Page 12 - Masala Lite Issue 165 September 2024

12 COVERED
A

PALATE

for PROGRESS

In conversation with
Darshan Mehta on
passions, pursuits, and progress.

BY GRACE CLARKE

assions are the seeds of our deepest convictions,
ideas, and aspirations. They begin as intangible
desires, drifting in the realm of possibility,
waiting to take shape. But what breathes life into these
passions, turning them from mere thoughts into tangible
actions? When we align our inner desires with the outer
world, and identify problems that resonate with us on a
personal level - that is when our passions find purpose.
When we channel our passions into work, we’re not
just pursuing a job; we’re addressing a gap that we’ve
identified through our unique lens.

This concept is challenging, demanding a blend of
creativity, dexterity, and grit. To explore how these
qualities can drive success, Masala had the opportunity
of engaging with Darshan Mehta, a multifaceted
powerhouse in the community. As an entrepreneur,
author, professor, and creative thinker, Darshan has
navigated a diverse range of passions and pursuits. In our
conversation, we delve into the strategies and mindset
that have propelled him to, as he would phrase it, “Aha!”
20 in February 2024. I’m also getting ready to introduce pepper jelly, which can be
Could you provide some insights into your formative years and how they have used as a condiment or an ingredient and is very tasty and versatile, under the Nalini
shaped your current professional trajectory? brand to Thailand and Asia. Visitors to Carmina have responded positively to our Latin
I was born in Bombay, India and raised in the US since the age of four. I grew up in Cuisine and have given us very positive feedback on our pepper jelly.
an entrepreneurial environment, so I was destined to do something on my own.
How has being an adjunct professor at diverse institutions such as The George
In college, I was drawn to case studies, where you had to ferret through a lot of
Washington University, the University of Gothenburg, Thammasat University, the
information to hone in on the relevant facts to solve the problem. This helped me
Paris Institute of Political Studies, and Franklin University shaped your approach
recognise that I don’t mind problems, but I really love solutions. This has helped
to education and your understanding of global perspectives?
me succeed professionally, by focusing on solutions versus dwelling on problems.
I’ve realised that I control nothing. The extent of my control in the entire universe I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to live and work around the
is me – half the time. I, too, have thoughts and emotions I can’t control. So, I focus world. Travel, alone, is a great educator, but teaching gives one a full 360 perspective.
on the things I can impact. Working with students is very rewarding. You not only learn the subject matter at
a deeper level, but you also learn human nature and communication. There’s an art
As the Founder of the iResearch, Carmina, and Nalini brands, can you share the and science to giving feedback to students that inspires them to think, and reach new
inspiration behind these platforms and how they each address different needs levels, without feeling dejected or losing confidence. I’m grateful that I continue to
in the market? What was your vision when you first started these projects, and have this opportunity to work with students.
how have they evolved over time?
Beyond your expertise in marketing, you recently explored the food and beverage
I’ve been doing consulting work since I graduated from college. As mentioned earlier,
industry with Carmina. What inspired you to dive into this new venture, and
working on case studies made me realise my passion for solving problems - ferreting
how has the experience been so far?
through large amounts of information (much of which is noise) to hone in on the
root problem and architect a solution. In 1998, I founded iResearch to reposition my Trust me, having a restaurant requires marketing experience! I rely on marketing,
existing strategic consulting business to better reflect the promise presented by the market research, and branding principles to guide me in my F&B venture. For example,
digital era. I had no idea whether the experience would be good, bad, or ugly. But my my team knows that Carmina exists to accomplish two goals: firstly to delight our
gut told me that online research was going to be big, and I had to be a part of it. I was customers; and secondly, to evoke a “wow” with every dish we serve. Based on my
driven by an inkling that the market research industry would be disrupted by online marketing expertise, I feel people are seeking experiences, not just to buy products
surveys and online focus groups. I also predicted that gathering insights would no or food.
longer be a playground for large companies with big budgets. Small to medium-sized
With your Getting to Aha! book, podcast, and column, what does ‘Aha!’ signify
companies, I realised, would benefit as well.
for you, and what inspired you to start these projects?
On 15 March 2020, I arrived in Thailand, three days before the lockdown, to avoid In marketing and branding, you are on the hunt for insights to differentiate your
being in the US for COVID 19. This choice was based on an insight I had about how product, drive innovation and cultivate loyalty. If you look at the world around us
COVID would be handled in the US versus Thailand; it turned out to be the better from iPhones, to the World Wide Web - these all exist because someone wanted
choice. During this period, I decided to stay in Thailand, as I saw growth opportunities to solve a problem. These ‘Aha’ moments fascinate me, and in business, they often
in Asia over the next couple of decades. This led me to become an active participant deliver a competitive advantage that can last many years. The question I often get is,
in the Thai start-up community and I began working with a couple of cloud kitchen “how can I get to these ‘Aha!’ moments?” This led me to author my book, “Getting to
entrepreneurs. Having been visiting here since 1989, I always enjoyed the vibrant and Aha – Why Today’s Insights are Tomorrow’s Facts.” This also led to my podcast where
varied food scene in Bangkok. But, I noticed there were few options for Latin American I discuss with guests, from various backgrounds, their ‘Aha’ moments that led them
cuisine, especially dishes like pollo a la brasa (Peruvian rotisserie chicken.) I also to where they are now. I encourage everyone to keep seeking ‘Aha’ moments! I find
wanted to get into consumer packaged goods. So, I opened Carmina on Sukhumvit they enrich my life.

MASAL A LITE ISSUE 165 - SEPTEMBER 2024