For a person wanting to be a doctor, my entire career revolved around the medical fraternity. Having failed to get admission into MBBS, by a few marks, I pursued my graduation and post-graduation even though I got a seat for BDS, as dentistry was not my choice, back in the seventies.
That I was destined to be a salesman and not a doctor was proven by my accidental appearing for an open interview with Wockhardt in 1979. My M.Sc results were awaited and I had gone to Delhi, where I got shortlisted for as trainee PSR after passing group discussion, written test and personal interview. I needed a job badly at Kolkata to support my parents.
After a solid foundation with Wockhardt, nurturing brands like Proxyvon, Spasmo Proxyvon, my career progressed steadily. With promotions came new roles and responsibilities covering Kolkata, entire North East and later UP and Bihar. I launched path breaking new products like Betadine and had the rare honour of being the best regional manager for three consecutive years.
Team building and leading from the front helped me to rise in my career in AstraZeneca, Torrent, Cadila and Geno Pharmaceuticals. I enjoyed the rollercoaster ride, which taught me many lessons and made me stronger enough to face any challenge. Later, I ventured into business research and consulting with ICFAI Hyderabad, heading the pharma vertical. This was required to balance my family life with professional life.
My second Innings in pharma sales and marketing began with the launch a new division at Geno Pharmaceuticals in 2007. My journey from GM to VP and then to CCO with Jagdale Industries has been very enriching.
My two-word success story is “Work Works”.
My journey from an inexperienced salesman to Chief Compliance Officer with an Industrial group, has been built on the solid foundation of self-confidence, clear communication, transparency and positive attitude.
In a profession where performance matters most, I still enjoy working at 60 years of age, learning and embracing the unknown and exploring new arenas. My leadership model involves creating purpose, leading change, and delivering excellence.
