It is often said that teachers are like candles, selflessly illuminating the paths of others. Prof. (Dr.) Oscar De Melo takes this noble mission even further, extending his influence well beyond the confines of the classroom. As a Fellow of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) and a qualified company secretary, Dr. De Melo holds an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies and a doctorate in commerce from YCMOU Nashik. His extensive academic portfolio includes over 20 master's degrees and diplomas, complemented by 70 online certificate courses via MOOC platforms. Dr. De Melo’s impact extends beyond formal education as he delivers motivational and inspirational talks across institutions in Goa and the Konkan region. The challenges faced by young people during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired him to embark on a journey of content creation.
The beginning
My journey into content creation began with a suggestion from Fr. Ramiro Luis to transform my motivational talks into videos to reach a broader audience. Many young people were feeling disheartened and lost at that time, and this was an opportunity to offer them hope. Initial production took place at the Tivim Church studio, provided by Fr. Mariano Silveira. However, with the encouragement of former students Carlton Pereira and Alexon Pinto, the series evolved outdoors, leading to the rebranding of the project as H.O.P.E.—an acronym for “Helping Others Pursue Excellence.” What started as a modest initiative has grown into a weekly series, with production of 50 episodes under the Driven banner and over 120 episodes in the H.O.P.E. series.
The creative process
My day begins at 5:30 a.m. with two hours dedicated to research, reading, and scriptwriting. Over three decades, I have immersed myself in self-help literature focused on motivation and success. Knowledge is valuable, but it must be acted upon. Knowledge that remains unshared is knowledge wasted. While I oversee the editorial and content creation, my former students handle the production. Alexon Pinto, founder of Goa Photography Studio, directs the filming, and Carlton Pereira ensures the content is meticulously edited.
Maintaining authenticity
In today’s fast-paced digital environment, particularly on platforms like Instagram, capturing the audience’s attention within the first few seconds is essential. Although the topics I cover are significant, I strive to present them concisely and impactfully. To enhance my scripts, I occasionally use AI tools like ChatGPT, but I use these technologies solely to refine the original content, not to create it.
Overcoming challenges
One of my primary challenges is time management. Coordinating schedules with my production team, who have their own commitments, can be challenging. We often film 10 to 12 episodes in one sitting, which requires thorough preparation. Balancing content creation with my role as a professor at St. Xavier's College, and my responsibilities as a husband, father, and caregiver to my elderly mother, I remain dedicated to producing non-commercial content, viewing it as a meaningful societal contribution.
Education first
I believe that education extends beyond formal degrees. I consistently remind my students that while artificial intelligence may alter the job market, three essential skills will always be in demand: people skills, persuasion skills, and the ability to prioritise. I also encourage students to utilise online platforms like MOOCs to enhance their education. It’s not just about what you achieve between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., What truly makes a difference is how you use your time from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Inspirational content
I have no intention of deviating from producing inspirational material, even if it means slower growth in followers or opportunities. My audience on Instagram often expresses appreciation for the timely messages. It’s deeply rewarding when someone tells me that they received exactly the message they needed at just the right moment.
Navigating the algorithms
Unlike many content creators, I place less emphasis on social media algorithms. My work centres on inspirational and motivational topics, which require careful preparation and time to develop. I adhere to a weekly posting schedule to ensure that each piece maintains the high quality and depth that my audience values.
Building an online presence
While I am known for my in-person speaking engagements, I also expand my online presence. I’ve begun receiving invitations to speak at various events through my online platforms. Although growth has been steady, I am confident that my work will continue to reach and resonate with a broader audience.
The road ahead
Looking to the future, I am focused on compiling my work into a book. I plan to publish a resource that will benefit educators, priests, and young people, drawing from both my Driven and H.O.P.E. series.
Beyond social media
Outside of my professional pursuits, I have a profound passion for travel. I make it a point to travel at least two to three times a year—once with family, once with colleagues, and once with childhood friends. These travels, whether domestic or international, offer invaluable opportunities for bonding and personal reflection. I look forward to continuing my exploration of new cultures and destinations.
Advice for content creators
My advice for aspiring content creators is both simple: Find a niche that resonates with your true self. When your work aligns with your passion, it transforms your profession into something deeply meaningful. This approach not only alleviates the fear of competition but also allows you to appreciate the intrinsic beauty of what you do.
