Megha Thomas
Founder - Saint Chocolates
Corporate Voice|Weber Shandwick
Megha Thomas is a member of:
Could you tell us briefly about your family background?
We are four sisters, born and brought up largely in Mumbai. My parents are retired professionals. Currently, all of us are married. My elders two sister are in the Middle East whereas we twins are based in Mumbai. My husband is a specialist in medical devices, besides being a guitarist n a g8t cook
Required Reading:
Though there are lots of great books available on art of successful business communication and PR, I would also personally recommend www.instituteforpr.com as a good resource base for research and literature on PR and global developments
Prized Accomplishment(s):
I have more than 12+ years of experience in Public Relations - wherein I worked with large corporates and handled areas such as crisis communication. But more importantly, I think I could break from that domain and successfully establish my own business in chocolates, despite no previous experience
Career Profile:
Currently, I'm fully involved with setting up my chocolate business - Saint Chocolates - wherein I not only make products, but also lead the on-ground team. Previously, it was a Director position in a PR agency, where I used to head client specific PR campaigns and business development
Changes In The Professional Environment:
Significantly. The younger lot is more professional, more clear on their career expectations and also there is more domain knowledge today in the arena of PR Management
Done Differently:
A lot of things! The way I would present myself to my clients, the way I would handle crisis situations, the way I would recruit my team members and also the way I would manage expectations of people around me
The Journey So Far:
I started out as an Image Manager in a PR agency - and progressed from there. Along with handling some prestigious clients, also kept working at strengthening my educational creds - which included a double post graduate degree in areas of sociology as well as management.
Job Profile:
Currently, I'm founder of Saint Chocolates - wherein we manufacture and supply exquisite home-made chocolates to various clients. Besides supervising chocolate manufacturing, I also head business development. In my previous organisation, I was responsible for managing a set of clients and their PR
Growth Strategy:
The first thing I did was to break away from my comfort zone and starting on my own - so as to unlearn old things and establish myself again from scratch in a new area. Furthermore, I keep reading a lot and interacting with various leaders in respective domains - to get those critical insights.
Other Thoughts:
Yes. I would like to reiterate the importance of family support for any successful professional. Most of us often end up ignoring their contribution - but without them, anyone could have a major handicap. I'm always thankful to my family for helping me and encouraging me from time to time.
Role Model:
I get inspired by JESUS - who literally had no luxury of resources at his disposal but being a carpenters son yet had the conviction that his Father above would move the mountain and is mighty to save this world.
The Decisions That Matter
I guess breaking from PR line of career and finally following my passion of making my own things - is one decision that I'm definitely proud of.
Degrees That Matter:
Any management degree is good to set a basic foundation, but beyond that, its your conduct and ability to learn and belief in yourself - which shapes your career.
Plans For The Future:
I wish to be in a position where I can help few others to bring happiness to their families and give back to the society.