Meet Manali Shah

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Manali Shah. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Manali , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from my journey—from a young girl with big dreams to an ambitious woman who refuses to give up.

Pursuing a Master of Science in the U.S. was my dream, but finances stood in the way. I worked tirelessly, saving just enough for my first semester. I arrived with no idea how I’d pay rent or tuition, but I kept going. Through determination and perseverance, I found a way forward, proving that persistence always finds a way.

That same mindset fuels me as I run Prem Indian Cuisine. Building a business requires persistence, adaptability, and staying true to my roots. I draw strength from my heritage, my community, and the challenges I’ve overcome, knowing that every obstacle is just another step toward success.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I bridge two dynamic worlds—technology and hospitality—bringing precision and passion to both. As a senior data consultant for a major IT firm, I analyze complex data, drive strategic insights, and help businesses make smarter decisions. On the other side, as the owner of Prem Indian Cuisine, I pour my heart into delivering authentic flavors and memorable virtual dining experiences.

What’s most exciting is the contrast—one industry thrives on logic, analytics, and innovation, while the other is deeply personal, built on tradition, creativity, and human connection. Yet, both require adaptability, problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence. Whether optimizing data strategies or crafting the perfect dish, I find fulfillment in delivering quality, impact, and authenticity in everything I do.

At Prem Indian Cuisine, you will find the most delicious food with a variety of dishes we have to offer. From Momo of Northeastern region of India to Chicken Madras of South India, every dish is a perfection. Don’t believe us? Our Google reviews are worth a read

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my journey the most were adaptability, problem-solving, and building strong relationships. Adaptability kept me ahead in an ever-changing tech and business landscape, pushing me to learn, evolve, and embrace uncertainty. Problem-solving helped me navigate complex challenges, whether in consulting or running my restaurant, by breaking down issues and making data-driven decisions. But above all, relationships made the biggest difference—understanding people, earning trust, and fostering connections opened doors that skills alone never could. If you’re early in your journey, focus on staying curious, thinking critically, and investing in people—those will take you further than any technical skill ever will.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The most helpful people in my journey have been my husband, my parents, mentors, colleagues, and even my customers. My husband has been my biggest support system, offering encouragement, perspective, and unwavering belief in me, especially during the toughest moments. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and integrity—qualities that have shaped how I approach both my career and business. Mentors provided guidance, helping me navigate challenges with wisdom and experience, while colleagues pushed me to think differently and sharpen my problem-solving skills. But some of the most unexpected lessons came from customers—whether in consulting or my restaurant. Their feedback, expectations, and even complaints have been invaluable in helping me grow. If you’re looking to develop yourself, surround yourself with people who challenge, support, and inspire you, and always listen closely to those you serve.

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