coach. Shetty's school advertised a Level 7 diploma, billed at $7,400 a term, claiming the certification was equivalent to a Master's degree in the United Kingdom.[29] A 2024 investigation by The Guardian found that the school had made several misleading and erroneous claims regarding its status as being Ofqual regulated. In response to the investigation, Ofqual stated “Ofqual do not recognise Jay Shetty – the Centre is not linked to any OTHM Ofqual-regulated qualifications” and made demands that references to Ofqual must be removed from the school website as they "might mislead".
The investigation also found the school claimed to be in progression arrangements with the University of Chichester as well as several other UK universities. During an interview, a spokesperson from the University of Chichester stated “We have never worked with Jay Shetty Certification School" and "I’m very unhappy that we are included on the website. We are unsure why we are being mentioned. We will immediately be making contact to get our name taken off.”[8]
Marketing professor William Keep of The College of New Jersey likened the school's business model to a multi-level marketing scheme, as many students are encouraged to recoup the $7,400 a term tuition cost by starting their own training centers.[8]
Following the investigation, Shetty reportedly directed his team to delete a number of posts, and hire a crisis PR firm for a SEO campaign.[30]
Other enterprises and roles
Shetty is the co-founder of a video production company, Icon Media, along with Alex Kushneir.[31][16]
In 2021, Shetty and his wife Radhi launched an adaptogenic tea brand inspired by Ayurveda.[32][33]
In 2022, Shetty joined meditation product company Calm.[34]
He is also in the ownership group of Angel City of the National Women's Soccer League.[35]
Books
Shetty's first book, Think Like a Monk, was published in 2020 by Simon & Schuster.[7][36][37][26]
Shetty's second book, 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go was also published by Simon & Schuster. Within a week it became a New York Times best-seller.[38]
Recognition
Shetty won a 2016 Asian Media Award for Best Blog[39][40] and a 2018 Streamy Awards.[41]
In April 2019, Shetty was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Online Award at The Asian Awards and in May 2019 he won Best in Health & Wellness at the 11th Shorty Awards.[42]
In July 2025, Shetty was named in Time magazine’s inaugural “TIME100 Creators” list.[43]
Personal life
Shetty lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Radhi Devlukia Shetty.[26] He follows a vegan diet.[44]
Shetty’s website previously referred to him holding a degree in “behavioural science”, rather than “management science”. Shetty’s former girlfriend, an experienced practicing psychotherapist and head of mental health services at a university in the UK, was critical of this claim, saying: “My issue as a mental health professional is that Shetty has misrepresented his persona, his knowledge and his credentials”.[8]
References
- ^ Gallo, Carmine (4 September 2020). "The 75 Percent Rule for Success Jay Shetty Learned as a Monk". Inc. Inc. magazine. Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
- ^ "The untold truth of Jay Shetty's wife- Radhi Devlukia-Shetty". 8 February 2021. Archived from the original on 16 November 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ "Opting Out Of The Media Mind Game, An Excerpt From The NY Times Best-Seller 'Think Like A Monk' By Jay Shetty". CBS. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ T. H. R. Staff (5 October 2022). "The 40(ish) Most Powerful People in Podcasting". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
- ^ "Jay Shetty Offers Tips For Surviving Quarantine With Your Partner". ET Online. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
- ^ Meltzer, Marisa (15 September 2021). "A Former Monk, Now a Viral Life Coach: "I Want People to Discover Their Purpose"". WSJ. Archived from the original on 1 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
- ^ a b c "Jay Shetty: 'I want to help people find calm in the chaos'". Eastern Eye. 16 September 2020. Archived from the original on 30 September 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j McDermott, John (29 February 2024). "Uncovering the higher truth of Jay Shetty". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 4 March 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ @theshilpashetty; (3 July 2019). "We are Shetty, and speak the same language. No it's Not TULU...it's the language of gratitude..." Retrieved 5 September 2021 – via Instagram.
