Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joseph Thamby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Joseph, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
When I moved from Hyderabad to Saint Louis, Missouri, to pursue my Master’s in Project Management, I found myself in situations where I was often the only one who looked like me. Whether in classrooms or professional spaces, I was confronted with the challenge of being different. But rather than seeing this as a disadvantage, I learned to embrace my uniqueness.
Growing up in Hyderabad, a city rich in culture and history, I developed a love for food that became the heart of my creative journey. My food blogging started as a simple way to share my love for culinary experiences, but it quickly turned into something bigger. I learned that my background in finance, combined with my passion for content creation, gave me a unique edge. I approached food blogging with the precision of finance, analyzing data and strategizing for growth, which set me apart in a crowded digital world.
Of course, being the only one who looks like me hasn’t always been easy. At times, I faced imposter syndrome, questioning if I truly belonged. But the more I leaned into my story, the more I realized my perspective was valuable. My diverse background not only enriched my content but also helped me find connections and build a community of like-minded individuals who resonated with my authenticity.
Today, I see being the only one in the room as an opportunity—not a challenge. It’s a chance to stand out, offer new perspectives, and contribute to the spaces I occupy. As I continue my journey, I am proud of the path I’ve carved, knowing that my unique voice is my strength.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a Content Creator specializing in food blogging and currently pursuing an MS in Project Management at Saint Louis University. My passion for food and culture has been the driving force behind my journey. Through my content, I capture the rich, vibrant flavors of the culinary world, with a particular focus on my hometown, Hyderabad, and its unique food culture.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to tell stories through food. Each dish I share is more than just an image or a video—it’s an experience. I take pride in showing food not only as a culinary item but as a window into the culture, history, and emotions that shape it. This creative storytelling has allowed me to connect with an audience that appreciates authenticity, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to see how much people resonate with my content.
In addition to food blogging, my background in finance and project management brings a unique angle to my work. I approach content creation with a strategic mindset, blending creativity with structure. This combination has helped me build a loyal online community, grow my brand, and constantly innovate in the content space.
As for what’s new, I’m excited to continue expanding my reach and content in both the culinary and academic worlds. I’m also looking forward to sharing more of my journey, balancing creativity and strategic thinking, through new projects and collaborations in the near future.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with my audience and always look forward to what lies ahead as I continue to grow both creatively and professionally!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Creativity and Storytelling: Whether it’s through food blogging or project management, creativity has been my driving force. The ability to tell compelling stories through visuals and words has allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level. This has been crucial not just in content creation but also in building a personal brand that resonates with others.
Advice: For those starting out, my advice is to experiment and embrace your creative side. Don’t worry about being perfect from the start—just begin sharing what excites you, and learn as you go. The more you practice, the better your storytelling will become.
Strategic Thinking and Planning: My background in finance and project management has taught me the importance of structure. It’s easy to get lost in the excitement of creativity, but without a solid plan, it’s hard to achieve sustainable growth. I’ve learned to balance creativity with strategy—whether it’s analyzing social media analytics or managing long-term content goals.
Advice: If you’re early in your journey, focus on understanding the balance between creativity and planning. Learning how to break down bigger goals into actionable steps will make a huge difference. Take time to learn about the tools and frameworks that help streamline your efforts.
Resilience and Adaptability: One of the toughest parts of my journey was moving to a new country and stepping into unknown territories, both professionally and personally. But each challenge was an opportunity to grow stronger. The ability to adapt to new situations and bounce back from setbacks has been key to staying on track.
Advice: My advice here is to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them. The road may not always be smooth, but every hurdle is a chance to learn and improve. Cultivate resilience by staying focused on your long-term goals and remembering that growth often happens in moments of discomfort.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My Family: My family has been my greatest source of support and encouragement. They’ve always believed in my potential, even when I doubted myself. Their constant reassurance, particularly during moments of homesickness or when I felt overwhelmed by the transition to a new country, has given me the emotional strength to keep moving forward. They also instilled in me the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance—values that continue to guide me in all that I do.
Mentors from My Professional Network: I’ve been fortunate to have mentors both in the corporate world and in the creative industry. Whether during my time at Accenture, Tech Mahindra, or in my food blogging journey, mentors have played a critical role in providing guidance. They helped me navigate challenges like imposter syndrome, developing a strategic approach to my content creation, and making the transition from finance to creative work. Their wisdom and insights have been invaluable in broadening my perspective and helping me refine my skills.
My Peers and Classmates at Saint Louis University: Moving to a new environment for my Master’s program was a huge shift, but the peers and classmates I’ve met have been incredibly supportive. We learn from each other every day, especially in project management courses where teamwork, leadership, and time management are key. Through their collaboration and shared experiences, I’ve been able to grow both academically and personally, which has greatly shaped my approach to balancing my creative pursuits with my academic and professional aspirations.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephthamby/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JOSEPHTHAMBY/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-thamby-570432254/
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