E14: Ideas : What If I Had Followed Through

 Hi and welcome back to the podcast — I’m Alvat Garewal.
 Every so often, we all have those moments where a thought sparks something deeper — a flash of inspiration, an idea that feels like it could really work.
 But what happens when we let that idea slip away?
 Today, I want to share a personal story from the late 90s — a time when I had what I believed was a brilliant idea, something that could have changed the game… but I let it go.
 This episode is about ideas, execution, and regret — but also hope.
It’s for anyone who’s ever said, “I thought of that before it was a thing.”
So let’s talk about what it really means to chase an idea… or let it pass you by.

Transcript

Podcast Title: “Ideas—What If I Had Followed Through?” 

Hi, welcome back.
 I’m Alvat Garewal, and today I want to take you back with me to around 1998. 

At the time, I was already running a successful business. Life was busy—but good. One day, as I sat in a local Indian restaurant, an idea struck me. I’d been visiting these places regularly, and I knew many of the owners personally. 

Now, if you remember those days, you’ll know that food delivery wasn’t anything like it is today. Most restaurants didn’t have a system. It was chaotic, uncoordinated—some places didn’t offer delivery at all. So I thought: What if I could centralise this? 

What if there was one phone number—a hotline—where customers could call, browse from a selection of Indian restaurant menus, and place their order? Then, on the back end, I’d have a team of moped riders picking up the food and delivering it. 

I’d coordinate with restaurant owners, work out a fair commission, and offer customers an easy, reliable experience. 

And I even had the name for it: Curry Hotline. 

I could see it clearly. I could feel the potential. I started approaching restaurant owners, but to be honest... not many were on board. Some were skeptical. Others didn’t want to give up control. There was no real buy-in. 

Eventually, I shelved the idea. I was already deep into my existing business and didn’t have a team or a partner who saw the same vision. So, I let it go. 

Fast forward a few years...
 The internet explodes, smartphones become the norm—and companies like Just Eat, 

Deliveroo, and Uber Eats start popping up. And I can’t lie—every time I see one of those bikes go past with a food order, I think of Curry Hotline. I think... what if I had stuck with it? 

Because here’s the truth:
 The idea was there. The vision was there. What was missing... was the persistence. 

The Power of Ideas 

You see, ideas are what move the world.
 Every advancement—electricity, space travel, medicine, the phone you’re probably listening 

to this on—started as someone’s idea. But an idea alone isn’t enough. It’s the pursuit that turns imagination into reality. 

I had an idea that could have changed my path. But I didn’t follow it through. I didn’t push it. I let other priorities take over. And that’s my lesson to you today. 

We all have ideas. Some come in the shower. Some come when you're out walking. Some, like mine, come over a curry and a chai. 

But what do we do with them? Most of us say: 

• ●  “Maybe one day.” 
• ●  “It’s a good idea, but I don’t have time.” 
• ●  “Someone else will probably do it better.” 
• And then... someone else does do it. And we’re left wondering what could have been. 
• To My Friends Pursuing Ideas Now... 
• Some friends of mine are currently working on their own ideas—things I really believe in. I see their excitement, their spark. 
• To them—and to anyone listening—I’d say this: 
• Don’t leave it too long. Don’t wait for perfect timing. 
• Pursue it vigorously.
  Push it while the vision is fresh. Keep that energy alive. 
• Because the longer you leave it, the colder it becomes. And soon, it’s just another “maybe” that drifts away. 
• So How Do You Pursue an Idea? 
• Here are a few things I’ve learned since then: 

1. Write it down. The moment it comes to you. Don’t let it fade. 
2. Talk about it. Share it with someone you trust. Let the idea breathe. 
3. Test it. Even on a small scale. See how people respond. 
4. Find your team. If you can’t do it alone, find someone who can walk the path with you. 
5. Don’t wait for perfect. Perfection often gets in the way of progress. 

And finally—back yourself. 

Believe that your idea has value. Because it does. 

Final Thoughts 

If there’s one thing I’d change about that time in my life, it wouldn’t be the idea. It would be how far I pushed it. 

I’d chase it harder.
 I’d find the right people. I’d make it happen. 

So to you, listening today:
 Is there something on your mind?
 An idea that’s been sitting quietly, waiting for the “right time”? Maybe that time is now. 

Don’t let your “Curry Hotline” turn into a “what if.” Let it become your what’s next. 

Thanks for tuning in. If this episode stirred something in you—an idea, a memory, or even a regret—share it with someone. Encourage each other to pursue what matters. 

Because the world doesn’t just need more ideas—it needs more pursuers. 

Until next time,
 You are in my thoughts.