- ^ "Award-winning vlogger, filmmaker, online personality and former monk Jay Shetty (OE 1999–2006) has now been named in the 2017 Forbes European 30 Under 30". Queen Elizabeth's School. 20 February 2017. Archived from the original on 6 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ a b "Facebook Goes Global in Courting Creators, Including YouTubers". Variety. 10 February 2019. Archived from the original on 18 April 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
- ^ a b c "'I'm living my highest purpose': mogul monk Jay Shetty on free market teachings". The Guardian. 12 September 2020. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ "How to Live With More Intention, According to Former Monk Jay Shetty". GQ. 9 October 2020. Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ "These 3 Indian-origin men are set to change the world for the better". Vogue India. 15 August 2018. Archived from the original on 6 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ Hoyle, Ben. "Jay Shetty: how to think like a monk (and make millions from mindfulness)". The Times. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ a b c "Social media phenomenon Jay Shetty on his wild journey from monk to entrepreneur — and why he says being disappointed is a normal part of a meaningful life". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 16 October 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ "Influencer Jay Shetty says successful people share 3 traits". Yahoo! Finance. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ "Jay Shetty". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on 6 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
- ^ "Jada Pinkett Smith Discusses Love Relationships with Jay Shetty". People. Archived from the original on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
- ^ "Jay Shetty". Simon & Schuster. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
- ^ "Jay Shetty Teaches You How To Think Like A Monk". Forbes. Archived from the original on 9 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
- ^ "Social Media Star Jay Shetty On How To Think Like A Monk". Grazia magazine. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
- ^ Holland, Steve (31 July 2023). "Biden Talks Bullies, Grandchildren and Compromise on Shetty Podcast". Reuters. Archived from the original on 19 August 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ "Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe: Media". Forbes. Archived from the original on 19 January 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ "Meet Jay Shetty, the Motivational Vlogger and Ex-Monk Who Has Fans in the Kardashians & Ellen DeGeneres". People. Archived from the original on 22 November 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
- ^ a b c "Internet Star 'Exposes' Award-Winning Life Coach Jay Shetty for Plagiarizing Quotes". The National. 27 August 2019. Archived from the original on 14 September 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ "BeingIndian.com". Beingindian. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ "YouTuber Nicole Arbour Exposes Internet Guru And Ex-Monk Jay Shetty, Accuses Him Of Plagiarism!". IndiaTimes. 27 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2 December 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ Shetty, Jay. "About Jay Shetty Certification School". Jay Shetty Certification School. Archived from the original on 4 March 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ "Influencer Jay Shetty Accused Of Lying About Past: All You Need To Know". www.ndtv.com. Archived from the original on 31 May 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
- ^ "Influencer Jay Shetty's Icon Media sets shop in India". Exchange Media. 3 July 2020. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ "Ready-to-Drink Tea Beverage Line JOYO Goes Through a Refresh and Becomes Juni". World Tea News. 9 August 2023. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ "Sama Tea Launches with a Community Focus and 80,000 on Its Waitlist". World Tea News. 6 October 2021. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
- ^ "Calm Announces Former Monk Jay Shetty as Chief Purpose Officer". Athletech News. 9 February 2022. Archived from the original on 14 February 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
- ^ "Jay Shetty". Angel City FC. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
- ^ "Bestselling Books Week Ended September 19". The Wall Street Journal. 24 September 2020. Archived from the original on 29 September 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ "Opting Out Of The Media Mind Game, An Excerpt From The NY Times Best-Seller 'Think Like A Monk' By Jay Shetty". CBS. 23 September 2020. Archived from the original on 27 March 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ Tingley, Anna (17 February 2023). "Jay Shetty Rules Bestseller Lists Once Again With New Book '8 Rules of Love'". Variety. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ "Asian Media Awards 2016 Winners List". Asian Media Awards. 28 October 2016. Archived from the original on 9 November 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
- ^ "Jay Shetty: How He's Mastered The New Media Landscape". Forbes. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ "8th Annual Nominees & Winners". Streamys. Archived from the original on 25 November 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ "Winners of the 9th Asian Awards". The Asian Awards. Archived from the original on 16 August 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
- ^ "The 100 Most Influential Creators of 2025". TIME. 9 July 2025. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
- ^ "This Man Discovered How to REVERSE AGING & Make Himself 31 Years Younger (Data-Proven) @BryanJohnson". YouTube. 13 January 2025.
External links
- English podcasters
- 21st-century English male writers
- Alumni of Bayes Business School
- English Hare Krishnas
- English people of Indian descent
- Living people
- People educated at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School for Boys
- Shorty Award winners
- Tulu people
- Writers from the London Borough of Barnet
- Angel City FC owners
- Life coaches
- Hindu writers
- 21st-century English non-fiction writers
- 1987 births
- English people of Gujarati descent
- Streamy Award winners
- 21st-century Hindus
