Vishal Menon
PGPMAX Founding Class







Tell us a little about your family background/ history. How has it influenced you?
I spent most of my life in Bangalore. My father is a retired Geologist and mom is a retired teacher. I have an older brother, who is a writer and actor. Growing up, I enjoyed a supportive environment that tolerated my maverick ways and allowed me the freedom to experience and explore everything that caught my fancy. From rescuing and rehabilitating injured animals, including venomous snakes and fighting with other kids over my own imaginary country to almost abandoning my studies to join a heavy metal band! My long-suffering parents were unusually indulgent, for the most part. I like to believe that this has enabled me to develop a deep passion for learning and created a venturesome spirit that has helped me in my journey thus far. I currently live with my ‘much better half’ and two adorable kids, in god’s own country!

Briefly describe your personal and professional achievements (including recent awards/ special projects).
I have spent most of my career in companies that I have helped grow from a nascent stage, into fairly large enterprises. My experiences have traversed a diverse range of domains from Luxury Hotels, Mortgage Banking & Information Technology, Agriculture & Forest Produce marketing, Nutraceuticals & Botanical ingredients to, most recently, developing a gourmet food brand! I played a significant role in enabling two early stage startups’ transform into multimillion-dollar, global enterprises, employing several thousand people. I have also learned immensely from the failures that were an integral part of my journey.
My interest in natural history and anthropology has taken me to some of the remotest regions on earth. From a solo camping trip among the giant Brown Bears of Katmai, Alaska, to being held hostage by tribal raiders in remote East Africa, every trip has endowed my life with rich experiences, which I draw from everyday in my professional career.
I have been an avid shutterbug for years, awards notwithstanding, my “hurrah moment” came when Amitabh Bachchan, of whom I am a big fan, selected my image as his favorite tiger picture on national television.
I have recently authored a photo-book that chronicles the ‘coming of age’ story of a wild bull elephant. Another book is in the pipeline!

Tell us about your profile prior to attending ISB and recap your professional life after ISB, including your career progression.
Prior to ISB, I worked for over a decade, in various roles, in the area of Operations management, Organizational development and eventually, in Strategy & Governance. These companies were all in fast-paced, global, people-intensive businesses. I grew with the companies that I worked for and in one instance, went on to become a member of the Board. During my education at ISB and thereafter, I tried to build on a social-entrepreneurship idea that was close to my heart, but perhaps, an idea whose time has not come. Having failed this time, but wiser, humbled and more resolute, I moved on to an opportunity at Synthite, the world’s largest value added spice company, to incubate new businesses and brands at its state of the art innovation centre.

How do you think your time at ISB has contributed to your career and personal growth?
I enjoyed the intellectual challenge and the collaborative atmosphere of the ISB classroom. The conceptual brevity and clarity of thought that most professors displayed was truly inspirational. My classmates at ISB are among the smartest, most motivated people that I have ever met. I have developed relationships with many of them that I will value for the rest of my life. I am confident that I can count on their counsel and good judgement in several matters, including personal growth.

What do you enjoy most about your current career position?
At Synthite, as Chief Development Officer, I work with a diverse group of science and technology professionals’ with expertise in the area of Phytochemistry, Food Technology, Proteomics and Chemical engineering among others. I enjoy the responsibility, autonomy, trust and most of all, the opportunity to learn and find creative solutions to problems.

Briefly describe a typical day at work, in a way that illuminates the kind of challenges and opportunities your role involves.
Most days are atypical though our challenges and opportunities lie in the ‘not-so-unusual’ areas of Problem Solving, Change management and Capability Building. My workday often looks like so:
• Customer/Sponsor communication & Internal Meetings- Daily stand-ups and weekly team reviews and Board communication – it’s never enough!
• Lab-work- hands on stuff -like reviewing prototypes, interpreting analytical results/ organoleptic evaluations – the stuff helps us get the problem between our teeth!
• Fire fighting – As with all innovation shops, there is never a dull moment and this aspect provides pain, pleasure and colourful content.
• External meetings – Nudging suppliers and external agencies to do their bit for the cause.
• R&R time – Research and Review: Dedicated time for ensuring one is up to speed on technical nuances integral to comprehending science problems.

What is the next new thing in the industry or vertical you are working in? Are there any trends that you can identify?
In the food ingredient space, globally, there is a growing demand for processed food products that are perceived by the end consumer as “Natural” and with “No added Chemicals”. The industry decodes this trend as ‘clean label’ - recognizable ingredients and simple names that the consumer may be familiar with. We are working on several such natural alternatives that are designed to limit or replace the use of Synthetic food dyes, preservatives, emulsifiers and antioxidants in food products. We are also working on technology solutions that can reduce pesticide residue and accumulative toxins such as heavy metals in processed food.

What was the main highlight or most memorable aspect of your programme at the ISB?
Undoubtedly, the most memorable moments were the term end galas and parties. Our group of super talented musicians, poets, assorted storytellers; impromptu comedians and self styled connoisseurs of gastronomy ensured very high standards of entertainment. ISB also created a safe and supportive environment where hardened corporate honcho’s could drift into a childlike state of curiosity and exploration. Bereft of corporate trappings and labels, our debates, discussions and team interactions were incredibly honest, often revealing our vulnerability and strengthening our relationships.

If you could offer a word of advice to the current class at ISB, what would it be?
I can suggest two phrases -Relentless curiosity and the Ability to change. These are two attributes worth investing in, as they will ensure that one’s education and skills will never become obsolete.

How do you feel you can contribute to ISB?
I do try to be a positive ambassador for brand ISB and hope that one day, my actions will speak for itself. I will continue to spread the word and connect people with the School, if I believe this can be of mutual benefit. I will also be happy to share my experiences in the area of entrepreneurship and innovation, if it can be of use to anyone.