Swamped by the novel coronavirus infection, the pharma and life sciences industry was faced with great challenges. There was an urgent need for transformation to meet the globally rising demands of healthcare and medicines. It has been heartening to see the industry respond with commendable grit and perseverance. Currently, while the industry is enriched with a gamut of dynamic research professionals, bio-technicians, and more, it is also thrilling to witness the increase in number of women leaders taking charge in the industry.

Hima Desai, President Commercial of Bharat Parenterals, is a significant example of the same. An admirable woman, Hima is an aggressive leader who never gave up on her endeavours to success and led the company towards growth with patience, perseverance & unflinching commitment. Under her superin-tendence, Bharat Parenterals Limited has been recognized as a premier provider of robust portfolio of quality and affordable medicine care formulations manufactured at Bharat Parenterals (BPL), adhering to the classic regulatory compliances of clinical trial & researches.

The Women Entrepreneur India magazine engaged in an exclusive interview with her where Hima took us through her professional journey and gave us a glimpse of her inspirational leadership thoughts.

Introduce us about Bharat Parenterals and its uniqueness?

Entrenched under the steadfast chairmanship of Bharat Desai, Bharat Parenterals Limited is a WHO GMP & an ISO 10002: 2018, 9001: 2015 certified Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company. With a progressive State-of-the-art facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, they've created a legacy of Manufacturing Excellence over a span of over 25 years. Standing true to its names ake of `no variations', they strives to provide the best quality, comprehensive range of pharmaceutical products making classified healthcare affordable & accessible.

Holding recognized AEO & 2 Star Export House certifications presented by the Government of India, not only does it have presence across over 40 countries (to serve through direct indirect export globally), but it also acquires major sales in the contract research & manufacturing services (CRAMS) globally. The core offerings of Bharat Parenterals Ltd. include Antibiotics (General, -lactam -Cephalosporins), Anesthesia, and Cardiac care formulations in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid-orals, ointments and most importantly powder injections and Small Volume Parenterals both in ampoule & vial form.

In 2016, they forayed into the domestic market through their subsidiary Varenyam Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., a marketing organization providing global Quality and Innovative medicines to Hospitals and other Healthcare Institutions across India.

What factors played a role in you becoming a leader in the pharma industry? What are some of the most challenging aspects of your current roles at Bharat Parenterals?

I am a Commerce graduate, and carry no prior industry experience. After getting married, I have been a housewife for several years. My introduction into the pharma & life sciences industry through Bharat Parenterals Ltd. has been quite situational. It was in 2006, that my husband Bharat Desai's enterprise Bharat Parenterals Ltd. caught fire and the company faced a great loss. Being the Managing Director of the BPL, he underwent tremendous mental stress at the time, and it was after this incident that I decided to shoulder the company's responsibilities along with him.

I joined the company in 2006. I faced several challenges initially, but since I was determined to help my husband, I persevered. Gradually, I learnt the ropes of the business.

As the President- Commercial, my lead roles and responsibilities such as negotiating with vendors and managing the supply chain, procurement of packaging materials, administration & finances management. Due to the current pandemic situation, there has been a high inflation in the cost of all the products, transportation, and also API because of the anti-China campaign, which has ultimately affected our business as well. The timely procurement of packaging material and raw materials was also a challenge during lockdowns. We faced several hurdles, but in spite of such tough situations we performed well as compared to other industries.

As a successful professional what are some facets of your personality that have helped you in leading your company?

I am not a born leader and instead have spent most of the time looking after family and managing house chores. Coming from a small village, carrying just a B.Com. Degree alone, I faced immense challenges at every instance of my career journey. Learning English was one of those challenges too, but it's an ingrained quality within me to `Never Give Up'. Standing at loggerheads with each challenge positively, I have been able to build my career.

My husband has been my role model because he's a true teacher. Never letting me down or giving me any leniency at work or considering any relationship, he treated me at par with other employees. It was his enduring capabilities that helped me train the best to my ability.

In order to stay aligned with the industry development I rely on daily newsletters, social media and online published resources. These are my external sources of information to keep up with the knowledge stream. We also have internal sources, our own website and the IT team that stays in close touch with the upcoming trends & news and also relay to us on a day-to-day basis.

Amidst your time-consuming professional responsibilities how do you find the balance between your work and personal life? Tell us about some of the activities you indulge in your free time.

Being a full-time housewife, the beginning of my professional career was surely very tough. It was difficult to meet the family's expectations while also moving ahead with the learnings at work. My entire family was dependent on me, little did they know about their own preferences. However, since I was determined enough nothing could stop me and I managed to overcome all changes and create the required balance between personal and professional life.

In my personal time, I enjoy creative hobbies. Cooking is my love and I enjoy cooking for my family & friends. Also, gardening & farming are my two preferred hobbies, and I spend at least one hour a day on them.

What would your words of advice be to young women aspiring to for ay into the field of pharma & life sciences?

My mantra is `Never Give Up' and so I would suggest women to take challenges positively. Also, my first advice to every woman out there is: `Love Your Work', because only when you love your work, you will enjoy it and have success later on. The second advice I would like to give is: `Work Hard', as there's no alternative to hard work.

She is a visionary & perseverant leader, tenaciously driving growth for the Hima Desai, President Commercial - Bharat Parenterals Limited and Director - Varenyam Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. In the future, she wants to keep going and growing along with the company, positively.