Meet an Innovator: Akshay Verma
A recent graduate of Economics and European History, Politics and Societies at Harvard University, Akshay has varied experiences ranging from design research, visual design, and creative direction to more quantitative and strategic business roles which allow him to have a holistic approach to any problem he faces. With a natural curiosity for people, he has learned how to empathetically place himself in another person’s shoes, and to think, feel, and wonder like them. This will certainly be helpful in his role as the user researcher for Grain Foods Company, identifying trends and testing prototypes of new products.
Hometown: Brea, CA, USA
Current city of residence: San Francisco, CA, USA
School: Harvard University
Area of study: Economics and European History, Politics and Societies
Languages you speak: English and Hindi (and bits and pieces of Italian, Dutch, and Spanish)
Articulate yourself in a few words.
I’m an innately curious person eager to explore, understand, and improve the complex world around me.
What excites you about working with Grain Foods Company in Italy?
For me, the opportunity to work in a creative, start-up setting with the resources of the Italia Innovation community is unparalleled. I’m excited to put my background in design thinking and innovation to use and work with the pasta and bakery industry.
What are you gaining from this experience working with a start-up in the Italia Innovation community?
It’s been great to have ready access to other talented Fellows and start-ups and mentors from the Italia Innovation Program. Being able to work on a project with a large, impactful scope has been very fulfilling.
What are you learning from the other fellows?
Working with so many diverse, talented fellows has definitely my favorite part of the experience. The fellows all have very different backgrounds, skill levels, and life experiences, and it’s been incredible not only getting to work with them but also getting to know them all outside of work. I’m constantly learning and growing from their unique skillsets and stories.
Describe your professional expertise and how your skills will help the startup you are working for?
My professional experiences have ranged from design research, visual design, and creative direction to more quantitative and strategic business roles. This range of varied work experiences allows me to have a holistic approach to any problem, big or small.
As a naturally curious person, my experiences as a design and user researcher have instilled in me a natural curiosity about people. I’ve learned how to empathetically place myself in another person’s shoes, and to think, feel, and wonder like them. This will certainly be helpful in my role as the user researcher for Grain Foods Company, identifying trends and testing prototypes of new products.
What is your driving force?
My driving force, summed up in just a few words, would be an insatiable desire for adventure and new experiences.
This desire for adventure has led me on many unique journeys in the last few years, experiences that have since been embedded in everything I do both professionally and personally. I’ve lived in London for a summer, Italy twice, and Amsterdam many times, and have traveled to countless cities across the globe. Ultimately, this has today made me an empathetic person and fuels my creativity daily. I’ve met different people and lived different lives throughout the world, which also propels my vision as a designer and researcher. As someone passionate about designing for desirability to improve the future, this vision of adventure has equipped me with the ability to solve problems creatively.
What is the best lesson you’ve ever learned from a former work experience or boss?
A lesson I’ve learned that’s stuck with me throughout my professional journey thus far is the idea of always bringing my true self to work. This is something that I’ve embedded in all of my professional and personal experiences, and what I’ve aimed to instill in all my work places. By being my true self, I can inspire others to do the same, creating a positive and productive work environment.
How would you like to use your talents and energy to make an impact?
As a designer and design researcher, I want to make an impact in what I believe is the most tangible way to improve life around the world: urban planning and cities. I’ve been fortunate in having lots of varied experiences around the globe, and one constant I’ve always noticed is the deep level that a city’s urban fabric, or built environment, impacts life for its citizens. As such, I want to eventually combine my career goals of design research and my passion for cities to impact and improve life. Design can change the world for the world, and I’m excited to play my part.
What book has helped you the most in your career?
Dan Gilbert’s Stumbling on Happiness, a book I came across during my time at Harvard as a student of Gilbert’s, has been incredibly influential in propelling my career as a design researcher. I’ve learned the impact that curiosity can have on innovation — and as a naturally curious individual, his book has helped me to understand how deep empathy can be used to drive innovation.
