Shilpa Tiku on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Shilpa Tiku and have shared our conversation below.

Shilpa, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve been enjoying volunteering with my daughter through National Charity League (NCL) a lot lately. We’ve had the chance to collaborate with their philanthropy partners on everything from local food banks to shelters. Seeing my daughter’s kindness in action has been incredible, and volunteering together has allowed us to develop a deep connection. Beyond the work itself, it is incredibly fulfilling to know that we are improving people’s lives and giving back to our community.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the Chief Research Officer at a global market research and consulting firm, where I lead research across environmental solutions, building technologies, and consumer products — helping companies innovate and make smarter, more sustainable decisions.

Outside of work, I pour my heart into my food blog, Fast Curries (fastcurries.com). Through the blog, I share recipes and stories that preserve and celebrate Kashmiri culinary traditions, while also exploring quick, easy meals from other cuisines. It’s deeply personal — a way to hold on to my roots, bring people together through food, and build a space that honors heritage and innovation.

Before entering the corporate world, I worked as a model in India — I modeled for over 100 brands. That experience taught me creativity, confidence, and the power of storytelling

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The person who has shaped me the most is my father. He was incredibly strong-willed and always radiated positivity, even in the face of immense challenges. Life presented him with many difficult situations, yet he faced each one with resilience, determination, and unwavering hard work. His passion for what he did, and his “go-getter” spirit taught me the value of perseverance, courage, and staying committed to your goals no matter the obstacles. More than anything, his example showed me the importance of approaching life with a big heart, caring for others, lifting people up, and never giving up.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
One thing I would say to my younger self is to be calm and never doubt. Life has a way of working itself out and even when you feel lost, each move along the way is an important piece of the puzzle. Believe in the process, take on challenges and keep in mind that at the end of the day, everything happens for a reason. In hindsight, it’s funny how the times that were the most terrifying or unclear were usually the times that drew the most line.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Some of the most foundational truths in my life I didn’t formally articulate when I was younger, but they’ve guided me through everything I do. Hard work and perseverance are non-negotiable: challenges are part of the journey, not obstacles. Staying compassionate and generous with others creates connections that matter. And above all, approaching life with curiosity, courage, and a big heart helps me navigate both personal and professional paths with purpose and meaning

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m fully present in the moment, whether it’s spending time with my family, cooking in the kitchen, or volunteering for a cause I care about. There’s a calm that comes from focusing on what truly matters, from connecting with people, nature, or my own creativity. In those moments, the noise of daily life fades, and I feel grounded, grateful, and aligned with what’s important.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fastcurries.com/
• Instagram: fastcurries