Hi

Innovation is as much a steady practice—of listening, learning, and building with intention—as it is about breakthroughs. Few leaders understand this as well as Dr. Vaishali Gode, Executive Vice President - Research & Development, Marico, and an innovation specialist who has spent more than two decades shaping breakthroughs in beauty, personal care, and sustainability.

With a background that blends deep scientific training, consumer insight, and a commitment to purposeful innovation, Dr. Gode has worked across geographies and cultures, building products designed to serve real people with real needs. 

In this conversation, she offers a thoughtful guide on innovation, inspiration, collaboration, and what it takes to build ideas that endure.

-- What does disruptive innovation mean to you?

An innovation that completely changes the way things operate and helps solve a fundamental human problem, which sometimes the consumer may not even know exists.

-- What are some unexpected places to find inspiration? 

The best way to find inspiration is by observing people. Very often, I have gained immense learning from just observing and talking to people.  The other place I often turn to for resilience and motivation is sports.

-- How does one know an idea is “good”? What are some ways entrepreneurs can self-evaluate their ideas?

First: Does your idea solve something for the consumer that other products/services today are not solving? 

What is your key differentiator?

Second: Is your consumer/customer willing to pay for the idea?

Third: Do you have the right model to scale it in a sustainable, profitable manner?

It is very important for entrepreneurs to have a clear visibility of milestones and to measure their performance and course-correct when necessary.

-- Collaboration or competition, what would be your pick?

More and more collaboration. In today's digitally enabled and AI driven world, agility and longevity are two of the most sought after attributes for innovation, and both can be driven only through collaboration. 

-- What qualities matter when you are hiring for your team?

Mindset for innovation, resilience, passion. Besides these three, the foundation of everything lies in the values that an individual carries. To me that is very important.

-- Any advice for the Gen Z working in the sustainability space?

You are making the world a better place. The path is not easy but keep at it. We have only one Earth, so it's important to be persistent, and to keep working.

-- How can organisations work to remain agile in rapidly growing sectors like climate/agri-tech/recyclable plastics?

By focusing on innovation, collaboration and adoption.

-- What do successful innovators have in common according to you?

Purpose, passion, and persistence.

💯 Tell us about a habit that changed your life

Joining the 5am club. 

📚 What have you been reading lately?

Hit Refresh by Satya Nadella. 

🌤️ Do you believe in having a morning routine? What does yours look like?

Yes, I am very much a morning person. I start with a small prayer, check my phone for emails, play badminton, do my puja, and then get to work.

📌 ICYMI: MIF Insights | Learning from Women Entrepreneurs