Maneesh & Amanda Gupta
Profession: Maneesh – Gastroenterologist, Amanda – Travel Advisor
How long have you been a member of AcA? 3 years
Are you on the AcA Board and/or a Committee? If not, would you like to be considered for a Board or Committee position? We are not, but Amanda is interested in being considered for either the board or a committee position.
What books are you reading? Maneesh – I’m currently reading Destiny of the Republic and The White Tiger. Destiny combines two of my interests — history and medicine. The White Tiger is a novel about a young man’s rise from poverty in India. Very different books, but both really engaging.
Do you have a favorite pastime? If so, what is it? Amanda – Outside of work & leisure travel, I spend time volunteering with dog rescues across South Louisiana. Rescuing and fostering dogs has become a really meaningful part of my life.
What music are you listening to? Amanda – Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Kendrick Lamar — I appreciate the depth and storytelling in his music. Maneesh – I listen to a bit of everything, but lately I’ve been on an early 2000s kick — a lot of Counting Crows. I’m actually looking forward to seeing them live in New Orleans later this summer.
What’s the first concert you ever attended? Amanda – I saw Dave Matthews at Jazz Fest with my family when I was in elementary school. It was unforgettable.
What has been your favorite vacation or place that you’ve traveled to? Why? Peru — we went last year, and it totally blew us away. Seeing Machu Picchu in person was unforgettable; there was something really powerful about being there. Lima has a growing art scene and is incredible if you’re a foodie!
Have you lived outside of Acadiana? We actually met in New Orleans, where we both lived for a significant time & where we still maintain a home. We moved to Denver together for a few years and really enjoyed the weather & adventure there – hiking, skiing, etc. Amanda also lived in Miami for several years before we met in New Orleans. What stands out about Acadiana is the culture and the sense of community.
Do you frequent any Downtown establishments? Which ones and what’s your go-to cocktail or lite bite? We love spending time downtown — the burgers at The Flats are our favorite, and on a hot day, there’s nothing better than a Pink and White from Spoonbill!
What do you do in a nutshell? Maneesh – I’m a gastroenterologist, I treat conditions that affect the GI tract. What I love most is that it combines hands-on procedures with the chance to build long-term relationships with my patients. It’s really fun and fulfilling. Amanda – I started a boutique travel advisory several years ago. I design custom itineraries for clients all over the world.
What are your favorite aspects of your job and company? Maneesh – It’s the people. I work with a great team at Acadiana Gastroenterology, they make it fun to come in every day. Amanda – I love conversations with clients – learning about their experiences, interests, inspiration & motivation for upcoming travels… and combining that information with my knowledge and expertise to create memorable experiences for them. I especially enjoy conversations with them after their travels – travel is a transformative experience and you really get a sense of that when speaking with someone after a thoughtfully planned itinerary that hit the mark.
If you could mentor someone who is just starting out in your field, what advice would you give them? Maneesh – It’s a tough path and takes a lot of hard work, but if you’re committed, it’s a really rewarding career. Just stay focused, put in the time, and be open to learning at every stage.
What industry publications do you listen to, watch, or read? Amanda – The Stanza, a subscription-based newsletter (and podcast) focused on the intersection of fashion/design & hospitality from an investor’s perspective.
Why did you join AcA, and do you recall your first experience with AcA? When we moved to Lafayette from Denver, we walked into ACA during Festival International and were immediately blown away — the space, the art, the energy. It made us instantly want to get involved and be part of ACA.
