Founders’ Fiesta, Bangalore on 11th April 2026 by Adrian Dsouza

“When what’s on your mind aligns with what’s on your lips… and both are in sync with what’s in your heart — that’s a truly happy person.”
— Adrian D’Souza Founders’ Fiesta

While most Friday evenings are reserved for switching off, KE members who attended the 28th Edition of Founders’ Fiesta on 11th April chose to switch on — to stories, laughter, and some hard-hitting truths. Hosted at Konkan Samudai Bhavan, the evening featured Adrian D’Souza, Co-Founder & MD, Deccan Group of Companies, who delivered anything but a conventional success story.

What makes Founders’ Fiesta unique is its courage to spotlight failures — not as side notes, but as the main story. Adrian’s journey was no exception. Through every challenge and pivot, what stood out was practical wisdom — the kind you don’t find in textbooks, but on the ground.

Some reflections that stayed with the room:
• FEAR = Face Everything And Rise — not avoid, not delay, but rise.
• Success isn’t solo — your workforce builds your wins. Take care of them.
• Be bold in business, but anchor it with strong, steady systems and people behind the scenes.
• Experiment early, fail fast, and learn faster — it’s cheaper when you’re small.
• Cut losses early — emotion is expensive in business.
• Know your strengths and double down on them — not everything deserves your energy.
• Innovation and value creation are what keep you ahead — not just growth for the sake of it.
• Diversify investments and think long-term — resilience beats quick wins.
• Smart financial structuring matters — from entity choices to tax strategies, it’s part of the game.
• Culture is local — understanding it builds stronger relationships than any pitch ever will.
• And perhaps one of the simplest yet most powerful reminders:
English connects minds, but local language connects hearts.

Beyond business, Adrian brought it back to what truly sustains the journey:
• Family matters.
• Be present.
• And yes… be nice to your spouse — that might just be the most underrated success mantra.

The evening opened on a soulful note with a prayer and a beautiful welcome hymn by Nadia Dsouza.

KE President Pramod DSouza and Director – Mentorship Sunil Attavar shared insights on Founders’ Fiesta and the KE Mentorship Program, while Founder President Charles Gomes presented a memento of appreciation.

If there was one thread that ran through the evening, it was this:
Build boldly, stay grounded, and don’t forget who you are while chasing what you want.