There’s something about Shivank Goel’s videos that feel like a long walk with a friend – the kind that starts with small talk and ends with perspective. Known online as @thezeroquotient, Shivank has quietly built a community that finds comfort in his simple, intentional storytelling — the kind that balances real-world lessons with honest reflections about figuring life out in your twenties.
When asked about his handle, he laughs. “I actually just picked it randomly when I was a kid and it stuck,” he admits. “I don’t even remember what I was thinking back then.” But over time, what started as a random choice has turned into a space that mirrors who he is – honest, thoughtful, and refreshingly self-aware. “If you mean the account itself, it’s my space to share learnings, perspectives, and experiences — mostly about corporate life and figuring out life on your own in a big city.”
For Shivank, content isn’t just about views – it’s about value. “My content reflects who I am, and I take it seriously,” he shares. “I overthink and research a lot because I love providing value. Sure, I want my videos to do well, but I feel like intentional videos, done the right way, can also work.”
This mix of intentionality and authenticity perhaps comes from his other world Product Management. “They definitely influence each other,” he explains. “Product Management is all- about problem solving, empathy, and thinking in patterns. That experience gives me the base for the stories I tell in my videos, probably in ways people don’t expect.”
It’s a blend that defines the modern creator – analytical yet emotional, structured yet spontaneous. But beyond the content, Shivank has found that the biggest transformation came from something as simple as moving out. “Honestly, one of the best things someone in their 20s can do is spend more time with themselves and move out of their parents’ house,” he says. “It helps you understand yourself and shows you there’s a whole world out there.”
That solitude, though, doesn’t mean isolation. “Enjoying solitude and having friends are two different things,” he adds thoughtfully. “You need the right balance.”
As the festive season arrives, Shivank finds himself reflecting more, something he says naturally happens around Diwali. “Diwali is still the same for me. Dressing up, sitting through Puja, and waiting for the mithai box to open so I can pick Dodha barfi,” he laughs. “Even though I talk a lot about doing things alone, some things are just better with family.”
His favourite part? Watching the inevitable chaos unfold. “Honestly, watching the whole family fight and then laugh in a few hours, that’s what Diwali feels like to me.”
In a world where Diwali often gets wrapped in brand deals and content pushes, Shivank finds peace in keeping it personal. “I don’t do a lot of brand collabs so it’s not really a problem. I only work with brands that respect my timelines and intent because content isn’t my main source of income.”
And when asked if storytelling with purpose still has a place in the era of virality, his response is simple but certain. “Intentional storytelling has always existed and it will continue to. The numbers might be small because the audience is niche, but that doesn’t mean people don’t want content that actually provides value.”
As we close, Shivank leaves a quiet reminder that feels like the perfect note for this festive season – not just for creators, but for anyone navigating their own path:
“Do what feels right to you. You can be whatever you decide to be. Nothing is really hard, it just takes time.”
And maybe that’s the real rhythm of Diwali – patience, purpose, and a plate full of Dodha barfi.
