How did you come up with this start up idea?
Upon returning to India, I didn’t find suitable job options in Biotechnology here in Bhubaneswar.
What was it about a career in healthcare/pharma/biotech that appealed to you?
Being a PhD in Biotechnology, I always imagined making some breakthrough discoveries. I have always been curious and this is what drives me in science.
At what point did you realize you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Despite working in academics and scientific writing jobs, I still was not very happy and satisfied in Bhubaneswar. I desired something challenging and different and always liked being in a leadership role.. That desire was getting stronger and I decided not to look for more jobs.
What would be your alternative career choice if you weren’t as a CEO/Founder?
A writer or probably fashion modelling.
Who were your inspirations and mentors, both professionally and personally?
As a professional, Kiran Majumdar’s journey has always inspired me and I wanted to achieve that status. I am also inspired by Steve jobs life. Personally, my father and husband always believed in me and has inspired me to pursue this goal.
Do you have any fond or interesting memories from your professional life you would like to share?
I was attending a Make in Odisha conclave in November 2018 when I wanted to meet Bharat Biotech Chairman Dr. Krishna Ella. I was a new startup and I wasn’t sure he would give me time. Fortunately I was able to speak to him and he invited me to join him for lunch in a separate arrangement for bureaucrats. As we were moving to get a table assigned for him, he introduced me to Mr. Chopra, who was then the Principal secretary for industries. He was such a handsome man with white hair and well dressed up. Dr. Ella read my bit surprised expressions and smilingly looked at me saying you must be wondering if he is an actor or model. When I said, of course, he is very handsome, we all laughed. We had a great meeting and Dr. Ella told me that he would give full support to our start up and asked me to write to him if I needed any help.